Juneteenth! June 19, 1865 is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On that date, months after the Civil War ended, Union General Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and read General Order No. 3 informing the quarter of a million African Americans who were still slaves in Texas that they were free. That December, slavery in America was formally abolished with the adoption of the 13th Amendment. Juneteenth (June 19th), also referred to as “Freedom Day” has been celebrated by African Americans for the past 156 years and today we invite you and your children to celebrate our American history!

Our city was invited to participate in our Juneteenth Freedom Celebration & Poster Contest: “What Juneteenth Freedom Means to America.” Sponsored by the Prairie Village campaign to better know and welcome our neighbors.

The contest gave families an opportunity to learn together about the Juneteenth holiday, create a poster to turn in by June 14th, and celebrate together in Prairie Village with free fun family activities at Franklin Park on Saturday, June 19th.

Photo Gallery 2021

Here are a few pictures that were taken that highlight the celebration.

This was a Stand Up for Black Lives+ Prairie Village event. We thank the Prairie Village Diversity Committee, the JCNAAP and the Village Presbyterian Church, Social Witness and Advocacy Task Force.

As a partner the Prairie Village Diversity Committee provided 60% of the funding for the event and full city support.

As a partner the JCNAAP shared their name, experience and support and is reviewing sharing the cost to Stand Up.

The President of Stand Up for Black Lives+ Prairie Village, Dr George Williams welcomes the city.

Mayor Eric Mikkelson shares opening remarks and an historic proclaimation for the day.

Mr. Jay Holbert, President of the Johnson County NAACP addresses the city.

A picture of a group of the estimated 200 people who attended throughout the event.

Another picture of a group of attendees.

There were 10 vendors who were primarily African American selling various goods.

Dennis Solis, Vice President of Stand Up served as the MC.

Chief Byron Roberson of the Prairie Village Police Department shares what Juneteenth means to him.

Dr. Jameelah Lang, a professor at Rockhurst College shares her life experiences.

The group Mass Reconstruction shares a freshly minted Juneteenth Freedom Celebration song with Dr. George on the guitar, John Roberson on the drums and John Rosseau on the bass.

There was a face painting tent and an art tent with supplies for the children to create posters.

There were free hot dogs and water (donations were accepted) along with a fish dinner fundraiser by the JCNAACP.

Dr Cecilia Robinson, Professor Emeritus, at William Jewel College gave the Key Note address.

Samantha Feinberg, teacher at Shawnee Mission East and cofounder of the Race Project introduces our student speaker.

Kalya Andrews, graduate of Shawnee Mission East shares a powerful essay on identity.

DJ Jon Marzette, JITNB (Jonisthenewblk) provided the Music to fuel the fun.

A group does the traditional Cha Cha Slide.

More Cha Cha Slide.

The posters of students ages 5-12 were on display.

Trudy Williams, Destiny Costley and Inga Selders award students $100, $50 and $25 gift cards.

Picture including the Stand Up for Black Lives team- front row, left to right Samantha Feinberg, Melissa Funaro, Jamie Ledbetter Lovern, Wandra Minor, Trudy Williams, Destiny Costley, back row: Sherri Solis, Dennis Solis, Gretchen Neis, Rebecca Reece, Dr. George R. Williams (not pictured are Michael Funaro, David Muhammad and Sydney Williams) and our JCNAACP member partners.

Poster Gallery 2021

Here are a sample of select posters entered into the contest.

The poster contest was advertised through Prairie Village Elementary schools, churches and the Corinth Library.

Children ages 5-12 were eligible to particpate in the contest.

For our first year we were excited to received 20 posters. We hope to double our entries next year.

All posters were on display at the event.

Three judges awarded a first, second and third prize for each of the three age categories of 5-6, 7-9 and 10-12.

The prizes were $100 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third.

This year we were able to give all participants a $5 McDonalds gift card for their participation.

Additional poster were created at the event in the art tent for anyone who wanted to participate for pure fun!

The winners and select posters were also put on display at the R.G. Endres Art Gallery in Prairie Village Municipal Complex at 7700 Mission Road Monday through Friday from 8am till 5pm.

Here’s how your child and family can participate:
1. Please send the entry information by email TODAY to StandUpBlackLives@gmail.com. Your email address will be used to communicate further details about the event. Please include the following:
a. Parent Name:
b. Student Name:
c. Student Age:
d. School Name:

2. Learn with your child about JUNETEENTH using these resources:
a. View the JUNETEENTH video (7 minutes) by Brain POP (An animated educational website for kids): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLfRjW6RuDY Click your browser's back arrow to return to this webpage.
b. Visit this website for other learning resources: https://www.weareteachers.com/teaching-juneteenth/ Click your browser's back arrow to return to this webpage.

3. Help your child get setup to create their poster with the theme: What JUNETEENTH Means to America. Place the student’s name, age and school on the back of the poster.
a. White Foam core poster boards (20x30) are available at the Dollar Tree for $1.
b. All posters will be judged on creativity, originality, appropriateness, and relationship to the theme.
c. Posters may include but are not limited to drawing, coloring, gluing, painting, and original photos. Please remember to take a picture of your poster.
d. Poster must be student’s original work. It is the responsibility of the entrant to adhere to copyright laws.
e. Once completed please turn your poster into your school, church or no contact drop off at the door of 7801 Colonial Drive (Dr. George 913.558.9607) by June 14th.

4. Attend the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Franklin Park at Roe Ave and Somerset Drive in Prairie Village on June 19, 2021 from 11 AM to 4 PM. The program includes:
a. A short 30-minute educational and inspirational program beginning at Noon, featuring city officials, special speakers, entertainment and the Poster Contest Awards Ceremony with prizes to the top 3 in each age group: 5-6, 7-9, and 10-12.
b. All posters received will be on display.
c. Fun activities for children including the park facilities, sidewalk chalk drawing, balloon artist, face painting, music, and dance.
d. The Johnson County NAACP fundraiser will provide food for purchase including Fried Fish Dinners ($10), and Hot Dogs and Chips ($1.50).

5. Students are welcome to pick up their poster on the day of the event. STAND-Up for Black Lives + Prairie Village reserves the right to reproduce and publish any and all artwork submitted for this contest for educational, promotional and marketing use and will retain all artwork that is not picked up. Thank you.