Juneteenth ICT

JuneteenthICT

the Official Wichita KS Celebration

The celebration will take place Saturday, June 12 through Sunday, June 20, 2021.

Become a JuneteenthICT Sponsor

Sponsorship Packages Here.

Take advantage of the

Early Bird Vendor Special Here.

The last day to sign up at the discounted rate is April 1.

History

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863.

In less than 50 years post-slavery and reconstruction, ex-slaves migrated to the mid-west regions of America. This is also known as the Exodusters movement/great migration. This resulted in many African Americans relocating to states such as Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri for greater opportunities, land purchase, and work.

Juneteenth has been celebrated in Wichita Kansas as early as the 1900’s when blacks would celebrate what they considered to be their Independence Day. Juneteenth celebrations included song, story readings, food, and dance.

Juneteenth celebrations have evolved into outward celebrations consisting of uplifting themes, parades, live dramas, art shows, poetry jams, panel discussions, unity initiatives among all ethnicities, and more.

Finalized Schedule Coming Soon

Saturday, June 12

Books & Breakfast Program Schedule

10 am-Noon or until supplies last

Program contact Tadonne Neal

Monday, June 14

Tuesday, June 15

Wednesday, June 16

Thursday, June 17

All JuneteenthICT Weekend Activities

will take place at McAdams Park

Friday, June 18

Senior Bruch

*Closed program for select senior centers

program contact Briget Young

Evening Programming

Sounds of Juneteenth ICT

Saturday, June 19

Juneteenth ICT Parade, Celebration & Education

at McAdams Park

7 am

Wichita Athletics Jamboree at McAdams Park! Join the Wichita Athletics Track Club for the 2nd annual Wichita Athletics Jamboree 2 Mile Run/Walk. Health and wellness is a value of the African American community.

Questions or to learn more contact John Wright Wichita Athletics Track Club

10 am

Juneteenth ICT Parade

Sponsored by the Wichita State University

Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Kids Corner

Sponsored by Wichita Public Schools USD 259

Come join us for a session filled with fun, education, and community building.

7 PM

Juneteenth ICT Concert

Sunday, June 20

Virtual Church Service

4th Annual Father’s Day Recognition