Upcoming Juneteenth events in the Twin Cities

Molly Wilson, Pioneer Press
·3 min read
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Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrating when slaves in Texas were told about the Emancipation Proclamation two years after it had been announced. The following events are taking place in the Twin Cities in commemoration of the holiday.

Kumbayah: The Juneteenth Story

Kumbayah: The Juneteenth Story will be performed at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday at Breck School in Golden Valley. The play written by Rose McGee, president and founder of Sweet Potato Comfort Pie, tells the history of Juneteenth in 90-minutes narrated by Frederick Douglass. Following each performance are facilitated conversations about racial justice. Additionally after the 7 p.m. performance locals who have been involved in racial justice issues will be honored. The performance is free but registration is required at https://www.sweetpotatocomfortpie.org/events/.

Additional shows will be performed at 5:30 p.m. Monday at St. Peter High School, at 7 p.m. June 22 at the Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall Theater in Rochester and at 6 p.m. June 24 at the Paramount Center for the Arts in St. Cloud.

The Ultimate Expression of Freedom

Zumba, biking, African drumming and a reenactment of the Emancipation Proclamation will be held starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis, co-hosted by the Cultural Wellness Center.

Juneteenth Minnesota – A Family Celebration!

From noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul there will be African food, art and history exhibits, performances, vendors, scholarship and community awards and 50 years of Hip Hop.

The JK Movement

A Summer BBQ Kickoff will be held noon Saturday at the JK Movement Center in St Paul to honor Juneteenth. There will be food, speakers and a silent auction. The event also features a short program with speakers.

Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration

Building Remembrance for Reconciliation is hosting Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration at 11:30 Saturday at the Art Space River Lofts in Hastings. The event includes the Comic Book Launch of “Hate Strings” by James Curry, Tom Nyguen and Keith Champagne who will be signing copies. The graphic novella is based on historical events. Nyguen, who is a Marvel artist, will also be offering free superhero sketches. House of Dance Twin Cities will have hip hop music and dance lessons. Chef James Turk (also known as the Turkey Leg Man) will have Soul Food for sale.

West Broadway Block Party

Juneteenth Minnesota and Bob Minnesota will be hosting a series of events on Monday including a short parade starting at 10 a.m. along West Broadway starting at Emerson Ave towards Lyndale Ave. in Minneapolis. Also a panel discussion titled “Gun Safety and Control” will be held at 11:30 a.m. on the West Broadway and Emerson Stage. The main festival from noon to 6 p.m. will feature live music, food, a free mini-carnival, and more than 110 vendors including black owned businesses. From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. is the Juneteenth Entertainment Jamboree at Bar Zia.

Juneteenth in Rondo

Speakers, awards and food trucks will be available from noon to 5 p.m. Monday in the Rondo Commemorative Plaza in St. Paul. Keynote speakers is Dr. Marvin Dunn Emeritus Professor of Psychology from Florida International University. He also founded the Dr. Marvin Dunn Academy for Community Education. The event will also include booths from various employers who will be offering labor positions.

Juneteenth: Celebration of Freedom

The concert will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis conducted by André Raphel. The performance includes Adolphus Hailstork’s Three Spiriuals, William Grant Still’s Afro-American Symphony and Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait.

Juneteenth Cookout

The East Side Black Owned Business Network in is hosting a cookout from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the East Side Freedom Library in St. Paul. The event will include a barbecue, music from DJ Mac Lyfe and a screening of “Miss Juneteenth” at 6:30 p.m.

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