Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Traditionally Juneteenth is known as a cultural event that celebrates the emancipation of slaves in America in 1865. Brought to Kansas City in 1980 by Horace M Peterson III, founder of the Black Archives of Mid-America INC, Juneteenth is an annual heritage celebration and platform that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Africans in America and provides the backdrop to pay tribute to the founders of our community.