Opal’s Walk for Freedom - Evanston

Arrington Lagoon. Dawes Park. Lake Michigan. Opal's Walk for Freedom comes to Evanston, Illinois, on Friday, June 19, 2026, starting at Arrington Lagoon in Dawes Park (1647 Sheridan Rd). A 2.5‑mile walk celebrating Juneteenth and honoring Ms. Opal Lee — the "Grandmother of Juneteenth." Free for youth 18 and under. Joy, learning, music, culture, and a renewed commitment to unity.

The Walk — History & Symbolism:

• 2.5 miles represents the 2.5 years between the Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863) and June 19, 1865 — the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce freedom for enslaved people
• Ms. Opal Lee, a former teacher and activist from Fort Worth, Texas, walked from her home to Washington, D.C. at age 89 to advocate for Juneteenth as a national holiday
• Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021
• Evanston's walk continues her legacy of freedom, unity, and community action

Location — Arrington Lagoon at Dawes Park, Evanston:

• Dawes Park is a 10‑acre lakefront park on the shores of Lake Michigan
• Arrington Lagoon is the park's centerpiece — a man‑made lagoon named in honor of the Arrington family, longtime Evanston community leaders
• Start/finish near the lagoon and the park's central fountain
• Paved walking paths with views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline in the distance (on clear days), and the Evanston lakefront
• Shaded areas, open lawns, and a large playground adjacent to the start area

What's Included (Adult Registration):

• In‑person walk entry
• Event t‑shirt

Youth Registration (18 & under):

• FREE entry (includes walk participation)
• T‑shirt available for purchase separately

Schedule:

• Friday, June 19, 2026
• 10:30 AM — Walk begins at Arrington Lagoon
• Post‑walk community gathering at Dawes Park — music, culture, and unity activities (specific times on event website)

Logistics:

• Parking available on Sheridan Road and adjacent streets (arrive early — limited spaces)
• Public transport: CTA Purple Line to Davis Street station (0.8 mile walk east to the park) or buses serving Sheridan Road
• Bib pickup: race morning at Dawes Park (check event website for exact times)
• No refunds unless Refund Protection Program was purchased. Race management may cancel or modify the event due to unfavorable conditions — no refunds for "Acts of God."

Nearby Attractions (post‑walk):

• Lake Michigan beachfront — walk north to Lee Street Beach or south to Clark Street Beach
• Evanston lakefront trail — extends for miles along the shoreline
• Downtown Evanston — Sherman Avenue and Davis Street shops, restaurants, and cafes
• Northwestern University campus and the Baha'i House of Worship (2 miles west)

Sponsorship:

• Interested in sponsoring Opal's Walk for Freedom in Evanston? Contact Kemone Hendricks.

Charity Partner:

• Unity Unlimited, Inc. — fundraising goal $25,000. Currently raised $300 (1% of goal).
• Proceeds support Juneteenth awareness programs and community unity initiatives