FREE EVENT ~ ALL ARE WELCOME

Benton has been singing since the age of four. Her path has taken her to gospel and jazz. She has sung throughout the Chicagoland area at such notable venues as the Auditorium Theatre, the House of Blues, the Chicago Hilton, and the Hemmens Culture Center. While her vocals have been requested by such iconic gospel artists as Albertina Walker, her true love is leading and ministering to the hearts and souls of people through praise and worship. Currently, she is working on her own material as a gifted songwriter.

The Ken Davis Project is a well-known Soul/R&B band based in Chicago. Led by the Chicago bluesman and singer Kenneth Davis, the band regularly performs live music and Sunday dinners at local Chicago venues. We are very excited to have them on this historic day.

Stev Walker is a dynamic performer, cultural leader, and passionate community engager. As a performer of this year’s Juneteenth celebration, he brings warmth, energy, and a profound sense of history to every moment on stage. Stev is also the founder and visionary behind the Center for the Arts, Music & Culture—a vibrant creative hub he built to celebrate and uplift diverse artistic voices. An accomplished capoeirista, Stev will lead his troupe in powerful capoeira demonstrations, blending martial art, dance, music, and storytelling. But he’s not just watching from the sidelines—he’ll be inviting the audience to join in, encouraging participation and shared celebration. Whether introducing performances or jumping in with the crowd, Stev Walker embodies community, culture, and celebration at every turn.

Educational Leader Mrs. Sandi Johnson is an experienced educational leader with over 15 years in education, specializing in behavioral systems and building inclusive school cultures. She has served as a Principal, Assistant Principal, and Behavior Interventionist, bringing a well-rounded perspective that bridges leadership, instruction, and direct student support. Her work focuses on implementing trauma-informed practices and developing behavior support systems that empower both students and staff. A dedicated advocate for special education, Mrs. Johnson holds Master’s degrees in Administrative Leadership and Special Education. She is also licensed in the State of Illinois as a Superintendent and Director of Special Education, reflecting her commitment to systems-level impact and continuous improvement. Mrs. Johnson is currently completing her doctoral dissertation focused on adult social-emotional learning (SEL) and its impact on student–teacher trust and classroom climate. Her work centers on strengthening educator capacity to build supportive, relationship-driven learning environments.

Gloria Van Hof is the founder of the Juneteenth Festival in McHenry County and a passionate historian dedicated to uncovering and sharing the rich, often untold stories of Black history in the region. With years of extensive research into the Underground Railroad in McHenry County and the broader significance of Juneteenth, Gloria brings both depth and heart to her work. At this year’s celebration, she will lead an engaging conversation that explores local connections to the Underground Railroad and the enduring legacy of emancipation. Her dedication to education, community building, and cultural preservation continues to shape this festival into a powerful space for reflection, joy, and collective learning.