Juneteenth in Saint Paul
Juneteenth, marks the end of slavery in the United States and honors African American history, culture, and traditions. Learn More
Rondo
Prior to the construction of Interstate 94, Rondo was once the heart of Saint Paul's most prominent African American community. Today, the community's rich history and pride lives on through annual community celebrations, thriving businesses and educational public art installations.
Remembering Rondo
Rondo Avenue was once the heart of Saint Paul’s most prominent African American community, dating back to the years following the Civil War. In the 1960s, the region was divided due to the construction of Interstate 94—destroying nearly 700 homes and 300 businesses, displacing thousands of citizens across the metro. This development disrupted the neighborhood, but its hope, pride, and civic engagement still lives on and is celebrated at the Rondo Commemorative Plaza and throughout the annual Rondo Days celebration.
Rondo Commemorative Plaza
In 2013, a two-story commercial building on the corner of Concordia Avenue and Fisk Street burned down. This seemingly unremarkable structure held deep importance to the community and was one of the last physical traces of the old Rondo community. Rondo native, Marvin Roger Anderson, organized a wake for the building to honor its passing and share memories of the space. Thus, sparking inspiration to create a permanent space to learn, honor and remember Rondo's legacy.
The Rondo Exchange
This is a small business incubator, rooted in the historic Rondo neighborhood, for creative entrepreneurs. Led by Rondo Community Land Trust, the program supports artists, makers, and entrepreneurs through affordable retail space, business coaching, and creative visibility.
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825 Arts
Emerging from a grassroots effort to preserve this historic 100-year-old theater from demolition, is now a creative hub for the historic Rondo and Frogtown community. With a mission to showcase art in 825 different ways, the center is an incubative space that welcomes artists of all backgrounds and ages to come together, feel inspired, and simply create through community events and accessible year-round programming.
Community Celebrations
Rondo Days
Rondo Days, held the third Saturday in July, honors and celebrates the rich history of the Rondo neighborhood, a vibrant African American community that was divided by the construction of Interstate 94 in the mid-1960s. This event often includes various activities, live performances, artists to shop, and community engagement aimed at highlighting the contributions of the African American community in the area. Learn More
Rondo Block Party
This community party near the Rondo Commemorative Plaza celebrates the past, present, and future of the historic Rondo neighborhood through community collaboration, cultural performances, tasty local vendors, a thrilling kid's zone, and more during the first week of August. Learn More
Frogtown Arts Festival
Hosted by the Frogtown Neighborhood Association and 825 Arts, this festival celebrates the neighborhood through local performers, arts vendors, arts workshops, and a selection of local food vendors. Learn More
