June 15, 2022Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Juneteenth 2022

By James Roberts & Abigail Hammack

What is Juneteenth?

Nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln, the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas were informed of their freedom.

Though the proclamation was signed in 1863, federal troops traveled to Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, to ensure enslaved individuals in the area were released (the 13th Amendment was then adopted in December of 1865, which formally abolished slavery in the law).

The celebration that followed this significant day in Galveston, sometimes called 鈥淓mancipation Day,鈥� has now become the day we recognize as the end of legal slavery in the United States.

While 2022 marks the 157th year that Juneteenth has been celebrated 鈥� it is now the second year it has been recognized as a Federal Holiday. At the PPMC we are committed to honoring Juneteenth and learning the complicated history of our nation.

The mission of Juneteenth is the celebration of emancipation and the continued work to cultivate and seek freedom. Shannette Garrett-Scott鈥檚 2013 essay, is a good resource for anyone seeking to better understand Juneteenth鈥檚 legacy in African American history and American history as a whole.

How to Celebrate Locally

  • JuneteenthICT Parade: The parade starts at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 18 from Holy Savior Catholic Academy to McAdams Park where the all-day JuneteenthICT celebration will occur.
    • The parade is co-sponsored by 黑洞社区鈥檚 Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership, and Office Engagement.
    • Find more info here
  • JuneteenthICT: This is Wichita鈥檚 official Juneteenth celebration hosted by CORE (Community Operations Recovery Empowerment Inc.) and presented by the Kansas Health Foundation. The event has a variety of activities over the weekend of June 17-20 from live music and art to cook off competitions and the annual parade.
    • Event attendance requires a wristband. Get yours throughout the weekend or prior to June 17 at Mulberry Art Gallery or Jenny Dawn Cellars
  • Juneteenth Street Party: Join the Tallgrass Film Association, Wichita Community Foundation, and the Kansas African American Museum on Sunday, June 19th at the Historic Dunbar Theater for a free street party and outdoor screening of the original Space Jam.
  • TKAAM: Plan a visit to the Kansas African American Museum anytime!

Learn More about Juneteenth or Find Celebration Ideas