The St. Louis Park City Council passed a proclamation at its June 16 meeting observing Juneteenth 2025. Juneteenth is a federal holiday recognizing the day, June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were granted freedom from slavery under the Emancipation Proclamation, marking freedom from chattel slavery across the country. Today, it is observed as a reminder of the horrific legacy of slavery and an opportunity to recommit to fighting for human rights for all.

In recognition of Juneteenth, the City of St. Louis Park invites you to:

• Learn about the history of Juneteenth
  • Juneteenth | Minnesota Humanities Center
  • The Journey to Juneteenth | Minnesota Historical Society
  • Juneteenth | National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Consider attending Juneteenth events
  • Juneteenth Celebration | Discover St. Louis Park
    • Thursday, June 19, 4 p.m. at the Rollin’ @ the ROC: Roller skating fun for the whole family
    • Saturday, June 21, 2 p.m. at the Stories for Juneteenth with Black Storytellers Alliance at St. Louis Park Library
  • Juneteenth Minnesota
  • Juneteenth National Registry of Celebrations

Proclamation

The Juneteenth proclamation reads:

Whereas, Juneteenth has been observed by Black Americans as the day when word of the Emancipation Proclamation granting freedom from slavery finally reached Galveston Bay, Texas on June 19, 1865 - two years after it was written into law by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863; and

Whereas, Juneteenth marks the beginning of freedom from chattel slavery, opening possibilities for generations of Black people in the United States; and

Whereas, Recognition of Juneteenth as an observed city holiday in St. Louis Park is a significant step in understanding the painful legacy of slavery which continues to have impacts on our society to this day; and

Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park’s inaugural Juneteenth was celebrated in 2022 and continues annually with the 2025 celebration being a Juneteenth Series inviting the public to participate with Wounded Healers Production; Freedom, Fun, and Festive Beats!; Rollin’ @ the ROC; Stories for Juneteenth with Black Storytellers Alliance; and

Whereas, Juneteenth is commemorated as “Freedom Day”, celebrating the countless efforts made by abolitionists, both enslaved and free, in the fight for freedom from white slaveowners; and

Whereas, Black Americans continue to make significant contributions to Minnesota’s culture, economy, education, health, housing and government; and

Whereas, challenging anti-Black racism in our communities honors the legacy of Juneteenth and contributes to our strategic priority of being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a just community for all,

Now therefore, let it be known that the mayor and city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, hereby observe Juneteenth 2025 in our community.