Brooklyn Park Leaders Share Vision for Juneteenth Celebration
The City of Brooklyn Park’s third annual Juneteenth Celebration is Saturday, June 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at North Hennepin Community College.
Brooklyn Park’s third-annual Juneteenth Celebration is Saturday, June 15 at North Hennepin Community College.
The theme this year is: Black Art, Health, and Healing.
“We are going to use art as an expression towards our healing as well as look at art of yesterday, see the presence of art today, and think about what art looks like going forward,” said Marcellus Davis, Racial Equity Diversity and Inclusion Manager for the City of Brooklyn Park. He, along with a team of other community members and city staff, have worked for months on creating the event.
“It is more important than ever to have an understanding of American history through the Black experience,” said Davis. “So, you are getting the education experience. One of the core elements of the Juneteenth experience is celebration, so it’s going to be jovial, it’s going to be celebrative, it’s going to be educative, and we’re hoping that everybody comes and gets to eat in their various forms of nutrition.”
Dawn Stevens, a 12-year resident of the city and a member of the event planning committee, said her 13-year-old daughter will be there to host a free youth artists’ corner as part of her business, Vibe Art.
“Doing art, just putting that paint on canvas together as a family or with friends, is just fun,” said Stevens. “It can be a stress reliever, it is just a way we can connect with our community members.”
There will be food, games, musical performances, and vendors set up from across the Twin Cities to help connect residents and visitors with information and resources.
“It is our responsibility to assure that everybody that steps foot in our Juneteenth celebration walks away with an appreciation for what Juneteenth means for our country,” said Davis.
