‘The first free breath you’ve ever taken’ — Johnson County celebrates its fourth Juneteenth
About 200 attendees gathered Thursday in Lenexa City Center to celebrate Juneteenth, a day of both remembrance and joy in commemorating Black history.
From left, Victoria Whyte, Sydney Ramsey and Ta-Yon McCoy perform with the Kansas City Boys and Girls Choir. The choir is an acclaimed ensemble which has performed in Washington, D.C. and alongside Leslie Odom Jr. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.
At Johnson County’s fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration, emcee Steven Arledge grounded the audience of about 200 with one simple statement.
“I want you all to close your eyes and take a deep breath. Now, imagine that’s the first free breath you’ve ever taken,” he said.
This year’s Juneteenth marks the 160th anniversary of the date that the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom — two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Uplifting Juneteenth as a day of both remembrance and joy in commemorating Black history, Johnson County residents marked the occasion by gathering in the Lenexa Civic Campus Commons for activities, music and speeches.
The Johnson County government hosted the event, and many elected officials were in attendance, including Johnson County Sheriff Byron Robertson, County Commissioner Janeé Hanzlick, and Board Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Mike Kelly.
In his speech, Kelly emphasized that the day is not just one to recognize the history of Juneteenth, but also one “to remember, to celebrate, to be thankful for the many accomplishments … and the continued compassion, the joy, the benefits that are brought to our community by everyone who calls Johnson County home.”
From musical performances by local ensembles to a dance number on wheels, there was plenty of joy to be found. Attendees were encouraged to interact with a number of tables and activities put together by departments of the Johnson County government.
The event’s keynote speaker was Victor Webb, the youngest child of Mary Jane Humphress and Alphonso E. Webb. The two fought for Black children’s equal access to attend South Park Elementary School in the landmark civil rights case Webb v. District 90 in 1949. The case was decided by the Kansas Supreme Court, which ruled that students deserved access to equal facilities and laid the groundwork for the monumental Brown v. Board of Education.
Webb told the story of his parents’ fight for equality, and said, “Here in the year 2025, it is clear that racism is not dead. It is also clear that some people would like to turn back the progress, the milestones, that we have made.”
He continued, “Before ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ was a thing, my parents fought for diversity, equity and inclusion — and they won.”
Check out some of these other scenes from the event.
Kyndrik, age 7, fishes for the winning duck at the Johnson County Housing Services Department’s table. Various departments of the Johnson County government tabled at the celebration to promote their services and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.Keynote speaker Victor Webb delivers his remarks. “The fight to be included, the fight for diversity, and the fight to be considered equal, continues today,” he said. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.Skaters from SK8SHOT Studios glide by two small audience members. SK8SHOT Studios is a veteran-founded organization which offers skating lessons in the heart of Kansas City. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.The James Ward Band, a family trio featuring James Ward (left) on bass, Jaylen Ward on drums, and Angela Ward on keyboards, opens the event with a performance. The band performs their jazz fusion repertoire regularly at The Blue Room and The Corvino Supper Club. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.From left, Victoria Whyte, Sydney Ramsey and Ta-Yon McCoy perform with the Kansas City Boys and Girls Choir. The choir is an acclaimed ensemble which has performed in Washington, D.C. and alongside Leslie Odom Jr. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.Kari Hegstrom (left) and his grandmother Mary Jo Hegstrom read a book about Juneteenth in a space provided by the Johnson County Library. While Kari lives in Texas, and Hegstrom in Mission, they wanted to continue their tradition of attending a Juneteenth celebration every year by stopping by the Lenexa celebration. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.Winter Arledge watches on as the Kansas City Boys and Girls Choir sings “I’ll Be There”. Arledge was a leading member of the Juneteenth Planning Committee and is Program Manager of Johnson County Developmental Supports. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.Piaget Long performs the national anthem, flanked by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department color guard. Originally from St. Louis, Long has performed throughout the jazz district in Kansas City for over a decade. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.Kathleen Smith of the Johnson County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coalition discusses the work the coalition does to ensure progress isn’t limited to words, but actions, too. “[The] coalition is committed to promoting fair treatment, full participation and belonging for all,” Smith said. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.Steven Arledge (left), shakes hands with County Chairman Mike Kelly as he prepares to speak. “Even in our darkest times, there is light that shines with a vision for the future to which we can all aspire,” Kelly said in his remarks. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.Family members of keynote speaker Victor Webb stand to be recognized. In his speech about his parents’ fight against public school segregation, Webb emphasized the strength of family in striving to lift up each new generation. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.Tables for the Juneteenth celebration are lined up outside of the Lenexa City Center Library. Photo credit Julian Schnittker.
Julian Schnittker is a freelance photographer who graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School and now attends George Washington University. More of his work can be found here.
![Kathleen Smith of the Johnson County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coalition discusses the work the coalition does to ensure progress isn’t limited to words, but actions, too. “[The] coalition is committed to promoting fair treatment, full participation and belonging for all,” Smith said.](https://images.johnsoncountypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/061925_Juneteenth_12.jpeg)
