In 2023, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, in collaboration with the NAACP of Springfield, launched the first city-wide Juneteenth weekend celebration. With the support and coordination of partners across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, the event brought the community together in a meaningful way.

The weekend featured a variety of activities and celebrations, culminating in a concert with Grammy Award nominees Nappy Roots. Community members and visitors from across the region came together to take part in the experience, creating a strong foundation for continued growth in the years ahead.

This celebration has grown over the years through the continued support of our community—bringing together partners from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. As Springfield grows and evolves, we remain committed to honoring this important holiday and celebrating it in a way that reflects the strength, history, and spirit of our community for generations to come.

Community Partnership of the Ozarks has a mission to facilitate and promote the building of resilient children, healthy families, and strong neighborhoods & communities through collaboration, programming, and resource development. Collaborating with the NAACP on growing the Juneteenth celebration aligns with our mission.

The NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Their dedicated workers, organizers, leaders, and members continue to work for social justice for all Americans. They have carried the annual planning of the Juneteenth celebration in Springfield Missouri for nearly a decade.

Our partnership on the Annual Citywide Juneteenth Celebration is a testament to Springfield’s strong culture of collaboration.