Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865. On that day, the Union army advanced into Texas and Oklahoma, informing the enslaved Black people there that they were free, two months after the end of the Civil War and more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The community threw a celebration so memorable that we continue to replicate it.
Attend a Juneteenth celebration in your community!
Tuesday, June 17
Juneteenth Feature Film: “The Negro Artist” with Q&A
6:30 p.m.
Washington Public Library, Washington
Thursday, June 19
Iowa Juneteenth Jubilee
5:00 p.m.
State Historical Building, Des Moines
Thursday, June 19
Fifth Annual Juneteenth Tea
Noon
Grand View University, Des Moines
Thursday, June 19
Juneteenth Poetry Jam & Open Mic Night
6:30 p.m.
xBk Live, Des Moines
Saturday, June 21
Neighbor’s Day Celebration
Noon
Western Gateway Park, Des Moines
Saturday, June 21
30th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
1:00 p.m.
Sullivan Memorial Park, Waterloo
Saturday, June 28
Juneteenth African Attire Ball
6:00 p.m.
Waterloo Center for the Arts, Waterloo
