Join us for Johnson County Government's fourth annual Juneteenth celebration on Thursday, June 19. The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Lenexa Civic Campus Commons, 17101 W. 87th St, Lenexa.

This year’s theme is “Milestones of Freedom: Celebrating 160 years of Progress.” The program will include the following:

• Keynote speaker Victor Webb, whose parents fought school segregation in Merriam. The efforts led to a landmark 1949 Kansas Supreme Court decision in their favor. A mural at the Merriam Plaza library honors the Webbs and their 10 children, including Victor.
• Poet and writer Steve Arledge, who will be the master of ceremonies.
• Musical performances by the Kansas City Boys and Girls Choir as well as the James Ward Band with Piaget Long.
• A roller-dance performance by SK8SHOT Studios, back from last year’s Juneteenth event.
• A proclamation honoring Juneteenth in Johnson County, presented by Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly.

Activities especially for children are also planned, beginning at 4 p.m. Read the bios of some of this year’s event participants.

New this year, you can preorder a Juneteenth t-shirt to wear to the event and then keep as a memento and wardrobe staple! Order at jocogov.myspreadshop.com.

Visit jocogov.org/juneteenth to learn more about the importance of Juneteenth and the various ways you can honor the day throughout the county and KC metro.

Photos: Victor Webb (top left), Piaget Long (top center), SK8SHOT (top right), James Ward Band (bottom row)