Race for Reconciliation Jumpstarts Annual Juneteenth Celebration in the Loop

Celebrate Freedom, Unity, and Culture at the Delmar Loop Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Enjoy a full day of food, music, art, and community honoring Black history and the spirit of liberation on Delmar Boulevard.

The Delmar Loop invites the St. Louis region to gather in honor of Juneteenth with a full day of vibrant programming, celebration, and community spirit. Stretching from morning to night, the 2025 Delmar Loop Juneteenth Celebration unites the communities of University City and St. Louis City, along with Delmar Main Street and the St. Louis Reconciliation Network, for a powerful event that transforms Delmar Boulevard into a symbol of healing and connection. The event will be convened at 5900 Delmar Blvd., from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

"The Loop has long been a gathering place where cultures intersect and creativity thrives," says Samantha Smugala, Executive Director of the East Loop Community Improvement District. "This Juneteenth, we’re honoring the spirit of freedom by bringing people together for a joyful celebration of Black excellence, resilience, and unity."

Jumpstart Juneteenth with the Race for Reconcilliation 5K

Founded in 2017 by the St. Louis Reconciliation Network, the Race for Reconciliation 5K is more than just a race—it's a movement to promote racial unity in St. Louis. Held on Delmar Blvd, the race seeks to bring healing to the historic Delmar Divide, a symbol of the racial and economic disparities in our city.

Starting in 2024, the race proudly served as the opening event for the annual Delmar Loop Juneteenth Celebration, amplifying its impact as a powerful force for change. As a fundraiser, the event supports several non-profit organizations dedicated to advancing racial unity and equity in our region.

Their vision is for the Race for Reconciliation 5K to become a key event that demonstrates to the city, and beyond, that St. Louis no longer needs to be defined by its past. They are committed to building a future where unity and equity are the foundation of the community.

The Race for Reconciliation 5K is a family-friendly event designed for everyone, emphasizing our commitment to "Building unity one step at a time."

Event Highlights

Race for Reconciliation, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Start the day with the Race for Reconciliation, a 5K walk/run and one-mile option that turns the historic Delmar Divide into a path toward unity. This empowering event kicks off the celebration with movement, music, and meaning.

Black-Owned Food Truck Pop-Up Park and Family Fun, Noon-4 p.m.

Enjoy a showcase of Black-owned culinary talent, from savory bites to sweet treats. The Pop-Up Park will feature family-friendly activities, DJ sets, performances including Black Girl Recess, and interactive art experiences highlighting local Black creatives.

Evening Celebration and Performances, 5-9 p.m.

Close out the day with a high-energy evening lineup featuring performances by Gentlemen of Vision, Spirit of Angela African Dancers, the Red and Black Brass Band, and DJs including DJ KP and Dee Smooves. The evening begins with a ceremonial Drum Call.

The celebration has quickly become a community tradition that centers Black voices, honors history, and invites everyone to be part of a shared future rooted in justice and joy. Juneteent in The Loop is sponsored by Square and Washington University.

For full details and updates, log onto visitheloop.com

About the East Loop Community Improvement District

Recognized for world class music venues and a variety of arts, entertainment, shopping, and dining opportunities, the East Loop Community Improvement District (DBA the Delmar Loop) serves as a renowned walkable community that is welcoming, diverse, and inclusive of minority, immigrant, and women-owned businesses. Through strong, vision-driven leadership and management, deliver measurable improvements to the East Loop Community Improvement District in the areas of economic development, safety, and security by establishing a welcoming and secure community with enhanced services, amenities, and physical improvements, while promoting and preserving the area’s distinct character and cultural vitality.