Juneteenth Events 2023

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.

For more information, visit here.

Download a pdf of this calendar: Juneteenth events 2023 

Remember that, while we have curated this list to things that happen in June, many of these events and organizations are active throughout the year.

Consider checking out national or local organizations. We have listed a few to get started:
–JuneteenthKC
–Instagram: @JuneteenthKCMO
– Juneteenth Foundation
–Juneteenth Resources

Celebration

KC Jazz in the Garden         $10                         June 10
“Showcasing the rich history of Jazz in Kansas City and celebrating Juneteenth!”

Juneteenth Commemoration        free                             June 10
“The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center is hosting its 2nd Annual Juneteenth commemoration and celebration. This family-friendly event, built with community partners, provides an opportunity to honor the history and celebrate Juneteenth with art, music, food, free museum admission, and more. “

Juneteenth Jumpoff         Free                        June 16
“We are kicking off Juneteenth celebrations a few days early with Juneteenth Jumpoff- a curated pop up shop supporting black-owned small businesses in partnership with KC Black Owned.”

Prairie Village Juneteenth Celebration         free                             June 17
“As part of our city’s campaign to better know and welcome our diverse neighbors, STAND Up for Black Lives+ Prairie Village, the City of Prairie Village Diversity Committee, and Village Church, are sponsoring the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration and Kids Poster Contest: “What Juneteenth Freedom Means to Me.” “

Juneteenth Freedom Celebration       $30                        June 17
“Juneteenth 2023 will be a second interation of BLOC’s interpretation of the holiday. A rooftop event that you dont want to miss! “

Juneteenth OP at Prairiefire         free                             June 17
“The Women Of Purpose Of Johnson County and Merrill Companies (Prairiefire) are excited to host this special event for the citizens and visitors of Overland Park, Kansas! Our 2023 theme for Juneteenth Overland Park is “Lift Every Voice” in honor of the famous song by James Weldon Johnson, well known as the Negro National Hymn.

JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival      Free                      June 17
“”JUNETEENTHKC is excited to announce that the Heritage Festival will be returning to the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District – Proudly featuring: Pokey Bear, Sir Charles….AND MORE!! JOIN US AS WE REUNITE WITH THE GREATER KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE AFRICAN AMERICAN PRIDE AND CULTURE!! “

Juneteenth in Steptoe        free                             June 18
“Former residents of the Steptoe neighborhood are inviting the community to celebrate the renaming of Steptoe Street and the history of the area at a Juneteenth Eve celebration on Sunday, June 18. Steptoe Lives is a grassroots coalition of former Steptoe residents, former Penn School students, local neighborhood groups, and institutions with an interest in commemorating the African-American Steptoe community.”

Olathe Library Juneteenth      free                             June 19
“Celebrate Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the day the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. “

Education

Juneteenth: Mincraft Education                                       Free                   June 15
“Patrons will learn about the significance of Juneteenth, why it’s an important day, and why it’s considered a day of freedom and celebration.”

The story behind Juneteenth                             Free                     June 16
“On June 17, 2021, the Federal Government declared a new national holiday to commemorate the emancipation of African Americans following the end of the American Civil War. For many, Juneteenth (June 19th) had long been a cherished day and tradition, for some it was a new story.. Why not join us for a film and discussion on the historic origins of the holiday? We will gather at our visitor center theater a few days before the holiday.”

Freedom has a Voice                                     Free                   June 17
“Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth through dance! Beginning with the motherland of Africa, Freedom Has A Voice: Dance Narratives will demonstrate the beauty, passion and power of dance as an artistic expression. Reflecting on the past, present and future, dance gives voice to every emotion and empowers all to embrace the spirit of freedom in Juneteenth!”

Rebuild Honestly: Juneteenth Panel                           Free                     June 21
“The Rebuild Honestly platform was created to provide a safe space for courageous conversations surrounding economic development in the Black community. The goal is to spark collaboration and encourage a unified course of action to push the Black community forward.”

Literature

Juneteenth Walk and Read                            Free                         June 19
” Johnson County Library and Johnson County Park and Recreation Dept. invite you to visit the Juneteenth Walk and Read at Stoll Park. Two stories, “Opal Lee and What it Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth” by Alice Faye Duncan and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo and “Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Loren Long. “

Juneteenth Book Discussion                                Free                         June 19
Read and discuss How the Word is Passed, a contemporary portrait of America as a slave owning nation through a tour of monuments and landmarks, as told by New York Times bestseller and staff writer at The Atlantic. Participants will receive a free copy of the book upon registration. –