Juneteenth festivities in focus
Fire hats brought a flash of red to these stylish girls celebrating Juneteenth at Bethune Park. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson
Photos by Azhae’la Hanson and David Pierini
Northsiders celebrated Juneteenth at two separate events on June 14.
A small block party between Lyndale and Aldrich on West Broadway Avenue kicked off around 11 a.m. The one-block event was a smaller affair; however, the energy was big with music, dancing, laughter from friends catching up, and the smoky smell of barbecue chicken from Big G’s BBQ.
A couple of miles away, Bethune Park hosted one of the oldest and largest Juneteenth celebrations, where community elders reminisced, children played, and fest goers danced to the music of DJs and gospel groups.
There was another celebration on June 19, a parade and block party on West Broadway Avenue.
June 19 is a holiday that celebrates the last of the enslaved people freed in the South following the Civil War.
Naomi Nichols, far right, and the rest of the youth choir, Known MPLS, delivered an uplifting set Saturday during Juneteenth celebrations on West Broadway Avenue. Photo by David Pierini
Devonne Mayweather, right, took center stage most of the day with his dance moves, seen here to the classic hit “Jump On It.” Photo by Azhae’la Hanson
Zakeitheia Mearidy waited for the line of kids to shorten before joining the line for her own glittery makeover. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson
Purple is this Juneteenth goer’s favorite color to wear. Photo by David Pierini
Juneteenth royalty stopped by the West Broadway block party. Joining in a line dance were Teen Miss Juneteenth Khamani Washington, left, Junior Miss Juneteenth Nyeller Salifu, and Little Miss Juneteenth Brielle Salifu. The three were among six young women who won crowns in the 2025 contest. Photo by David Pierini
The Brooklyn Park Lions Drum and Dance Team performed their battle of the bands routine and got everyone on their feet. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson
Drew Edwards, left, Courtland Pickens, and Chadwick Niles Phillips take a selfie together. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson
Glenn Pierson Jr. flips chicken in the smoker at Big G BBQ. Glenn, who is also known as Little G, has been smoking meats since he was 7 and is a fifth-generation barbecuer, he said. Photo by David Pierini
Zaire Coleman, right, Bobby Rhodes, middle, and Noah Tidwell, left, decided to take a break from the festivities and challenged each other to a game of basketball. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson