Chicago Cubs and Black business owners collaborate on Juneteenth Celebration at Wrigley Field

By | June 15, 2023

CHICAGO, IL (_June 15, 2023_) - On June 18, the Chicago Cubs, in collaboration with Christi Harber of With an Eye PR, will host a return of the “Juneteenth Celebration at Wrigley Field – A Black Entrepreneurs Experience.” The Juneteenth Celebration is a unique opportunity to highlight Black businesses in Chicago and raise greater awareness of the national holiday commemorating African American freedom and emphasizing education and achievement.

As part of this year’s Juneteenth Celebration, Black business owners will once again set up a market for Cubs fans to taste, sip and shop at Gallagher Way. The market will open two hours prior to first pitch and will conclude an hour following the game.

The “Juneteenth Celebration at Wrigley Field – A Black Entrepreneurs Experience” not only recognizes the tremendous impact Black businesses have made on this country, but also showcases the Cubs’ commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Juneteenth is about celebrating and supporting Black achievement,” said Cubs Senior Vice President of Communications Julian Green. “This is a tremendous opportunity for these Black entrepreneurs to share their artistry and expertise with thousands of our fans which could help grow their business now and in the future. We are excited to do our part in helping these amazing Black entrepreneurs create successful businesses in Chicago.”

Harber, who is a co-creator of the Juneteenth Celebration with the Cubs, is thrilled to once again work with the Cubs on showcasing Black business excellence in Chicago.

“To be able to come back for a second year to showcase Black excellence through entrepreneurship on the eve of the Juneteenth holiday adds to the rich history of our culture,” expresses Harber, founder of With an Eye PR. “Producing events like this supported by organizations like the Cubs helps us achieve our mission to bring equity and equality to Black businesses.”

The feedback received from last year's event was so positive that several Black business owners jumped at the chance to participate again this year. Returning entrepreneur and owner of Twisted Eggroll, Nikkita Randle, said she is humbled to be a part of this event for a second year in a row and have the opportunity to present her brand to a larger audience.

“This event is a blessing for my business,” said Randle. “Our business has expanded since last year with the opening of a brick-and-mortar location, in addition to our e-commerce website. Last year, I was able to network with not just my business peers but consultants that can help take my business to new heights.”

Ahead of the Cubs game against the Baltimore Orioles June 18, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Tarrey Torae will sing the Black national anthem and singer-songwriter TeamJohnHill will sing the national anthem. Multi-Grammy Award-winning songwriter, producer and poet Malik Yusef and award-winning actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery will throw out ceremonial first pitches. Howery also will sing the seventh-inning stretch.

Cubs fans also will be entertained to the rhythmic sounds of Kendre’ Music, formed by world-renowned drummer Chris Miskel. Kendre’ Music will perform pregame and following the last out at Gallagher Way. Miskel has toured with Brian Culbertson, Will Downing, Boz Scaggs and David Sanborn. Kendre’ Music’s guest feature for the Gallagher Way performance will be pianist/vocalist Walter English III.

Juneteenth Celebration Screening of “The League”

On Tuesday, June 20, as part of its culminating Juneteenth Celebration, the Cubs and Magnolia Pictures will host a VIP screening of “The League” in Chicago at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Wrigleyville at 7 p.m. CDT. “The League” chronicles the journey of Negro League baseball’s triumphs and challenges through the first half of the twentieth century. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this week and is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sam Pollard (“MLK/FBI”).

The story is told through previously unearthed archival footage and never-before-seen interviews with legendary players like Satchel Paige and Buck O’Neil – whose early careers paved the way for the Jackie Robinson era – as well as celebrated Hall of Famers Willie Mays and Hank Aaron who started out in the Negro Leagues. “The League” explores Black baseball as an economic and social pillar of Black communities and a stage for some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game, while also examining the unintended consequences of integration.

Black Entrepreneurs Experience Participants:

Hospitality

Services/Products

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