By Aniaya Reed 

Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” marks the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery. The federal holiday has been celebrated annually, and was originally started in Galveston, Tx. During Juneteenth, experience the streets of downtown, the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, memorials and historic structures, the sounds of vibrant local talent, and the smells of home-style barbeque. 

The Hunt: Find Local African American History 
Wednesday, June 1 – Thursday, June 13

The Hunt is a city-wide scavenger hunt created in partnership with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kansas City Art Institute. Read the riddles on The Hunt. and use the clues on the map to discover the sites of Black History in Kansas City. Post a picture with an answer to social media for a chance to win fun prizes! Find more info at juneteenth-kc.org.

6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

All activities and performances are FREE. 
As part of city-wide observances and in partnership with JuneteenthKC, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art presents the sixth annual Juneteenth Celebration. Enjoy dance, music and multidisciplinary performances, art activities and house-smoked barbecue in Rozzelle Court Restaurant.

Brunch & Learn: Addressing Housing Inequality
Saturday, June 18, 2022 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Black Archives of Mid-America, 1722 E. 17th Terrace

United We Stand: Blues, Bike & Car Show
Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 18th & Vine & Downtown East

Heritage Festival 
Saturday, June 18 from 12-10 p.m. at 18th & Vine & Downtown East

The Heritage Festival will showcase main stage performances ranging from singers, musicians and a DJ Showcase. The Main Stage performance times begin at 12 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. Some artists include The Rude Boys, Men at Large and Riz O’Shea. The festival plans to have contests, guest personalities, community performances and giveaways. This is a family-friendly festival and a youth zone will be available for kids with face art, balloon art, pony rides and more. There will be an Official Remarks Ceremony from 4:30-5:30 p.m. 

Wylie Gallery Exhibition
Sunday, June 19 – Monday, June 20 at the National WWI Museum and Memorial

Free Admission for all. Celebrate and visit Wylie’s 3rd annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration in this historic museum. It showcases black citizenship in the age of Jim Crow, and the African-American men who sacrificed themselves in WWI. Visit https://www.theworldwar.org/exhibitions 

For more information about JuneteenthKC activities & events visit juneteenth-kc.com.