The African American Museum of Iowa’s Juneteenth festival welcomes everyone, with activities for all ages. (Photo: AAMI)
Juneteenth has been recognized for many years across the country, even before it became a national holiday. To celebrate the day and honor its history, the African American Museum of Iowa plans to host its annual Juneteenth Festival at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids. The free event opens at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Jacqueline Hunter, the museum’s executive director, said it’s an opportunity for the community to come together “not only to commemorate the importance of the day, but to celebrate each other and the good work that’s happening in our community and state.”
The day will be filled with live music and performances, food and merchandise vendors, family-friendly activities and more. Visitors can meet with local businesses and nonprofits, check out the sweet potato pie competition and talent show, or simply hang out on the lawn and play a few games.
When planning this year’s program, the museum team considered how to best serve the community at this moment in time. “We are in a season where people are looking for community,” Hunter said, adding that many are looking for others who share similar sentiments and ideas. “It’s a time for the community to connect.”
Festivities will continue on Thursday, June 19, when the museum galleries will open for extended hours and a 6:30 p.m. screening of the award-winning documentary “Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom.”
In Des Moines, a Juneteenth Jubilee is set for 5 p.m. June 19 at the State Historical Building, before the annual Neighbor’s Day Celebration noon-6 p.m. June 21 at Western Gateway Park. For more Juneteenth events in Central Iowa, visit IowaJuneteenth.org.
