This year, Iowa Juneteenth Observance marks its 22^nd year being celebrated in Des Moines. "One Community: Moving forward while reaching back!" is this year’s theme.

This Observance commemorates “the historical significance and inseparable relationship that exists between Independence Day (July 4^th) and Juneteenth Freedom Day (June 19^th) as the only dates in United States history that unite all of our citizens with the blessings of national freedom and individual self-determination.” (source: http://www.iowajuneteenth.org/main_page.htm)

The Juneteenth parade will be Saturday, June 16^th.  Bigs and Littles are invited to walk in the parade and wear their BBBSCI t-shirts. The parade will assemble at 9 a.m. at the Drake parking lot (24th St. and Forest Ave.) and proceed to Evelyn Davis Park (14th St and Forest Ave.). If you and your Little are interested in walking in the parade, please contact Lisa, lmajors@bbbsia.org.

After the parade enjoy Neighbors Day at Evelyn Davis Park from 12-7 p.m. Festivities include food, education exhibits, pony rides and more! Live entertainment includes a blues concert featuring Del “Saxman” Jones” and the Final Mix Show Band. A baby contest will take place at 1 p.m. in the Forest Avenue Library (next to Evelyn K. Davis Park).

Learn more about Juneteenth by visitng the Iowa Juneteenth Exhibit at the State Historical Museum. The exhibit will be on display until June 16^th. 

How do you plan to celebrate Juneteenth? Tell us!