It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) and Village Leadership Academy (VLA) are ecstatic to host the inaugural Juneteenth Village Fest that is free and open to the public on Saturday, June 18th from 12p-6p in the Anna & Frederick Douglass Park. This is a momentous occasion for the organization following the successful renaming of the park to pay homage to the legacy of the Douglass Family, through a student-led grassroots campaign. Those students, local families, and all of the great community residents surrounding Douglass Park can come celebrate this historic renaming annually on Juneteenth. Village Fest will celebrate the significance of Juneteenth within this historic park that is a powerful space with great meaning to our students who are responsible for the renaming of it. This inspiring work of our students was highlighted in a documentary, “Change the Name,” which aired on BET and has been shown at film festivals across the country. It is also currently being used in Chicago schools as a model to inspire youth activism and civic engagement.  The festival will take place on the east side of Douglass Park along S. California from 12th Place to Ogden. It will provide a space for our amazing youth, the community, partner organizations, and local businesses to commemorate the liberation of African descendants from the institution of slavery. Those interested in attending the event should RSVP at www.ITAVschools.org/ITAVFest.