Unity and resilience celebrated at Minneapolis and St. Paul Juneteenth festivals

On June 19, 2024, the spirited crossroads of Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis transformed into a vibrant rainbow of culture, music, food, and art as the Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival unfolded under clear, sunny skies. This year’s festival, an annual homage to the historic Juneteenth announcement, brought together locals and visitors in a joyous celebration of freedom, unity, and community resilience.

The festival’s atmosphere was electrifying from the start, with the soulful sounds of James Brown and Chic’s “Good Times” filling the air, courtesy of KFAI-FM. The infectious rhythms and uplifting melodies created a magnetic pull, gathering people from all corners to dance, sing, and revel in the day’s significance. 

This auditory backdrop set a perfect tone for the commemoration of June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce freedom for enslaved African Americans more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

The streets around Lake and Minnehaha bustled with activity as festival-goers explored an eclectic mix of taverns, eateries, and local bookstores that seamlessly integrated into the celebration. Moon Palace Books, a community staple, saw a surge in interest in Africentric literature. Titles by James Baldwin were particularly in demand, reflecting a burgeoning desire to connect with African American history and literature on a deeper level.

Food vendors lined the streets, their stalls exuding mouth-watering aromas that hinted at the diverse culinary delights awaiting hungry attendees. From savory BBQ to sweet treats, the food offerings were as varied as they were delicious, providing a taste of the rich cultural heritage being celebrated. Amidst the culinary delights, ice-cold beverages provided a refreshing respite from the warmth of the summer day, keeping spirits high and energies vibrant.

Art played a central role in the festival, with countless artists showcasing their talents. Paintings and drawings adorned pop-up galleries, each telling its heritage, struggle, and triumph story. Community organizations such as the Open Road Fund were on hand, adding unity and shared purpose among attendees.

Among the throngs of visitors, smiles and laughter were ubiquitous, bridging generational gaps as young children danced alongside elders and families came together to reflect on their shared history and look forward to a promising future. 

The festival wasn’t just a celebration; it was a space for healing and hope, a testament to the enduring spirit of the African American community.

Rondo Avenue celebrates Juneteenth

Meanwhile, in St. Paul, the festivities also shone brightly with the Rondo Avenue Juneteenth Celebration, aptly themed “The Music of Rondo.” This event paid special tribute to the Walker West Music Academy and its founders, Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West. The Academy, a cornerstone of the Rondo community, has long been synonymous with nurturing musical talent and preserving cultural heritage.

Concert performances highlighted the day, featuring an array of local musicians whose sounds resonated with Rondo’s rich legacy. The air was filled with genres integral to the community’s cultural fabric. The stage was graced by budding artists, creating a harmonious blend of the past, present, and future of Rondo’s musical heritage.

Mayor Melvin Carter, Governor Tim Walz, and City Councilmember Anika Bowie were among many offering remarks that underscored the importance of Juneteenth and the enduring contributions of the Rondo community. Their speeches resonated with themes of resilience, progress, and the ongoing journey towards equality.

Together, the Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival and the Rondo Avenue Juneteenth Celebration exemplified the diverse and dynamic spirit of the Twin Cities. As the sun set over Minneapolis and St. Paul, the echoes of soulful music and joyous celebration lingered, a reminder that these festivals are indeed what the community needs—a celebration of freedom, resilience, and an unbreakable bond of unity and love.