Mark Juneteenth in Downtown Springfield
June 13, 2023
In January 1863, the Thirteenth Amendment legally freed the enslaved in Confederate states. However, this freedom was not implemented immediately as the speed of information was slow. It would take nearly two and a half years before Union troops would arrive in Galveston Bay, Texas (the westernmost confederate state) and announce that the enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day, June 19, 1865 would be known as Juneteenth.
Today, Juneteenth is still celebrated on June 19 — now as a federal holiday. Springfield will also be marking the occasion with events the weekend preceding. Join the Springfield community in honoring this important day and acknowledging the work that is still needed for everyone to be truly be free.
“We are One” Juneteenth Celebration
June 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Springfield Expo Center, 635 E St. Louis St.
Join NAACP of Springfield and Community Partnership of the Ozarks for the first city-wide Juneteenth weekend festival! As Springfield continues to strive towards equity and inclusion for the BIPOC community, it is only fitting to celebrate this important holiday in the best way possible.
Juneteenth 5K Freedom Walk/Run
June 17, 8 a.m. at Jordan Valley Park, 635 E. Trafficway
Get your tennis on and race to the finish line, while reflecting on your freedoms and celebrating the freedoms that have been achieved up until today. Participants of all ages will get T-shirts and swag bag items, while being able to compete for awards. Packet Pick Up and New Race Registration runs from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. in Jordan Valley Park. The Walk/Run will begin at 8 a.m. and the Awards Ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. If you just want to walk, it’s completely free! But if you would like the chance to win a medal and receive a swag bag, you will need to register on RunSignUp here.
Juneteenth Farmers Market
June 17, noon-4 p.m. at Jordan Valley Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by keeping your family organic and natural while supporting food sovereignty amongst minority communities and local farmers during Juneteenth weekend. Entry to this event is free. All food and merchandise will be at the cost set by the participating farmers. Some stands will allow EBT.
Juneteenth Parade
June 17, noon along Trafficway and Jordan Valley Park
Juneteenth needs a big celebration so the entire community is invited to participate in the Juneteenth Freedom Parade. Bands, dance troops, businesses and families — come show the community what Freedom means to you. Sign up to enter the parade by visiting https://linktr.ee/uccempowers.
Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration
June 17, 2-8 p.m. at Jordan Valley Park, 635 E. Trafficway
Join United Community Change in celebrating Juneteenth, a true day of celebration for the entire nation of the United States. There is so much to learn and gain from having the day of Freedom celebrated. Not only will the very important struggles of black minorities be highlighted, but also others who gained freedom due to the Juneteenth announcements with a Freedom Display. Enjoy FREE hot dogs, chips and water (served on a first come, first served basis). There will be vendors, business booths, bounce houses and more. It’s going to be an absolute blast!
Juneteenth Pilgrimage
June 19, noon on Park Central Square
The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of West Missouri is visiting Park Central Square on Monday, June 19 at noon to learn about the lynchings that took place on the Square on April 14, 1906 of Horace Duncan, Fred Coker & Will Allen. Missouri Faith Voices and NAACP Springfield — Religious Affairs Committee will join in on the conversation to speak about the importance of history and how the community can move upward. Church congregations & community members are invited to stand with these guests.
