Juneteenth

6.13.24 – 6.19.24

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in America.

After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, owners in many isolated areas kept word from the people they had enslaved so that they would not flee. On June 19, 1865, some of the last enslaved people in America were freed when the news, at last, reached Confederate Galveston, Texas. Since that day, Juneteenth has been celebrated to honor the African Americans who built this nation.

2024 Juneteenth Commemoration

June 13: Taking Care of Me! Seminar

5pm – 8pm | AAMI

BIPOC women sharing insights for strengthening our mental, physical, and financial well-being.

June 15: Juneteenth Festival

11am – 6pm | NewBo City Market

Join us for our annual festival at NewBo City Market featuring:

DJ Commando
MC Anthony Betters, Jr.
Live Music from: Bethany Elle | Rahlan Kay | Church Kids | Alicia Monee & Crew | James Tutson
Vendors
Food Trucks: Hatchett’s BBQ and Jay’s Water Ice

Learn about local organizations:

Advocates for Social Justice
Marion Alliance for Racial Equity
Yenko – Culture & Wellness
BIPOC LGBTQ+ Coalition of IA
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Peoples Unitarian Universalist Church
Linn Co. Election Services
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
Cedar Rapids Public Library
African American Family Resiliency Association
Four Oaks Family Connection
Iowa Lions Eye Bank
Revive Family Chiropractic
The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success
Young Parents Network (YPN)
Institute for Clinical and Translational Science
Kirkwood Community College/KBSU
Marion Civil Rights Commission
His Hands Free Clinic
First Interstate Bank
Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission
Great Plains Action Society

Stop by and see us at the Festival for a voucher for free, same-day admission to the Museum while supplies last!

June 15: $1 Admission

11am – 4pm | AAMI

Enjoy $1 admission to the AAMI galleries as part of our Juneteenth Commemoration!

June 16: Black Agriculture & Farmers

1pm – 3pm | AAMI

Dr. Negus Rudison-Imhotep presents a lecture on S.96 – Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023.

June 18: Author Talk and Book Signing

6pm – 7:30pm | AAMI

Join authors Rachelle Chase (Buxton) & Jim Tillman (Sioux City) for a presentation from their books and an opportunity to get a signed copy.

June 19: Extended Gallery Hours and Endless Possibilities Guided Tour

6pm | AAMI

The AAMI is extending our gallery hours in honor of Juneteenth. Visit the Museum between 12 PM and 6 PM on Wednesday, June 19. Enjoy children’s scavenger hunts and the AAMI traveling exhibit, Iowa Civil Rights. Volunteers will be on hand in our genealogy lab to assist patrons in family history research.

Or, join us at 6 PM for a guided tour of our permanent exhibit, Endless Possibilities with AAMI board member, Jason Daniels.