News

Sep 08, 2023

What is Juneteenth and how to celebrate with events in Des Moines

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration to commemorate June 19th, 1865 and

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration to commemorate June 19th, 1865 and the abolition of slavery in the United States, according to Iowa Juneteenth.

The Iowa Juneteenth observance was founded by Gary Lawson more than 30 years ago in 1990. Black equality and freedom have been celebrated in Iowa since 1856, according to the State Historical Society of Iowa.

Juneteenth became a recognized holiday in Iowa on April 11, 2002 and a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. All 50 states recognize Juneteenth as a holiday or observance, and at least 22 states have designated Juneteenth as a paid and/or legal holiday.

Here are some ways you can celebrate Juneteenth in the Des Moines area this year:

Wednesday, June 8, 10-10:30 a.m.

Dwana Bradley, the general chairperson of Iowa Juneteenth, partnered with Des Moines Public Library staff to explore the history of Juneteenth celebrations in Des Moines. This free event is beneficial to children as a tool to learn about Juneteenth and Black history.

Location: Des Moines Public Library at Forest Ave (1326 Forest Ave., Des Moines)

Friday, June 9, 5-8 p.m.

Mainframe Studios will host the Iowa Juneteenth kick-off with live music, spoken word, motivational speakers and food.

Location: Mainframe Studios (900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines)

More:A Des Moines public bus is honoring Juneteenth in a new way for 2023

Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Living History Farms is showcasing the history of emancipation and the Black experience in Iowa throughout time. Presenters include: historians Valerie Grim and David Connon, Judge Odell McGhee and retired Iowa Supreme Court Justice Michael Streit.

There will also be a live performance by the Langston Hughes Players and the Corinthian Baptist Church Praise Team. The traveling exhibit "Toward a Universal Suffrage: African American Women in Iowa and the Vote for All," will also be on display at the event.

Tickets for this event are $17 for adults, $16 for military and seniors, $10 for children ages 2-12 and free for children 1 and under. Tickets can be bought online or at the door.

Location: Living History Farms (11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale)

Saturday, June 11, 5-8 p.m.

West Des Moines is hosting its first Juneteenth celebration this year, and will include performances by Billy Weathers & Hip-Hope Inc., prizes, free face painting and food trucks.

Location: Jamie Hurd Amphitheater by the City Hall pond (4100 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines)

Sunday, June 12, doors open at 4 p.m., celebration begins at 6 p.m.

Iowa Juneteenth is hosting a gospel celebration for Juneteenth to reflect on the progress made and setbacks taken since the first Juneteenth. The special guest this year is Bishop J. Drew Sheard, the presiding Bishop and chief apostle at the Church of God in Christ, Inc.

Location: Franklin Junior High (4801 Franklin Ave., Des Moines)

Saturday, June 17, 12-4:30 p.m.

Enjoy a variety of activities planned for a Juneteenth celebration at the park in Ames. Festivities will include live entertainment, food vendors and trucks, arts and crafts, games and more.

Location: Bandshell Park, Ames (Duff Avenue and Sixth Street, Ames)

Saturday, June 17, 12-8 p.m.

This free event will have live entertainment including gospel music, jazz, spoken word, bands and motivational speakers. There will be plenty of vendors to shop from, a kid's play area, raffles, education seminars and more.

Location: Western Gateway Park (1000 Grand Ave., Des Moines)

Friday, June 16, doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the early show, and the event will begin at 7 p.m. Doors open at 9 p.m. for a "ladies night" show and begins at 9:30 p.m. A third show featuring the Black Iowa Streams crew is at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 17.

Teehee's Comedy Club is hosting its fifth annual local stand-up comedy showcase which will feature up-and-coming Black comedians from the Midwest and Des Moines.

General admission tickets will be $15.

Location: Teehee's Comedy Club (1433 Walnut St., Des Moines)

Saturday, June 17, 4-10 p.m.

Ankeny is hosting its third annual Juneteenth Festival, featuring local performers. There will also be a kids' corner with arts and crafts, food trucks and live music.

Location: District Town Square (1500 SW Main St., Ankeny)

More history:Iowa's Juneteenth roots run deep

Sunday, June 18, 1-5 p.m.

This event will feature drag performances, local non-profits and mutual aid groups, a photobooth, art vendors and free food.

Location: Gravitate Coworking (500 Locust St., Des Moines)

Monday, June 19, gates open at 6 p.m., movie begins at 8 p.m.

Grab the kids and blankets for a free movie night event, hosted by Iowa Juneteenth. The movie will be Wakanda Forever.

Location: Valley West Mall Parking Lot (1551 Valley West Drive, West Des Moines)

Friday, June 23, 6-10 p.m.

Iowa Juneteenth is hosting "Culture in Color." Attendees are invited to step out to this event in their most vibrant colors and enjoy a night of soft, soulful, and upbeat music provided by DJ TMaxx. Joppa Experience will provide cultural food, and there will be an award ceremony to celebrate individuals who are serving the community.

Location: Bella Love Event Venue (8801 University Ave., Suite 29, ​Clive)