Juneteenth marks the liberation of enslaved African Americans, it is a moment to reflect on a pivotal event in American history and celebrate Black communities’ steadfast resilience and enduring spirit. Below are a few events in the community to help you reflect and celebrate.
June 19
RCODE 4th Annual Juneteenth Observance
Wednesday, June 19 | 12-5 p.m. Free
Rondo Commemorative Plaza, 820 Rondo Ave. in St. Paul
The Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions (RCODE) will hold its 4th Annual Juneteenth Observance from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., with scheduled activities occurring between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. More info: rcodemn.org/events/2024-juneteenth-celebration
Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival
Wednesday, June 19 | 12-8 p.m. Free
Under The Canopy, 3010 Minnehaha Ave., Mpls
Liberation at Soul of the Southside is an all-ages celebration taking place at Lake St. and Minnehaha Ave. in South Minneapolis with music, arts, wellness activities, family activities, a Black-owned vending market, storytelling, drum circles, food trucks, a history zone and more.
More info: thehookmpls.com/event/soulofthesouthside-juneteenth2024
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NAACP Duluth Branch – 50th Annual Juneteenth Jamboree
Wednesday, June 19 | 3-7 p.m. Free
Central Hillside Community Center, 12 E. 4th St., Duluth
With the theme of Disrupting the Status Quo, this event offers an afternoon of community and fun with BIPOC-owned businesses, a free dinner, a community resource fair and more. More info: duluthnaacp.org
Juneteenth Worship Celebration
Wednesday, June 19 | 7 p.m. Free
Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 2600 E. 38th St., Mpls.
Transform Minnesota and a group of diverse churches across Minnesota are hosting a community worship night to commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth. This evening of worship and prayer will be hosted by Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and led by a multiracial group of leaders in the ongoing journey toward racial justice. More info: transformmn.org/event/Juneteenth
Edina Juneteenth Celebration
Wednesday, June 19 | 6-8 p.m. Free
Maetzold Amphitheater, 7499 France Ave. S., Edina
This family-friendly annual event features activities, musical performances, a special speaker, live book readings and giveaways, food vendors, including dessert vendor Lutunji’s Palate bakery, and fun for the whole family. Musical acts include Carolyne Naomi, a singer, songwriter and guitarist; and Smash Jazz. More info: www.edinamn.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=15598
Blackout Improv
Wednesday, June 19 | 7 p.m. Prices vary
The Ordway, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul
Celebrate Juneteenth with Blackout Improv, an all-Black, Minnesota-based improv comedy troupe.
More info: ordway.org/events/blackout-improv
June 20
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Juneteenth Breakfast featuring Bakari Sellers
Thursday, June 20 | 8-10:30 a.m. $100
Saint Paul Events Center, 400 Wabasha St. N. #320, St. Paul
The Minnesota Humanities Center’s Juneteenth Breakfast gathers thought leaders, the creative sector and business leaders and community members to examine how we can work toward greater justice and equity. The 2024 Juneteenth Breakfast will feature a keynote address and community conversation with Bakari Sellers on the thesis of his new book, “The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn’t and How We All Can Move Forward Now.” More info: mnhum.org/event/juneteenth-brunch-2024
16th Annual Community Empowered Through Black Men Healing
Thursday – Friday, June 20-21 | Admission: $175 (Special ends June 20)
Metropolitan State University St. Paul Campus, Founders Hall | 700 East 7th St., St. Paul
With the theme of “The Family is the Root of a Healthy Community,” the first day of this annual conference features a fireside chat about relationships presented by Dr. Deadric T. Williams, La Vonne Moore and Sam Simmons.
The second day of the conference will highlight the future of the family presented by Dr. Andre L. Johnson, Dr. Williams, Jatton White, Pastor Williams, and Joseph Cole. More information: www.brothershealing.com
June 21
Minneapolis – Kumbayah the Juneteenth Story
Friday, June 21 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free
84 Church St. SE, Mpls.
Minnesota Humanities Center and Northrop present “Kumbayah the Juneteenth Story” in collaboration with Sweet Potato Comfort Pie, The Liberal Arts Engagement Hub, and local organizations. The play, written by Sweet Potato Comfort Pie’s Rose McGee, is a 90-minute fictitious, two-act play that addresses the factual and traumatic time in our history with storytelling and music. More info: www.mnhum.org/event/minneapolis-kumbayah-the-juneteenth-story
June 22
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Juneteenth A Celebration
Saturday, June 22 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free
Rondo Community Library, MN State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., St. Paul
This annual Juneteenth celebration is organized by the ANIKA Foundation in partnership with Ramsey County to commemorate the journey and contributions of people of African descent in Minnesota and America with food, music and togetherness.
More info: www.theanikafoundation.org/juneteenth
Woodbury for Justice and Equality Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 22 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free
Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Dr., Woodbury
Woodbury for Justice and Equality is hosting its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration at Ojibway Park in Woodbury. Festivities include a DJ, live performers, free food and lots of community connections. More info: woodbury4je.com
June 23
Unityfest
Sunday, June 23 | 1-6 p.m. Free
Carty Park, 705 Iglehart Ave., St. Paul
Keep the good vibes going this weekend at Love First’s Unityfest. The annual event is a day dedicated to joy and the memory of organizer Chauntyll Allen’s son, Aaron, who was lost in 2018. The festivities include free food, skating, a stage with community performances, a DJ battle, live music, and more. Don’t miss. More info: bit.ly/CartyParkUnityFest2024
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