Evanston, Illinois, made history by approving the first reparations program this year. It also held a public Juneteenth celebration. However, it cancelled its July 4 celebration, as reported by The Blaze.
How did it all happen?
Evanston commemorated Juneteenth, June 19, with a parade and celebration that included art, music, and amazing food at a local park. Next Saturday, on June 26, there will also be a Gay Pride parade.
However, the city has canceled the July 4 live celebration because of COVID-19. Up to now it has not indicated that it will hold similar festivities for the day.
Evanston also made headlines this year after approving the first reparations program for the nation. The city will be distributing $10 million during the next decade.
The program will kick off in the form of $25,000 payments for “a small number of eligible Black residents for home down payments, mortgage payments or home repairs,” as WLS-TV reported.
“Based on concern for public health due to the unpredictability of the pandemic's impact, vaccination rates, and in cooperation with our local authorities, the Trustees of the Evanston Fourth of July Association voted to cancel the Fun Run, Parade, Palatine Concert Band performance and Lakefront Fireworks show on July 4, 2021.
However, we are committed and already working toward an Independence Day celebration that will be safe, creative and build community.
If guidelines allow the Association plans to conduct the traditional morning games and activities in the parks and schools. The Celebration Team is considering mini concerts, roving entertainment, neighborhood art and decoration projects to provide the community with a day to remember,” the Evanston Fourth of July Celebration team stated in late March, according to The Blaze.