Kansas City Celebrates Juneteenth Through History, Culture and Community Events – Northeast News

Savannah Jerman
Editorial Intern 

  “[Juneteenth]..is a time to honor the strength and perseverance of Black Americans who endured generations of oppression while continuing to build families, communities, institutions, and movements that helped shape this nation, including here in Kansas City†said Brandon Rollie, Executive Assistant to Dr. Carmaletta Williams CEO of the Black Archives of Mid-America. 

  Juneteenth is a federal holiday honoring the end of slavery in the United States in 1865. The holiday was federally recognized and signed into law on June 17, 2021. So what is the Northeast community doing to celebrate?

  This past Saturday, June 6, the JuneteenthKC organization kicked off celebrations with its annual parade at 18th and Benton Blvd.

  On Saturday June 13, the Black Archives of Mid-America will participate in “Drop-In History: Enslavement in Missouri†at the Wornall Majors House Museum (6115 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64113) and the Juneteenth Celebration at the Nelson-Atkins Museum (4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111). The Black Archives of Mid-America will also be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  Also on Saturday, June 13 at 7 p.m., the Boone Theatre (1701 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108) will showcase “Sarah Rector: The Untold Story,†presented by The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City.

  Celebrations will continue Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20 with the JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival at the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District beginning at noon each day. The festival will feature live music and performances, food, showcases of entrepreneurship, family activities and other vendors.

  The Black Archives of Mid-America will also be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday of the festival. 

  “I think it would be great for all to reflect on both the progress that has been made and the enduring resilience that still continues to inspire future generations due to the unfortunate ongoing anti-blackness and oppression†said Rollie.