FREEPORT — “Elevated Voices” Non-Profit Collective Celebrates Juneteenth with Wild West Themed Event Freeport — The “Elevated Voices” non-profit collective, founded by Alana Paige and Phylinese Brooks, is pleased to announce their upcoming event on June 17 at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds from 1-6 p.m. This year’s event will pay homage to the Wild West and celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

Through Black art, expression, and voices, Elevated Voices hopes to cultivate a more profound and vital understanding of one another while also creating a space for Black creatives of all mediums to thrive, allowing them to feel empowered, seen, and heard. With this year’s event, they aim to expand the image of Blackness by honoring the contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls, who played a significant role in the Wild West era, yet are often underrepresented in local fairs and rodeos.

“We want to celebrate the rise of Black people after emancipation was passed, especially after June 19, 1865 — Juneteenth,” said Alana Paige, co-founder of Elevated Voices. “This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, honor our ancestors’ contributions, and elevate their stories.”

The event will feature various forms of Black art, including music, spoken word, and visual arts, as well as food and beverages from local vendors. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their Wild West best and join in the festivities.

“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and honoring the contributions of our ancestors,” said Phylinese Brooks, co-founder of Elevated Voices. “This event is an opportunity to come together as a community, have fun, and learn about Black history and culture.”