Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Observed since 1866, the holiday became federal on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. It marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform the last enslaved African Americans of their freedom.

This year in Lawrence, celebrations began at 8 a.m. with the Underground Railroad Bus Tour, hosted by the Watkins Museum of History, guiding visitors to three historic sites. At 9:30 a.m., the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence debuted a 1K Fun Run along Massachusetts Street.

The annual Juneteenth Parade stepped off at 11 a.m. from Eighth Street, heading south on Massachusetts Street before festivities moved to South Park. The park featured oral history stations, a kids’ corner, food and art vendors, and booths from local organizations. Live music performances continued into the evening, filling the park with sound and celebration.

The day also included recognition of winners from the annual Juneteenth essay contest, which invited students to submit essays, poems, songs, or raps reflecting on this year’s theme: “Standing as one … Love over fear.”

From its historical tours to its vibrant performances, Lawrence’s Juneteenth celebration honored both national history and the city’s own abolitionist legacy.

Summer Reading 

• The Lawrence Public Library hosts its annual summer reading program in order to encourage reading amongst its patrons. 
• May 22 – August 6
• 71% of Free State students participated in summer reading, according to a poll on FSJ Instagram 
• 30 points earned by reading 10 books or for 30 hours

Level Up Your Kitchen Skills! With Just Food 

• Teens ages 13-18 have the opportunity to learn and improve their kitchen skills through beginner friendly courses based around a different video game each week. 
  • June 2 Stardew Valley: Tropical Curry with Coconut Rice
  • June 9 Undertale: Instant Noodles
  • June 16 Legend of Zelda: Veggie Risotto
  • June 23 Sonic the Hedgehog: Chili Dogs

After Hours Movie Madness

• July 11 Draw Along: Turning Red and July 13 Sing Along: Wicked

To Freshmen,

“Don’t stress about fitting in, you might lose some friends but you will gain valuable ones,” sophomore Nora Greeson said.

“Show up to school and don’t put off doing your assignments. I’d also prioritize making good friends that have the same interests as you,” sophomore Rosalyn Peterman said.

“Don’t be afraid to talk to people. I found that even when you think someone might not like you, they usually are extremely kind,” sophomore Claire Van Horn said.

To Sophomores,

“Don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from. And in school, get involved and have fun,” Junior Bella Bryan said

“The biggest piece of advice I’d have would be to stay on top of your class work and find ways that work for you to balance time between school, friends, family and after school activities,” Veronica Hill said.

To Juniors,

“Make sure to keep up on assignments and ask teachers for help if you need it,” senior Katherine Stancil said.

“High school is supposed to be fun. If you’re mentally healthy, everything else [such as] academics, physicality and social health will follow suit,” senior Jacob Wang said.

“Make sure you get involved because the best memories are always the ones you make with friends and new people you meet,” senior Kyle Sikes said.

“Don’t overthink it. As long as you stay focused, it often is not as overwhelming as people say junior year is,” senior Jon Abegg said.