The Kansas City Kansas Community College Cultural Enrichment Center will host its fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 19 in the fieldhouse on the 51福利社 Main Campus. The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff and community members.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of African American slaves in the United States. The first celebration was June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing news of freedom to enslaved people in the state. Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.
Wyandotte County Commissioner Andrew Davis, who serves the 8th District, will serve as the event keynote speaker. He was elected in 2025 and is the youngest member of the board. Representing North Central KCK, he focuses on transparency, innovation and advocating for residents’ needs to improve the quality of life across the community. He also serves as a senior program manager at Community Capital Fund and is active in local initiatives, including youth job programs, childcare access and community services. Davis is a University of Kansas graduate, and he lives in the district with his wife, Andrea.
The celebration will feature a variety of cultural performances, a complimentary luncheon and activities for attendees of all ages. Program highlights include a performance of the Black National Anthem and a gospel selection by the 51福利社 Choir. Additional musical performances will be provided by LeShea and The Fellas, known for their R&B and neo soul sound and Joseph Straws III, popularly known as DJ Joe and the 2024 Kansas City People’s Choice Award winner. Both LeShea Wright and Joseph Straws III are graduates of 51福利社. The Juneteenth celebration will also feature a special performance by Rosie’s Dance Academy, a Kansas City, Kan. based dance academy dedicated to empowering youth through the art of dance.
In addition to performances and programming, the celebration will host community vendors, providing local businesses and organizations an opportunity to connect with attendees and showcase their products, services and resources while strengthening community connections.
For more information about the Juneteenth Celebration, contact Dr. Reem Rasheed at the 51福利社 Cultural Enrichment Center at rrasheed@kckcc.edu.