Minneapolis Celebrates Juneteenth with Soul of the Southside Festival

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Community members across Minneapolis came together Friday to celebrate Juneteenth at the annual Soul of the Southside festival, an event highlighting Black culture, community, and local Black-owned businesses.

The Minneapolis Juneteenth celebration featured live music, food vendors, youth activities, and cultural performances, bringing together people of all backgrounds to honor the historic holiday marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

For many attendees, the event was about more than celebration. It was a reflection of unity and shared history.

“Seeing a bunch of Black Americans and all the different cultures and food, it’s just so amazing and special,” said attendee Amaya.

Her friend Dior said the festival gave people from all backgrounds the chance to learn more about Black history and culture.

Juneteenth, now recognized as a federal holiday, commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

For Rachel, another attendee, the day represents togetherness.

“For me, Juneteenth means a day where Black people can come together and celebrate everyone’s culture,” she said.

The event also highlighted the importance of supporting Black entrepreneurs in Minneapolis.

Ciera Curtis, owner of Roots and Bloom, said community support has been essential to her journey.

“I’m my ancestors’ wildest dreams. If they could see us today, they would be proud,” Curtis said.

Nasteaja Johnson-Buck, founder of Vivid Black Paint, used the festival to showcase circus arts and inspire young people to explore creative paths.

“Seeing somebody who looks like me doing this kind of thing opens up the possibility that someone else who looks like me can do it too,” Johnson-Buck said.

As Juneteenth celebrations continue across Minnesota and the nation, events like Soul of the Southside are helping preserve Black history while building stronger communities for the future.