Roseville proclaims Juneteenth; organizers invite public to June 14 celebration

The Roseville City Council on Monday approved a proclamation recognizing June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth in Roseville and heard members of the event planning committee invite the public to a free community celebration on June 14.

The proclamation — read aloud by Mayor Rowe and adopted by unanimous vote after a motion by Council member Strachan and a second from Council member Groff — traces Juneteenth to General Order No. 3 issued in Galveston on June 19, 1865, and notes the city’s 2022 recognition of Juneteenth as an official city holiday.

Organizers used the council’s public-comment period to describe the event and thank the city for partnering. Keith Allen, a Roseville resident and member of the Juneteenth planning committee, told the council that the celebration has grown rapidly: “One of the has become one of the biggest Juneteenth celebrations in the state of Minnesota. That is my self proclamation.” Christina McCoy, also on the planning committee and representing Fairview Health Services as an anchor partner, said the event will include “more than 71 folks tabling there,” black-owned businesses, youth art, music, poetry and family activities.

The proclamation and remarks noted that the community gathering will take place Saturday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Roseville Central Park, rain or shine. Council members thanked volunteers and staff; no formal council action beyond adoption of the proclamation was required.

The city’s packet and remarks referenced Roseville’s prior actions recognizing Juneteenth and cited the role of Do Good Roseville and Fairview Health Services as event partners. Organizers encouraged residents to attend and support local vendors.

The council approved the proclamation by unanimous voice vote and recognized outgoing volunteer commissioners later in the meeting.