Celebrate Juneteenth in Independence with music, food, and history!

The second annual Juneteenth Celebration will take place at the Independence Uptown Market on Monday, June 19, from 10 AM to 6 PM. Attendees will find live music, food trucks, local vendors, information from community partners, and more. The entire event has been organized by community members with the support of the City of Independence and several other sponsors.  

“Juneteenth is a pivotal opportunity for all people to celebrate the freedom of enslaved black people,” event chair, Anthony J. Mondaine said. “With that said, we celebrate the black community of Independence, Missouri. I committed to making Juneteenth a staple here in Independence, to educate people about the celebration, and to have a good time! Many others joined me and here we are! We have received great support from the community and look forward to continuing to grow the event each year.” 

Live music will be performed by Kansas City-based performers:  

• Norman Liggins is a singer known for his energetic R&B, jazz, and blues. He will be accompanied by his band. 
• Jass is a vocalist, poet, instrumentalist, and creative found most recently on YouTube.  
• Millie Edwards Nottingham is an internationally known jazz and blues singer.   

Food will be available for purchase from Vee’s BBQ Truck and Mama Dessie’s Homestyle Food Truck. Both will have special meals in honor of the event.  

The Mid-Continent Public Library Reading Rocket will be at the event and will provide a story hour for children with a book they can take home.

A variety of local vendors will also be on-site with information and offerings for attendees. A commemorative t-shirt celebrating the important role of African American history for Independence will also be for sale with proceeds supporting local high school Black Student Unions.  

Finally, the committee would like to give a special thank you to this year’s sponsors.  

• City of Independence 
• Comcast 
• Community Services League 
• Independence Civic Council 
• Independence Rotary Club 
• Jackson County Historical Society 
• Racial Equity Action Fund 
• Truman Heartland Community Foundation 

“We are so pleased to make Juneteenth an annual celebration for our community,” Councilmember Bridget McCandless said. “This is a great way for all of our residents to learn more and come together to make Independence even better.”