Roundtable discussions of “On Juneteenth” by Annette Gordon-Reed begin today with a meeting at 1 p.m. in the R.H. Stephens Room (can also attend via Zoom with meeting ID: 86326730510).

June 17-19 is 217 Black Restaurant Weekend. Now in its third year, the event aims to counter economic disparity within black-owned businesses with fun and interactive solutions that engage, excite and ignite a deeper understanding and appreciation of Springfield’s food culture. LLCC is sponsoring Jerk Shop Go, located in downtown Springfield.

A Juneteenth celebration will be held June 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in A. Lincoln Commons.

Learn more about LLCC’s upcoming Juneteenth activities.

Historical spotlight

“There were limited options for celebrating. When freed people tried to celebrate the first anniversary of the announcement a year later, they faced a problem: Segregation laws were expanding rapidly, so there were no public places or parks they were permitted to use. In the 1870s, former enslaved people pooled together $800 and purchased 10 acres of land, which they deemed ‘Emancipation Park.’ Until the 1950s, it was the only public park and swimming pool in the Houston area that was open to African Americans.” (Source: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/501680/12-things-you-might-not-know-about-juneteenth)