Juneteenth: A celebration of freedom

By Jocelyn Stone

On Sunday, June 14, thousands of Twin Cities residents of many ages and ethnicities gathered together at Theodore Wirth Park in North Minneapolis for the 24th annual Juneteenth celebration. The commemoration dates back to 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce and enforce the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It was then, two and a half years after the document was signed, that the last of slavery was finally extinguished in the United States.

Currently cities across the U.S., including Minneapolis and St. Paul, recognize June 19th with celebrations lasting a day, a week, or in some cases, a month to honor African-American history, tradition and culture.

This year’s festival was preceded by multiple showings of a play (“Kumbayah,” written by Rose McGee about African-Americans’ journey to freedom), a student essay contest and an overnight reenactment of the Underground Railroad.

Sunday’s celebration was accompanied by dazzling sunlight and temperatures in the mid-80s for most of the day. Booths lining the main entrance to the area’s festivities offered a variety of foods and refreshments representing both local and cultural fare.

Juneteenth in the Twin Cities is an opportunity to promote harmony in the community through education, reflection and empowerment. Many of the booths in the main area offered information on financial independence, first-time homeowner guidance, alternatives for elementary education and higher-learning opportunities.

UCare Minnesota sponsored a health and wellness pavilion promoting awareness of health issues that affect many African-Americans. UCare was joined under their tent by other organizations, such as the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, Minnesota Department of Health and North Point Health & Wellness, Inc.

As well as the personal development information, the festival also highlighted an assortment of entertainment. At the African-American History Pavilion, local elders read stories of cultural history and under a nearby tent there were arts and crafts tables set up for children. On the main stage, a selection of groups participated in dance, stomp, rap and song. Rap artists Ray J and Yung Berg, as well as Minneapolis R&B artist Ray Covington, were three of the featured artists of the day.

The celebration has gained popularity worldwide and is celebrated in countries including Trinidad, Ghana, France and Japan. Historically, Minneapolis has held some of the largest celebrations in the country, sometimes hosting to up to 60,000 attendees. Once, Juneteenth focused on the plights and advancements of African-Americans. Now, it allows citizens throughout the country and the world an opportunity to celebrate freedom for everyone.