Saint Paul City Council Honors Black Freedom, Liberation, and Resilience

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2026

Saint Paul City Council Honors Black Freedom, Liberation, and Resilience

SAINT PAUL - Today, the Saint Paul City Council adopted RES 26-997, which honors and recognizes Juneteenth (June 19,) 2026 as an annual celebration of Black freedom, liberation, and resilience in the City of Saint Paul.

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans. Widely recognized as the nation's Second Independence Day, Juneteenth honors the enduring pursuit of freedom, justice, opportunity, and belonging. It also celebrates the resilience and contributions of Black communities throughout American history.

While emancipation marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history, the pursuit of racial equity did not end there. Black Americans continue to experience barriers rooted in generations of racial discrimination, segregation, disinvestment, and other policies and practices that have limited access to opportunity and prosperity.

In Saint Paul, these inequities have taken many forms, including redlining, racial covenants, unequal access to housing and economic opportunity, environmental injustice, and the destruction of the historic Rondo neighborhood. The construction of Interstate 94 caused significant harm to Saint Paul's Black business, residential, cultural, and spiritual life, and the effects of those decisions continue to be felt throughout the city today.

The resolution affirms the City's commitment to advancing racial equity through investments in people and place, empowering Black youth, and examining policies, practices, and systems through an equity lens to remove barriers, foster opportunity, and build a stronger future for generations to come.

The resolution also recognizes 30,000 Feet, the Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant, and Life-Skills Workshops for their commitment to empowering Black youth and families through leadership development, mentorship, education, wellness, and cultural pride. Through their work, these organizations continue to create opportunities for young people while helping build stronger and more connected communities across Saint Paul.

As Saint Paul continues working toward a more equitable and inclusive future, Juneteenth provides an opportunity to reflect on the city's history, celebrate the contributions of Black communities, and recommit to building a city where every resident can thrive.

The Saint Paul City Council encourages residents to commemorate Juneteenth by learning about its history and significance, participating in educational and cultural events, supporting Black-owned businesses and community institutions, celebrating Black culture and achievement, and reflecting on the ongoing pursuit of freedom, justice, and opportunity for all.

Quotes from Councilmembers:

"Juneteenth is a day of both remembrance and resolve. We honor the extraordinary courage and perseverance of Black Americans who endured generations of slavery and continued struggle, and we recognize that the legacy of that history is still present in communities like Saint Paul, most visibly in the harm caused by redlining, racial covenants, and the destruction of Rondo through I-94. As a city, we reaffirm our responsibility to learn from that history and to continue advancing policies and investments that build a more just, inclusive, and opportunity-rich future for every resident," said Council President Rebecca Noecker

"Juneteenth is more than a holiday. It is a testament to our Black communities' historic sacrifice and unyielding fight for freedom from slavery. This movement laid the important foundation for major wins in civil rights, full citizenship, and more that all of us in this country, and even those internationally, benefit from. I am thankful for the community leaders and organizations that continue demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the brilliance, history, and future of our Black communities," said Council Vice President Nelsie Yang

"Juneteenth and the generations of courage, resilience, and perseverance it represents. Juneteenth calls us not only to celebrate how far we have come, but to recommit ourselves to the work of ensuring that every person is valued, every voice is heard, and every member of our community has the opportunity to flourish," said Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson, Ward 7

"I'm proud to celebrate Juneteenth this year as a reminder of the invaluable contributions of African Americans in this country's history and how our collective liberation is closely tied. Every fight for freedom and self-determination is the culmination of countless people who gave everything to be able to exist freely," said Councilmember HwaJeong Kim, Ward 5

"Juneteenth marks Black freedom, liberation, culture, and excellence, and it is an honor to celebrate the occasion this year by lifting up the critical, joyful work of 30,000 Feet and the Miss & Mr. Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant. Both organizations are leading the way to empower youth, develop community leadership, and affirm cultural pride. As a member of the Saint Paul City Council, Juneteenth is also an opportunity to recommit ourselves as a city to the celebration of Black history, culture, achievement, and community in Saint Paul," said Councilmember Molly Colemand, Ward 4

About the Saint Paul City Council:
The Saint Paul City Council is the city's legislative body, setting policy through ordinances and resolutions, adopting budgets, and providing direct constituent services across the city's wards. Learn more at www.stpaul.gov/department/city-council.

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