Soul of the Southside brings people together

The Soul of the Southside festival began in 2022 as a celebration of the opening of the Legacy Building, but it quickly gained support and recognition as it evolved into the largest Juneteenth celebration in South Minneapolis. The event on Thursday, June 19, 2025, expanded from Minnehaha Avenue onto East Lake Street and 27th Avenue. "Today it is a safe place for Black creativity and freedom to be expressed through different art forms such as music, poems, jewelry, art exhibits, and of course a diverse assortment of food," said organizers. (Photos by Jo Christensen)