Celebrate Juneteenth in the Twin Cities this year with more than a dozen events that include free food, a carnival, educational opportunities and face painting, among other family-friendly activities.
Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, marks the anniversary of an 1865 order in Texas that freed slaves in the state at the end of the Civil War. The order came two years after President Abraham Lincoln ended slavery nationwide in 1863 with the Emancipation Proclamation. News of the emancipation was slow to reach Texas.
Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday in 2021, and is considered the longest-running African American holiday, when community members acknowledge and celebrate Black liberation and accomplishments.
Here are a list of Juneteenth events around the Twin Cities:
Juneteenth at the VA Medical Center
The African American Caucus and VA Minneapolis Health Care will host an event featuring presentations from Juneteenth state director Lee Jordan, dance performances from Samaiah Bryant and the Bossy Barbie Dollz Dance Team, a poem reading and drum performances.
Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: VA Medical Center Main Pavilion, 1 Veterans Drive, Minneapolis
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the VA website.
Northside’s Juneteenth Weekend Celebration
The celebration features a series of family-friendly events throughout the weekend, including a community movie, family festival and ice cream social.
Vendors at the celebration will include community radio station KMOJ 89.9 FM, the Rotary Club of North Minneapolis and the Strong Roots Foundation, an organization that connects north Minneapolis with the general public to foster positive experiences.
Date: Friday, June 14-Sunday, June 16, 2024
Times: Various times each day.
Locations: Different locations in north Minneapolis.
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit Northside’s Facebook page for a schedule of events and locations.
Minnesota Orchestra’s Juneteenth concert
Celebrate Juneteenth with the Minnesota Orchestra’s second annual Juneteenth concert led by conductor Jonathan Taylor Rush, featuring pieces from contemporary African American composers.
Date: Friday, June 14, 2024
Time: 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Location: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Cost: Prices vary.
For more information: Visit Minnesota Orchestra for more information and to purchase tickets.
University of Minnesota’s Juneteenth block party and march
The University of Minnesota will host its third annual Juneteenth celebration centered around the “disruption, reverberation, and amplification” of Black voices with its theme, “We Are The Noise: The Echoes of Our Ancestors.”
The celebration will include live performances, vendors, speakers, workshops, an art station, a bouncy house, a petting zoo and free food and haircuts by Black vendors.
The march will begin at 11 a.m. at the university’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center in hopes to unite the Black community and encourage community organizing.
“Now, more than ever, we have a duty and responsibility as an academic institution of higher learning to increase the awareness of Black histories during a time when our stories and narratives are under attack and are being threatened with cultural erasure,” said Terresa Moses, a university professor and organizer of the Juneteenth block party and march.
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis (In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the university’s Field House, 1800 University Avenue S.E.)
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the university’s Juneteenth website .
Juneteenth with the Brooklyn Center Recreation Department
The city of Brooklyn Center will host a Juneteenth celebration with entertainment, food, vendors and activities for people of all ages.
Vendors include Dog Park Gourmet Hot Dogs, Caribbean Tasty, Donut NV, Ralph’s Rib Crib and Delly J’s Jamaican Catering.
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the City of Brooklyn Center’s website.
Rondo Neighborhood’s Sterling Club Juneteenth Celebration
The Sterling Club will host its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration with free food, youth activities, entertainment and community resources available for all ages.
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Carty Park, 705 Iglehart Avenue, St. Paul
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the Sterling Club’s Facebook page.
West Broadway Juneteenth block party
Juneteenth Minnesota will host a block party centered around themes of Black history in agriculture. The party will kick off with a parade and continue with numerous activities, such as face painting, canvas painting and drawing, carnival games, bounce houses and more.
Attendees can also watch live performances from the Bossy Barbie Dollz Dance Team, Brass Solidarity, Trammel Wilson Band and more. Guest appearances from U.S. House Representative Illhan Omar, Congressional candidate Don Samuels, Bishop Howell, Ms. Nigeria and others are also scheduled.
Date: Sunday, June 16, 2024
Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: West Broadway Avenue between Lyndale and Emerson Avenues North
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the Juneteenth Minnesota website .
Juneteenth with the Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions
The Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions will host its fifth annual Juneteenth event, celebrating the music of the Rondo neighborhood. The event will feature a variety of speakers, musical guests and vendors.
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Time: 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Rondo Commemorative Plaza, 820 Rondo Avenue, St. Paul
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit their website .
Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival
The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge will host a “Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival” featuring live performances, art galleries, wellness events, Black vendors, storytelling and more.
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Time: 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge, 3010 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit their Facebook page .
Edina’s Juneteenth Celebration
The city of Edina will host a Juneteenth celebration featuring musical performances by Carolyne Naomi and Smash Jazz, and a reading from children’s author Isaiah Allen.
Guest speakers will include Lutunji and Edina City Council Member James Pierce. The event will also include activities for attendees.
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Time: 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Centennial Lakes Park, 7505 France Ave. S., Edina
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the city’s website .
Juneteenth with SEIU Healthcare
SEIU Healthcare will host a Juneteenth event featuring a keynote presentation from retired Metro Transit bus driver, the Reverend Mark Dawkins, and a musical performance from CHAZVISION Music.
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: SEIU Healthcare, 345 Randolph Ave., St. Paul
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit their Facebook page .
Juneteenth Family Celebration at the State Capitol
The Anika Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting health equity, civic engagement and economic empowerment, will host a Juneteenth event at the Minnesota State Capitol. The event is held in partnership with Ramsey County, the Minnesota Department of Health and the McKnight Foundation.
The event will include live performances, a children’s pavilion, health and wellness resources and more.
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024
Time: 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, St. Paul
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the event Facebook page .
Woodbury for Justice and Equality Juneteenth celebration
Celebrate Juneteenth with Woodbury For Justice and Equality. The event includes free food, live performances, children’s activities and speakers.
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive, Woodbury
Cost: Free
For more information, visit their website .
Eagan’s Juneteenth celebration
The city of Eagan’s outdoor Juneteenth celebration will feature live music, a DJ, food trucks, vendors and games.
Date: Sunday, June 23, 2024
Time: 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Location: Viking Lakes, 2685 Vikings Circle, Eagan
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the city’s website .
The post Here’s where to celebrate Juneteenth across the Twin Cities appeared first on Sahan Journal .
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