Kevin’s Corner: Celebrating Juneteenth

The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States with a series of conversations entitled, “The Declaration of Independence, Then and Now” in partnership with Braver Angels and the Minnesota Historical Society.

The Declaration of Independence created a new form of government that the world had never seen before. A government whose power came from the consent of its people and whose military force was subject to civilian rule. A form of government which is known today as one which recognizes the humanity of its people in that all are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

The series will travel to a variety of venues and to each Congressional District this year to allow a wide cross section of Minnesotans to participate in the conversation and to reflect upon the animating ideals of our country articulated in the Declaration of Independence, the history of our county, and the future direction of our nation.

If you are interested in participating in one of our statewide conversations or finding out more about our events, visit our calendar of events and join in on the conversation.  

MHC will also be hosting a series of events this month in which we celebrate America’s Second Independence Day, Juneteenth.

MHC’s Juneteenth Brunch this year will be on June 18th and feature New York Times Best Selling author, Clint Smith at Quincy Hall in Minneapolis. I will be in conversation with Mr. Smith about his book, How the Word is Passed, the importance of honest reflection, and how we can have more honest dialogue with one another in America. All those in attendance will receive a copy of Mr. Smith’s book.

MHC’s Feeding Our Souls: The Essence of Juneteenth Joy event will be on June 23rd at Saint Paul College and will once again be a wonderful night to learn about African American culture. Guests will enjoy Spirituals from VocalEssence under the direction of G. Phillip Shoultz, hear stories about the intersection of food and music, and be treated to delicious dishes and treats from prominent local Black chefs Lutunji Abram, Jamal Hashi, James “Jay” Johnson, Mateo Mackbee, Motunrayo “Rayo” Odedina, and Robert Taylor.

The Juneteenth Brunch and Feeding Our Souls: Essence of Juneteenth Joy are ticketed events to offset the wonderful experiences you will be enjoying. Please register as it will NOT be as much fun without you.

We also have two free Juneteenth events – including the play, Kumbayah, The Juneteenth Story, 30th Anniversary that will be performed at The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine’s University on June 26th. The play, which imagines the pronouncement of the Emancipation Proclamation and end of the Civil War, celebrates its 30th year in production with special guest appearances from prior ensemble cast members.

MHC and OMG Media will be hosting the world premiere of their film, The Making of America, at the Minneapolis Institute of Art on June 28th, which is an event also free of charge. The film showcases how Enlightenment-era systems of knowledge – art, science, architecture, and cartography – shaped the making of America and its views of developing systems to ensure order, hierarchy, and control.

In addition to the film screening and film panel discussion, attendees will be able to tour a corresponding art exhibit.

While these two events are free, registration is required so that we can keep the Fire Marshal happy that we have not exceeded capacity.

As the enabling legislation of the National Endowment for the Humanities reminds us, democracy demands the wisdom and vision of its citizens. I hope that you are finding a way to be an active participant in shaping our country’s future and direction as we lean into the next 250 years.