WOODBURY, MN (WNN) – Woodbury for Justice and Equality and the city of Woodbury will both recognize Juneteenth with events that commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people — widely regarded as America’s second Independence Day.
The Juneteenth events will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14, in Ojibway Park.
On June 19,1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the long-delayed announcement that all slaves were freed. This event took place two years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and two months after the end of the Civil War. Juneteenth is now a federal and state holiday, with Minnesota becoming the 26th state to recognize the holiday in 2023.
Now in its fifth year, the Woodbury celebration hosted by Woodbury for Justice and Equality reflects on “how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go” in the fight for racial equality, according to organizers. The event features:
- Local community partners and Black-owned business booths.
- Dance performances by Afrocontigbo.
- Music by DJ Madison Sound.
- Drumming and poetry by Irreducible Grace Foundation.
- Engaging speakers including local activists, community leaders and historians.
- Free BBQ chicken and grilled hot dogs.
- Kids activities.
- Milk Mart ice cream truck (desserts available for purchase).
The celebration offers an educational environment, creating space for reflection, connection, and celebration of Black culture, history and achievements.
Walter Dobgima, President and Founder of Woodbury for Justice and Equality, formed the group in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd.
His call to action began on the Nextdoor app, encouraging community members to stand in solidarity with their Black and Brown neighbors. What started as a memorial march to honor George Floyd grew into a nonprofit organization committed to justice, equality and sustained community engagement.
“As a Black man, I felt like if there was ever a time to speak up and create awareness on racism, [it was} now,” Dobgima said.
Today, Dobgima believes it’s even more important to commemorate Juneteenth and recognize there is more work to be done.
“Juneteenth is a story of resilience and denied justice,” Dobgima said. “It’s a story of freedom—but also a reminder of the systemic inequalities that persist. Today, the struggle for civil rights continues, including in boardrooms and classrooms. We see it in book bans targeting Black authors, and in the silencing of conversations about racism.”
Juneteenth Trail Walks
In addition to this Saturday’s celebration, Woodbury will host Juneteenth Trail Walks at two parks and City Hall. The self-guided educational experience about the history of Juneteenth and the legacy of slavery in America continues through June 23 at Colby Lake Park, Ojibway Park, and behind Woodbury City Hall. .
These walks offer an opportunity for residents to deepen their understanding of why June 19 was designated a state and federal holiday. Trail maps and background information on Juneteenth are available here.
For more ways to observe Juneteenth in Minnesota, click here.
