Rondo neighborhood recollects pain and resilience during Juneteenth celebration
- Various events are taking place in the Twin Cities to celebrate Juneteenth, providing opportunities for education and community engagement.
- The Rondo neighborhood's celebration highlighted the community's resilience in the face of historical struggles, particularly due to the impact of I-94 construction.
- The events fostered a reflective atmosphere, inspiring attendees to remember their history while focusing on future healing and connection.
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, communities in the United States marked Juneteenth with a series of events, particularly in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. This occasion is a celebration of freedom and the end of slavery, commemorating the date when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their emancipation. Various celebrations were organized, including concerts, block parties, and educational tours throughout the region, engaging residents in reflection and joy. The events also aimed to enhance awareness about racial history and promote unity among diverse communities. In St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, a historically Black community, Juneteenth took on a profound significance as attendees gathered to honor the resilience of families affected by historical injustices, particularly the detrimental effects caused by the construction of Interstate 94 in the late 1950s. Marvin Anderson, director of the Rondo Center of Diverse Expression, recounted the destruction faced by the community when hundreds of homes and businesses were razed to make way for the freeway. This act resulted in the displacement of countless families and disrupted longstanding social and cultural networks. Despite this painful history, the celebration emphasized the community's enduring spirit and values which have persisted through adversity. The Juneteenth events included speakers from four Rondo families who shared personal stories about their experiences and the lasting impact of the community's transformations. The narratives served as vital reminders of the resilience shared among the elders and the importance of transmitting these memories to the younger generations. Anderson highlighted the community's rhythm, stating that the values learned throughout their history have been invaluable in sustaining their identity amidst challenges. This year's celebration was also viewed as an opportunity for hope and healing, as proposals to create a land bridge over I-94 aim to reconnect the fragmented community. The idea is to restore not only the physical connections but also the cultural and social ties that were lost. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how far they have come while recognizing the work that still lies ahead to heal the wounds inflicted by the past.