Celebrating heritage and remembering the travails of prior generations are on the schedule when several Juneteenth events are held in Joliet Wednesday.
But on Saturday, the African American Business Association (ABBA) held a Juneteenth gala at the Patrick C. Haley Mansion in Joliet. The group focuses on strengthening African American businesses and the communities they serve.
Tracy Stallworth, executive director, said the Juneteenth CEO Celebration and Awards Gala was attended by at least 325 people. More than 15 board of directors and officers were in attendance.
“It was absolutely amazing,” said Stallworth about the event on Monday. “But I am a little tired today.”
Besides reflecting on heritage, Stallworth said the fund-raising event also is about lauding the accomplishments of African American businesses in the community.
The 2024 Longstanding Business of the Year Award was given to Generation Dance Company. Additionally, Kendall Jackson, community development director for the City of Joliet prior to retiring, received the Michael Austin Clark Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of the group’s founder; D’Arcy Motors, Corporate Partnership Award of the Year; Aaron Sain of Insainly Fit Meals was given the Dream Big Award of the Year; and Nate and Erika McCullum of House of Valor Fitness and Nutrition, Business of the Year.
New Business of the Year awards went to Don and Pascion White of White Smoke and Ash and Kiara Ford of Krown Lux.
Christopher Parker, ABBA Board chairman, said the award recipients made a “significant impact through their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence.” For that reason, that is why they were honored at the third annual gala.
“Their efforts have not only shaped our local business landscape, but also enriched the lives of those around them, inspiriting others to strive for greatness and make a difference,” he said.
The keynote speaker at the event was Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter, who is president and CEO of V&J Foods, a multi-brand and multi-state quick-service restaurant enterprise that also operates real estate and corporate venture businesses. She has been recognized by Essence magazine as one of the “50 Most Inspiring” African Americans in the United States.
While the ABBA event is over, the Joliet Area Historical Museum will host an evening filled with cultural festivities and entertainment honoring the spirit of resilience and unity by celebrating Juneteenth freedom from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at 204 N. Ottawa St.
The fundraiser at the museum will feature a fashion show, a stand-up comedy routine, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Cost is $40 per person.
Juneteenth celebrates the date of June 19, 1865, when enslaved people of African descent in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom from the slavery system in the United States.
The African Descendants Military and Historical Museum will also host a groundbreaking ceremony and Juneteenth celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Casseday House, 575 E. Jackson St.
The event will honor the legacy of African descendants. Luther Johnson, founder of History on Wheels, a not-for-profit museum that serves as a traveling exhibit that showcases the roles of African Americans in the U.S. military, is converting Casseday House into a historical museum. The house, built in 1851, is considered to be the oldest home in Joliet.
Johnson said the free event will allow people to connect with the community and learn more about the group’s mission to preserve history in the Will County/South Cook County areas.
Johnson, who was born in Chicago but now calls Joliet home, started History on Wheels in 2019 and operates out of a van that travels to schools and museums to give programs.
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