If you don’t know what Juneteenth is – let us share.

Juneteenth is the oldest, nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.  On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.

Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and even global perspective, the events of 1865 should not be forgotten.

Here in Kansas (where Prosper U is located) we celebrate Juneteenth and want to recognize the founding of Nicodemus, Kansas.  Rev. Simon Roundtree, the first black settler, arrived in June of 1877.  Nicodemus soon became one of the most famous mostly black communities in the country formed by free people migrating west.  This was the promised land where political freedom and economic opportunity would abound.

Nicodemus, Kansas one of the famous mostly black communities in the country formed by free people migrating west. Rev. Simon Roundtree, the first black settler, arrived in June of 1877.