NAACP: Juneteenth Celebration
| When |
Jun 13, 2026
from 12:00 PM to 05:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Where | Soldiers Field Memorial Park |
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Rochester Branch of the NAACP Celebrates 21 Years of Juneteenth Community Celebration
Rochester, Minnesota — The Rochester Branch of the NAACP is proud to announce its 21st Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration, taking place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Soldiers Memorial Field Park.
Now in its 21st year, this longstanding community tradition continues to bring together residents from across Rochester and the surrounding region to celebrate freedom, culture, and unity. This year’s event will run from 12PM to 5 PM and will welcome hundreds of attendees for a day of reflection, celebration, and community connection.
The celebration will feature a vibrant, family-friendly lineup of activities, including:
- Live performances and cultural entertainment
- Youth and family engagement activities, including games and educational programming
- Local food vendors and small businesses
- Community resource booths highlighting local organizations and services
- A historical showcase on the significance of Juneteenth and its connection to present-day challenges
As part of this milestone year, the Rochester Branch of the NAACP will proudly present its inaugural general education and endowed scholarships, recognizing outstanding students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to advancing social justice.
This year’s celebration will also highlight the importance of collective action, emphasizing that meaningful change happens when communities come together to support one another.
Dr. Walé Elegbede, President of the Rochester Branch of the NAACP, shared:
“Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not something we inherit—it is something we must actively protect and advance. At a time when many communities continue to face targeted injustice, the lessons of Freedom Day are as urgent as ever. The Black/African American experience has shown us that the fight for freedom never takes a back seat. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught us, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ We invite the entire community to join us—not only to celebrate, but to stand together in advancing freedom, dignity, and human rights for all.”
Juneteenth is both a celebration and a call to action. It is a moment to honor the resilience of those who came before us, while recommitting ourselves to building a more just, inclusive, and equitable future for the next generation.”
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865 and stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, progress, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. Today, it continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement, education, and collective responsibility in shaping a better future.
This event is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend, learn, and celebrate together.
Get Involved
We need your support! Community members, organizations, and businesses are invited to participate through sponsorships, vendor booths, and volunteer opportunities. Your support helps ensure this important tradition continues to grow and impact future generations.
For sponsorship opportunities, booth registration, volunteer sign-up, and additional event details, please visit:
https://www.naacprochestermn.org/juneteenth and follow the Rochester NAACP on Facebook.