Kansas City Metro Bolsters Juneteenth Events: Celebrating Black Culture and History
This year’s Juneteenth, a national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, will be extra special in the Kansas City Metro area. A series of diverse events,… all throughout June, have been planned to honor and celebrate Black culture, history, and heritage. Here is a rundown of the festivities:
JuneteenthKC Cultural Parade
June 1: The city’s largest parade procession celebrating African American pride kicks off the celebration. Almost a hundred groups and floats will traverse the heart of the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, starting at noon. The popular Zulu Connection Stilt dancers, ambassadors from New Orleans, are scheduled to make a return appearance.
Zhou B Art Center Grand Opening
June 1: Right after the parade, you can join the Zhou B Arts Center’s grand opening. The initial walk-thru and ribbon cutting start at 4:30 p.m., followed by a grand opening benefit at 6 p.m.
Juneteenth Film Festival
June 4-26: This multi-day event honors Black storytellers and filmmakers. Several locally produced independent films and documentaries will be showcased.
Juneteenth in the Dotte Parade
June 8: The annual parade in Kansas City, Kansas, begins at 10 a.m. Highlighting music, retail vendors, and family-friendly events, the parade is set to be an exciting spectacle.
JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival
June 15: The 18th & Vine District will host the annual JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival. With national R&B star Kelly Price leading the mainstage performance at 8:30 p.m., the event promises an exciting lineup of performances and activities throughout the day.
Brunch & Learn Health Symposium
June 15: Before the cultural heritage festival, a brunch with Mayor Lucas and friends starting at 10 a.m. will occur. This symposium is focused on health education and networking.
Johnson County Juneteenth Celebration
June 19: Themed “The Jubilee of Juneteenth: Celebrating a Legacy of Freedom,” Johnson County will host their annual celebration event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. It will take place at the Lenexa Civic Campus Commons.
Nelson-Atkins Museum 8th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
June 20: In partnership with JuneteenthKC, the Nelson-Atkins Museum will host its 8th Annual Juneteenth Celebration. This is a full day of free programming, including music, stepping, and two-stepping performances, storytelling, and art-making activities.
These events form a rich tapestry of revelries aimed at honouring and reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth. Kansas City Metro joins numerous other cities across the U.S. in recognizing the importance of remembering and celebrating Black culture and heritage during this nationally recognized holiday.
Kansas City Metro has pulled out all the stops this year to ensure that Juneteenth is commemorated in a manner fitting its historical importance. From parades and film festivals to art openings and health symposiums, there is something for everyone in this year’s lineup of Juneteenth events. It’s clear that the city is dedicated to celebrating Black culture and history and promoting an understanding of the realities and repercussions of slavery.
