fy24 annual report - Flipbook - Page 19
Juneteenth
MHC provides accessible, powerful, reflective content as part of our effort
to tell the complete story behind the recognition and importance of
Juneteenth, considered America’s second Independence Day.
Juneteenth Commemorative Breakfast
MHC was thrilled to welcome attorney, author, political commentator, and
podcast host Bakari Sellers, who spoke to a sold-out crowd and kicked off
our 2024 Juneteenth programming. Attendees of the breakfast received
a copy of Sellers’ book, The Moment: Thoughts on the Racial Reckoning
That Wasn’t and How We Can All Move Forward Now and enjoyed a
meet-and-greet-style book signing.
Juneteenth Play
Thousands of guests had an opportunity to see three performances of the
play, Kumbayah: The Juneteenth Story. Students from various Freedom
Schools summer programs attended the play at the Capri Theater in
Minneapolis and at the University of Minnesota Northrup Auditorium.
At the showing of the play at the Northrop Auditorium, Representative
Cedrick Frazier presented a resolution from the Minnesota House of
Representatives honoring Kumbayah’s legacy in educating Minnesotans
on the importance of Juneteenth. After the performance, the St. Paul Area
Chamber hosted a conversation with Chamber members to discuss the
play, the significance of Juneteenth, and how our understanding of the past
influences our understanding of the present.
Juneteenth Film
Along with our partner OMG Digital Media, MHC co-produced and
co-wrote the multiple award-winning film, “Juneteenth Reckoning with
Slavery: MN African American History” which challenges our understanding
of slavery – its reach, its continuing impact, and how we reconcile our past.
The film contains interviews with royalty in Ghana, a conversation with
Minnesota scholar Dr. Christopher Lehman in the quarters of Harriet and
Dred Scott, and discussions with some of our next generation of leaders.
Teachers have used the film in classrooms and for professional development.
restored
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
19
