The third annual Juneteenth block party in North Minneapolis is just days away and promises
another memorable day for the community to celebrate with song, food and spirit.
The free event on June 15 will be held at the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), located at 2001 Plymouth Ave N in Minneapolis. It will bring together more than 2,000 community members, 200 volunteers, and 50 vendors ready to learn more about Juneteenth history and mark the holiday.
Hosted by the University of Minnesota Office for Equity and Diversity and the College of Design,
the outdoor block party promises a memorable day for the whole family. The full day event
kicks off at 11 am and will last until 5 pm, with food, music, art-making, and dozens of ways to
get involved and honor the Black community.
At 11:30 am, a commemorative march featuring All City Music Drumline & Dancers will begin.
Participants can follow them down Plymouth Avenue, then participate in the singing of the
Black National Anthem, and witness the solemn laying of roses while the names of those killed
by police violence are read.
U of M Prof. Terresa Moses and others will showcase this year’s theme: We Are the Noise: The
Echoes of Our Ancestors.
“We’re focusing on amplification, reverberation and disruption, and really what it means to be
the noise,” explained Madyson Sklar, Assistant Event Director. “It is really just about having a
good time and enjoying our community.”
The first 1,000 people will get swag bags and a ticket for a free lunch. The ticket will serve as a
raffle entry with prizes including a signed Minnesota Vikings football, restaurant gift cards and
more.
Meals and snacks will be provided by Black food vendors and restaurants including Jambo
Africa, Run Tell That BBQ, Stuff’d Food Truck, Quiet Cat Bakery, Nai’s Delight and MN Nice
Cream.
Lunch and activities begin at noon with performances, a fashion show and inspirational
speakers taking the stage. Two stage sets will feature musical performances by headliners Seyi,
Lewiee Blaze & Tango, Mayyadda and others.
The Free Kid’s Zone will invite the youngest participants to meet animals at the petting zoo, get
their faces painted, jump in a bouncy house, decorate the sidewalks with chalk and even roller
skate with their pals. Barbers will be offering free haircuts.
Adults can choose from a variety of 50-minute workshops about creating waist beads, the
importance of self-care, celebrating Black culture through media, art, music or expressing their
feelings through writing. One workshop will invite participants to embrace and amplify the
voices of the Black Community that have been marginalized in the past.
“In our Black community we don’t always get the space to talk about how we’re feeling, so
what does that mean to be able to express your emotions through writing,” Sklar added. “This
is a great opportunity to connect with people, network, and for all of us to root ourselves in
learning to make this movement go forward.”
Parking is free on a first come, first served basis at the NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center
parking garage at 1256 Penn Ave N in Minneapolis.
Everyone is welcome and no sign ups are required. To learn more, see the full schedule and list
of vendors, or volunteer to help that day, please visit Juneteenth.umn.edu.
Event at a Glance
Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday June 15 th
11am – 5pm
UROC: 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis