Juneteenth

Juneteenth events commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. are happening across the state. In Iowa City, both a public art project and fashion show during the city's five-day Juneteenth celebration were inspired by Black leaders and activists of the past and present.

Juneteenth, a federal holiday, honors the emancipation of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, the final group of Americans to be notified they were free.

Historians discuss Iowa's significance as a part of the Underground Railroad.

Juneteenth celebration events are scheduled throughout the Des Moines metro over the next week.