Middle America has long been thought of as a land of wide fields, quiet towns, and understated traditions. But every so often, something remarkable rises from its heartland—something that reminds us that culture, diversity, and human connection are not bound by geography. In Junction City, Kansas—a town of approximately 22,000 residents—such a phenomenon is occurring. Its name: The National Harmony Fest.
Now in its second year, Harmony Fest is quickly becoming one of America’s best-kept secrets. While Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City often dominate the headlines, it is Junction City—“JC” to its locals—that has stepped onto the national stage with a multicultural celebration unlike any other. The festival has been described not merely as an event, but as an experience of human synergy and cultural equity.
A Town With History That Matters
Junction City (JC) is no ordinary Kansas town. It is the birthplace of Arthur Fletcher, the man often called the “father of affirmative action,” who coined the timeless phrase, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Fletcher was a civil rights giant, ensuring equal educational opportunities at a time when the doors of fairness were tightly shut.
JC was also the first Coca-Cola distributor west of the Mississippi River, and its cultural DNA runs deep. Like Little Rock, Arkansas, it had a vibrant 9th Street business corridor—a Black Wall Street of the Midwest—where African American entrepreneurs built businesses, sustained families, and created community hubs of resilience and pride.
The city has also given us modern icons like wrestler, United States servicemen, and MMA legend Bobby Lashley. And just miles away, Manhattan, Kansas, is home to Kansas State University (KSU), while nearby Fort Riley houses the 1st Infantry Division, “The Big Red One.” This convergence of students, soldiers, citizens from other countries but who live in the area, and citizens creates a unique blend of perspectives and experiences—one that Harmony Fest seeks to capture, celebrate, and amplify.
The Birth of Harmony Fest
The vision for Harmony Fest came from the multifaceted entrepreneur, Martine Chéry-Hilaire, and her husband, business partner, kersaint Hilaire. Both natives of Gros Marin, Haiti, the Hilaires brought with them not only a love for their homeland but also a dream to build something new in their adopted city. Martine, a U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, proud wife, and mother of three, is also the founder of Chez Matou Catering and The Harmony Center. Together, she and her husband asked a bold question: What if Junction City became the multicultural capital of Middle America?
The answer came to life at Heritage Park. Imagine a Saturday filled with Haitian Rara music, Japanese Yosakoi dancers, reggae beats, Iraqi cultural showcases, South Sudanese performances, Latin dance teams, and even a gymnastics display from Junction City’s own youth. Add to that international foods, storytelling, crafts, and contests.
This year, cultures from Haiti, Japan, Mexico, Canada, the U.K., Nigeria, Jamaica, Cuba, Ukraine, Iran, and the United States were represented. The crowd, though slightly smaller than year one, reflected deeper engagement, with city leaders, military veterans, college students, and families sharing space, stories, and laughter.
A Personal Perspective
I had the privilege of serving as a keynote speaker this year—joining a program already vibrant with music and cultural exchange. As a social historian, college professor, journalist, and actor on NBC, my mission was simple: to remind us that diversity is not a threat, but a gift. The multicultural experience at two other local eateries was beyond amazing. ‘Blu Restaurant & Bar’ that sits on the corner adjacent to Heritage Park not only serves fine blackened catfish but does well when the Harmony Fest grows tenfold in the near future. Italian eatery ‘Bella Italian’ is just across the street as well.
I spoke on the importance of stepping outside our comfort zones, of choosing to see humanity in others, even when they look, speak, or worship differently than we do. Harmony Fest, I explained, does not allow passive attendance—it compels interaction.
It politely forces you to meet someone you’ve never met, to taste food you’ve never tried, to hear a rhythm you’ve never danced to. That is how the community expands.
Afterward, an attendee named “Hope” shared her reflections. Inspired, she volunteered on the spot, pledging to bring more nonprofit leaders and young people into the fold for future festivals. That single moment—a young woman deciding to step up—captured what Harmony Fest is about: empowering the next generation to build bridges.
The Power of JC’s Culture
What makes Junction City unique is its natural culture of “intra-celebration.” Residents are used to living, working, and worshiping alongside people from around the world because of Fort Riley’s international military families and Kansas State University’s diverse student body. Harmony Fest magnifies that everyday reality into a public declaration: We are one community, many cultures.
JC needs this. America needs this. Our world needs this. At a time when polarization threatens to pull us apart, small towns like Junction City are proving that unity doesn’t start with national policy—it begins with neighbors sharing food, music, and stories in a local park.
Looking Ahead
Harmony Fest has already partnered with organizations like Saving All My Bros, Fresh Start Emergency Shelter, and Chez Matou Catering. But it will take more sponsors, partners, and collaborators to build the third annual festival, planned for Fall 2026. With intentional investment from Geary County, Manhattan, Fort Riley, and beyond, the festival can continue to grow into a national and international destination—what I like to call the “Multicultural Function at the Junction.”
As the founders often remind us, Harmony Fest is free. Its currency is human connection. Its dividends are understanding, respect, and joy.
A Final Word
Arthur Fletcher once said “a mind is a terrible thing to waste.” I would add: so is a community. Harmony Fest shows us what is possible when communities invest in each other’s humanity. In the words of one military veteran who attended, “This is what I fought for—to come home and see people of every color and creed living together, celebrating life.”
America, take note: Middle America is no longer just flyover country. In Junction City, Kansas, a new legacy is being written—one of music, food, dance, faith, and unity. It is a story of resilience, rooted in the past but focused on the future. And it is a reminder that harmony is not accidental. It is intentional.
Stay tuned: the third annual Harmony Fest is already in the works. Junction City, Kansas, is calling—and the world is invited.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Edmond W. Davis is a social historian, speaker, collegiate professor, international journalist, and former director of the Derek Olivier Research Institute. He is an expert on various historical and emotional intelligence topics. He’s globally known for his work as a researcher regarding the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and Airwomen. He’s the founder of America’s first and only National HBCU Black Wall Street Career Fest.
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