Published on June 9, 2026

Lake Land College will be hosting a celebration in recognition of Juneteenth on Thursday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Luther Student Center.

The event is open to students, staff, faculty and community members. During the event, attendees will enjoy a black-owned business fair, games, activities, music and an authentic fashion and hair show. The event will also include a magic show from magician and mind-reader Noah Sonie, who was featured in the magic competition series Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

Attendees will also have the option during the event to participate in a Walk for Freedom to celebrate Juneteenth and support Lake Land College students. Indoor, outdoor and wheel-accessible walking paths will be available throughout campus on the day of the event. The Rotary Club of Mattoon will also be sponsoring the walk and will donate up to $1,000 to the Lake Land College Opportunity Fund, which assists students facing unexpected financial obstacles. For every mile walked during the event, the Rotary Club will donate $10 to the Opportunity Fund.

The Lake Land College Juneteenth celebration is one of many Juneteenth events scheduled throughout the community this year. To learn more about the Lake Land College Juneteenth celebration and all Coles County Juneteenth events, contact Coordinator for Student Development Mercury Bowen at 217-234-5244 or mbowen@lakelandcollege.edu.