Juneteenth

Robinson had pancreatic cancer, the Sunflower State journal reported. He died Thursday.

The Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign of Weston, a small nonprofit dedicated to documenting the untold stories of Weston's Black forebears, held its first Juneteenth Heritage Jubilee in 2021. Since then, the small river town just north of Kansas City has become a destination for regional Black history.

The festival's second year kicked off this week at the Screenland Armour theater in North Kansas City. This year’s mission is to celebrate Black filmmakers from Missouri whose work explores contemporary and historical social issues.

The Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign of Weston, a small but mighty nonprofit dedicated to documenting the untold stories of Weston's Black forebears, held its first Juneteenth Heritage Jubilee in 2021. Since then, the small river town just north of Kansas City has become a destination for regional Black history.

Mayors in Kansas City and St. Louis have ordered studies into the impact of slavery and segregation on present-day inequities. Missouri had 114,931 enslaved people on the eve of the Civil War.

Events Saturday and Sunday in Kansas City celebrate the emancipation of enslaved Africans in America and provide opportunities for families to research their history.

The first ever Juneteenth Film Festival in Kansas City is this year's launching pad for African American festivities. It's part of the largest and longest running celebration of the emancipation of enslaved people in the region.

One African-American chef from Kansas City is creating a new community around food in the 18th and Vine District. Also, we hear about a Kansas City jazz singer who made waves across the nation 75 years ago for her specific type of blues.

Much of Christopher Vernon Stewart's flooring and home restoration work happens in properties that haven't been renovated since the 1970s. His goal is to "provide modern living at an affordable price for our community.”

Apartment complex gyms are often well-stocked but underused. Aja Radel and Mallory Jansen want to change that — and help people maintain healthier lifestyles in the process.

The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday brought more people to Kansas City's festival this year. Attendees and organizers hope the celebration of Black culture continues to grow.

JuneteenthKC celebrated more than 18 young women for the first annual Becoming Miss JuneteenthKC Pageant program.