On Saturday, June 18, 2022, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities will host its inaugural U of M Juneteenth Celebration from noon to 6 p.m. in North Minneapolis. This free block party and commemorative march—centering on the theme of Was Is Will Be: Black Past, Black Present, Black Future—will feature Black vendors, speakers, teach-ins, storytellers, musicians, performers, DJs, roller skating, books, free food, free haircuts, mural and art-making, and more.

Was. Is. Will Be.

This year's theme is done in remembrance of the Black past, a commemoration of the Black present, and a vision of the Black future. Black Past remembers Black history which is often left out of historical narratives. Juneteenth will honor the contributions of Black abolitionists and change-makers through educational opportunities throughout the event. Black Present commemorates the nuance of the present-day Black experience. Black people are affected by systemic racism, anti-Blackness, and institutional oppression seen through police murders, incarceration, and other forms of violence against Black people. We will honor present-day abolitionists and change-makers. Black Future makes room to dream of a collective future free from the violence of the white supremacist patriarchy. We will center Black futurism, vision, joy, and community through interactive activities.

View all speakers & performers, scheduled activities, volunteer sign-up, and more.

CFANS Interim Director for the Office for Diversity and Inclusion Tex Ostvig will lead a teach-in during the event titled, "Growing in History, the Influence and Impact of Black Farmers in Agriculture and Farming."

Presented by the University of Minnesota.

Celebration partners include Black Garnet Books, Blackbird Revolt, DanSan Creatives, FLOW Northside Arts Crawl, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. – Gamma Tau Chapter, Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, PBS’s Jim Crow of the North, Pollen Midwest, Render Free, Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach Engagement Center, The African American Interpretive Center of Minnesota, Twin City Skaters, and the U of M Black Faculty and Staff Association. 

The celebration is supported by the Carlson School of Management; College of Biological Sciences; College of Design; College of Education and Human Development; College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences; College of Liberal Arts; College of Pharmacy; College of Veterinary Medicine; Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs; Law School; Office of Undergraduate Education; Office for Equity and Diversity, Medical School and Office of Academic Clinical Affairs; Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost; School of Dentistry; School of Public Health; University Extension; and University Libraries.