It’s Juneteenth, and in Topeka, the celebrations have been vibrant and heartfelt. Parades and pageants delicately planned for the community filled the streets, with bright colors waving proudly as the procession circled the beautiful Capitol building. Families, friends, and neighbors gathered together to honor a historic day that signifies freedom. It’s been a beautiful display of unity and togetherness.
But amid the joy, I can’t help but ask—do we really understand why we are celebrating?
We know, generally, that Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Specifically, it marks June 19, 1865, the day Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform the last remaining enslaved people of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
This moment in history has shaped the very soul of America. Yet, when we examine how long it took for Kansas to officially recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, it raises concerns.
Topeka first began observing Juneteenth in the late 1970s and early 1980s, thanks to the efforts of a single community member, Jimmy Bullocks—105 years after the original event. And it wasn’t until 2023, 158 years after that pivotal day in Galveston, that Kansas finally passed legislation making Juneteenth a state holiday. Governor Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2341, but the bill never received a vote; it didn’t even make it out of committee. This, despite Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday in 2021.
Kansas was not the first, not even among the first ten, but the 29th state to recognize Juneteenth at the state level. And while we are certainly not the last, we must ask ourselves—why so late?
This delay is especially striking when you consider Topeka’s historic role in civil rights. The landmark Brown v. Board of Education case—fought and won right here—ended legal segregation in public schools and reshaped the American education system. Given that legacy, you’d think Kansas would be at the forefront of celebrating Juneteenth—a day that laid the foundation for that very movement.
If we are to continue striving for equality and justice, we must recognize and reflect on where we’ve been, how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go. Celebrating Juneteenth is not just about the past—it’s about the present and future. It’s about honoring freedom, yes, but also about asking the hard questions, acknowledging delays in progress, and committing to doing better.
This is not about blame. It’s about awareness. Unity. Responsibility. Progress.
We, together, as a community, have the power to move forward—not just on the steps of the Capitol during a parade, but in our schools, workplaces, and everyday lives.
History is unfolding every day.
Let’s keep pushing for impact and greatness by living our values, recognizing the significance of days like Juneteenth, and continuing to make space for equity, justice, and togetherness.
Celebrate with meaning.
Footnote:
In 2023, Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday in Kansas. However, House Bill 2341, which would have formally codified the holiday into law, was introduced but never advanced out of committee. While Kansas began observing Juneteenth officially via executive order, the bill itself did not receive a vote in the legislature. This distinction underscores the symbolic versus legislative progress of honoring Juneteenth in the state.
