Juneteenth celebrations underway across Twin Cities, from Edina to St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood

[00:00:00]Celebrations are happening across the Twin Cities in honor of Juneteenth. The federal holiday recognizes freedom achieved and the resilience stories and contributions of black Americans across generations. Let's head out to Frankie McLister. He's live at Centennial Lakes Park in Edina. Frankie, how is the community recognizing the day?

[00:00:20]>> Yes, Shayla. They're gearing up for the day and while we're here watching them gear up, I found a new best friend.

[00:00:27]What's her name?

[00:00:28]>> Addison.

[00:00:29]>> Addison, and you are the author of this book. What's it called?

[00:00:33]>> Addison Sparkle.

[00:00:34]>> Tell us about Addison Sparkle.

[00:00:36]>> It's about myself-esteem and it teaches kids not to be a bully.

[00:00:42]>> Super, super important. How old are you?

[00:00:45]>> Seven.

[00:00:46]>> Seven years old. And what brought you out here?

[00:00:48]>> Juneteenth.

[00:00:49]>> Juneteenth. Let's talk a little bit about Juneteenth. We'll get back to you, okay? All right, Shayla. So, my photojournalist Tony Peterson, he's going to show you a little bit of what's going on here. Um we are in Edina right at Centennial Lakes, the beautiful uh park here. It became a federal holiday in 2021 celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation being fully enforced by the Union Army in June of 1865. Now, 2 years after slavery was made illegal, those involved in today's event right here in Edina were actually on our mid-morning show just hours ago alongside our AJ Hilton and Heather Brown and they discussed how this is actually a holiday for all Americans.

[00:01:28]>> You got to try to imagine over 100 years ago and not being able to do some of the things that you're passionate about.

[00:01:34]Finding out late that you've got some liberties that are out there that you had no clue about to dream.

[00:01:38]>> Years later.

[00:01:39]>> Right? To dream super big, having the permission to dream big and go and achieve some things. And so, you know, without Juneteenth, I would not be here.

[00:01:51]>> Okay, so Shayla, this is for you. Addison, what'd you do for Shayla?

[00:01:56]>> I wrote for a autograph.

[00:01:57]>> She autographed a book for our Sheila Reeves who just also had a baby.

[00:02:04]And so Sheila is going to get this book just like you can. How many are you giving away today?

[00:02:11]>> 100 bucks.

[00:02:12]>> 100 books and you wrote every word in that, didn't you?

[00:02:15]>> Yes.

[00:02:15]>> Awesome. You want a Skittle?

[00:02:17]>> Yes.

[00:02:17]>> Here, take that Skittle.

[00:02:19]Uh for your knowledge, Minnesota does give its state workers off today.

[00:02:25]Wisconsin does not. And you should come out here to Edina to get a copy of >> Addison's Sparkle.

[00:02:33]>> We'll send it back to you, Sheila. You want to wave?

[00:02:35]>> I am so excited for story time. We'd love to read to little Miles, so we can add Miss Addison's book to his lineup.

[00:02:43]Very cool. Thank you so much, Frankie.

[00:02:45]Congratulations to her.

[00:02:48]If you want to celebrate Juneteenth activities are happening across the metro, including the state capital.

[00:02:53]Right now at noon, entertainment and health and wellness resources are available there in St. Paul. A celebration is happening in the Rondo neighborhood from noon to 5.