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

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.

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.

VIDEO BY

@b_tulloch

VIDEO BY

@b_tulloch

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. Curating a lineup of events and activities that center 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.

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.

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

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