lest we forget - Juneteenth - celebrate freedom! lawrence, kansas

Lawrence Kansas Juneteenth Organization

Our History

Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900 held in "East Woods" on East 24th Street in Austin
Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900 held in “East Woods” on East 24th Street in Austin. Credit: Austin History Center.

History of Juneteenth

On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place.

Poster featuring Macy Gray from 2023 Juneteenth in Lawrence, Kansas
Poster featuring Macy Gray from 2023 Juneteenth in Lawrence, Kansas

Past Celebrations

We’ve been fortunate to have had some wonderful past Juneteenth celebrations.