Title
Recognizing the Historic Legacy, Cultural Preservation, and Community Contributions of the Rondo Days Drill Teams and Dance Groups.
Body
WHEREAS, the historic Rondo neighborhood served for generations as the cultural, economic, educational, and social center of Saint Paul's African American community, fostering traditions of leadership, artistic excellence, civic pride, and community celebration that continue to shape the identity of the City today; and
WHEREAS, following the destruction of much of the historic Rondo neighborhood through the construction of Interstate 94 during the 1950s and 1960s, community leaders established Rondo Days to preserve the neighborhood's history, strengthen cultural identity, reunite families, and celebrate the resilience of the Rondo community; and
WHEREAS, since its founding by Floyd G. Smaller and Marvin R. Anderson, Rondo Days has grown into Minnesota's largest African American cultural festival, bringing together thousands of residents through music, food, arts, education, heritage, the Grand Parade, and the internationally recognized Northern Lights Drill and Drum Competition; and
WHEREAS, drill teams and dance groups have long represented one of the defining traditions of Rondo Days, transforming discipline, athleticism, music, choreography, mentorship, and artistic expression into performances that inspire audiences while strengthening neighborhood pride and intergenerational leadership; and
WHEREAS, these organizations have provided thousands of young people with opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork, leadership, discipline, physical fitness, artistic excellence, and lifelong friendships while creating positive pathways for youth engagement and community involvement; and
WHEREAS, generations of families devoted countless volunteer hours designing uniforms, teaching routines, building floats, fundraising, mentoring youth, transporting participants, and preserving traditions that became cherished memories for countless Saint Paul residents; and
WHEREAS, the annual drill competitions showcased extraordinary precision, creativity, showmanship, musicality, and excellence while fostering healthy competition, mutual respect, and cultural exchange among teams from Saint Paul and throughout the region; and
WHEREAS, these performances became more than competitions-they became living expressions of Black excellence, neighborhood pride, cultural preservation, and community resilience that reflected the enduring spirit of Rondo; and
WHEREAS, among the many organizations that have contributed to this enduring tradition are:
The Gopher Elks
The Lou Wiley High Steppers
African Perfection
St. Paul Falcons
Half Pintz
Umoja
Heart & Soul Academy
Flawless Drill Team
Immortal
WHEREAS, the stories, traditions, photographs, uniforms, trophies, choreography, oral histories, and contributions of these drill teams and dance groups represent an important chapter in the cultural history of Saint Paul that deserves to be preserved for future generations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby honors and recognizes the historic Rondo Days Drill Teams and Dance Groups for their extraordinary contributions to the cultural life of Saint Paul and their lasting legacy of leadership, mentorship, artistic excellence, and community pride.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council recognizes these organizations as significant contributors to the preservation of Rondo's cultural heritage and acknowledges the countless youth, coaches, instructors, volunteers, parents, alumni, musicians, and community supporters whose dedication sustained these traditions across generations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council encourages the continued documentation, preservation, collection, and celebration of the history of Rondo Days drill teams and dance groups through oral histories, photographs, archival collections, public exhibitions, educational programming, and partnerships with community organizations so that this important cultural legacy remains accessible to future generations.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council expresses its deepest gratitude to every participant who marched, danced, coached, volunteered, and cheered, recognizing that their contributions have become an enduring part of the living history of Rondo and the City of Saint Paul.