Manhattan’s Juneteenth celebrations concluded Saturday, following three days of activities.
The day began with a proclamation by Mayor Mark Hatesohl followed by the annual Unity Walk.
The community walked from Longs Park to Douglass Park, mirroring the 1968 walk by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr,, who delivered his final speech at Kansas State University, shortly before his assassination. Participants were welcomed with brunch, music, activities and vendors. K-State basketball player Ayoka Lee was among the many participants.
Juneteenth committee member and K-State Athletics Director of the Evans Competitive Advantage Program Andre Bean says events like this help create awareness within the community while still having fun.
Bean says events like Juneteenth also help student-athletes connect with the community they serve.
Juneteenth’s festivities came to an end Saturday night at City Park guest singer Kyla Jade, of Topeka performing the second of two Arts in the Parks concerts this weekend. The other concert was held Friday, featuring Grammy nominated R&B singer Keith Washington.
