Community Gathering: Hundreds Gather at Harris Park for KC Defender & Decarcerate KC's People's Cookout To Enhance The City

A jubilant celebration unfolded in Kansas City as hundreds gathered to honor Juneteenth. Sai Witt, a Division-1 athlete from Austin Peay, highlighted the spirit of the day: a vibrant community of Black individuals enjoying an unpoliced space. Children bounced joyfully in inflatable structures while adults engaged in playful banter amid classic tunes, evoking rich cultural nostalgia.Organized by KC Defender and Decarcerate KC, the event emphasized a vision free from systemic oppression, providing a safety framework led by trained community defenders. Their presence served as a powerful testament to collective empowerment.The 3-on-3 basketball tournament culminated with Team Bucket claiming victory, showcasing local talent from various backgrounds. As night descended, participants packed up, leaving behind a sense of unity and resilience. The occasion encapsulated the essence of Black joy—a notion that Baldwin eloquently expressed as a necessity for continual creation. This gathering celebrated liberation as a right, affirming that joy within the Black community is a vital, renewable force.