Overview: Community Joy & Cultural Legacy
MSR contributing writer Fela Jamal takes readers inside the annual Rondo Days celebration. From youth-centered sports courses and senior breakfasts to block-long neighborhood hospitality and legendary 90s hip-hop performances, Jamal captures the sights, sounds, and deep community spirit that make this gathering an essential Twin Cities tradition.
On July 18, a celebration of food, family and legacy took place this past weekend at Martin
Luther King Community Center in St. Paul. People from all parts came together on that warm
Saturday; not only to soak up the sun, but also to bask in the beauty of community.
It was truly a family affair, as the annual reunion offered activities and entertainment for
pretty much every age group. There was a senior breakfast for the elders, a “youth zone” for the young ones and plenty of entertainment that appealed to everyone in between.
What caught my attention in particular was the number of young people who came out to
enjoy the festivities. The youth zone really seemed to have them engaged, where they were able to test their skills in sports-related activities and in an obstacle course set up by the St. Paul Fire Department.
There were plenty of food options for those looking to get their grub on. I counted close to 20
food trucks and vendors offering up a variety of culinary treats. There were also several
vendors selling art, clothing, jewelry and other goods, as well as booths providing information on various organizations, community programs and resources.
The event also spilled out into the community at large, with nearby neighbors setting up
booths in front of their homes, playing music and offering food and various merchandise for sale.
The event was capped by performances from two internationally known hip-hop artists:
Bahamadia and Kwamé. Both had hits in the 1990s, and they both commanded the stage like
they’d gone back in a time machine.
People were also set up in nearby lots and other parks close by. As we walked from our parking spot to the Martin Luther King Community Center, we were constantly greeted with a “Happy Rondo Days!” from people as they passed by. It truly felt like a family reunion.
While Kwamé was the better known of the two, it was impressive to see Bahamadia put on a full set and keep the crowd engaged throughout. Not to imply that Kwamé didn’t do his thing, because he did. He was even willing to give more, but his set was cut short by police, apparently because of performance time restrictions.
Overall, it was a beautiful day, and an opportunity to be in the presence of beautiful people
and connect with old friends and family, all while being entertained and fed some fabulous food.
If you weren’t there, you missed an incredible experience. Hopefully, we’ll see you next year!
For more information on Rondo Days, visit https://www.rondodays.net/.
Fela Jamal welcomes reader responses at jamal.denman@gmail.com.