Juneteenth 2021
Words by: Maggie Laubscher | Music by: Abby Yemm
It’s Juneteenth, Nellies. The day -- now an official federal holiday -- commemorates the end of slavery in our country. It was on June 19, 1865, when news of the Civil War’s end reached the final group of enslaved Americans.
This year, Kansas City voted to make Juneteenth a paid holiday for city workers. And it’s now an official U.S. holiday, signed into law by President Biden.
This is wonderful progress, but of course there is still work to be done. Race Project KC posted a helpful summary of thoughts on the new holiday. It also put it plainly when it wrote, “White folks, let’s be mindful of how we “celebrate” and continue to do the work.”
Some ways to do the work include:
Listen - Some of our go-to podcasts are filled with insight and learning, while being binge-worthy. Try Dear Culture, Still Processing, and Code Switch.
Read - The barrage of reading lists that circulated last summer may have been on-trend, but they were also true, helpful and extremely impactful. Just because summer 2020 is in the past doesn’t mean we can stop reading. Order your next book from Bliss Books. Here are some suggestions.
Donate - Give Black KC is a phenomenal local nonprofit invests in Black-led organizations.
Beyond that, there are indeed several local happenings for Juneteenth. If you are in the mood, here are some options:
All Black Everything Party | Jun 18, 6-9pm @ Union Station | $20-150
A live concert w/rapper K Camp to kick off the weekend festivities.
Juneteenth Fitness Day | Jun 19, 9:30-11am @ The Nelle | $20
Enjoy ‘Warm Up Flow’ with Mekhala Yoga, followed by ‘Box 2 the Beat’ led by Phylicia Phillips and ending with ‘Cool Down Flow’ back with Mekhala.
JuneteenthKC | Jun 19, 12-9pm @ 18th & Vine Jazz District | Free
JuneteenthKC Cultural Heritage Festival is hosting more than 150 vendors, live performances and all-ages activities, such as face painting. Get there at the start to catch the gospel show, which runs 12-2pm.
Kansas City Juneteenth Celebration | Jun 19, 12-9pm @ Blue Hills Park | Free
The 13th Annual Juneteenth Celebration runs tomorrow and will showcase local artists, a car & bike show, bounce houses and line dancing.
‘The Last Dance’ Stepper Challenge | Jun 19, 6-8pm @ KC Juke House | $20
This 2-hour stepping contest allows entries by couples, with a grand prize of $500. It’s hosted by Tony Keith with music by DJ Foots.
Testimony: African American Artists Collective | Jun 5 2021 - Mar 27 2022 @ Nelson-Atkins | Free
This exhibition highlights Kansas-City based African American Artists Collective. It embodies the reciprocal powers of authentically speaking one’s truth and being called to stand in witness.
An Abby Yemm playlist for you…
A playlist created by Abby Yemm
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