Saturday, August 8 | 11am-3pm
Sabathani Community Center
310 E 38th Street, Minneapolis
Celebrate 60 Years of Community at Sabathani
For 60 years, Sabathani Community Center has been a place where neighbors come together, families find support, and generations build community.
Join us as we celebrate this milestone with an afternoon of music, food, activities, storytelling, and connection. Whether Sabathani has been part of your life for decades or you’re visiting for the first time, this is a chance to come together, celebrate our shared history, and look ahead to the future.
This year’s celebration will also honor the remarkable legacies of Clarissa Walker and Launa Q. Newman, two women whose leadership helped shape South Minneapolis and whose impact continues to inspire our community today.
What to Expect
We’re creating a celebration that reflects the Heart of South Minneapolis. Throughout the day, you can look forward to:
- Live music and entertainment with Sounds of Blackness, Johnnie Brown, and more!
- Delicious food from local vendors
- Family-friendly activities and games
- Community organizations and local businesses
- Opportunities to connect with neighbors old and new
- Stories celebrating Sabathani’s history and impact
Backpack Giveaway
Backpack reservations are now full. Thank you for the incredible community response!
Families who reserved backpacks can pick them up at the Block Party until 2:30pm. Any unclaimed backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis after 2:30pm, while supplies last.
Even if you weren’t able to reserve a backpack, we hope you’ll join us for a day of live music, family activities, food, and community as we celebrate Sabathani’s 60th Anniversary.
Special thanks to the Greater Twin Cities United Way Action Day program for its generous donation of backpacks.
Celebrating the Community Heroes, Launa Q. Newman and Clarissa Walker
The celebration will also include a special recognition honoring the legacy of Launa Q. Newman and Clarissa Walker and the significance of the street names that commemorate their contributions to the community.
A Celebration for Everyone
Whether you grew up coming to Sabathani, participate in our programs today, work nearby, or simply want to experience one of South Minneapolis’ most important community institutions, you’re invited.
Bring your family. Reconnect with old friends. Meet new neighbors. Celebrate everything that makes this community special.
Show Up & Show Out
Exhibitors & Vendors
Exhibitor and vendor registration is now closed, and all available spaces have been filled. If you submitted an exhibitor or vendor application, we’ll be in touch soon to confirm your participation and share next steps.
Volunteer Opportunties
We have a variety of volunteer roles available throughout the day, from assisting with setup and cleanup to greeting and providing general directions for our guests. Fill out the form below to get involved.
Become a Sponsor
Help support a joyful community celebration honoring 60 years of Sabathani’s service and legacy in South Minneapolis. Sponsorship provides visibility for your organization while helping make this free event possible for the community.
A Look at the 2025 Block Party
More Than an Anniversary
For six decades, Sabathani has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community while remaining rooted in the values that brought us together in 1966.
This celebration isn’t just about looking back. It’s about celebrating the relationships, resilience, and collective vision that continue to shape the future of South Minneapolis.
We hope you’ll be part of it.
Map & Directions:
Join us in the Sabathani Community Center Parking Lot, located at 310 E 38th Street in Minneapolis.
- View on Google Maps
- Find us on the 23 bus line, or a short walk from the 11, 5, and 18 bus lines.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Presenting Partners
Coming Home: Sabathani’s 60th Anniversary Block Party is presented by Sabathani Community Center is presented in partnership with Neva Walker of IME Consulting and Tracey Williams-Dillard of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.