Juneteenth celebrations in Golden Valley, Minnesota were in full swing when a unique movement took place for the second year. With double the crowd this year, people gathered to celebrate this event by participating in running events ranging from a half mile to a 5k. Organized by the Loppet Foundation and led by Deanna Perkins, the run aimed to bring the community together to celebrate Juneteenth, freedom, and togetherness in an active way.
Prior to the races, organizers honored Beverly Propes, a public health nurse known for her dedication to keeping Black Minnesotans healthy. The goal was to uplift Propes and inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Propes reflected on Minneapolis’ first Juneteenth celebration in 2007, which focused on improving health and wellness. Fast forward to this year’s ‘We are the Noise’ Juneteenth event, University of Minnesota doctors continued to carry on that tradition by providing health outreach.
Dr. Aarabhi Rajagopal, a Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellow at the U of M, emphasized the importance of outreach at such events to showcase diverse representation in the medical field. Perkins highlighted the significance of health and wellness in celebrating freedom and emphasized that being healthy is essential for moving forward in life. The event served as a reminder that celebrating freedom goes hand in hand with maintaining good health.
As people crossed the finish line of their respective races, they were met with cheers and applause from fellow runners and spectators alike. The sense of community and togetherness was palpable as people celebrated their shared love of running and their commitment to promoting health and wellness within their community.
The ‘We are the Noise’ Juneteenth event also featured live music performances, cultural food vendors, and interactive activities for all ages. It was clear that this celebration was about more than just running – it was about coming together as a community to celebrate freedom, togetherness, and good health.
Overall, Juneteenth celebrations in Golden Valley were a testament to the power of community-building events like these. By bringing people together through physical activity and promoting healthy lifestyles, organizations like Loppet Foundation are helping create a brighter future for all members of their community.
