Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our wretched history, that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.
Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery: MN African American History
Co-produced by OMG Studios and the Minnesota Humanities Center, this documentary challenges our understanding of slavery, its impact on Minnesota, and how we reconcile our past by taking viewers on a present-day journey to Ghana, to the quarters of Harriet and Dred Scott, and into conversations with current and future scholars. Featuring Akwamu Traditional Area’s King Odeneho Kwafo Akoto, III and Queen Mother Nana Afrakoma, II, of West Africa, Ghana, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III, MN Humanities CEO Kevin Lindsey, St. Cloud State University American Studies Chair and Minnesota Book Award Winner Dr. Christopher Lehman, and Minnesota creative treasures T. Mychael Rambo, Thomasina Petrus and concluding with voices of the Black Youth Healing Arts Center (BYHAC).
This year’s documentary film is brought to audiences thanks to MN Humanities Center, Ujamaa Place, St. Paul Public Library, City of St. Paul, National Endowment for the Arts and supported by C.A. Ellis and Black 2 Black Capacity Builder Project.
Official Film Trailer
Watch past OMG Studios' Juneteenth Films 2023
The Juneteenth Film: From Galveston, TX to Minnesota
“The Juneteenth Story: From Galveston, Texas to Minnesota,” is a six-episode docufilm, filmed on the Island of Galveston and in Saint Paul, Minnesota, telling the story of Juneteenth, where it originated, from historians and descendants of enslaved persons transported to the island during the Transatlantic Slave Trade between 1816 and 1836. The story connects the significance of making Juneteenth a state holiday in Minnesota.
2022
Juneteenth Commemoration Film 2022
A celebration of African American history, music, art and literature, featuring a special tribute to George Floyd and Philando Castile by Ta-coumba T. Aiken and Seitu Jones.
This film is part of Juneteenth Commemoration 2022 celebration of African American history, music, art, music and literature in partnership with The City of St. Paul, Saint Paul Public Library, MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, Ujamaa Place and OMG Studios.
2021
Juneteenth Commemoration 2021
Filmed at the historic Peace and Justice Memorial in Montgomery, AL, which pays tribute to victims of racial lynchings featuring Equal Justice Initiative Bryan Stevenson and civil rights leader, Dr. Josie R. Johnson.
Photos courtesy of Equal Justice Initiative
2020
Virtual Juneteenth Celebration 2020
The City of St. Paul welcomes you to a virtual community commemoration of Juneteenth, in partnership with St. Paul Public Library and Ujamaa Place. Music by The War and Treaty and ArtsUs Youth Drummers City of St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter invites the community to hear distinguished local African American leaders share “WHY THEY CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH.” They are: Anthony Galloway Chris Crutchfield Debbie Montgomery Otis Zanders Commissioner Toni Carter Monique Linder Dr. Josie R. Johnson Mary K. Boyd