The Western Illinois Museum, in partnership with the McDonough County Chapter of the NAACP, will host a Community Conversation on Our Front Porch titled Juneteenth Now: A Conversation on Freedom and Justice, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 5:30 PM. This program invites the community to mark the Juneteenth holiday by reflecting on the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice in the 21st century. Doors open at 5:00 PM, and a light dinner will be served after the conversation. A $5 suggested donation will be graciously accepted at the door.
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Now recognized as the longest-running Black freedom celebration in the United States and a federal holiday since 2021, Juneteenth offers an opportunity to honor the struggles and achievements of African Americans and to reflect on the unfinished work of equity and civil rights.
The conversation will feature engaged community leaders and educators, who will share their perspectives on how the legacy of Juneteenth continues to shape our communities today.
The program encourages open dialogue and collective reflection on how we can work together to create a more just and inclusive society. Held in the museum’s Our Front Porch space—a casual and inviting setting designed to foster connection and conversation—this event offers a welcoming environment where all voices are valued and community members can engage in thoughtful and respectful discussion.
For more information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email [email protected]. A full schedule of events is available at wimuseum. org, and you can follow the museum on social media @wimuseum.
The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. As a vibrant community hub, the museum features exhibits, an open collection area, lectures, music, and other public programs—all housed in a historic downtown Macomb building. It is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, just one block south of the Courthouse Square.
The McDonough County Branch of the NAACP is dedicated to advancing civil rights, fostering equity, and promoting social justice for all residents of McDonough County, Illinois. As part of the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, the local branch works through advocacy, education, and community engagement to address issues of racial discrimination and inequality. With a strong commitment to collaboration, the McDonough County NAACP partners with local institutions, civic groups, and individuals to create a more inclusive and informed community.
