Aurora Volunteers Feed 1,000 Families for Juneteenth

When Maribel Millet arrived at Phillips Park at 5:30 a.m., she knew the four-hour wait would be worth it. The Aurora resident was one of hundreds who lined up for free groceries that would help her and her sister make ends meet.

The fifth annual Aurora Divine 9 Juneteenth Food Distribution event kicked off the city's Juneteenth Week celebration by serving up to 1,000 families. Each household received 40 pounds of food, thanks to a partnership between Aurora in Black, the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and the Divine 9, a collective representing nine historically Black fraternities and sororities.

Clayton Muhammad, who helped organize the event, said the food drive started during the pandemic and grew into an annual tradition. The timing honors Juneteenth while addressing a critical need in the community.

With SNAP benefits reduced and new eligibility requirements in place, food pantries across the region have seen demand surge by 20% to 40%. Rising food and energy costs have pushed more families toward food insecurity, making events like this more vital than ever.

More than 150 volunteers from Black fraternities and sororities across the western suburbs showed up to help. For Jimmy Sims of Bolingbrook, representing Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, this marked his fifth year volunteering.

"The people that do this get as much or more out of it than the people we help," Sims said. His words captured the spirit of the day: a celebration of freedom that honors community and mutual support.

Cheryl Taylor from Delta Sigma Theta in Naperville said she was excited to serve. The energy and enthusiasm among volunteers matched the gratitude of those receiving help.

First-time recipient Inthira Schmitt arrived at 6 a.m. and said she was thankful the community offered this support.

The Ripple Effect

This food distribution represents more than emergency relief. It shows communities stepping up when government support falls short, with volunteers choosing to spend their time ensuring neighbors don't go hungry.

The event also strengthens connections within Aurora's Black community, bringing together fraternities, sororities, and civic groups around a shared purpose. These organizations are using Juneteenth not just as a commemoration, but as a call to action.

Aurora Mayor John Laesch noted that more communities are organizing similar efforts across the region. The model is spreading, inspiring other towns to mobilize their own networks of support.

When Margie Williams finally received her groceries after four hours of waiting, her response was simple: "Of course, it's worth it."