The Topeka Family and Friends Juneteenth Celebration kicked off Sat., June 14 with a parade through downtown that concluded with a car show. This year the committee has organized a nine-day celebration that concludes on Sun. June 22.
The celebration committee, which has a rich history of fighting to make Juneteenth a national holiday, is led by Norma Avery and Randy Wheat.
Here’s the complete schedule:
Jun 16, 6:30 p.m. Pop n Paint
Lois Curtis Center, 1921 SE Indiana St.
June 17, 6:30 p.m. Taco Tuesday, Austin Park, 233 SE Jefferson St.
June 19, 1 pm., Fun @ One Kids Celebrate Freedom, Topeka Public Library
June 19, 6 p.m. Juan “Poppy” and Helen Abbott Essay Contest Banquet, St. John AME Church, 701 Topeka Ave. Ticketed event
June 20, 6 p.m. Sounds of Freedom By Playwright Pastor Mae Hall, Brown vs Board National Park, 1515 SE Monroe
June 21, 12 – 10 p.m. Juneteenth Community Celebration, Hillcrest Community Center, 1800 Se 21st Street A full day of on stage performances, food and vendors is planned. The headliners are Total Package Band from Kansas City.
June 22, 3 p.m. Gospel Extravaganza, St. John AME Church, 701 SW Topeka Ave.
The committee sponsored the Miss Juneteenth KS Pageant on June 7.
