On a sun-drenched Saturday, August 31, the vibrant South Minneapolis neighborhood of Phelps Park transformed into a kaleidoscopic celebration of culture, community, and the enduring spirit of togetherness. The 15th Annual Southside Back in the Day festival drew attendees from all corners of the city and beyond, uniting families, friends and newcomers for a joyful day filled with festivity and nostalgia.
As I mingled among the lively crowd, a sense of camaraderie enveloped the festival, a feeling that transcended mere entertainment. This annual event, which began as a small gathering in the backyard of its founders, retains that intimate atmosphere—a reminder of that first day when it all started.
“It feels like a backyard gathering,” I overheard one festival-goer say, perfectly capturing the essence of Southside’s community spirit. This genuine closeness is the secret sauce behind the festival’s sustained success and allure, making it a beloved summer staple in Minneapolis.
The festival ecosystem flourished with food trucks serving mouthwatering dishes, local vendors showcasing unique crafts, and information booths educating attendees on various health, wellness, and community issues. Families reveled in the lively atmosphere while children played, their laughter blending with the beat of DJ-spun music filling the air. The half-court basketball tournament drew passionate players and spectators alike.
One of the day’s most heartfelt moments was the award ceremony, honoring notable individuals for their extraordinary contributions to the Southside community. The lineup of awardees reads like a “Who’s Who” of local legends, including Grammy-winning producer Gary Hines, who spoke profoundly about the significance of community recognition.
“The great Billie Holiday said, ‘God bless the child who’s got his own’—there’s nothing like getting something from your own, from this community that birthed, bred and nurtured the Sounds of Blackness,” Hines expressed, gratitude radiating from every word.
Other notable honorees included Reg Chapman, a veteran journalist for WCCO-TV; longtime photojournalist Steve Floyd; and Ray Seville, a pioneer in DJ and radio promotion, who reflected on the importance of acknowledgement. “Someone told me today that we all are being watched for the good we do in the community. It feels good to be recognized,” said Seville, as he acknowledged the many mentors who helped along his journey.
Chapman shared that being honored at this festival meant more to him than any prestigious awards he had received before. “This is more important to me than winning an Emmy or any other accolade because it comes from the people I serve,” he declared, underscoring the deep connection journalists often forge with the communities they report on.
As the festival tributes continued, I met Steve and Somona Jennings. The couple traveled from Rochester, with this being her first visit while he had been before. She was captivated by the health information booths sprinkled throughout the event, saying, “This is my first time. I’m looking around, and I’m just enjoying everything.”
Meanwhile, Steve was enthused about the festival’s energy and how it fosters awareness of community issues that truly matter. The couple also excitedly shared their plans for a Rochester Family Wellness Day on October 12.
Felisha Price, who also received a Back in the Day community award, said, “This is my highest honor being recognized by my community and family for our work. Often, as a social entrepreneur, you feel like you’re working really hard so that the results do not come as quickly as you want them to, but for my community to acknowledge the work we’re doing helps me realize the impact of that work.”
One of the festival’s founders, Philip Crawford, expressed his pride in witnessing the growth of what started as a small backyard gathering into a full-fledged festival. “When we started this in the backyard, the house had one bathroom. As the crowd grew, we had to move it to Phelps Park, and from there, it took on a life of its own,” Crawford reminisced with a humble grin. “We have been extremely blessed throughout the years. In 15 years, we’ve never been rained out.”
As I continued to absorb the day’s events, I was struck by the sincerity and passion expressed by award recipients. Activist and radio personality Al Flowers shared his gratitude for being honored, stating, “It means a lot because I’m from the South Side. I’ve been here for over 30 years, and it means the world to me to receive this from the ‘Day.’”
Among the crowd was community icon Spike Moss, who had introduced Flowers earlier.
Moss, honored by a street-naming celebration on Aug. 16 in North Minneapolis, spoke loftily about the importance of community celebrations.
“They are so important to the fiber of a community. And it’s so wonderful to receive these honors while you can still take in the magnitude of the outpouring of love. It was awesome to experience. And I commend the Back in the Day organizers for a wonderful job year after year.”
Whether one is a lifelong resident or a curious newcomer like Mrs. Jennings, the Back in the Day festival continues to create an outpouring of excitement and warmth that embraces everyone. In the memorable words of Sly & the Family Stone, the event truly is “a family affair,” reminding us of the unbreakable bonds that unite communities through celebration, remembrance, and the simple joy of being together.
As the sun set over Phelps Park and the festival ended, still the energy lingered. Each smile, each shared story, and each moment of connection echoed the festival’s enduring legacy, solidifying South Minneapolis’s place as a vibrant hub of culture and community spirit.
Attendee Karen Martin shared this sentiment. “Oh, my goodness! This festival means so much to me. This is my family. I’m a SouthSider for life. I grew up in this neighborhood, two blocks from here. This is like a family reunion to me.”
See photos below by Steve Floyd.
