Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. However, the city of Duluth has continued to celebrate it for decades. For half a century, the Duluth chapter of the NAACP has organized a community-wide event for the day of liberty. Members of the community let freedom ring at the Juneteenth Jamboree in Central Hillside.

Classie Dudley, the president of the Duluth NAACP chapter, says Juneteenth is a time to teach about the abolition of slavery in 1865. Although it’s also a celebration to continue the fight for more freedom,.

“It’s a 50th celebration and I gotta say it’s the biggest one we’ve had within the last 10 years that I’ve been going to Juneteenth,” Dudley said. “The NAACP is here to not only like share that history, but also share why we have such great foundation and community. There’s a lot of love and support, but there’s also a lot of work that we have to do. So, just like back then there was work, there’s work here today. Seeing all the support that we’ve gotten today just is so heartwarming.”

Dudley says the community get-together allows residents to connect with one another. Also, it’s a chance to learn about local organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for the BIPOC community. Kelsey Gantzer, the Executive Director of the Duluth Community School Collaborative, says Juneteenth helps bring families together outside the school year.

“It’s been amazing. We’ve seen so many students and families from our three community schools. So we’re at Myers-Wilkins, Lincoln Park and Denfeld. We’ve seen so many families coming out to celebrate each other and our students,” Gantzer said. “It’s been great to be here to celebrate with them. We’ve got great partners here. It’s been amazing seeing all of our families in the community just out having a great time.”

Duluth’s Juneteenth Jamboree also brings several BIPOC-owned businesses into the limelight. Chenoa Williams says she has continued to be a vendor for the past few years. She says the community event continues to grow bigger and better every year.

“Come down and help build the community, meet people, meet new friends, meet old friends. Support budding entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs who have been doing this for a few years now,” Williams said. “There’s always something great to see out here. Free food, community. What more could you want?

For more information about the Juneteenth you can read more here. Also for other stories about Juneteenth you can read more here.