IOWA, USA — Juneteenth, the American holiday celebrating the date when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas first learned about the end of the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, is June 19.
Juneteenth celebrates the day that Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger announced that slavery was now illegal in the United States to Texans, on June 19, 1865.
This was over two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Despite the continued violence against Black Americans after the end of the Civil War, the Black community still rallied around and celebrated that date in June as the day they learned they were free
It was not until 2021 that President Joe Biden signed a bill Congress passed to set aside Juneteenth, or June 19, as a federal holiday.
However, in Iowa, Juneteenth has been a day of recognition since 2002, when former Gov. Tom Vilsack signed legislation into law commemorating the day.
Read on below to find ways to commemorate Juneteenth in central Iowa.
Have a suggestion or addition to the list? Email us at news@weareiowa.com or send us a text at 515-457-1026!
Iowa Juneteenth Observance, an organization dedicated to helping Iowans celebrate the holiday, is hosting a golf outing on Friday, June 16. Participate with a group of four for just $440, or go solo for $110. Golfers can also enter raffles for the chance to win prizes.
- When: Friday, June 16; check-in begins at 7 a.m.
- Where: Blank Golf Course (808 County Line Road, Des Moines)
Come to Teehee's Comedy Club for the Annual Juneteenth Comedy Jam. With four shows across two days, the events will feature Black comedians from Des Moines and across the Midwest.
- When: Friday, June 16 (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.) and Saturday, June 17 (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.)
- Where: Teehee's Comedy Club (1433 Walnut Street, Des Moines)
African-Americans are disproportionately affected by sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder. As such, Black Women 4 Healthy Living are hosting a blood drive to support, recognize and advocate for those with sickle cell. Walk-in and donate blood to make a difference this Juneteenth.
- When: Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Where: Pappajohn Education Center Lobby (1200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines)
Gather with friends and meet your neighbors at this Neighbor's Day Celebration. Find live entertainment, motivational speakers, vendors, food, raffles and more. Plus, the Des Moines Public Library will be onsite with plenty of children's activities.
- When: Saturday, June 17, 12-8 p.m.
- Where: Western Gateway Park
Join Ankeny residents at the city's 3rd annual Juneteenth celebration. The event will feature Black and brown artists and performers; food trucks and vendors.
- When: Saturday, June 17, 4-10 p.m.
- Where: The District, 1500 SW Main Street
Celebrate Pride month and Juneteenth with local artists. This celebration will feature drag performances, local nonprofits, mutual aid groups, art vendors and free food.
- When: Sunday, June 18, 1-5 p.m.
- Where: Gravitate Coworking (500 Locust Street, Des Moines)
Join Ottumwa residents in celebrating the music, art and history of Iowa's Black communities. The event will feature live music, dancing, vendors, food trucks and plenty of family-friendly activities.
- When: Monday, June 19, 12-7 p.m.
- Where: Central Park
Enjoy an evening of powerful worship, including spoken word and musical performances, with Hope+Elim. Special guests include Will Keeps, The Isiserettes and more.
- When: Monday, June 19, 6-8 p.m.
- Where: Hope+Elim (2500 University Avenue, Des Moines)
Iowa Juneteenth Observance presents a night of fun for the whole family. Catch a drive-in showing of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on Juneteenth.
- When: Monday, June 19; movie begins at 8 p.m.
- Where: Valley West Mall
Join the Des Moines Public Library at the Forest Avenue location to see a film presentation from the State Historical Society of Iowa. The Forest Avenue Library is also hosting a Juneteenth scavenger hunt through Saturday, June 17.
- When: Tuesday, June 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Where: Forest Avenue Library meeting room (1326 Forest Avenue, Des Moines)
Wear your most vibrant colors and show up for the Culture in Color event. Attendees will enjoy a night of cultural food and soulful music by DJ TMaxx. Purchase tickets here.
- When: Friday, June 23, 6-10 p.m.
- Where: Bella Love Venue (8801 University Avenue, Des Moines)