OLATHE, Kan. – Juneteenth marks Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., and residents across the Kansas City metropolitan area are celebrating.
The Olathe Indian Creek and downtown Olathe libraries in Johnson County had activities for people of all ages to reflect on why this holiday is important.
“We’re making a Juneteenth flag,” said 8-year-old Josie Felix.
The children made flags to celebrate Happy June and Freedom Day.
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Many offices are closed during the federal holiday to commemorate the true end of slavery.
“So on the days you’re free, you can come to the library, but we also provide education and ways for the community to come celebrate,” said Angela Parks, teen services manager.
Volunteers made Juneteenth buttons. There were also books on the shelves, the movie Hidden Figures on the screen, and a depiction of a historical figure by David Page.
“What are you going to do with your freedom?” He said, “Don’t take it for granted.”
Parks said Page was one of Olathe’s first black residents and business owners.
The library also hosted its first pop-up market for Black-owned businesses this June 16.
“To say it’s a ‘big deal’ would be an understatement,” said Don Person, CEO of Forever Yours Glas Etchings.
The person had a booth at the event. She reminded people of the importance of recognizing freedom.
“It’s not just another day off from work,” Person said. “You have to understand what happened to get to this point. If we do not know our history, we will make the same mistakes of the past.”
Nonprofit KC United and Mayor Tyrone Garner celebrated June 16 at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
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It became a federal holiday in 2021. In October of last year, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly officially declared Juneteenth a state holiday. She issued annual proclamations recognizing it since 2020.
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“When you talk about forming a more perfect union, we’re slowly progressing in that direction,” Garner said, “and I really think what we’re seeing in the great state of Kansas exemplifies that, recognizing Juneteenth as something special.”
The eighth annual Juneteenth celebration at the Nelson Atkins Museum will be held Thursday. Find more information here.
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