By Lacey “G Souldier” Turner
St. Louis is preparing once again to shut down Washington Avenue—not just for a celebration, but for a cultural movement rooted in purpose, resilience, and community. The 7th Annual Official St. Louis City Juneteenth Festival Block Party returns June 19th from 12 PM to 8 PM at 1204 Washington Ave, promising to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever.
At the heart of it all is Nichol Stevenson, the visionary owner of House of Soul, one of the city’s few live entertainment venues dedicated to R&B, soul, and cultural expression. What began in 2019 as an intimate gathering outside her venue has grown into one of the largest cultural festivals in St. Louis—drawing over 4,000 attendees last year alone. Now officially recognized by the city since 2023, the festival stands as a powerful symbol of Black excellence, unity, and economic empowerment.
“It means everything to me,” Stevenson shared. “It was initially part of the vision—how were we going to influence our culture? It was a call of action to bring us together and celebrate each other and support each other through community, arts, food, and music.”
Stevenson’s journey is more than entrepreneurial—it’s deeply personal. As an eight-year cancer survivor, she has continued to build and lead while undergoing treatment, carrying not just the vision, but much of the financial responsibility of the festival herself. Her resilience fuels a mission rooted in service: creating platforms for local artists, vendors, designers, and families.
“First off, the grace of God,” she said when asked about the festival’s growth. “But also understanding that we all can come together in peace. What makes us different is that we use our local artists, vendors, and designers—we’re shining light on our own talent.”
That commitment to local creativity is especially visible in one of the festival’s standout attractions—the Juneteenth Fashion Show, curated and directed by Yoro, a passionate advocate for artistic expression in St. Louis.
For Yoro, the role carries weight beyond the runway.
“It’s like carrying something on your shoulders because I’m a true advocate for the artists,” she explained. “We push people out there through community exposure. St. Louis has some of the most talented creatives.”
Now in her third year leading the fashion segment, Yoro is focused on authenticity and empowerment—giving designers the space to fully express themselves.
“I want them to be their true selves—to show up and show out,” she said. “These are polished, cut-and-sew designers. They create their own patterns, their own pieces. We have a great lineup.”
Unlike traditional fashion shows, this experience is deeply tied to culture and legacy, offering more than aesthetics—it offers opportunity. Yoro emphasizes the importance of inspiring the next generation.
“I want kids to see that there’s talent inside of them,” she said. “Our designers are open to teaching sewing classes and entrepreneurship. I want those dreams to thrive, not die.”
That same commitment to youth is reflected in the festival’s Max Kidz Zone, named after Stevenson’s son, Maximus. This dedicated space offers kids their own block party experience, complete with games, vendors, basketball challenges, bounce houses, and more—ensuring that the celebration spans generations.
But the Juneteenth Festival is more than entertainment—it’s an ecosystem of culture and community. Attendees can expect live bands, DJs including DJ Homicide and DJ Bounce, a 40+ double dutch contest, line dancing, food vendors, health resources, educational programming, and a premium VIP experience featuring front-row access to the street fashion runway and exclusive lounges.
And perhaps most importantly—it’s free.
As the music fades and the day comes to a close, Stevenson hopes the impact lingers far beyond the moment.
“I hope people leave with peace in their heart,” she said. “Whatever they’re going through, they’re not alone. We are for the people, by the people. I want people to feel hopeful and not give up on their dreams.”
Yoro echoed that vision from the fashion perspective:
“I want people—especially the kids—to know they’re part of something. This community that Nichol built… it’s real.”
The Official St. Louis City Juneteenth Festival Block Party isn’t just an event—it’s a reminder. A reminder that culture matters. That community matters. And that when people come together with purpose, they don’t just celebrate history—they create legacy.
Event Details:
📍 1204 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO
📅 June 19th
⏰ 12 PM – 8 PM
🎟 No Cover Charge
Come ready to celebrate, support, and experience the power of community—St. Louis style.
