Art, jazz, history intersect at Nelson-Atkins Juneteenth celebration
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The ninth annual Juneteenth celebration kicked off Thursday at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where organizers say art tells a story. It takes a deeper look at Kansas City’s rich jazz legacy and what it reveals about the significance of Juneteenth.
The museum partnered with Juneteenth KC and the American Jazz Museum to help tell the story of Black liberation through visual art, music, movement, and community conversation.
The sounds of bass and drums echoed throughout the museum’s gallery during an interactive performance by jazz storytellers. The performance engaged audiences of all ages, immersing them in different elements of the genre and its history.
“Music, art, and being able to express ourselves has always been a form of being able to fellowship, being able to be in community with others, to be able to help elevate and overcome,” said Kara Smith, education programs manager for the American Jazz Museum.
Smith explained that jazz has historically been an outlet for expression in the black community.
“How do we use music to convey how we’re feeling? Do we use themes of social justice? Are there underlying tones of the issues going on in the world?” she said.
Recognized nationally as Freedom Day, Juneteenth marks the emancipation of people who were enslaved in the United States. At Thursday’s event, attendees explored not only the sounds of freedom but its visual expressions as well. Children participated in hands-on activities, creating visual art and learning hip-hop dance.
“Art is, and visiting the museum is a great place to have conversations and to enjoy the art, to talk about the art,” said Sarah Hyde, senior manager for community programs at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Hyde said those conversations often begin with understanding local history, including Kansas City’s past with redlining and other historical events that shaped the region.
Kansas City is known as the place where jazz grew up, and that legacy is central to the city’s cultural identity, especially during Juneteenth.
“Maybe get a basic understanding of, oh well, this music is important, jazz is important, and maybe learn about our history in Kansas City and why jazz is so significant to Kansas City,” Smith said.
The Black Archives of Mid-America created a timeline of historic milestones throughout history and challenged the public to reflect on the significant moments in their own lives. The day concluded with a Kansas City two-step showcase and freestyle, another example of how music is part of the fabric of the city’s story.
“Music is important. Music is key and jazz is part of our storytelling here in Kansas City, so I encourage people to look at the storytelling nature of jazz and when they go to a jazz club, think well, what does this mean, what do I think this means to Kansas City,” said Smith.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum will spotlight different artists throughout the museum on June 19th, the official Juneteenth holiday. Meanwhile, other celebrations throughout the city continue.
- The 14th Annual JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival
- Saturday, June 21 | Noon – 10 pm 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District
- Kansas City’s Lawn Party
- Sunday, July 20 | 4–8 pm
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