DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – Juneteenth may still be a few days away, but a gathering in Duluth Saturday celebrated the holiday a bit early.
Juneteenth is typically celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
The Twin Ports Juneteenth celebration kicked off at Harrison Park in Duluth Saturday.
Organizers estimate around 2,600 people took part in the celebration.
Attendees could enjoy free food, music from a DJ, and shop from one of the 50 vendors at the festivities.
For organizer and Family Rise Together Executive Director ChaQuana McEntyre Jones, celebrating Juneteenth in our area is an important opportunity to build community.
“The fact that we are able to come together and celebrate Blackness and wholeness as a group of people. And being inclusive to all is vital to our community because we are one community,” said McEntyre Jones.
The celebration featured activities for people of all ages including a bounce house for kids.
More Juneteenth festivities are planned in our area, including Duluth NAACP’s celebration which is slated for Wednesday afternoon at Central Hillside community center.
Virginia is hosting a Juneteenth celebration next week as well.
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