Juneteeth, an annual celebration of freedom

While many people in Duluth were enamored with the 32nd annual Grandma’s Marathon on Saturday, June 21, other folks just couldn’t let the day go by without observing an American tradition, Juneteenth.

Juneteenth is an annual event which celebrates the Emancipation Proclamation and emphasizes education and achievement. Nine states and the District of Columbia have recognized Juneteenth as either a state holiday or state holiday observance. This year’s event was held at the Central Hillside Park along Fourth Street between Lake Avenue and First Avenue East.
The African American Men’s Group served a picnic dinner, the Rev. Xavier Bell emceed the event which included musical performances and many agencies, such as the League of Women Voters, Minnesota Citizens’s Federation and Neighborhood Housing Services sponsored booths.