By Cynthia Yi
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has kicked off a series of events and activities to honor Juneteenth, reflecting on African American history and culture, according to an announcement on their website. This week-long celebration has something for everyone, offering a rich tapestry of experiences from live performances and arts to competitive sports and culinary delights.
On Saturday, June 14, from 12-6 pm, Bethune Park will come alive with the “Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom Day” event, as reported by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Featuring musical acts like Known MPLS and Ashley DuBose, among others, this day promises a celebration packed with entertainment and educational vendors. Over at Peavey Park, the community will come together from 11 am until 4 pm for a cultural fest involving spoken word, storytelling, and various sports activities.
Arts will also take center stage with a “Juneteenth Poetry and Art Exhibition” on June 18, where artists and poets are invited to showcase their expressions of freedom. Sign-ups are currently open for those who wish to contribute their art or poetry, as well as for a Young Writers Workshop intended for ages 10-17 scheduled on June 16. The same day, Elliot Recreation Center will hold a live reading of âThe Juneteenth Storyâ by Alliah Agostini, followed by a community-oriented conversation about slavery and advocacy, as detailed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is also offering family-friendly entertainment, with youth-oriented film screenings such as Pixarâs Soul and Marvelâs Black Panther, as listed on their website. Rounding out the event series is the Youthline Outreach Mentorship program, which will host cookouts and a variety of Juneteenth-themed activities. For the full lineup of Juneteenth events in Minneapolis parksâincluding storytime sessions, book club discussions, and a pre-Juneteenth celebrationâvisit the official Minneapolis Parks news announcement.