Soul of the Southside Festival

SOtS

soul of the southside

juneteenth festival

Purple Evening Sky over the Black Hills. Vector Illustration.

At the Soul of the Southside, we celebrate the legacy of Juneteenth and Black Liberation by embracing the vibrancy of Black culture through a dynamic fusion of history, art, music, food, education, and creativity. Our annual festival serves as a transformative platform that unites our community and fosters unity, respect, and appreciation. Through inclusive programming and meticulous curation, we showcase the talents of Black creatives, Black-owned businesses, and community organizations while highlighting the invaluable contributions of Black Americans. By nurturing creativity as a tool for liberation and providing opportunities for learning and connection, we aim to inspire, empower, and leave a lasting legacy of celebration, education, and cultural enrichment for generations to come

SOTS 2023

recap

SOTS 2023

recap

WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?

The African-American observance of Juneteenth is an oppressed people’s response to the news of liberation. Some of our enslaved ancestors received the news of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. The holiday of Juneteenth represents that act and much more. Even the coining of the term “Juneteenth” represents the expansive creativity of a people that make a way out of no way. Foundational Black American freedom is the reason for the Juneteenth season.

VIDEO BY

@b_tulloch

VIDEO BY

@b_tulloch

Soul of the Southside (SOTS), is a Juneteenth celebration. Along with their team SOTS is curated by local hip-hop duo iLLism who also own and operate, The Legacy Building one of the few Black-lead creative spaces in the State. This annual free-entry festival commemorates Black Liberation and honors the legacy of Juneteenth.

Happening annually on June 19th in Minneapolis, MN, SOTS takes place along 30th and Minnehaha avenue in south Minneapolis. This open-street festival brings together local residents from far and wide and shares space with The Hook and Ladder Theater, Moon Palace Books, and Arbeiter Brewing at the same historic corner that was set ablaze during the 2020 uprising following the murder of George Floyd.

Now in its third year, the festival footprint has expanded down Lake Street to the Historic Coliseum Building which now serves as the SOTS Educational Plaza.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of Black history, art, food, music, and artisans that unites our community and commemorates the invaluable contributions of Black Americans. Our inclusive festival fosters unity, respect, and appreciation for the richness of Black culture.

Organizing a festival of this size and scope presents an opportunity to showcase the talents and creativity of the Black community in The Twin Cities. The festival has also become well-known for meticulously curating a new lineup of events and activities that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Black culture through various forms of expression, including education, music, art, food, and more. SOTS is creating a platform for Black creatives, business owners, and community organizations, while also demonstrating the power of our liberation.

When the organizers of the Soul of the Southside Festival were children growing up in Minneapolis, mid-June was highly anticipated for the annual Juneteenth celebration on a Saturday in Theodore Wirth Park. Now they carry forth the tradition of a big community celebration of Blackness and of our collective power and liberation.

VIDEO BY

@b_tulloch

VIDEO BY

@b_tulloch

The Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival generates hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for the local economy, while providing a positive and substantial cultural impact on Minneapolis and the surrounding areas that lasts long after the festival wraps up each year.

By bringing together our community in celebration of Juneteenth, we hope to inspire and uplift while also creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

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The Soul of the Southside Juneteenth festival thrives on the collaborative efforts of a dynamic team, comprising creative space owners, activists, art directors, yoga instructors, community organizers, griots, and community leaders. Each member brings a unique blend of skills, passion, and expertise to the table, shaping the festival's planning and execution with their diverse perspectives and dedication. Together, they infuse the event with creativity, advocacy, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a celebration that truly resonates with the Soul of the Southside.

Fancy Lanier-Duncan

Founder and Festival Director

Kenna Cottman

Access, Engagement and Education Manager

Esther Lanier

Vending Manager

Emmanuel Duncan

Co-Founder and

Director of Photography

Andrea Pierre

KRSM 98.9fm

Community Health &

Wellness Lead

denyse johnson

Strategic Support Specialist

Isaac Brazil

Festival Manager

FELICIA PERRY

Community Health &

Wellness Lead

Uzo Ngwu

Social Media Manager

Colin Mitchell

Production Manager

Nnamdi Darlington

Director of Visual Arts and Exhibitions

Zachina harps

Sponsorship Coordinator

SPONSOR

Sponsorships are 100% tax deductible. Be a part of something meaningful. Join us in supporting the Southside Juneteenth Festival today and help make a difference in our community.

For more info please contact

partner@SoulOfTheSouthside.com or click the button below to view our Pitch Deck

vending

We want to offer a platform for you to showcase your unique products and services.

for more info please contact

vending@SoulOfTheSouthside.com

Artist call

Please send us an email to art@soulofthesouthside.com with your name and contact info. Please do not attach files to your email as we will not open them.

VOLUNTEER

to sign up click the button below. Still have questions? Drop us a line at

Volunteer@SoulOfTheSouthside.com

food trucks

If you're interested in bringing your food truck to our festival, we want to hear from you! Contact us at foodandbev@soulofthesouthside.com for more information.

in kind donations

If you or your organization are able to provide goods or services that the festival requires, such as food or beverages, equipment rentals, or printing services please send us an email to connect@SoulOfTheSouthside.com

let’s connect

press

All press inquiries including interviews, video and photo capture should contact

Press@SoulOfTheSouthside.com

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SOtS

soul of the southside

ACCESSIBILTY

ALL AGES?

about

HIGHLIGHTS

GET INVOLVED

The Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival seeks to be accessible and engaging for our attendees. If you or someone you know has access needs that would make it easier to participate, please let us know by contacting our

Access, Engagement and Education

Manager

Kenna Cottman at Access@SoulOfTheSouthside.com

Soul of the Southside is a community event that welcomes all people of every age. We have plenty of activities and events that are family friendly and engaging.

Please keep in mind there are some activations and spaces that are age restricted including our cannabis lounge and beer garden.

contact

If you have a general inquiry, comment, concern or anything else please contact us at

connect@SoulOfTheSouthside.com

tickets

Soul of the Southside is FREE to attend.

All are welcome to celebrate or commemorate Juneteenth!

CELEBRATION REGULATIONS

Juneteenth is a celebration of Black American liberation
Show respect for the art, performers, and crew.
Raise your awareness by visiting our info tables and asking questions respectfully.
Center Blackness. Listen to our perspectives. Observe with respect.
Interact with positivity and enthusiasm for Blackness.
Be mindful of your language and behavior. Please be respectful and inclusive.
Purchase food and wares from the Black-owned vendors in our marketplace.
Listen, learn, and take action to support Black liberation beyond observing Juneteenth.
Take care of the space. Please use the trash and recycling bins.
Be aware of other people's air. Step away to smoke or vape.
Please don’t bring weapons or harmful objects.