Fargo Juneteenth 2021
The 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration
This year’s Juneteenth was a cultural combination of education, entertainment, and giving back. This event raises awareness of the monumental historical event of Juneteenth, otherwise known as "Freedom Day".
The following happened:
There was live jazz and blues music, and a DJ played soulful music. Resources tables with local therapists, yoga specialists, breath-work experts, and other community organizations that provided much-needed services. Delicious soul food served to the community. There was no charge for the food, which served as a means to feed the community and provide a space for socializing, learning, and most importantly celebrating. North Dakota now recognizes Juneteenth as a state holiday with SB 2322. A key theme of this year's Juneteenth was "Umoja," which means unity in Swahili.
In addition to the art for kids, there were live performances by local artists from the FM-area, as well as an installation highlighting the different components of Juneteenth (archives, indigenous and Black liberation, and a memorial wall).
Check out the experience below:
SB 2322
North Dakota is only one of three states in the nation that does not legally recognize the June 19 holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. and is also known as Emancipation Day and Freedom Day.
The legislation, SB 2232, is sponsored by two longtime senators, Fargo Democrat Tim Mathern and Grand Forks Republican Raymon Holmberg.
A year prior to the second annual juneteeth. Before the first annual Juneteenth celebration, Fred Edwards spoke to the city council and the rest of the ND chamber in a public discussion hoping that Juneteenth could be recognized as a state holiday.
It is with great appreciation for the legislators and activist in the community that, This bipartisan bill in the North Dakota Legislature recognized Juneteenth as a ceremonial holiday in the state.