Juneteenth Jubilation on Central Hillside Center and Park

The Duluth Branch of the NAACP held their 49th annual Juneteenth Jubilation. From 12pm-5pm on June 18th, over 1,000 people joined in the fun at the Central Hillside Center and Park. People could win prizes with games, enjoy free food and so much more.

The Duluth Branch of the NAACP President Classie Dudley, said Juneteenth has only been a federal holiday since 2021. However, many communities like Duluth have been celebrating it for decades. “The NAACP has been doing this for then for over 40 years, we’re super excited to create this tradition in our community and see it spread to other groups and organizations.” Dudley said. “We’re celebrating Juneteenth here, but a big part of Juneteenth is our dads. You know, all races, all religions, all of them support our community and we support them too. I wouldn’t be doing my work with the city without my dad and the support he’s had in my life.”

Juneteenth is a day of celebration and reflection for the African Americans who gained their freedom from slavery in 1865. “Even just recognizing this is a national holiday and a federal holiday is a start. What we’re asking for as a community, is to recognize a lot of our history, the good, the bad and the ugly.” Dudley said. “Today is a celebration day for all the work that we’ve done, and for the community that supports us.”

Also for more information about the Juneteenth Jubilation you can look here. But for other Juneteenth stories you can read more here.