Reflecting on the Manhattan Kansas Juneteenth 2024:
Honoring Our Past Shaping Our Future
This past June, the Manhattan Kansas community came together for an unforgettable Juneteenth celebration, honoring our past and shaping our future. With a week filled with dynamic events and activities, this year’s Juneteenth was not just a commemoration but a vibrant showcase of culture, history, and unity.
Fashion, Flavor, and Fun: The Kick-Off Events
The festivities began on Thursday, June 13th, with the Juneteenth Fashion Show, a stunning collaboration with Styled by Lydia. This event paid homage to the rich history of Black fashion, taking us on a journey through time with styles that have shaped cultural narratives across generations.
Friday, June 14th, turned up the heat with our Grilling Contest. The community gathered to test and taste the best BBQ in the area, and the competition was fierce! With smoky aromas filling the air, this event brought everyone together in friendly competition, with one thing in common—our love for great food.
A Night of Music Under the Stars
The highlight of the weekend was the Juneteenth Arts in the Park Concert on Friday night. The Norvell Band Shell was alive with music, headlined by none other than Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist Regina Belle. Her soulful performance was even more special with guest Chris Walker joining her on stage, creating an evening of unforgettable duets and musical magic. The concert was more than just entertainment; it was a powerful expression of the cultural and artistic contributions of Black artists.
Fitness, Fellowship, and Festivities
On Saturday, June 15th, we kicked off the morning with the Juneteenth Fitness Experience hosted by The Fitness Experience. The day began with the Run for Unity 5K, a fun walk/run that brought together participants of all ages, followed by a series of energizing fitness activities including yoga, boot camp, MixxedFit, Zumba, and an African fitness dance class. For the athletes in the community, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament rounded out the morning’s events, creating a perfect blend of fitness and fun.
Later in the day, we held our Proclamation Ceremony followed by the Unity Walk, a symbolic event that brought the community together in a powerful display of solidarity. The walk led into our Community Festival at Douglass Park, where the energy was high and the fun was endless. With a variety of vendors, kids’ activities, free food, music provided by DJ Big Smoov, and tons of activities such as a 360 video photo booth by your Unforgettable, the festival was a true celebration of community and culture.
A Time for Reflection and Worship
The week wrapped up with two meaningful events. On Sunday, June 16th, our Day of Worship brought together multiple historically Black churches from the area, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual reflection among attendees. Then, on Wednesday, June 19th, we observed the official Juneteenth holiday with a Day of Reflection. Community members were encouraged to wear their Juneteenth t-shirts as they went about their day, taking time to reflect on the significance of the holiday and the progress we continue to strive for.
Throughout the entire week, from June 13th to 19th, we encouraged everyone to support Black-owned businesses by visiting the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills member directory. It was a powerful way to celebrate economic empowerment and uplift the local Black business community.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the events of this year’s Juneteenth, we are filled with gratitude for the overwhelming support and participation from the Manhattan Kansas community. This week-long celebration was not just about looking back but also about looking forward—shaping a future that honors our past and embraces the richness of our shared heritage. We’re already looking forward to next year, and we hope to see even more of you there as we continue to grow and strengthen our community together.
Thank you for making Manhattan Kansas Juneteenth 2024 a resounding success!
