By Nyleve Eiram  

Writer/Reporter 

ST. PAUL, Minn., Thousands of people gathered Saturday along Rondo Avenue as the annual Rondo Block Party returned, filling the streets from Grotto Street to Victoria Avenue with music, food, culture and community pride. 

Families packed the sidewalks, local artists entertained crowds, and dozens of Black-owned businesses showcased everything from handcrafted goods and clothing to food and community resources. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as people from across the Twin Cities came together to celebrate one of St. Paul’s most historic neighborhoods. 

While many attended for the festivities, the Rondo Block Party is about much more than entertainment. 

To understand why events like this are so important, it helps to understand the history of the Rondo neighborhood. 

Long before Interstate 94 was built, Rondo was the heart of St. Paul’s Black community. It was home to thriving Black-owned businesses, churches, schools, community leaders, and generations of families who built their lives in the neighborhood. 

That all changed when Interstate 94 was constructed through the center of Rondo. 

The construction of the freeway displaced more than 600 Black families and businesses, forever changing the landscape of one of Minnesota’s most vibrant Black communities. Homes were demolished, businesses were forced to close or relocate, and generations of history were divided by concrete. 

Yet despite that loss, the spirit of Rondo has never disappeared. 

Today’s block party serves as a reminder that the community is still here, still thriving and still determined to preserve its history while creating new opportunities for future generations. 

Walking through the festival, it was impossible not to notice the sense of pride shared by vendors, performers, volunteers and attendees. Every booth represented entrepreneurship. Every performance celebrated culture. Every conversation reflected a community that continues to honor its past while investing in its future. 

Supporting Black-owned businesses during events like the Rondo Block Party is about more than making a purchase. It is about investing in a community that has overcome decades of adversity and ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come. 

As thousands gathered along Rondo Avenue throughout the day, one thing became clear: The Rondo Block Party is not simply an annual celebration. It is a living reminder that although a highway may have divided a neighborhood, it could never erase its history, resilience or sense of community. 

For those who attended, the event was more than a block party. It was a celebration of culture, perseverance and the enduring legacy of Rondo.