Community

ERYKAH BADU HEADLINES CHICAGO’S 5TH ANNUAL EMANCIPATION BALL AS MOOR’S BREWING CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS

June 17, 2026

Chicago’s premier Juneteenth celebration returns June 18 with a star-studded lineup, community impact, and a celebration of five years of Black entrepreneurship.

As Juneteenth approaches, one of Chicago’s most anticipated celebrations of Black excellence is preparing to return bigger than ever.

Moor’s Brewing Co. and the Care Moor Foundation will host the 5th Annual Emancipation Ball on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at CineCity Studios, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, community organizations, and supporters from across the city for an evening centered on culture, community, commerce, and freedom.

This year’s event marks a major milestone for Moor’s Brewing, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary since launching in 2021. What started as a vision from founders Damon Patton, Jamhal Johnson, and Anthony Bell has grown into one of the nation’s most recognized Black-owned beer brands.

The annual Emancipation Ball has become a signature Juneteenth event in Chicago, serving not only as a celebration but also as a fundraiser supporting the Care Moor Foundation’s civic engagement and community initiatives.

View this post on Instagram

Erykah Badu Leads This Year’s Lineup

Leading this year’s entertainment lineup is a special DJ set from neo-soul icon Erykah Badu, performing under her DJ persona, DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown. The evening will also feature Chicago favorite DJ Self Born, live performances from Honey Water, and special appearances by Frankie Parker and Opal Staples.

NBC 5 Chicago’s Michelle Relerford will serve as the event’s special guest host.

According to organizers, attendees can expect an open bar featuring premium beer, wine, and spirits, along with bites and desserts from some of Chicago’s top culinary talents. The celebration is designed to showcase Black excellence across multiple industries while creating opportunities for networking, business development, and community building.

Moor’s Brewing Continues To Grow

The event comes during a period of major momentum for Moor’s Brewing.

According to reporting from Block Club Chicago, the company expects roughly 1,000 attendees for this year’s Emancipation Ball as it continues pursuing long-term growth and a permanent Chicago location.

The brewery has earned national attention in recent years, including recognition through Samuel Adams’ Brewing the American Dream competition and expanded distribution beyond Illinois.

For co-founder Jamhal Johnson, the Emancipation Ball represents more than a party. The event is designed to celebrate freedom, entrepreneurship, and achievement while highlighting the impact of Black-owned businesses and organizations throughout Chicago.

That mission aligns closely with the company’s broader brand identity, which centers education, culture, and telling stories that connect Black history to modern entrepreneurship.

A Celebration Backed By Community

Support for this year’s event includes partnerships with organizations and companies such as Wintrust, Chicago Beverage Systems, Breakthru Beverage Group, DreamFi, Rate, Ibukun Comprehensive Community Services, and the Illinois Restaurant Association.

Five years after launching, Moor’s Brewing continues proving that Black-owned businesses can build successful brands while creating spaces that celebrate culture and community at the highest level.

For those looking to celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago, the Emancipation Ball has become one of the city’s premier annual gatherings — and this year’s anniversary edition appears poised to be its biggest yet.