Kansas communities are all in for local celebrations of Juneteenth, considered the oldest celebration of the freeing of slaves in the United States.
From dances to health fairs, with Gospel music and Rap, local communities have each planned unique celebrations. Looking for a way to join in the commemoration, consider one of the activites below.
Wichita
Juneteenth Bridging the Gaps, June 13-18
Definitely the lengthiest planned celebration, this event six day celebration runs Mon., June 13 through Sat., June 18. From all indications, all of the events are free of charge and planned to attract people of all ages.
•Mon., June 14 Redefining Blackness, 6-8 p.m., at the Kansas African American Museum, 601 N. Water , a play written by Desmond Bryant and Christopher Hill about forgotten Black history and redefining the Black image.
•Tues., June 14, Day of Service at Victory Community of Faith, 1156 N. Oliver. The service project will be painting addresses on curbs in the Matlock Heights area. Everyone is welcome to join in. Report to Victory Community of Faith for work in one or all of three planned shifts, from 10 a.m. – noon, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.
•Thurs., June 16 Evening of Conversation, Saint Mark United Methodist Church, 1525 N. Lorraine, 6-8 p.m. Two panels will talk about the history of the Black community. Where we were economically decades ago, look at our present situation pros and cons, then look forward to the future. The first panel, made up of current and former elected officials and leaders, will explore the past to the present. A panel of future leaders will explore the present and where they would like to see us go.
•Fri., June 17 Youth Summit, Urban Prep Academy, 2821 E. 24th St., 3-6 p.m. Lead by panelists, the program will look at issues and concerns from the youth perspective.
•Fri., June 17 Block Party on Opportunity Drive, at the Boys and Girls Club of South Central Kansas, 6-9:30 p.m. Everyone, old and young, are invited to participate. There will be live music, bounce houses, open gym, free food, and a cook-off. Representatives from the Sheriff, Police and Fire Departments will also be on hand.
•Sat., June 18 Juneteenth Day at the Park, McAdams Park, 13th and New York, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. A tentative schedule of events includes: 11 a.m. welcome, 11:15 Road to Hauteness Fitness Hour, 12:30 p.m. candidates’ forum, 2 p.m. Dance Teams, 3:30 Tru Poetry Showcase, 5 p.m. local artists, Christian, Rap and R&B. The evening concludes with a movie shown on a wide screen in the park.
Events are free, but bring your chairs. Food will be sold. For more information and schedule updates, go online to Facebook.com/Juneteenthict.
This event is a collaborative effort co-sponsored by: CORE, Power 93.5, Juneteenth, Spirit Aerosystesm, Sunflower Community action, Credit Union of American and numerous community partners.
H.O.P.E. Inc., Health Fair and Juneteenth Celebration, June 18-19
•Sat., June 18, Health Fair, 2137 N. Battin (H.O.P.E. Inc, grounds) from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be dental, vision, mammograms and blood pressure checks. Enjoy fun for the entire family, with fun games and prizes, and a healthy foods court. Performances and voter registration will also take place.
•Sun., June 19, 3 p.m., Gospel Under the Stars, also at 2137 N. Battin. Bring your lawn chairs. Event is free. For information call 681-8652.
Juneteenth Gospelfest, June 18
Featuring Marvin Winans, Jr., Vickie Winans, Charles Ellington, Dorothy Norwood and the Rance Allen Group. Event includes a family-friendly carnival with bouncy rides and contests that begin at 11 a.m. The concerts begin at 3 p.m. This is an outdoor event located on the lot next to the of the Eastside Cathedral of Praise, 5955 E. 29th St., N., Tickets are $15 for children, $25 for adults and $33 for VIP tickets which include a chair. Tickets are available at Music and More, P&P Seed and Bait, Barfield’s Boutique and Saint Mark UMC. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.familyfriendoutreach.com.
Salina
10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, June 18 (all events)
•All You-can-eat Pancake Breakfast , 8 – 10 a.m., Martinelli’s Little Italy, 158 S. Santa Fe, $3/person
Juneteenth Program, 4 p.m., The City, 129 N. 7th St. Keynote speaker will be Dr. JohnElla Holmes. A 4th generation descendant from historic Nicodemus, KS. She’s the founder of the Nicodemus Educational Camps program that exposes urban youth to horseback riding, fishing and hands-on-farming.
•Celebrations and Homecoming Dance, 8-11 p.m., The City, 129 N. 7th St. Put on your summer breeze outfits and come jam with Kellly K. Flex Kuhl, the Best DJ in Kansas. Tickets are $25 per couple and $15 per person. Price includes 2 tickets to the pancake breakfast and hors D’oeuvres and wine at the dance. Must be 21 or older to attend.
For information about the Salina Juneteenth, go online to www.salinajuneteenth.org or call (913) 240-9067 or (785) 829-1508.
Junction City
Stone Soul Picnic Juneteenth Celebration, June 11
Break out your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic basket and come out to enjoy the city’s annual Juneteenth Celebration from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Heritage Park, Washington and 6th St., Junction City. Volunteers are needed. Call (785) 375-4715.
Manhattan
27th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, June 18
A celebration of freedom, community and family in City Park, Manhattan, from 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. A full day of events are planned for the family.
•9:30 – 1st Juneteenth Unity Walk with a free t-shirt for the 1st 100 participants.
•10 a.m. – Soul Food Cooking and Grilling Contest Tasting kits are $5 and the public judges the winners in three category, meat, vegetable and other. Entry online.
•10 a.m. – Noon – Bike Rodeo and race
•1:15 p.m. Praise Dancers
•2-4:30 p.m. Car Wash Contest
•4:45 – 6 p.m. Talent Showcase
•6:30 – 8 p.m. Charles Walker Band
For more information and entry forms go online to www.manhattanjuneteenth.org or www.facebook.com/manhattanksjuneteenth. Space is available for food and information vendors. Sponsored by the Salina Juneteenth Committee, Salina Community Relations Board, Salina Library, Salina Downtown and the Salina NAACP.
Topeka
Stardusters Crime Prevention, Inc. 41st Juneteenth, a Gospel and Cultural Celebration, June 18
This event begins at 8 p.m. at Our Family Event Center, 809 E. 12th St. (12th and Washington). Enjoy some of the Midwest best talents and local friends. Vendor spaces are available. Call (785) 383-0566 for additional information. This event is sponsored by the Kansas Black Expo and Faith and Hard Works Ministry, Inc.