What is Juneteenth and how can you celebrate in Des Moines, central Iowa?
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this list inadvertently included some incorrect descriptions and dates. The version below has been corrected.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration to commemorate June 19, 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.
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday or a state holiday in 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.
From a billboard art display along Keo Way to various events, here are ways you can celebrate Juneteenth in the Des Moines area this year:
Iowa Juneteenth kick-off
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
Emancipation Day: A Juneteenth event
Saturday, June 10, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Living History Farms is hosting an emancipation day event to help individuals gain a better understanding of the legacy of emancipation and the Black experience in Iowa’s history. The day opens with a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and closes with a "historic" baseball game with the Walnut Hill Bluestockings vs. Buxton Wonders. Activities are included with general admission.
Location: Living History Farms (11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale)
Juneteenth gospel celebration
Sunday, June 11, 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)
Juneteenth Comedy Jam
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 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)
James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport Dedication Ceremony
Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m.
Mayor John Haila and the Ames City Council are hosting a dedication ceremony for the renaming of the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport. Banning moved to Ames in 1919 and attended Iowa State College as the first African American to receive his pilot’s license from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The renaming honors Banning and his contribution to Ames' history.
Juneteenth festivities at Bandshell Park, Ames
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 Ave & Sixth St.., 125 E. Fifth St., Ames)
Neighbor's Day Celebration
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)
Ankeny's Juneteenth Festival
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 S.W. Main St., Ankeny)
More history: Iowa’s Juneteenth roots run deep
Queer and Black Art Market
Sunday, June 18, 1-5 p.m.
This event will feature drag performances, local non-profits and mutual aid groups, a photo booth, art vendors and free food.
Location: Gravitate Coworking (500 Locust St., Des Moines)
Hope+Elim Juneteenth Celebration
Monday, June 19, light dinner from 5:15-5:50 p.m., sounds of freedom celebration from 6-8 p.m.
Hope+Elim Church is hosting a special Juneteenth Celebration to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The celebration will include powerful worship, inspiring spoken word, history through dramatic skits, Afrobeats dance, a gospel choir and musical performances by local talents. Performers include Will Keeps, The Isiserettes and Bridges 2 Harmony.
Location: Hope+Elim Church (2500 University Ave., Des Moines)
Drive-in movie night: Wakanda Forever
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)
The Culture in Color
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)
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What is Juneteenth and how to celebrate with events in Des Moines
