SOtS
soul of the southside
soul of the southside
thank you!
thank you!
On June 19, 2024, the Soul of the Southside Festival came to life, celebrating Black liberation and community with vibrancy and passion. The event attracted 3,700 attendees, offering a rich array of performances, art displays, educational programs, food trucks, vendors, family activities, and wellness sessions.
Thank you to our crew members, volunteers, community partners, performers, vendors, food trucks, healers, storytellers, DJs, photographers, videographers, artists, chefs, educators, and FREEDOM FIGHTERS.
Our collective creative power, joy, and LOVE poured onto East Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue, igniting our LIBERATION.
see you soon
see you soon
PRESS
Minneapolis residents celebrate Juneteenth with annual 'Soul of the Southside' festival
By Anna Armstrong Star Tribune
Four years ago, this south Minneapolis neighborhood was the charred epicenter of Minnesota's racial reckoning. On Wednesday, residents gathered there to celebrate the legacy of Juneteenth and Black liberation.
Thousands convened at Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue for the annual Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival. The mission of the event is to represent the neighborhood's ongoing efforts to create lasting change.
Soul of the Southside Festival spotlights Juneteenth celebrations in Minneapolis
By Kwot Anwey Mshale
In celebration of Juneteenth, thousands gathered on Minnehaha Avenue and Lake Street for the Soul of the Southside Festival. The goal of the festival was to create space centered around Blackness, kinship, and community, according to the Black-owned creative hub, The Legacy Building. The event brought south Minneapolis into the limelight by exhibiting its Black creativity, entrepreneurship, togetherness, and persistence.
Photos: Soul of the Southside Juneteenth celebration in south Minneapolis
mission
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
about
Soul of the Southside (SOTS) is an annual Juneteenth celebration curated by the local hip-hop duo iLLism, who also own and operate The Legacy Building—one of the few Black-led creative spaces in the state. This free-entry festival commemorates Black Liberation and honors the legacy of Juneteenth.
Held on June 19th in south Minneapolis, MN, SOTS centers Blackness, kinship, and community at The Hook and Ladder Theater, Moon Palace Books, Arbeiter Brewing, and The Historic Coliseum Building from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of Black history, art, food, music, and artisans that unite our community and center the invaluable contributions of Black Americans. SOTS fosters unity, respect, and appreciation for the richness of Black culture.
As children growing up in Minneapolis, the organizers of the Soul of the Southside Festival eagerly anticipated the annual Juneteenth celebration at Theodore Wirth Park. Now, they carry forth this tradition, celebrating Blackness and our collective power and liberation.
By bringing our community together in celebration of Juneteenth, we hope to inspire and uplift while creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
VIDEO BY
@b_tulloch
VIDEO BY
@b_tulloch
location
We create space that centers Blackness, kinship and community. Join us at The Hook and Ladder, Moon Palace Books arbeiter Brewing and The Historic Coliseum Building in south minneapolis on wednesday june 19th, 2024, from 12:00pm-8:00pm. Please visit THE accessibility SECTION OF THE WEBSITE if you need additional assistance navigating the festivAL.
2024 event lineup
Arbeiter brewing
Arbeiter brewing
located at 3038 minnehaha ave
beer garden
12:00pm - 8:00pm
southside we outside
art fair
12:00pm - 7:00pm
krsm radio tent
featuring local DJs
12:00pm - 8:00pm
Canvas Royale
Art Battle
4:30pm-6:00pm
Bounce house
face Painting
12:00-6:00pm
12:00-3:00pm
moon
palace
books
moon
palace
books
located at 3036 minnehaha ave
Children's storytelling with local authors
12:00pm - 3:00pm
‘One Million Experiments’ film screening
4:00pm-6:00pm
vending market
coliseum building
coliseum building
located at 27oo e. lake st.
