On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing those enslaved in territories in rebellion. This information moved so slowly through the south that some of those enslaved in Texas did not receive this information for more than two years. On June 19, 1865, Union Soldiers arrived in Texas and spread the word […]
Join us for the kick-off to our week of Juneteenth programming! This live-streamed event will feature local students competing to test their knowledge of black history. Follow along at home to see how much you know. To view the recorded event, click the button below. View the Recorded Event
DeFord Bailey was quite possibly the most influential harmonica player in the 20th century. Despite such acclaim, DeFord died quietly without recognition of his place in American music history. In commemoration of the 95th anniversary of his first performance on the Grand Ole Opry, join the African American Museum of Iowa for a viewing of […]
A panel discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing BIPOC performing artists. About this event Moderated by Dr. Myron McReynolds, panelists include Simon Estes, bass-baritone; Whitney Morrison, soprano; Sidney Outlaw, baritone; and Pedro Yanez, pianist. Please pre-register as venue seating is limited due to Covid restrictions. Masks are required of all patrons during panel discussion. […]
Join the AAMI for a storytime at the Marion Public Library featuring authors: Michelle Edwards and Brion Martin. This program is part of the AAMI's Juneteenth Commemoration. To see our full list of sponsors and all planned events, visit: www.blackiowa.org/Juneteenth. -- Michelle Edwards was born in Texas but grew up in Iowa. She has three […]
Join the AAMI for a showing of "Decolonizing Mental Health" at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Doors open at 5:45 PM. Showing begins at 6:00 PM. A facilitated discussion led by Anne Harris Carter will immediately follow the screening. This screening is part of the AAMI's Juneteenth Commemoration. To see our full list of sponsors […]
dwb (driving while black) is a new opera from composer Susan Kander and librettist Roberta Gumbel. This piece is montage of poetic and haunting moments examining the trials and triumphs Black mothers experience as their children come of age in a society plagued by racism and inequality (runtime: 45 min). Tickets are free but reservations […]
Join the AAMI for our annual Juneteenth Festival! Bring your family out to commemorate this important holiday and enjoy a variety of live performances from talented local artists. This program is part of the AAMI's Juneteenth Commemoration. To see our full list of sponsors and all planned events, visit: www.blackiowa.org/Juneteenth Our Juneteenth Celebration returns to […]
In celebration of AAMI's 30th anniversary and as part of our annual Juneteenth Commemoration, the AAMI conducted an interview with Dr. Ashley Howard and founders of the 1619 Freedom School, including Nikole Hannah-Jones. Watch as Dr. Howard, Professor of History and African American Studies at the University of Iowa, discusses the founding ideology and future […]
