Location: Historic McAdams Park (1329 E. 16th St. N., Wichita, KS 67214) / (Check-in & Parade Route: 13th Street to McAdams Park and will start at Holy Savior Catholic Academy)

The Juneteenth ICT Parade is an annual celebration during Juneteenth in Wichita, where everyone come together to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. Individuals and organizations will be able to purchase armbands if they wish to participate in the parade. More details on the check-in and parade route will be available on the Juneteenth ICT website.

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About Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863.

In less than 50 years post-slavery and reconstruction, ex-slaves migrated to the mid-west regions of America. This is also known as the Exodusters movement/great migration. This resulted in many African Americans relocating to states such as Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri for greater opportunities, land purchase, and work.

Juneteenth has been celebrated in Wichita Kansas as early as the 1900’s when blacks would celebrate what they considered to be their Independence Day. Juneteenth celebrations included song, story readings, food, and dance.

Juneteenth celebrations have evolved into outward celebrations consisting of uplifting themes, parades, live dramas, art shows, poetry jams, panel discussions, unity initiatives among all ethnicities, and more.

For more information, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034.

Cosponsored with Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership, Office of Engagement, Juneteenth ICT, Community Operations Recovery Empowerment, Kansas Health Foundation and more