### Celebrating Juneteenth: A Spotlight on Kansas City’s Rich Cultural Heritage
**Explore how Kansas City commemorates Juneteenth through events like the Juneteenth Performance at Kemper Museum and the Midtown Makers Market. This article showcases local community involvement in celebrating freedom and culture.**
—
Juneteenth, a pivotal date in American history marking the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey towards equality and freedom. Kansas City, a hub of cultural richness, embraces this historic day with a vibrant celebration that highlights local artists, businesses, and the community.
**Juneteenth Performance at Kemper Museum**
On June 20, the Kemper Museum will host a special event featuring acclaimed jazz flautist [Amber Underwood](https://www.flutienastiness.com/) and her energetic band, *Flutienastiness*, alongside the powerhouse vocalist [Paula Saunders](https://www.paulasaundersmusic.com/) and her band, *SoulPatrol*. This collaboration aims to honor African American history and cultural contributions through music.
Visitors are encouraged to come early from **10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.** to explore the museum’s current exhibitions, including *Stan Douglas: Metronome* and *Riffs on Real Time*. The celebratory performance will showcase local talent and create an atmosphere of joy as a tribute to the resilience and artistic spirit of the Black community. With seating available on a first-come, first-served basis, early arrival is recommended for those wishing to enjoy this unique performance experience.
For those wanting to plan their visit, [Kemper Museum](https://www.kemperart.org/location-and-directions) offers free parking and details on how to reach their venue. Memberships are available to support the museum’s free programming, allowing everyone to participate in this cultural celebration.
**Midtown Makers Market: Juneteenth Jamboree with KC Black Owned**
Also on June 20, the Midtown Makers Market will host the *Juneteenth Jamboree*, offering a lively atmosphere filled with local businesses, food, music, and community spirit. From **5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.**, attendees can gather at 211 W Armour Blvd for an uplifting evening celebrating Black-owned businesses.
This event, organized in collaboration with [KC Black Owned](https://www.kcblackowned.com/), aims to highlight small businesses and foster community connections through a festival-like atmosphere. Guests can indulge in delicious offerings from food trucks such as [Urban Food Truck](https://urbanontroost.com/food-truck-menu) and [Sweet Peaches Cobbler](https://sweetpeachescobblers.com/food-truck/), enjoy music by [DJ Q](https://www.instagram.com/djq_kc/?hl=en), and explore various local vendors. Admission is free, and participants are encouraged to bring family and friends to enjoy a memorable day filled with shopping, cultural appreciation, and community engagement.
—
Kansas City’s Juneteenth celebrations are a testament to the city’s dedication to honoring its rich cultural heritage while promoting the importance of community involvement and support for local Black-owned businesses. Whether through musical performances at the Kemper Museum or vibrant markets showcasing local entrepreneurs, these events exemplify the joyous spirit of freedom and resilience, inviting all to celebrate together. Join in the festivities and be part of a meaningful tradition that strengthens community ties and uplifts cultural identity.