Des Plaines, Ill. (July 1, 2026) - Oakton College joined community members and partner organizations throughout the College's district in June, sponsoring and participating in events that strengthened connections across the communities it serves.
College employees representing several departments — including Human Resources, Adult and Continuing Education and Workforce Development, Access, Equity and Diversity, and Marketing and Communications — took part in the Village of Skokie’s Juneteenth Celebration at Oakton Park on June 13. Centered on this year’s theme, “Lift as We Climb,” the annual event featured speakers, live performances and local vendors.
In Evanston, Oakton took part in Opal’s Walk for Freedom, a community walk organized along the city’s lakefront. The event honored the national effort led by Dr. Opal Lee to raise awareness of Juneteenth and secure its recognition as a national holiday.
The College also proudly sponsored the YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate. The yearly event, one of the nation’s largest racial justice run/walks of its kind, brought together thousands of participants in unity against racial hatred and violence. Oakton representatives participated in the race and engaged with attendees at the event’s community expo.
In Des Plaines, Oakton participated in the SPEAK Des Plaines Community Pride Celebration, attended by community leaders, including State Sen. Laura Murphy (D-28). The event created a welcoming space for community members of all ages, backgrounds and identities to come together. The College’s presence in Des Plaines continued at Taste of Des Plaines, a two-day summer festival held downtown featuring local restaurants serving their specialties and live entertainment in the heart of the city.
To close out the month, Oakton hosted the City of Des Plaines Community Fireworks Celebration at its Des Plaines campus, welcoming thousands of community members for an evening of music, local food vendors, activities and fireworks. The event offered another opportunity for the College to open its campus to the surrounding community.
“Engaging with our neighbors at events and initiatives that align with Oakton College’s mission, vision and values allows us to strengthen our connection to the communities we serve,” said Erin Doerr, Oakton College community relations manager. “Our presence reflects our commitment to building just and thriving communities while providing individuals with an opportunity to connect with Oakton and learn more about the programs, services and resources we offer.”
Left to right: Janeen Jackson, equity coordinator for B.L.A.C.K. Student Success; Johanna Fine, chief human resources officer; and Erin Doerr, community relations manager, attend the Skokie Community Juneteenth Celebration on June 13.