6.15 – 6.20.20 | Virtual Event

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.

While we cannot celebrate in person this year, we are excited to present a virtual celebration! Please scroll down to view the 2020 event supporters and find a link to access the virtual celebration.

2020 Presenting Sponsors

“At Alliant Energy, we live by our Care for Others Value: creating a workplace where people feel like they belong. We extend that same thinking to our communities. That’s why Alliant Energy is a long-time supporter of the African American Museum of Iowa, and their annual Juneteenth event. We’re excited to celebrate with them online in June!” – Shannon Kinard, Director – HR Consulting, Transformation and Diversity

“Collins Community Credit Union is pleased to sponsor the 2020 Juneteenth Celebration! We look forward to participating in the week-long “virtual” events planned by the African American Museum. We invite you to engage with us online daily as we embrace and celebrate Iowa’s African American history and culture.” – Stefanie Rupert, President & CEO

2020 Community Partners

“The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission is proud to sponsor the Juneteenth celebration. This important commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States remains unknown to many people. My hope is by acknowledging and understanding our history, a history of slavery that continues to influence our country, we will better address continued racial disparities and make significant and lasting improvements.” – Stefanie Munsterman-Scriven, Executive Director, Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission

“Juneteenth is a commemoration of African-American Heritage and a celebration of self-development. Join the City of Iowa City’s Office of Equity & Human Rights for a 6-day festival full of joy, cultural excitement and entertainment for the whole family.”

“On behalf of the Marion Civil Rights Commission, we are a sponsor for Juneteenth. This is the day celebrated for the Emancipation Proclamation In 1863 and the end of slavery in 1865. Yet, recent events have highlighted the inequality and disparity for people of color. We have seen a much higher incidence of COVID-19 and related deaths. We are seeing demonstrations internationally about police brutality and maltreatment in our country. We need to create major change!” – Kent Jackson, Marion Civil Rights Commission Chair

“Juneteenth is a great occasion to mark in our community.” – Rod Sullivan – Chair, Johnson County Board of Supervisors

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