Free festival | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art joins JuneteenthKC in commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States with a day of visual and literary arts, music, entertainment, and education.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth is an abbreviation of “June nineteenth.” It commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865. The history of freedom and equal rights after emancipation is a long and complex one; indeed, that history is still being written today. Juneteenth recognizes this ongoing struggle while celebrating the enduring contributions of African Americans.
Festival events include:
Visual Arts: Learn about selected objects in the museum’s collection including "Mound Magician" by Radcliff Bailey, "Goodnight Irene" by Charles Wilbert White, and "Saint Adrian" by Kehinde Wiley. Demonstrations by artists Paul Anthony Smith, NedRa Bonds, Michael Toombs, Lynette Youson and the Gullah Basket Weavers from South Carolina.
Special presentation by Renée Stout, internationally recognized artist.
Literary Arts and Education: Storytelling by Tracey Millsap, spoken word by poet Glenn North, and talks by historian Dr. Delia Gillis. Explore the Traveling Trunk of Black Inventors & Innovators and the Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City.
Music & Entertainment: Live music by the Kansas City Boys Choir, Kansas City Girls Choir, The Divas, and Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey with choreography by Tyrone Aiken. Enjoy a Kansas City 2Step demonstration and FREE public dance with DJ Joe.
All activities and performances are FREE and open to the public. FREE tickets available for programs where noted. Off-site parking and shuttle service will be available at Kauffman Gardens, 4800 Rockhill Rd. from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
2017/06/10 - 2017/06/10
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
Entrance to the Parking Garage is off Oak Street, just south of 45th Street. The garage is fully ADA accessible. Parking is $14 per car | Free for members A free lot at the corner of 45th Street and Rockhill Road is available first come, first served. Public parking may not be available there during special events.