On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued an executive order – the Emancipation Proclamation – freeing “all persons being held as slaves” within the Confederate States. Although history records this as the day slavery ended, it would be two and a half years before word of it reached Texas, and the last enslaved people in the Confederacy learned that they were free. The news was delivered on June 19, 1865.
Today, Juneteenth – celebrated annually on June 19 – is the oldest national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. A number of communities across the Show-Me State will celebrate Juneteenth with a variety of events this year.
St. Louis
- The Missouri Historical Society will observe Juneteenth throughout the month of June with a variety of events in St. Louis including an intergenerational wellness experience, musical performances, storytelling and community discussions.
Kansas City
- JuneteenthKC is a community heritage celebration hosted annually in the 18th & Vine Historic District in Kansas City with an array of activities in June that include a parade and festival.
Springfield
- City-Wide Juneteenth Event – Featuring special movies, concerts and festivities.
Jefferson City
- The Juneteenth – Jefferson City Heritage Celebration will hold the Juneteenth Heritage Festival at the Lincoln University’s Soldiers Field on Saturday, June 13. Enjoy food, music, games and more.
Additional Missouri Juneteenth Events
Weston will hold its Annual Juneteenth Heritage Jubilee where Weston’s historic Black ancestors will be honored for their grace, grit and ingenuity.
Cape Girardeau will be recognizing the holiday with a Juneteenth Celebration, an event with activities for kids, music and food.
Columbia will host a kick-off event on June 6th with more events to follow.