Community Unity Shines at Third Annual Juneteenth Village Fest

Common performing at It Takes A Village Family of Schools’ Juneteenth Village Fest at Douglass Park (Credit: Ethan Davis). By Ethan Davis Last Saturday (June 15), It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) held the 3rd annual Juneteenth Village Fest at Douglass Park. The festival on the West Side was headlined by Nola Abde, Bella Bahhz, the rap group Dead Prez, and artist Domani. The lineup included Chicago’s own DJ Boolumaster and Grammy award-winning artist Common. Common performed his greatest hits while also revisiting some hip-hop classics. The event was free and open to everyone. Many families came to the event to give their children a fun time. There was a Ferris wheel, obstacle courses, carousels, rock climbing walls and other carnival attractions for kids to enjoy. On the road within the event’s boundaries, local vendors lined up to sell and promote their services. Plenty of clothing and accessory stores were present. Organizations like New Leaf Illinois, which helps clear cannabis convictions, were there, too. Food trucks and caterers were present, too.& Bryanna Lewis, a part of Waltuo Kreations, came to help out during the festival. Waltuo Kreations is a party rental and catering company created by Lewis’ mother,...