June 19th marks the Juneteenth holiday, also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day”. Originating in 1865, the date commemorates the official end of slavery and the Civil War within the United States. Upon the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Union Major General Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation; originally written into law by President Abraham Lincoln more than two years prior.
Today, celebrations take the form of family gatherings as well as city-wide events to reconnect with our communities while honoring this important moment in history.
A variety of marches, gatherings, performances and festivals will be taking place throughout the greater Twin Cities over the course of the weekend, including those listed below.
Join us at the African American Leadership Forum in celebrating this momentous national holiday.
Thursday, 6.16
Juneteenth in Historical Context, Lunch and Learn 6.16 | 11-1 p.m. | Hosted By: The Minnesota Humanities Center Arts Commons | Location: Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, Macalester College
Friday, 6.17 Juneteenth Breakfast 6.17 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Hosted By: The Minnesota Humanities Center | Location: The Minnesota Humanities Center, Commons Room
Kumbayah – The Juneteenth Play 6.17 | 10 a.m., 7 p.m. | Hosted By: Sweet Potato Comfort Pie | Location: Breck’s Cargill Theatre
Juneteenth Movie, Summer of Soul 6.17 | Begins at Dusk | Hosted By: Minneapolis Park and Rec. Board | Location: Creekview Park, 5001 Humboldt Avenue N, Minneapolis
Saturday, 6.18 Juneteenth Celebration 6.18 |11-7 p.m.| Hosted By: Brooklyn Center Recreation| Location: 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Minneapolis
Juneteenth Parade and Celebration 6.18 | 11-6 p.m. | Hosted By: Minneapolis Park and Rec. Board | Location: Bethune Park, 1304 N 10th Avenue, Minneapolis
Juneteenth Was. Is. Will Be, March and Block Party 6.18 | 12-6 p.m. | Hosted By: University of Minnesota | March 12 p.m., Willard Park | Block Party 1 p.m., 2001 Plymouth Avenue N, Minneapolis
Traditional Storytelling, Juneteenth Celebration! 6.18 | 12-3 p.m. | Hosted By: Midtown Global Market | Location: 920 E Lake Street, Minneapolis
Juneteenth: A Celebration With Music and Community 6.18 | 3-7 p.m.| Hosted By: YWCA Saint Paul | Location: 335 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul
Roy Wilkins Freedom Fund Gala: Our Voice is Our Vote 6.18 | 5:30-11:30 p.m. | Hosted By: NAACP Saint Paul | Location: 11 East Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul
Sunday, 6.19 Juneteenth Minnesota 2022, The Fight For Freedom Continues 6.19 | 10-6 p.m. | Hosted By: BOB Rewards Club | Location: 1100 W Broadway Avenue, Minneapolis