Happy Friday!
Here’s a recap of the top stories from the week. Have a great weekend!
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Crowds packed 13th Street as Wichita celebrated Juneteenth in style.
- Topeka’s Juneteenth celebration brought a week of freedom-focused events to a close.
- Rain changed plans, but KCK’s Juneteenth spirit never faded.
- Lawrence’s Juneteenth celebration brought neighbors together despite threatening weather.
- One of Kansas’ best Juneteenth celebrations delivers again.
💡 Black Trivia Question: Who was the first woman in American history to lead a military assault.
A. Condoleezza Rice B. Cathay Williams C. Harriet Tubman D. Gen. Lori Robinson *See answer after “In Other News”*
🤩 Name In Lights: Many thanks to JERROLD FINNEY, one of our donors! Financial support from our readers underwrites the work we do and allows us to keep our news free. Will you support us?
KANSAS STATE NEWS
1. Thousands Line 13th Street for Wichita’s Juneteenth ICT Parade
The Community Voice’s Juneteenth Road Trip began Saturday at Wichita’s Juneteenth ICT Parade. Thousands turned out to enjoy perfect weather, community pride and a festive parade that ended with a celebration at McAdams Park.
KANSAS STATE NEWS
2. Topeka Celebrates Juneteenth With Week of Events, Parade and Community Gathering
From a parade and scholarship banquet to a community gathering at Hillcrest Park, Topeka residents celebrated Juneteenth with a full week of activities. The Community Voice stopped by to capture moments from the celebration and the people who made it special.
KANSAS CITY NEWS
3. Never Let the Rain Win: KCK Juneteenth Carries On
A sudden downpour soaked the start of Kansas City, Kansas’ Juneteenth parade, but many participants and spectators refused to let the weather end the celebration. Later, community members gathered at Memorial Hall for an evening of music featuring LeVelle, John Hudson, Bri Davis and the J Foster Band.
KANSAS STATE NEWS
4. Lawrence Juneteenth Celebration Brings Community Together
Rain clouds couldn’t dampen the spirit of Lawrence’s Juneteenth celebration. Community members gathered in South Park for two days of food, music, activities and fellowship that reflected the city’s welcoming and inclusive character.
KANSAS STATE NEWS
5. Manhattan Juneteenth Keeps the Party Rolling in the Little Apple
The Little Apple once again hosted one of the state’s premier Juneteenth celebrations. Party Train, formerly The Gap Band, had the crowd dancing to classic hits while families enjoyed food, fellowship and the popular grilling cookoff.
Wichita Juneteenth Closes With an Evening of Music, Fellowship and Community. Headliner Maurette Brown Clark and local church choirs helped bring the weeklong celebration to a joyful close. (THE VOICE)
Brunch, Bingo and Boogie Brings Seniors Together During Juneteenth ICT. AARP Kansas-sponsored event combined food, fitness, fellowship and fun as part of Wichita’s weeklong Juneteenth celebration. (THE VOICE)
Juneteenth 2026: Black Americans consider progress made since emancipation. (CNN)
💡Trivia Answer: C. Harriet Tubman The Wisconsin State Journal reported on Harriet Tubman’s role as a military leader in 1863 following the Combahee River Raid. After working for the Union army as a nurse and a spy, Tubman worked alongside Col. James Montgomery to plan and execute the mission along South Carolina’s Combahee River in South Carolina. Her spy work helped to catch the Confederate military off-guard and made it possible for a group of African American soldiers to overrun plantations, seizing or destroying valuable property.
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