Johnson County Kansas
Juneteenth in JoCo
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth has been celebrated throughout the United States for more than a century. It has included festivities such as this parade in St. Augustine, Florida in 1922.
The end of slavery in the United States
Juneteenth is a recognition and celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. A combination of the terms “June” and “nineteenth,” this holiday – taking place on June 19 – marks the date in which Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865, ensuring the freedom of all enslaved people in the state.
The arrival of the troops came two months after General Robert E. Lee surrendered in Appomattox, Virginia. Two years earlier, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Texas became the last Southern state to be formally notified of the president’s action that freed all enslaved people in Confederate states.
The 13th Amendment abolishing slavery was ratified on Dec. 6, 1865. The following year, the first celebration of “Jubilee Day” on June 19 was organized in Texas, which is now known as Juneteenth.
Juneteenth as an official holiday
Juneteenth has been an annual celebration across the country, and it became a national holiday in 2021. Last October, the Board of County Commissioners also made it a county holiday, approving it unanimously. In 2022, it was recognized by Johnson County for the first time, on Monday, June 20, since June 19 fell on a Sunday.
Juneteenth was first celebrated as a state holiday in Texas in 1980, as “Jubilee Day.” Forty-one years later, in 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday.
2024 Juneteenth Celebration
Johnson County Government held its third annual Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 19, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Lenexa Civic Campus Commons (17101 W. 87th St, Lenexa). The theme of this year's event was "The Jubilee of Juneteenth: Celebrating a Legacy of Freedom."
The program included keynote speaker Glenn North, emcee Steve Arledge, live music from the Louis Neal Big Band with vocalist Lisa Henry, a Roller Dance Performance by SK8SHOT Studios.
During the event, Board of County Commissioners Chair Mike Kelly provided comments and presented a proclamation for Juneteenth. The event also honored the memory of past emcee, Nathan Louis Jackson.
Black History in JoCo
Corinthian Nutter and the integration of Johnson County schools
Before Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education, a little known but equally ground-breaking ruling occurred in Johnson County District Court. Corinthian Nutter was a key witness in Webb vs. School District 90, which led to the integration of Johnson County schools.
The legendary coaching career of Sonny Maynard
Maynard was the first Black coach at Johnson County Community College. As JCCC grew in enrollment and expanded academically, Maynard enjoyed great success as the Cavaliers baseball coach for 14 seasons. During that time, he collected 504 wins.
When George Washington Carver came to Olathe
Born in Missouri, black scientist and inventor George Washington Carver has ties to Olathe, Kan. Researchers believe Carver attended what was known as the Old Rock School, part of his nomadic quests for an education while school segregation was the norm.
The McCallops' community legacy
The McCallop family has a long legacy, beginning with Harrison fighting with the Union Army in 1863. His son, Robert, would go on to start the first school bus service in Johnson County in 1934, ensuring African American children could get to school during the week.
Luella Johnson and the struggle for equality
The fight for educational rights dates back to the 19th century, when parents and students pushed for equal access to local schools. Third-grader Luella Johnson of Olathe was one of them, winning her case in Johnson County District Court in 1890.
Donald Sewing’s efforts to integrate Johnson County neighborhoods
Donald Sewing's family was one of the first Black families to move into northeast Johnson County. A real estate agent himself, Sewing spent his career integrating other suburban neighborhoods, helping Black families purchase homes in Merriam, Prairie Village and Leawood.
Johnson County Museum's Redlined Digital Exhibition
The Johnson County Museum's new digital exhibition, “REDLINED: Cities, Suburbs, and Segregation,” is set to debut at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center's Juneteenth celebration on June 8. This innovative online exhibition delves into the complex history of redlining and its profound impact on Johnson County and the broader region.
Originally a physical special exhibit at the Johnson County Museum, “REDLINED” offers visitors a comprehensive journey through the origins, evolution, and enduring consequences of redlining. Utilizing content and images from the original exhibit, the digital version offers an engaging and accessible platform to delve into this important topic.
Library Reading Lists
The Johnson County Library has compiled several reading lists with books about Juneteenth, including the history of the holiday, the impact of slavery and the experiences of the African-American community. Explore the library's selections for a wide variety of age groups, hand-picked by librarians.
Juneteenth in Picture Books
Courtesy of Leah Payne, Information Specialist, explore a collection of picture books with information about Juneteenth and the impact of slavery.
Juneteenth for Teens
Courtesy of Kate McNair, Teen Services Coordinating Librarian, view library selections on the topic of Juneteenth and its history, geared toward teen readers.
Celebrate Juneteenth with Your Little Ones
Courtesy of Emma Fernhout, Youth Information Specialist, these early literature selections are perfect for parents to discuss Juneteenth with their young children.
Juneteenth National Independence Day
Courtesy of Becky Carlton, Youth Information Specialist, this general library list is a good starting point for learning more about Juneteenth.
Juneteenth for Kids
Courtesy of Chris Koppenhaver, Youth Information Specialist, this book list features literature for elementary-age kids that delves into Juneteenth and the history and meaning behind the holiday.
Juneteenth - Johnson County Library Book Group Selections 2022
Courtesy of Gregg Winsor, Reference Librarian, see how librarians are celebrating Juneteenth with these June picks for their book groups, all about the African-American experience.