Five ways to celebrate Juneteenth

It seems like everybody is celebrating Juneteenth this year, and why not? Juneteenth marks the transition from slavery to freedom. If you're a little overwhelmed by all the choices - don't worry! Here are five ways to celebrate Juneteenth that are grounded in community, love and continuing the fight for liberation.

The Lost Negroes of North America

The Lost Negros of North America - A Silent Film Experience

Go back in time with this stimulating film created by independent journalist Ralph L. Crowder, who shares his examination of community life captured in South Minneapolis circa 1944-1955. Accompanied by a live music soundtrack, this free event takes place at the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center tonight at 6 p.m. What better way to honor Black freedom than to engage with the past experiences of those who helped shape Black America of today?

Community Movie Night at the Capri Theater

Enjoy a free movie tonight with friends and family at the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis! The movie featured will be the ever-popular Black Panther. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; the movie starts at 6 p.m. Lawn games, giveaways, a live DJ, and more will accompany this event in light of celebrating freedom, community, and heritage. The Capri Theater is located at 2027 W Broadway Ave North.

Obi Original (Photo courtesy of Ozone Creations MN)

"Black To Life: A Black Music Month Celebration" 

In honor of Black Music Month in June, Bloomington Center for the Arts and The Avant Garde invites you to attend "Black To Life: A Black Music Month Celebration" as a part of your Juneteenth festivities. On Friday, June 14th, Grammy Award winning Jazz musician Ben Williams and the Afro-Funk band, Obi Original & The Black Atlantics, will take the stage. Come for the music, stay for the lifetime awards presented to Twin Cities Black music legends Pete Rhodes, Kimberly Rhodes (Black Music America) and Kathleen Johnson (Musicians 4 Musicians). 

2024 National Conference on Black Cooperative Agenda

If you are ready to mobilize against racial and economic injustices, this conference may be beneficial to you. Produced in collaboration with the Network for Developing Conscious Communities and Nexus Community Partners, this conference aims to deliver tools that will leave Black people, families and communities connected, empowered, inspired, and strong. This year's theme is “Driving Economic Wealth: The Power of Black Cooperative Enterprises,” and features keynote speaker, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. While the multi-day event began earlier this week, there are still various workshops, discussions, networking opportunities, and of course, celebrating to partake in on Saturday, June 15, 8am to 3pm, at Union Depot in Saint Paul.

De Mi Corazón at the Southern Theater

Amez Dance is proud to present its debut production choreographed by Nieya Amezquita with an original music score composed by internetjunkhound. De Mi Corazón is a love letter to the Black family, specifically Black fatherhood, created to explore the complexities and nuanced dynamics in the African American community. Themes of empathy and healing anchor this 65 minute heartfelt performance. The show also features new choreographic work by Amez Dance guest, Javan Mngrezzo. Tickets are $25 for the performance on Friday, June 14; Saturday’s performance is pay-what-you-can and is followed by a Q&A. So don’t let lack of funds stop you from witnessing this affirmation of love and inspiration. Doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 7:30pm.