Greathouse: Setting the stage for Juneteenth in Joliet

Toni Greathouse

Visual prompts are powerful. A small canvas emblazoned with the words, “Someday I Will Change the World,” sits on my desk at the University of St. Francis business incubator/co-working space.

That sentiment sets the tone for the day. It fills me with the confidence to act on my mission from God. It infuses me with the courage to show up in spaces where no one invited or expected me to surface. Most importantly, it challenges me to take radical responsibility for being the change I want to see in society.

Over the past year, that change has involved coordinating a downtown based business owner/non-profit supported collaboration. One day, out of every year, we will join forces to carve out a series of “Destination Stations.” They will be made up of a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces. We endeavor to create common ground, facilitating connection between people who might be as different as night is from day. Summarily, our shared work uses empathy to break down barriers then close gaps with activities that bridge understanding.

This installment briefly highlights the local non-profit and business spaces where a range of Juneteenth in Joliet experiences will unfold. The walkable venue flanks downtown spanning Chicago, Jefferson Cass and Ottawa streets.

Each forms the backdrop for cross cultural connection. A mix of brick-and-mortar establishments will host an array of activities designed to engage, educate and entertain with art, food, music or storytelling. For example, comedy will be on tap at Juliet’s which is normally closed on Sunday. The Joliet Historical Area Museum will offer a “free day.” Joliet Kreamers, a niche athletic shoe store (owned and operated by two twenty-somethings) are erecting a sports desk, manned by Evan, an 8-year-old phenom who is contributing commentary at professional sports conclaves).

In total, the goal is broadening the perspective on what it means to be Black in America both today as well as in the past. More specifically, it extends access to be present, to be curious, to be kind and mindful of contributing whatever you can to make the spaces you occupy a bit better. In essence, each participant is showcasing solidarity.

They are stepping up one day a year to say, “We see you and recognize the struggle.” It in no way diminishes the stories of other races. Nor does it attempt to solve all the race-related problems that exists. What Juneteenth in Joliet does is extend welcoming spaces that brings together people from all walks of life.

Owners of those spaces include AudioPhil (vinyl records) C&C Vision Gallery, Cheesecakes by James, Custom Community Creations (caricature artists) Dragon’s Den (80s Vintage Toys) H Data (government software) ItisAmazing (clothing) Jitters (coffee, pastries and conversation) Palmas Latin Food (freshly minted owners who are in the space formerly occupied by Chevere) Sandee’s (custom apparel), Sue Regis Fine Art (glass/memorial pieces) Solar Solutions (painting gallery) and The Strange & Unusual Gallery.

Juneteenth in Joliet opens a metaphorical avenue to pave a path to progress. Purpose-driven action at the grassroots of community will manifest this year, Sunday, June 19, from noon to 4 p.m. Place it on your calendar and attend with an open mind, willingness to silence negative speech, suspend judgement and open your heart to healing.

Toni Greathouse is an entrepreneurial evangelist whose purpose is spelled out in the letters of her first name — serving as a reminder to Take On Neighborhood Interaction & Try Out Novel Ideas.