Inaugural Juneteenth Village Fest Hosted by It Takes A Village Family of Schools & Village Leadership Academy After Students Officially Rename Douglass Park

Inaugural Juneteenth Village Fest Hosted by It Takes A Village
Family of Schools & Village Leadership Academy After
Students Officially Rename Douglass Park

It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) and Village Leadership Academy (VLA) are ecstatic to host the inaugural Juneteenth Village Fest that is free and open to the public on Saturday, June 18th from 12p-6p in the Anna & Frederick Douglass Park. This is a momentous occasion for
the organization following the successful renaming of the park to pay homage to the legacy of the Douglass Family, through a student-led grassroots campaign. Those students, local families, and all of the great
community residents surrounding Douglass Park can come celebrate this historic renaming annually on Juneteenth.

Village Fest will celebrate the significance of Juneteenth within this historic park that is a powerful space with great meaning to our students who are responsible for the renaming of it. This inspiring work of our students was highlighted in a documentary, “Change the Name,” which aired on BET
and has been shown at film festivals across the country. It is also currently being used in Chicago schools as a model to inspire youth activism and civic engagement.

The festival will take place on the east side of Douglass Park along S. California from 12th Place to Ogden. It will provide a space for our amazing youth, the community, partner organizations, and local businesses to commemorate the liberation of African descendants from the institution of slavery. Thousands of attendees will be inspired to reflect
upon the profound legacy and ancestral roots of African Americans as programming highlights the resilience, solidarity, culture, and progress of Black communities. The festival will open with a Juneteenth parade from our students that will celebrate freedom and community.

The confirmed attendees include local and celebrity artists, elected officials, community leaders, and world renowned activists who are all truly looking forward to the festival. In addition to the main stage for adults, there will also be a youth DJ, games, carnival rides, rock climbing wall, inflatables, community vendor booths, face painting, food trucks, and so much more!

Village Fest is strongly supported by both State Representative La Shawn Ford and 24th Ward Alderman Michael Scott who are looking forward to attending the family friendly festival that is free and open to the public. This will be one of the premiere Juneteenth events taking place on the west side of Chicago, with attractions, activities, and fun for the entire family.

The mission of It Takes A Village Family of Schools is to provide high-quality, culturally responsive education, and life-empowering
social services that inspire students and families to positively transform and advance their communities, nation, and world. More information about It Takes A Village Family of Schools, Village Leadership Academy,
and our Grassroots Campaigns can be found at www.ITAVschools.org.

Those interested in attending the event should RSVP at www.ITAVschools.org/ ITAVFest. 

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