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Unity Fund Awards $40,000 to Support Juneteenth Celebrations Across the Region

May 26, 2026

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, culture, resilience and Black joy.

This year, Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Unity Fund awarded $40,000 to support Juneteenth events around our region.

These grants support community-led gatherings that honor history, uplift African Heritage communities and create space for connection, reflection and celebration.

2026 Juneteenth Celebrations

Supported by the Unity Fund

6th Annual Iron Range Juneteenth Community Celebration

Hosted by Voices for Ethnic and Multicultural Awareness (VEMA)

📅 Thursday, June 19 |Time TBD

📍 Location TBD

A vibrant celebration of freedom on the Iron Range!

52nd Annual Juneteenth

Hosted by Duluth Branch NAACP

📅 Thursday, June 19 from 1PM - 6PM

📍 Central Hillside Community Center, 12 E 4th St, Duluth, MN 55805

A beloved community tradition! Celebrate Juneteenth with food, family, entertainment, and a spirit of unity and joy. All are welcome.

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Honor Our Elder's Luncheon

Hosted by Health Equity Northland

📅 Friday, June 19 at 11:00AM

📍 Washington Center 310 N 1st Ave. W Duluth, MN 55806

The Elders Luncheon will bring together elders over the age of 50 for a free nourishing meal of African Heritage cultural foods prepared by a local chef. Each elder will also receive a seedling to foster connection through gardening and cultural knowledge-sharing.

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St. Mark Fathers Day Gospel Brunch

Hosted by Health Equity Northland

📅 Sunday, June 21 at 10AM

📍 Calvary Baptist Church Parking Lot 432 East 6th Street Duluth, MN 55805

Celebrate Father’s Day with good food, gospel music, fellowship, and celebration. Enjoy a delicious waffle bar, sausage & drinks while connecting with family, friends, and community.

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About the Unity Fund

The Unity Fund supports African Heritage individuals, families and organizations working toward equity and justice in our region.

Guided by African Heritage community members, the fund invests in efforts that expand opportunity, strengthen belonging and support meaningful change.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom must be honored, protected and carried forward. These celebrations do that through music, food, storytelling, remembrance, intergenerational connection and community joy.

We are proud to support the local leaders and organizations bringing these gatherings to life.

Join the Celebration

We invite you to attend a local celebration, help spread the word and support the Black-led and community-rooted organizations leading this work.

To help sustain future efforts, consider making a gift to the Unity Fund.

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