On Saturday, people gathered at Bethune Park in Minneapolis to celebrate Juneteenth.

“The energy is electric. Everybody out here is having so much fun,” said Andrew Kuria, who was helping his aunt, a vendor.

Fun with meaning and a purpose of celebrating a holiday close to many hearts.

“Juneteenth,” said Imani Waters, who was singing at the event. “Emancipation, and Black people just being able to celebrate our history.”

Community organizers started the Minneapolis tradition in 1982, filling a gap at a time when many didn’t know about the holiday. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation board hosted Saturday’s event, featuring music, food and vendors like Mary Kuria, who’s originally from Kenya.

“Since I’m from Kenya, I thought I could find some people to make stuff for me and then I can bring it here,” said Mary Kuria, who owns Shiro’s African Boutique.

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture says although the Emancipation Proclamation freed African Americans in rebelling states Jan. 1, 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when it was actually fully enforced with the Union army.

“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the African Americans who were brought here as slaves,” said Mary Kuria. “They actually made a stepping stone for a lot of us, especially Africans, to be able to come here.”

When it comes to 2026: “I think we’re doing better. I think we can improve in certain areas. I know we have a lot of grey areas, but hey, there’s always room for improvement,” said Karla Nelson, who attended the event.

“We’ve come a long way and we have a long way to go,” Waters added.

“It’s a reminder that change can happen,” Andrew Kuria told WCCO.

Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday in 2021. Minnesota followed suit in 2023, giving the day off to state workers. Wisconsin does not.

After being called to Golden Valley Road on a reported shooting, Minneapolis Police say they are investigating a homicide.

According to Minneapolis Police, officers were initially called to the 2700 block of Golden Valley Road around 2:30 a.m., where callers reported a shooting had occurred.

After first responders arrived, police said a man in his 40s had approached paramedics at the scene requesting help after he sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital for further treatment

Officers learned the man’s injuries may have been connected to a ShotSpotter activation which occurred in the 1400 block of Golden Valley Road.

After officers investigated the 1400 block, they were flagged down by an injured woman who had a non-fatal gunshot injury. She was also taken to the hospital for treatment.

As officers continued to search the area, they located a third shooting victim, a woman in her 30s who was pronounced dead at the scene.

At this time, police are still investigating the incident and have not announced any arrests in connection with the shooting.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Metro Transit’s E-Line is marking six months on the road, and business owners are weighing in on the changes it has brought to their neighborhoods.

E-Line brings new riders and renewed business

What we know:

The E-Line, Metro Transit’s eighth bus rapid transit line, launched in December and runs from Southdale to the University of Minnesota. It replaced the Number 6 bus and features enhanced stations with better lighting, security cameras, real-time bus information and ticket machines.

Metro Transit reports the E-Line is averaging about 5,600 rides a day, which is roughly twice the number they expected. “The E-line has been a real success. People want service that’s fast, frequent and reliable, and you get all those things when you do something like this on the E-line,” said Drew Kerr, Metro Transit spokesperson.

Syril McNally, who owns Doug Flanders and Associates Fine Art Gallery near 50th and France, says the area has bounced back since construction ended. “We’ve had a lot of new people come in who have never been here before, and that have wanted to come for quite a while. So yeah, it’s absolutely helped people reach us,” said McNally.

Some business owners at 50th and France and in Linden Hills reported their revenues dropped 40% to 60% during construction of the new bus stops and other improvements. But Metro Transit says the upgrades have helped attract more riders to the line.

‘It’s absolutely worth the pain’

The backstory:

The E-Line’s construction caused headaches for some shop and restaurant owners in south Minneapolis and Edina, with significant revenue drops during the work. However, the hope was that the new transit line would bring more people to the area once finished.

McNally believes the short-term pain was worth it for the long-term gain. “We have artists who depend on the bus, so for that reason alone absolutely. I think it’s great if it helps more people get to where they need to go. It’s wonderful,” said McNally.

What they’re saying:

Business owners and Metro Transit both say the E-Line has helped bring new customers to the 50th and France area and made it easier for people to visit shops and galleries.

The improvements to stations and increased ridership are seen as a positive sign for the neighborhoods served by the E-Line.

Metro Transit says a new bus rapid transit line will debut in St. Paul next year, and more lines are being developed for the future.