Celebrate Juneteenth with food, music and reflections in the Twin Cities and beyond

While corporations, educational institutions and government agencies are backing away from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Juneteenth celebrations are going on as scheduled.

Commemorating June 19, 1865, the day in Galveston, Texas, when the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were free, Minnesota organizations are hosting more than 20 events this year in honor of Juneteenth, aka Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. Savage is holding its inaugural celebration with a program that features a keynote speaker and family activities. At other cities, annual celebrations include entertainment, historical exhibitions and parades. Here are ways to celebrate the spirit of freedom, unity and community.

Juneteenth Celebration: Three Rivers Parks invites the community to partake in ceramic artmaking, and health and wellness resources. Brass Solidarity will perform live music and there will be food options from House of Jerk and VeganWitt. (5-8 p.m. June 18. Free. Silverwood Park, 2500 County Road E, St. Anthony. threeriversparks.org)

Pre-Juneteenth: The community is invited to share experiences through spoken word and poetry. (6:30-7:30 p.m. June 18. Free. Loring Community Art Center, 1382 Willow St., Mpls. minneapolisparks.org)

Juneteenth Eve Celebration: At the event, people can express themselves and their life experiences through art, music and poetry. (6-8:30 p.m. June 18. Free. Central Gym Park, 3416 4th Av S., Mpls. minneapolisparks.org)

Juneteenth at the Fort: A historical tour focusing on African American history at Fort Snelling from 1819 through the 1880s. (10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 19. $8-$12, ages 5 and under free. Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Av., St. Paul. mnhs.org)

Juneteenth State Capitol: Black Lives Matter Minnesota presents an afternoon of activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, food and games. (Noon June 19. Free. 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul. eventbrite.com)

West Broadway Juneteenth: A celebration filled with music, food, water sports, carnival and historical and educational displays. (Noon-6 p.m. June 19. Free. West Broadway from Lyndale to Girard avenues, Mpls. eventbrite.com)

Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival: This year’s theme is “Family: A Revolutionary Force.” The fest will feature a history zone, art fair, film screenings, food trucks and music. (Noon-8 p.m. June 19. Free. E. Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue S., Mpls. soulofthesouthside.com)

Juneteenth West St. Paul: Family games and activities, food and entertainment. (2-8 p.m. June 19. Free. Marthaler Park, 1657 Humboldt Av., West St. Paul. facebook.com)

Edina Juneteenth: The event will feature performances by Chantel Sings and Duniya Drum & Dance, family activities and food vendors. (3-7 p.m. June 19. Free. Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Av. S., Edina. edinamn.gov)

Juneteenth Event Series: Hosted by St. Louis Park Community Education and St. Louis Park Parks and Recreation, activities include Wounded Healers Production, Juneteenth Jam, Rollin’ at the ROC and Black Storytellers Alliance. (4 p.m. June 19; 2 p.m. June 21. Free. Various locations. stlouisparkmn.gov)

Juneteenth Savage: Put together by the Community Equity Commission. Mayor Christine Kelly will deliver a reading before keynote speaker Ed Jenkins takes the stage at the city’s inaugural Juneteenth. Jenkins is an actor, storyteller and creator of a podcast, “Keyshawn Solves It.” The family-friendly event will also have children’s activities and refreshments. (6-8 p.m. June 19. Free. McColl Environmental Learning Center, 13550 Dakota Drive, Savage. facebook.com)

Juneteenth Pop-Up Celebration: Held at the Richfield Farmers Market, there will be Black-owned business marketplace and music. (7 a.m.-noon June 21. Free. Veterans Park, 6335 Portland Av. S., Richfield. visitrichfield.com)

Juneteenth, A Family Celebration: The Anika Foundation invites the community for a day of reflection and family activities. R&B recording artist Dwele will perform. (Noon-6 p.m. June 21. Free. State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul. theanikafoundation.org)

Juneteenth Minnetonka: The Grammy Award-winning group Sounds of Blackness will perform and the afternoon will feature dancing, food and vendors. (1-4 p.m. June 21. Free. Ridgedale Commons, 12590 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka. minnetonkamn.gov)

Juneteenth Brooklyn Park: The theme this year is “Planting Seeds of Freedom: Cultivating Healthy and Thriving Brooklyns,” and the day includes vendors, exhibits, displays and activities. (1-5 p.m. June 21. Free. North Hennepin Community College. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. (7411 85th Av., Brooklyn Park. brooklynpark.org)

Juneteenth Eagan: The day of celebration and remembrance will feature cultural performances, food, family activities and Black-owned businesses. (3-7 p.m. June 22. Free. Viking Lakes, 815 Vikings Pkwy., Eagan. eaganmn.com)