The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, KCMO held a their 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration. The full day of events was held on June 9 in and around the 18th and Vine District.
The opening program included a special presentation by the US air Force honoring Ed Dwight, the 1st African American astronaut. Dwight is an accomplished sculptor whose work can be seen throughout the country.
Along with art exhibits there was fun that included the entire family, young and old. Highlights from the day included storytelling, spoken word presentations, performances by the Kansas City Boys and the Girls Choirs and the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. Music performances included Elijah Thomas Prelude Piano Music, Jazz flutist, Amber Underwood and the Charlie Parker Jazz Ensemble.
If that wasn’t enough the day also included line dancing, a 2Step Showcase, basket weaving with the Gullah Basket Weavers from South Carolina, a traveling trunk show of Black inventors & innovators, art activities and textiles by NeDra Bonds.
JuneteenthKC returned this year with the 2nd Annual Cultural Parade on June 2. The parade proved to be an extravagant procession of marching bands, drill teams, civic clubs and various organizations through the 18th & Vine Historic District.
This year’s Grand Marshall for the parade was Dr. Mark T. Bedell, Superintendent of KCMO Public Schools.
