Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19th and is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was officially issued in 1863, it was not until 1865 that it was announced in Texas – and the first recorded celebration on record took place in 1866. Since then, celebrations and festivals have grown and are now seen in nearly all major U.S. cities.
Each year in Wichita, Juneteenth ICT hosts a week-long celebration of community events – however, this year’s festivities have been impacted by COVID-19 and most will be virtual.
The entire schedule for Juneteenth ICT 2020 can be found here. All virtual sessions and panels will be streamed live on the Juneteenth ICT Facebook page.
Juneteenth Events in Wichita
Saturday, June 13
Books & Breakfast To-Go – 10am
Tuesday, June 15
Holy Savior & HealthCore Clinic present COVID-19 Testing
Back-to-School Drive (drop off school supplies at the following locations June 15-30)
- Wichita Cheesecake Company 701 E. Douglas
- Simply Beautiful Hair Salon 4033 N. Woodlawn
- Shock Shop Barbershop 3936 E. 13th St.
Wednesday, June 17
The Culture of Juneteenth presented by The Kansas African American Museum – 1:30pm
Thursday, June 18
First Cup: Juneteenth ICT presented by W – A Community of Young Professionals and Wichita Urban Professionals – 9:30am (register here)
The Intersection of Substance Use and Mental Health: The Importance of Community Voice in Addressing Substance Use Disorders in the African American Community presented by Safe Streets – 4pm
Kansas Sisters and Brothers for Healthy Infants presents Birth Equity: Black Voice Matters – 6pm
Friday, June 19
Black Wall Street Discussion with artist Chris Rodgers hosted by W – A Community of Young Professionals and Wichita Urban Professionals– 9:30am (register here)
State of Youth Address hosted by Progeny – 11am
Re-Defining Blackness presents “GLORIOUS” – 2:30pm
Juneteenth ICT Fundraiser to Benefit CORE hosted by Hopping Gnome Brewing Company – 3pm
Sounds of Juneteenth ICT – 6pm
Saturday, June 20
Juneteenth ICT Parade presented by the Wichita State University Office of Diversity and Inclusion – 10am
Panel Discussion Black & Covid – Noon-1:15pm
Sunday, June 21
3rd Annual Father’s Day Recognition
