Juneteenth – A Day of Annual Recognition and Celebration
Happy Juneteenth!
As a reminder, we are closed on Monday, June 20, to celebrate the Juneteenth Holiday.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a special celebration and commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved Black People. On June 19, 1865, two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved Black Americans in Texas learned they were free.
Every year, across the nation, communities gather in communion to celebrate with food, community activities, and performances to honor the journey to freedom for Black Americans. For me, Juneteenth has been annual recognition and a reminder of the resilience and fortitude that my ancestors possessed and carried for it to be personified in me today. So, I honor that. I honor that by celebrating in the community with the village that raised me. I laugh. I eat. I cry, and I give thanks. I also encourage allies to do the same.
Whether you have always known of Juneteenth or just learning today, I encourage each of you to take time for reflection and celebration of freedom. If you want to celebrate and be an ally in the Twin Cities, there are a few community events listed below that I encourage you to attend.
- Centennial Park Juneteenth Celebration
- Saturday, June 18, from 11:00am – 7:00pm
- 6301 Shingle Creek PKWY
- Brooklyn Center, MN
- University of MN (March and Celebration)
- Saturday, June 18
- March: 12:00pm, Willard Park in Minneapolis
- Celebration: 1:00pm, Plymouth and Penn in Minneapolis
- Juneteenth Event – Bethune Park
- Saturday, June 18, from 12:00pm – 6:00pm
- 1304 N. 10th Ave
- Minneapolis, MN 55441
- Juneteenth Parade
- Saturday, June 18, from 11:00am – 12:00pm
- Begins at West Broadway and Fremont Ave. N in North Minneapolis
- Juneteenth Minnesota – West Broadway Block Party
- Sunday, June 19, at 1:00pm – 11:00pm
- 1007 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN
- Juneteenth Movement Yoga and Healing Event
- Sunday, June 19, from 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Target Field Station Plaza & Amphitheater
- 5th Street & 3rd Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota
With love and gratitude,
Shaunequa James, MSW, LGSW
Program Director
612-227-2147 office | 952-767-7627 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka MN 55305
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