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.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our 2023 commemoration: June 10 – June 19

• Storytime featuring Michelle Edwards and Brion Martin: June 10
• Decolonizing Mental Health screening: June 14
• dwb (driving while black) with the Des Moines Metro Opera: June 16
• Juneteenth Festival at NewBo City Market: June 17
• 1619 Freedom School Interview with Dr. Ashley Howard,  online premiere: June 19

Use the links to learn more or scroll down to explore supporters and find your 2023 Juneteenth shirts.