Lake Land College is inviting the community to come together and celebrate Juneteenth with a special event on Thursday, June 18. 

The celebration will take place from 9 AM until 2 PM in the Luther Student Center and is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

Organizers say the event will feature a variety of activities throughout the day, including a Black-owned business fair, games, music, family-friendly activities, and an authentic fashion and hair show. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to see a performance by magician and mind-reader Noah Sonie. Sonie gained national attention after appearing on the television magic competition series Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 

In addition to the entertainment, participants can take part in a Walk for Freedom designed to celebrate Juneteenth while supporting Lake Land College students. Indoor, outdoor and wheelchair-accessible walking routes will be available across campus throughout the event. 

The walk is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mattoon, which has pledged to donate up to one thousand dollars to the Lake Land College Opportunity Fund. The fund helps students facing unexpected financial hardships. For every mile walked during the event, the Rotary Club will contribute ten dollars to the fund. 

College officials say the Juneteenth celebration is one of several events taking place throughout the Coles County area this year in recognition of the holiday. 

For more information about the Lake Land College Juneteenth celebration or other Juneteenth events in the community, contact Mercury Bowe by sending an email to mbowen@lakelandcollege.edu or go online to www.lakelandcollege.edu.