TOPEKA (KSNT) — The celebration has begun at the Kansas State Capitol. For only the third time, Kansans are celebrating Juneteenth as an official state holiday.
When former President Joe Biden signed a bill that made Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021, several states also moved to recognize it as a state holiday as well. Kansas became the 29th state to do so back in 2023.
To celebrate, hundreds gathered at the Kansas Statehouse to enjoy food and live music. We spoke with a family who was at today’s celebration. They told us that celebrating Juneteenth means more now that it’s a national and state holiday.
“It’s important for us to know about our history as African Americans and what let us be free from slavery and things back in the day. I want my children to know about it,” said Salena Pina-Williams, a Topeka resident who was at the celebration.
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