Minneapolis Celebrates Juneteenth like No Place Else

Cities and towns across this great country are making plans this summer for the annual Juneteenth celebration and Minneapolis, MN is no exception. As in the past this year's festival will take place at Theodore Wirth Park in North Minneapolis on Saturday, June 16, 2007.

Juneteenth is often referred to as our nation's second independence day. It recognizes when the last remaining slaves from the holdout state of Texas were finally granted freedom, 2 ½ years after Abraham Lincoln penned the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. After President Lincoln ended slavery, Texas ignored the order, refusing to comply. In fact, some slave owners from other states moved to Texas to continue illegal slavery.

Slavery continued in Texas until June 19, 1865. That is when Union troops rode into Galveston, Texas and directly informed them they were violating federal law; only then did the slaveholders comply free their slaves. That was the birth of Juneteenth; people marked that occasion with a celebration that has endured for over 140 years.

Juneteenth began as a small festival in Texas; today it has grown so large that it is now celebrated both nationally and even internationally. Some countries known to have Juneteenth festivals are Ghana, Trinidad, Japan and Paris. Although it is associated with the freedom of blacks, it is a celebration for everyone. The official Juneteenth website states: "Beyond freedom for one's self, Juneteenth celebrates freedom for all, worldwide.

Juneteenth promotes unity and builds self-esteem through reflection, education and through acknowledgement of achievements. Today, people of all races, nationalities and ethnicities join together to support and participate in Juneteenth celebrations - a true testament to humanity."

The Minneapolis festival holds true to this concept; people of various ethnic backgrounds feel free to participate in the celebration. Perhaps this is why Minneapolis has one of the largest celebrations in the country, drawing crowds of 60,000 people. Juneteenth is always held on the Saturday closest to the official date; this year it is June 16th.

There are a few early morning activities taking place prior to the official start such as a community breakfast at 7 am and the Juneteenth Walk for Cancer Awareness beginning at 9 am. Also, weather permitting there will even be free tethered hot air balloon rides at 6:30 am. The festival officially begins at 10 am with the Juneteenth Parade featuring the Tuskegee Airmen this year. After the parade, young and old alike will find plenty of activities they can partake in while relaxing in the park.

If you stop by the African American History Pavilion, you will see a variety of events including dramatic reenactments of the lives of black WWII pilots. The festival will also have the largest map of Africa in the world. Visitors can walk across the continent of Africa and learn more about the rich history. In addition, local athletes, celebrities and educators will continuously read to children in the reading village.

The fun zone will provide family fun activities like a hoola hoop contest, water balloon toss, three legged race and much more. Free canoe rides and tennis lessons will be available for kids to enjoy. Finally, don't miss the Kum-Pie-Yah Sweet Potato Pie Contest.

Much of the vender food you find at most summer fairs is readily available at Juneteenth; however, the wide array of soul food is what will make your taste buds water. Also, if you are interested in finding African clothing, artwork or jewelry this is a good place to do some one stop shopping.

So, if you're looking great summer festival that is both entertaining and educational, look no further. Juneteenth is the perfect way to have fun and pay tribute to an important part of our country's history at the same time.