2011

Beginning in 1889 the Black Community of Hutchinson, Kansas has annually celebrated the January 1, 1863 issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. By signing the Emancipation Proclamation President Lincoln initiated the legal process that resulted in the total abolition of slavery in the United States with the ratification of the 13^th Amendment to the Constitution. This year marks the 122^nd observance of the event in Hutchinson.

Emancipation Day Celebration events for 2011 will take place on Thursday, August 4th; Friday, August 5th; Saturday, August 6^th; and Sunday, August 7^th.

The weekend kicks off Thursday evening with a “Reader’s Theater” of Hutchinson native Bishop Jeanette James’ nationally award winning play Methuselah’s Children. James and others will read excerpts from the work at the Hutchinson Art Center, 405 N. Washington. The event is free and refreshments will be served. This program is sponsored by the Hutchinson/Reno Arts and Humanities Council in cooperation with the Emancipation Day Celebration Committee and the Hutchinson Art Center.

At 8:00 pm Friday the popular “Music in the Park” concert will begin featuring the all star lineup of Salt City Soul. Many of the members of the band are from the Salt City or have close ties to the Community; all have excelled as musicians performing at venues around the world and with some of the most recognizable names in the entertainment industry. Salt City Soul will be playing the best music of several decades; music that helped make memories for and furnished joy to those who listened. Another Friday evening tradition is the free hot dogs and lemonade served during the concert. Bring the family for a great night of fun and community. “Music in the Park “is made possible through a partnership of the Emancipation Day Celebration Committee, Downtown Hutchinson, and the Hutchinson/Reno Arts and Humanities Council. After the concert the festivities continue with more great music at Gray’s Barbershop located at the corner of Main and Avenue E.

At the conclusion of the parade the public is invited to the Home Builder’s Building in Carey Park for the Free Community Picnic. After a welcome from local dignitaries and remarks by the Grand Marshal the picnic will begin at approximately 12:00 pm. The food will be great; as well as music, friendship, and fun. The picnic is free and all are invited.

A new event for the Emancipation Celebration will be Boxing Matches beginning at 5:00 pm at the Salvation Army building, 700 N. Walnut Street. There is an admission fee to attend the matches.

Saturday evening the always popular “Old School Jam Dance” will take place at the 4 H Encampment Building on the Fairgrounds. The dance will start at 9:00 pm.  Please use the 23^rd and Main Street entrance. The event is BYOB and is a fundraiser for the Emancipation Day Committee; admission is $15.00 per couple and $8.00 for a single.

The “Gospel Fest” will take place Sunday afternoon at 3:00 pm at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the HCC Campus. This free concert features local and regional Gospel Choirs that always raise the roof and bring joy to those attending. After the event everyone is invited to stay for the free ice cream, cake and fellowship.

The Emancipation Day Celebration Committee is a volunteer non-profit organization that derives its funding through fundraising efforts as well as donations from private and corporate sources, and with support from the City of Hutchinson’s Cultural Activity Fund. The Committee consists of 12 board members with approximately 30 community members actively working with the Board on Committee projects.

Although the Emancipation Day Celebration has its origins in the unique historic experience of Black America these events are open to people of all races to celebrate and enjoy. The public is encouraged to attend.

For more information contact the Hutchinson/Reno Arts and Humanities Council at 620/662-1280 or e-mail hrah@cox.net.