Benjamin Hayes and Juneteenth in Jamestown

This Friday, Jamestown, North Dakota, celebrates Juneteenth with a special tribute to Benjamin Hayes — a Black U.S. Army soldier who settled there in 1882 and became a pillar of the community for over 20 years. From cook to custodian to restaurateur, Hayes’ life story is being spotlighted to reveal the rich, often overlooked diversity of rural West Dakota Territory. The free event at the historic 1883 courthouse invites visitors to explore exhibits and music honoring Hayes and other Black residents, reminding us that freedom’s legacy lived beyond Texas. Across North Dakota and into Minnesota, other Juneteenth events honor Black history — from Bismarck-Mandan’s Second Baptist Church to Grand Forks and Minot — proving this holiday’s spirit echoes far and wide. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a5f8c78df18185fd