“black renaissance in real time” art exhibition
12:00pm - 6:00pm
MN African american Heritage museum & Gallery
12:00-4:00pm
BEll museum
ExploraDome
12:00pm - 4:00pm
minneapolis sound museum pop-up
12:00pm-6:00pm
the hook & Ladder
the hook & Ladder
located at 3010 minnehaha ave
live music and dance performances
1:30pm - 8:00pm
senior 55+ power hour
12:00-1:30pm
presented by J. MOST & The Command steppers
12:00pm-7:00pm
z
KFAI Radio featuring local DJs
12:00pm-7:00pm
high culture lounge at the zen arcade
12:00-8:00pm
drum circle with
voice of culture
12:00pm
WE WIN & Jerry Gambles Pop Up Reading Room and Black Book Giveaway
12:00pm-4:00pm
Freedom Flow with
Gabby of 612Jungle
1:00pm
Singing HerStory with
the GiveGetSisTet
2:00pm
Ancestral Food Waves with Chef Lachelle Cunningham
2:00pm-4:00pm
Body Reclamation
with DejaJoelle of BodyPrayers and The Melanated Remedy
2:30pm
Sound Bath with
Tamiko French of SoulSpeak Expressions
4:00PM
The Other Side House
a somatic healing experience designed for Black and brown women and gender-expansive folk
4:00PM-8:00pm
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.
CELEBRATION REGULATIONS
CELEBRATION REGULATIONS
2024 performance lineup
JAMES GREAR & COMPANY
JAMES GREAR & COMPANY
MAYA MARCHELLE
MAYA MARCHELLE
MMYYKK &
THE BLACKBEAT THEORY
MMYYKK &
THE BLACKBEAT THEORY
OZONE CREATIONS
OZONE CREATIONS
ZORA
ZORA
ILLISM
ILLISM
KEVIN WASHINGTON &
RA SPIRIT
KEVIN WASHINGTON &
RA SPIRIT
NUNNABOVE
NUNNABOVE
Traiveon & CANDI
Traiveon & CANDI
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
TO OUR PARTNERS
TO OUR PARTNERS
PRESENTED BY
FUNDING PARTNERS
GOLD SPONSOR
3110 E. Lake
Street
Mpls MN
SPACE SPONSOR
TRANSIT SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSOR
PREMIER COMMUNITY SPONSOR
COMMUNITY SPONSOR
Become a sponsor or community partner click here to learn more
our team
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
Co-Founder and Festival Director
Emmanuel Duncan
Co-Founder and
Director of Photography
Kenna Cottman
Access, Engagement and Education Manager
Andrea Pierre
KRSM 98.9fm
Community Health &
Wellness Lead
Nnamdi Darlington
Director of Visual Arts and Exhibitions
Esther Lanier
Vending Manager
denyse johnson
Strategic Support Specialist
Colin Mitchell
Production Manager
Zachina harps
Sponsorship Coordinator
Aadriana epps
Volunteer Coordinator
get involved
SPONSOR
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
VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTEER
Sign up to volunteer! You'll receive a commemorative t-shirt as a token of our appreciation for your hard work.
to sign up click the button below. Still have questions? Drop us a line at
Volunteers@SoulOfTheSouthside.com
vending
vending
Vending for SOTS24 is now closed.
in kind donations
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
food trucks
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.
press
press
All press inquiries including interviews, video and photo capture should contact
Press@SoulOfTheSouthside.com
let’s connect
let’s connect
accessibility
Soul of the Southside Juneteenth Festival aims to be accessible and inclusive. For any accessibility needs not covered here please reach out to accessibility coordinator Kenna Cottman through email accessibility@soulofthesouthside.com or at @mxcottman on instagram. Text and TTY calls to 612-481-6447.
GETTING TO SOUL OF THE SOUTHSIDE
Free Metro transit rides available.
Metro Transist Bus 21, the 7 or the Blue Line all connect with the festival grounds at Lake and Minnehaha.
Street parking available. Juneteenth is a federal holiday so no meters will be enforced.
Rideshares and getting dropped off?
Use the Coliseum Building’s address:
2708 E. Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Minnehaha Ave. will be closed from Lake street to 27th Ave.
Biking?
