University of Minnesota presents 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Commemorative March: We are the Noise: The Echoes of Our Ancestors

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (05/15/2024) – On Saturday, June 15, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities will host its third annual U of M Juneteenth Celebration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in North Minneapolis.

This free block party and commemorative march — centering on the theme of We are the Noise: The Echoes of Our Ancestors — will feature Black vendors, speakers, workshops, poster showcases, storytellers, musicians, performers, DJs, roller skating, books, free food, free haircuts, art-making, a petting zoo, bouncy house, and more. The event will begin with a commemorative march at noon from the University’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center at 2001 Plymouth Ave. N., where the outdoor block party will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Registration for Juneteenth Celebration workshops is recommended. 

"The Juneteenth Celebration at the University of Minnesota has garnered widespread support across our entire institution. From our leaders to our academic and administrative units, everyone has rallied behind this important initiative,” said Vice President for Equity and Diversity Mercedes Ramírez Fernández. “Our exceptional event organizer has brought together an extraordinary coalition of individuals. This collective effort transcends individual identities as we all recognize the significance of Black liberation. We approach this event with joy and enthusiasm, feeling the anticipation and excitement resonating throughout our campus communities.”

Speakers include Dr. Rose Brewer, Jerome Richardson, Terresa Moses, Makeda Zulu and Dr. Yohuru Williams. Performers and musicians include Seyi, Mayyadda, Lewiee Blaze & Tango, DJ Miss Brit, DJ AriesFireBomb, emceed by Bianca Dennie. Food vendors include Jambo Africa, Quiet Cat Bakery, Run Tell That BBQ, Stuff'd Food Truck, Nai's Delight, and Ben & Jerry's.

“This year we will celebrate Juneteenth and Black futurity by uplifting the nuance and intersectionality of the Black experience — being one filled with disruption, reverberation, and amplification,” said event director Terresa Moses, an assistant professor and Director of Design Justice in the College of Design. “We want Juneteenth to create a space that supports the various identities in the Black community, amplifying all Black genders, sexualities, abilities, economic statuses, educational levels — those whose identities are the most marginalized of us. We will begin with a commemorative march for Black lives, a rose memorial, and a moment of silence. We will then move into live performances, fashion shows, giveaways, live screen-printing, workshops, roller skating, and a very engaging interactive kids zone.” 

This event is presented by the University of Minnesota College of Design, the Office for Equity and Diversity, the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, the Office of the President, and the Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center. 

U of M Juneteenth Celebration partners include UMN Black Faculty & Staff Association, UMN Black Student Union, Black Graduate Collective, Black Motivated Women, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Program, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life, Arubah Emotional Health Services, DanSan Creatives, Blackbird Revolt, Black Garnet Books, Twin Cities Skaters, Afterthought Expressions, beUjewels, Simply Sámone LLC, Trinsetta Apparel, Tay’s Secret Garden, Loc'd and Royal, Rajine the Queen Artistry, Kelis’s Beautique, Virginia’s All Purpose Seasoning, Melanin Collections, So Me By Jamelah, Loveless Blvd, Fancy Bee Beauty, Beautiful Soul Candle Company, Artistry By Carmen, Social Learning For Littles, Shiro's African Boutique, Naturally Nature, Brit Sigh, Londi LLC, Mapping Prejudice, Partners4Pain, Our Streets, The 10k Families Study, Great MN Schools, FLAGS JP, UMN Office for Supplier Diversity, UMN School of Dentistry, UMN School of Nursing, UMN Department of Pediatrics, UMN Office of Admissions, Institute of Child Development. 

Visit juneteenth.umn.edu for a complete list of partner organizations, vendors, performers and activities.