UNDERGROUND RAILROAD QUILT PRESENTATION – Reverend Andy Mockridge - 9 AM ON SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2022

9:00 AM - Underground Railroad Quilt Presentation – Reverend Andy Mockridge - My Interest in the Underground Railroad and How this Quilt Block Sampler Came to Be   “It was an honor to be called by Arron Haynes in 2021 and asked if I would like to be a member of the Lafayette County Juneteenth Planning Committee. As soon as we got off the phone an idea popped into my head: I could make a quilt for the 2022 Juneteenth celebration. The design that kept surfacing in my mind was of a quilt block sampler containing many of the quilt blocks used in coded-quilts during the 1800’s. The purpose of these quilts and their embedded codes was to aid enslaved persons in their escape and flight to freedom via the Underground Railroad.           For me, this quilt block sampler represents an opportunity to educate people about: the ingenuity and courage of those who made the Underground Railroad possible and those who utilized it; the dangers and challenges of attempting to escape the bonds of slavery; and, how critical the Underground Railroad was to freeing thousands of enslaved people.”

A PANEL - LEST WE FORGET: THE VITAL ROLES OF BLACK SCHOOLS AND BLACK TEACHERS BEFORE SCHOOL INTEGRATION

The Vital Roles of Black Schools and Black Educators Before School Integration.   Reverend Everett Hannon, Jr , pastor of the Second Missionary Baptist Church and moderator, Reverend Alvin Dixon, pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Richmond, MO and panel. Panelists will share their experiences of being educated in schools for black children. Recognition of those who attended the schools in Higginsville, Lexington, Odessa,  and Mayview, MO and other towns. We want to always remember that these schools had a vital role in educating children. Panelists are Minnie Elmore, Milton Smith, James Watkins, Ewellen Elliott, Joyce Haynes, Mable Hawkins. Richard Williams, and Micheal Slaughter. You will hear them share their experiences. Their interest in the topic helped us to have two panels. Did you know about a black man who wanted children to learn to read and write and helped in an unusal way? Because of the law, they couldn't go to the school, so he held classes on a boat. The river was the property of the U.S. governement so he wasn't breaking the St. Louis, MO law which did not allow school for black children.

The members of the 2022 Juneteenth Celebration Committee. The committee members are from Higginsville, Lexington, Mayview, and Odessa, Missouri. The foundation has been hosting a Juneteenth Celebration since 2005. This year’s event will be held on Friday, June 17 thru June 19, 2022 in Lexington, MO at the P& H Center, 1111 Main Street. Picture Information Front Row Left to Right – Dale Felder, Fred Smith, Carol Hannon, James Watkins, Evelyn Trigg, Deborah May Second Row Left to right – Linda Smith, Arron Haynes, Everett Williams, Ron Miller, Sadie Miller, Sheila Lee, Not pictured – Rev. Everett Hannon, Beth Smith., Rev. Andy Mockridge, Rev. Nancy Lindsey, Rev. Mary Williams, Donna Howard, James Henry, Linda Foote & a host of volunteers.

Sesame Street: Let's Celebrate Juneteenth Song | Power of We Club

STUDENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE 2022 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE 2022 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

THE KC BOYS CHOIR AND THE KC GIRLS CHOIR TO PERFORM AT THE 2022 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION!

The choirs will be a special highlight to the evening program on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 6 pm.  The program is free and will be at The Lex, 111 South 11th Street, Lexington, MO.  Everyone is welcome.

/Ah'Lee Robinson

Labeled as one of the oldest African American youth choral groups in the region, The Kansas City Boys Choir (KCBC) was formed in 1995 by visionary and legendary music artist, Ah'Lee Robinson.  His desire to teach musical education and artistic principles steeped in a tradition of excellence to area youth was the driving force to beginning the entity.   The choir began infusing classical choral music with traditional spirituals, Broadway show tunes, contemporary gospel music, hymns, folk songs, and other traditional forms that delighted all music lovers.

After seeing the success of the Kansas City Boys Choir, Ah’Lee developed the Kansas City Girls' Choir (KCGC) in 2006 to further expose urban youth to the diaspora of opportunities throughout the country.  KCGC would be a haven for young women to develop and hone skills that reached far beyond music.   Known for impeccable presentation and professionalism, both KCBC and KCGC have been honored to perform as far-reaching as Washington D.C., to the stage with greats such as Leslie Odom Jr. at the hallowed stages of the Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts. 

After retiring in June of 2021, Mr. Robinson appointed a new Executive Director to continue his work.  Mia Ramsey, a 40-year veteran musician, singer, and youth empowerment organizer became the first woman to hold the leadership role for the organization.  She has continued to build on the legacy and foundation set by Mr. Robinson by introducing new programs and opportunities to the choirs. 

           

Mia Ramsey

                    

In addition to the principal baseline of artistic expression, presentation, and communication, the choirs continue to evolve in basic areas of personal care, self-esteem, etiquette, and other areas of focus. 

The organization’s Music and Art Therapy program is a welcome addition to the many offerings of youth engagement.  Choristers are immersed and encouraged to participate in individual or group activities, led by licensed clinicians and facilitators.  Artistic consultants also lead projects that both teach and allow each participant to creatively identify specific practices that help manage daily internal and external struggles.  Choristers have access to music instruments for instruction or expression, creative songwriting (journaling to music), or other art forms that engage their intellect.

As we continue to water the seeds planted in 1995, our mission is to stay community-minded, culturally aware, and to make positive changes that echo throughout the world we live in.