There are bike racks on both sides of Minnehaha inside the festival grounds and in front of the Hub bike shop between Moon Palace and Hook and Ladder
WHAT GOING ON AT SOUL OF THE SOUTHSIDE
The SOTS Juneteenth Festival takes place on Wednesday June 19 from 12pm to 8pm. There are a variety of venues, activities and performances. A full schedule can be found HERE. If you need this information in a plain text format, please contact Kenna according to the information at the top of this post.
MOVING AROUND AT SOUL OF THE SOUTHSIDE
The Coliseum Building at 2700 E. Lake Street is ADA compliant with spaces on other levels accessible by stairs and elevator. There are restrooms, access to water and space to sit and rest indoors. The building is air conditioned. This space will house our educational and artistic activities.
Minnehaha Ave from Lake Street to 27th Ave will be closed to automobile traffic using blockades at each end of the street. This part of the festival will be accessible by foot/wheelchair/bike and is in full sun with limited spaces for shade and rest.
The Hook and Ladder Theater at 3010 Minnehaha is ADA compliant and all on one level. There is an indoor stage and lounge area that is air conditioned with limited seating. Beverages (including alcoholic ones) are available for purchase. There are water fountains and gender neutral bathrooms inside the venue. There is an outdoor stage which is covered but lacks seating. The Hook and Ladder will house our musical lineup on two stages and a mini-market focused on cannabis and THC/CBD products..
The Vendor Market outside Moon Palace books is an outdoor space with some cobblestone walkways and some wood chip ground open space. Folks with limited mobility may need additional support navigating the vendor market. KFAI Community Radio will anchor this space with a PA system playing music, and the market will feature Black-owned businesses with merchandise for sale. This is also where one of our outdoor water stations will be located with bottle fillers and drinking fountains.
Moon Palace Books is at 3032 Minnehaha. This venue is ADA compliant and masks are required to enter the space. There are gender neutral bathrooms and a water fountain inside, and the space is air conditioned. Moon Palace will host some Black author readings and children’s activities inside the space.
The Southside We Outside Art Fair and KRSM Radio tent will be in the Arbeiter Brewing parking lot. This space is in full sun and will not have seating, however there is a covered patio with seating outside the brewery that folks can use to rest in shade. Free water will be available inside and outside.
Arbeiter Brewery is at 3038 Minnehaha and will house our beer garden. The brewery itself is ADA compliant and features an open air space, and has restrooms. Brewed products, including alcoholic ones, and THC products are available for purchase.
GETTING YOUR NEEDS MET AT SOUL OF THE SOUTHSIDE
ASL Interpreting:
Soul of the Southside Juneteenth will have ASL interpreters scheduled for lyrical acts on our stages at the Hook and Ladder. Additional support for folks needing ASL interpretation is available upon request so that our Deaf and Hard of Hearing family members can access all areas of the festival. Please contact Kenna to make those arrangements using the info at the top of this post.
Other support:
SOTS has volunteers available to assist with:
-mobility support
-limited vision
-needing to sit/can’t stand for long periods
-literacy and festival navigation
-sensory regulation/earplugs
On the day of the festival, SOTS Team members will be identifiable by yellow CREW T-shirts. Each venue has a point person who can contact Kenna to coordinate accessibility support on the day of the festival.
HEALTH AND SAFETY AT SOUL OF THE SOUTHSIDE
Venues that are also businesses will have basic first aid kits available at their fronts.
The SOTS Volunteer tent located at the Hook and Ladder can also provide basic first aid.
SOTS recognizes that Covid-19 is still a public health issue and folks are encouraged to wear masks indoors and in large crowds. Moon Palace Books requires masks indoors. Masks will be available at the entrances to venues with enclosed spaces.
faq
By attending the Soul of the Southside festival, you acknowledge that photos and videos will be captured throughout the event. By being present at the festival, you consent to being photographed and filmed. These images and videos may be used for various purposes, including but not limited to: Event promotion and marketing, Social media posts, Website content, Press releases and media coverage, Archival and historical documentation
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. See you soon.
tickets
tickets
Soul of the Southside is FREE to attend.
All are welcome to celebrate or commemorate Juneteenth!
ALL AGES?
ALL AGES?
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
contact
If you have a general inquiry, comment, concern or anything else please contact us at
connect@SoulOfTheSouthside.com