# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Opal’s Walk For Freedom, Evanston IL
- **Event Start and End Date**: Fri, 19 Jun, 2026 at 10:30 am
- **Event Description**: Opal's Walk for Freedom is an Emmy award-winning live-streaming TV special and community event that has garnered national and global recognition.

Opals Walk for Freedom is a TV broadcast production that commemorates significant historical events. In 2026, the event will honor both the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth and America’s 250th birthday, both in person and virtually.

As Illinois' host city, Evanston will represent the entire state. Participants will walk 2.5 miles along our beautiful lakefront to symbolize the two-and-a-half years between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the moment freedom was finally enforced in Texas on June 19th, 1865. The walk is a powerful reminder that freedom in America has often arrived unevenly — and that justice requires collective action to move it forward.

Grand Marshal Announcement ? We are proud to name Mrs. Dione Sims, President and Founder of Unity Unlimited and the "Granddaughter of Juneteenth," as Grand Marshal of Opal's Walk for Freedom in Evanston.

Register to walk with the granddaughter of Juneteenth here: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/114555/opals-walk-for-freedom-evanston

Full registration, route, press release, volunteering, and sponsorship details: https://www.kemonehendricks.com/juneteenth-celebrations

Opal Lee Barbie Giveaway: 
In a nod to Dr. Opal Lee’s recognition as part of Mattel’s Inspiring Women Barbie collection, three registered walking groups will be selected to receive an Opal Lee Barbie doll. Winners will be announced during the after-celebration. 

? Colors of Juneteenth Coloring Contest: Color the poster in The Colors of Juneteenthbook, photograph it, and email to kemone@kemonehendricks.com with subject line "Colors of Juneteenth" by June 18th. Two winners announced at the celebration! Get your copy at a.co/d/009nuXnj

City of Evanston Juneteenth Celebration                                              Dawes Park, Arrington Lagoon                                                                                                                                                           12 PM- 4 PM

Local Multi-Cultural Artisans, Face painting, Games, Music, and More! Hecky's BBQ, Claire's Jamaican Korner, C&W Ice Cream Truck, Fire House Grill, 4 Suns Fresh Juice, Taste of Aliya Catering

DJ Corey Bless 12:00 PM / All Day

Opening Ceremony & Welcome 12:20 PM

GreenTTea & The Tempos 1:00 PM

Black Pearl Dance Ensemble 2:15 PM

NAJWA Dance Corps 2:30 PM

Black Pearl Majorette Team 3:15 PM
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/evanston/opals-walk-for-freedom-evanston-il/200029793379808
- **Event Categories**: juneteenth, contests, volunteering, parades
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 41

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Evanston
- **state**: IL
- **country**: United States
- **location**: Arrington Lakefront Lagoon
- **lat**: 42.045792003678
- **long**: -87.673594059404
- **full address**: Arrington Lakefront Lagoon, Evanston,IL,United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Opal’s Walk For Freedom, Evanston IL
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/dd6c7c9e1f318e69610d6ef0608adbbd5081ffdb229d76f7a67a6ed50d96d3e7-rimg-w1200-h1561-dcbcc1e0-gmir?v=1781477882

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Opal s Walk For Freedom, Evanston IL being held?
  - **A:** Opal s Walk For Freedom, Evanston IL takes place on Fri, 19 Jun, 2026 at 10:30 am to Fri, 19 Jun, 2026 at 10:30 am at Arrington Lakefront Lagoon, Evanston,IL,United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Opal s Walk For Freedom, Evanston IL?
  - **A:** Opal s Walk For Freedom, Evanston IL is organized by Evanston Present and Future.

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