Juneteenth food truck festival kicks off in Urbana
Share this @internewscast.com

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Juneteenth is this Thursday, but on Tuesday some people in Urbana started celebrating early.

Numerous individuals gathered to enjoy a variety of dishes offered by black-owned food establishments in the region. According to officials, this was the inaugural occasion for such an event, and given the overwhelming response, it is unlikely to be the last.

Tuesday provided a perfect summer day in Urbana, inviting the community outdoors. The day began with Soulful Streets: a Juneteenth food truck festival, attracting a considerable audience.

“A Juneteenth celebration, we wanted to support the black owned businesses,” said Des Banks.

Banks, her family and dozens of others were all in line supporting each food truck and conversing with one another.

“Our communities often lack the support they deserve on a global level,” Banks remarked. “It’s crucial that we back each other since we frequently spend our earnings at other businesses without supporting one another, which is why I’m participating today.”

Juneteenth National Independence Day is still a fairly new holiday. In June 2021, it became nationally recognized. The National Park Service said it celebrates the date of when enslaved people of African descent in Galveston, Texas learned about their freedom.

“The country was built off of slavery, right?” said Urbana Deputy Chief Clerk, Seok Hyun Cho. “And so, we are here in the present. We have to recognize that, and we have to honor the history of black people in America.”

Cho, one of the head organizers, said this was their first time putting on an event like this. It was created to highlight the food trucks and hopefully grow their audiences.

“We didn’t want to let anyone down,” Cho said. “You know, food trucks, it can be tough. Being a mobile restaurant, it’s not an easy business.

He said the turnout was amazing and he was very impressed. Juneteenth is still getting its recognition across the country however, with many people still learning about the national holiday.

“July 4th has been the celebration for years,” Banks said. “We’re black. Like there is so much things that are stopping us from doing more, and we know what’s stopping us from doing more.”

On Thursday, there will be a parade to celebrate Juneteenth, and it starts in Urbana at 1 p.m. It will begin at the intersection of Philo Road and Colorado Avenue and ends at the Salt and Light Ministries parking lot.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Live Coverage: Blue Angels Dazzle the Skies at Pensacola Beach Air Show

PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. (WKRG) — The Blue Angels have returned to their…

Augusta Residents Voice Concerns at Charter Review Meeting

AUGUSTA, Ga () – The Charter Review Committee is in the process…

Trump to Visit Texas Flood Damage While Disaster Highlights His Plans for FEMA

WASHINGTON (AP) As President Donald Trump heads to Texas on Friday for…

Planned Parenthood Clinics Start Turning Away Medicaid Patients

() Two regional Planned Parenthood affiliates have stopped accepting Medicaid, citing a provision…

UPDATE: Harmful Algae Bloom Renders Mattoon Tap Water Unsafe, Poses Health Risks

Update at 7:30 p.m. MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — The entire City of…

Ongoing Efforts to Find Flood Victims and Solutions in Central Texas

() The search for victims continues in central Texas as residents work…

BCSO Apprehends Suspect in Failed Armed Robbery Attempt

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () — The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) apprehended…

“Hero Rescues Abandoned 7-Month-Old Girl Following Little Italy Carjacking”

CHICAGO (WGN) — Last Thursday, Earl Abernathy was stuck in traffic on…

Aiken Resident Charged with Child Exploitation

AIKEN, S.C. () – A man has been taken into custody by…

Police Confirm Idaho Forest Hiker Not Travis Decker, Despite Similar Appearance

() Another potential Travis Decker sighting has gone cold. Authorities had been…

ICE Agents Deploy Taser on Individual at Walmart in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Video circulating on social media this week showed what…

Barbecue and Country Music Shine at Windy City Smokeout Festival

() Chicago’s award-winning Windy City Smokeout is heating up as performers and…