Juneteenth Celebration

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Join us for the second annual Juneteenth Celebration at the museum. Connect with activities, music, dance, demonstrations, art, and history.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth is an abbreviation of “June nineteenth” and honors the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865—a date two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. While Missouri announced emancipation on January 11, 1865, today, Missouri, Kansas, and 39 other states recognize Juneteenth as the official day of remembrance. The history of freedom and equal rights after emancipation is a long and complex one; indeed, that history is still being written. Juneteenth recognizes this, while celebrating the enduring and ongoing contributions of African Americans.

Performances and Presentations

Prelude Piano Music

10–10:30 a.m. Kirkwood Hall, Plaza Level, Nelson-Atkins Building | Pianist Elijah Thomas plays musical selections followed by an inaugural number for the Opening Program.

Opening Program

10:30–11:30 a.m. Kirkwood Hall, Plaza Level, Nelson-Atkins Building

Begin the day with welcoming remarks by local dignitaries including Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II and Makeda Peterson, Chairperson of the Planning Committee for JuneteenthKC, honoring the legacy of her father, founder of JuneteenthKC and the Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City Horace M. Peterson III. Glenn North, nationally recognized poet, presents a special reading inspired by the Emancipation Proclamation. Charlotte Fletcher of Charlotte Fletcher & Soigné sings the powerful Lift Every Voice and Sing. The Kansas City Boys Choir, the Kansas City Girls Choir, and the Summer Choral Institute will sing inspirational selections. 

Story Telling

11:30–11:50 a.m., Gallery L5, Bloch Building

Professional storyteller and educator Tracy Milsap shares stories of the African American experience.

The Kansas City Boys Choir and the Kansas City Girls Choir

11:45–12:15 p.m. & 1–1:30 p.m. Kirkwood Hall, Plaza Level, Nelson-Atkins Building

Enjoy musical selections including the inspirational Rise Up!, under the direction of Ah’Lee Robinson.

Special Presentation featuring Artist, Mr. Ed Dwight

FREE tickets available at Info Desk, Bloch Lobby

12:15–12:45 p.m., Atkins Auditorium | Ed Dwight and curator Stephanie Knappe have a conversation about Dwight’s personal story, along with the recent Juneteenth-inspired monument, TheTexas African American Historical Memorial.

Spoken Word

Gallery L5, Lobby Level, Bloch Building

1–1:15 p.m. | Nationally recognized poet Glenn North presents an original work in response to Kehinde Wiley’s Saint Adrian and other selections.

1:30–2 p.m. | Sheri “Purpose” Hall, poet, author, ordained minister, and activist presents work relating to the tradition of visual and performing artists bucking the system by challenging their environments. The audience will be invited to contribute to a collaborative word poem.

The Amber Underwood Project

12:45–1:30 p.m., Bloch Lobby | Enjoy a musical performance led by jazz flautist Amber Underwood including drum, keyboard, guitar, and vocals.

Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey Dance Performance1:45-2:15 p.m. Atkins Auditorium | Enjoy dynamic dances under the choreography of Tyrone Aiken.

The Charlie Parker Memorial Foundation Jazz Ensemble

2:15–2:45 p.m. Kirkwood Hall, Plaza Level, Nelson-Atkins Building

Young musicians will share their jazz repertoire under the direction of Greg Richter and Joe Straws Jr.

Music & Kansas City 2Step Showcase

2:30–3 p.m., Bloch Lobby | Enjoy the rhythmic sounds of DJ Joe.

3–3:20 p.m. | 2Step Showcase

3:20–4 p.m. Free Dancing | DJ Joe accompanies De Barker from the Big Step Off 2018 with dancers from the Kansas City 2Step community followed by free dancing.

Artist Demonstrations

Gullah Basket Weavers

11 a.m. & 1 p.m. | Guests may take a turn at weaving.

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Bloch Lobby | Gullah basket weavers from South Carolina share their signature basket weaving styles.

NedRa Bonds

10 a.m.–Noon, Bloch Lobby | Local, award-winning textile artist NedRa Bonds discusses her quilts and the intriguing stories of African American lives they tell.

Michael Toombs

Noon–2 p.m., Bloch Lobby | Local muralist Michael Toombs discusses his painting, created specifically for Juneteenth, which also is the Juneteenth coloring page.

Anthony High

Noon–2 p.m., Bloch Lobby | Local artist and instructor at the museum demonstrates printing on a mobile press.

Ongoing Activities | 10 a.m. –4 p.m. except where noted

Traveling Trunk of Black Inventors & Innovators

Classroom 5, Nelson-Atkins Building

Explore African American innovations on display by the Black Inventors and Innovators. The film Kansas City Dreamin’ Music in Shadows: A Film by Diallo Javonne French will be screened on the hour.

The Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City

Classroom 4, Nelson-Atkins Building

View historical photographs highlighting African Americans in times of war presented by Geri Sanders, Black Archives Archivist.

Discussions with Museum GuidesGallery L5, Bloch BuildingLearn about the cultural and historical significance of the Mound Magician by Radcliffe Bailey.

Art Activities

Lens 2, Bloch Building

Art activity inspired by Kehinde Wiley’s work. Add your personal touch to a special Juneteenth coloring page created by local artist, Michael Toombs.

Drop-in Reading Event

1–4 p.m., Spencer Art Reference Library, Level 2, Bloch Building

Drop in for story times and view a display of materials about African American artists and history.

Food for Purchase

11 a.m.–4 p.m., Rozzelle Court Restaurant

House-smoked BBQ and freshly made lemonade by Chef Marcus Locke of American Dining Creations and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Sample favorites from Magnolia’s on the Move Southern Cuisine outside the Bloch Plaza entrance.

PROGRAM DETAILS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

The second annual Juneteenth Celebration is generously funded by J.E. Dunn and Honorary Committee leaders Sharon and John Hoffman.

The members and volunteers of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, whose support makes festivals like this possible.

The museum is grateful to JuneteenthKC Director Makeda Peterson and textile artist, Sonié Joi Thompson-Ruffin for their partnership and collaboration. JuneteenthKC was brought to Kansas City in 1980 by Horace Peterson, founder and first director of the Black Archives of Mid-America.