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Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story and Its Enduring Legacy of Community, Culture, and Freedom in the City of Saint Paul
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WHEREAS Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates an extraordinary moment in our nation’s history and is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States; and
WHEREAS on June 17, 2021, the United States Government recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday, and on February 3, 2023, the State of Minnesota recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday; and
WHEREAS on June 17, 2026, the Saint Paul City Council unanimously passed RES 26-997, honoring and recognizing the national holiday Juneteenth 2026 as an annual celebration of Black Freedom, Liberation, and Resilience in the City of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS in honor of the countless contributions, sacrifices, leadership, and resilience of Black residents, civic leaders, and community members past and present, Mayor Kaohly Her proclaimed June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Day in the City of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS on June 26, 2026, the Mayor of the City of Saint Paul proclaimed the day as Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story Day in the City of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS storytelling has long served as a powerful tool of resistance, remembrance, education, and liberation, preserving the histories, truths, and lived experiences of communities whose voices have too often been excluded from traditional narratives; and
WHEREAS artists, playwrights, performers, and cultural leaders play a vital role in strengthening communities by helping us understand our shared history, inspiring meaningful dialogue, fostering empathy, and empowering future generations to build a more just and inclusive society; and
WHEREAS these values are embodied through the creative and educational work of the Sweet Potato Comfort Pie organization and the 30th anniversary production of Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story, written by Minnesota artist Rose McGee and produced in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center; and
WHEREAS Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story is a 90-minute, two-act play that illuminates the history of Juneteenth and tells the story of how news of emancipation was deliberately withheld from enslaved Black Americans, underscoring the enduring importance of truth-telling and historical understanding; and
WHEREAS Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story celebrates its 30th anniversary at St. Catherine University's O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in Saint Paul on June 26, 2026, continuing a decades-long tradition of educating, inspiring, and bringing communities together through the arts; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Saint Paul City Council recognizes and uplifts the tremendous contributions of artist Rose McGee, the Sweet Potato Comfort Pie organization, and the Minnesota Humanities Center for their commitment to preserving history, advancing community dialogue, and honoring the legacy of Juneteenth through the transformative power of storytelling and the arts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Saint Paul City Council affirms that truth-telling, cultural expression, and artistic storytelling are essential to building strong communities, deepening understanding across differences, and ensuring that the lessons of our shared history continue to inform our collective future; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Saint Paul City Council congratulates Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story on its 30th anniversary and expresses its gratitude for the play's enduring impact in uplifting Black history, celebrating Black resilience, and inspiring generations of Saint Paul residents through education, reflection, and hope.