The Black Arts Festival, Family Services Institute, The Community Voice, and the City of Wichita are partnering to sponsor Juneteenth Celebration 2000.
Juneteenth is a cultural celebration of growing popularity that recognizes the independence of slaves. Although actually freed by the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the word did not reach Texas slaves until two years later, between June 13 and 19. Since 1865, former slaves and their descendants have celebrated Juneteenth as a time of liberation.
The Juneteenth Celebration 2000 will be held in McAdams Park during most daylight hours between 7:00 PM on June 16 and 9:00 PM on Sunday, June 18. Several activities are planned, including basketball and tennis tournaments, motivational speakers, fashion shows, story tellers, health screening, and gospel and blues concerts. In addition, food vendors and exhibitors will also be on hand.
Assignment Editors: A complete Juneteenth Celebration 2000 media packet is available in the City Manager’s Office, 455 N. Main, 67202. (It is too large to fax!).