Title
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 an...
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