Episode Details

Wendel Hunigan and Semenya McCord joined Galesburg's Morning News on Tuesday, June 9, to preview the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church Juneteenth Soul Food Celebration. The event is Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Allen Chapel, 153 E. Tompkins St. in Galesburg. Free-will donations are appreciated. All ages and all backgrounds are welcome. Hunigan talks about the history of Juneteenth, the campaign by Opal Lee that led to it becoming the 11th federal holiday in 2021, and what the holiday means to him personally. McCord shares the story of Susan Richardson — an escaped formerly enslaved woman who was instrumental in founding Allen Chapel in 1853, the oldest African American church in Knox County. The event features soul food, guided church tours led by Pastor James A. Hailey III, historic memorabilia on display, and giveaways. The celebration is sponsored by CBI Bank & Trust. "This is not a Black holiday. This is an American holiday," Hunigan said. "Anybody who wants to come and understand the history of Galesburg, we'd love to see you there." For the full story, visit: ➡️ 'This is an American holiday': Galesburg's oldest African American church celebrates Juneteenth with soul food and history