Juneteenth: An Opportunity to Learn AND Celebrate

Guest Contributor: LaNisha Cassell, Executive Director - African American Museum of Iowa

For thirty years, the African American Museum of Iowa (AAMI) has educated Iowa communities authentically and unapologetically, answering a need across the state to share ALL of America’s history. As current events continue to open eyes and raise consciousness, the Museum’s role in the community has never been clearer. We have the opportunity and the ability to share American history that has consistently been omitted, and there is perhaps no better example of this than Juneteenth.

What is Juneteenth?

While learning about and celebrating Juneteenth has been customary for some, many American first learned about the holiday when it became a federal holiday in 2021. When did you first learn about Juneteenth? Was it part of the curriculum in your grade school, was it taught in college, something you learned as an adult or are you just learning about it now?

Since June 19, 1865, when the last of the United States’ enslaved people were finally notified of their freedom, Juneteenth has been commemorated annually. In the age-old and present battle about what should be included and excluded in our classrooms, we must ask ourselves why we are told to remember and “never forget” some of our nation’s biggest historical tragedies and triumphs but can never talk about, remember or even teach ALL of the truths that have permeated our history. Who gets to decide what parts of our American story are more or less palatable or worth authentic inclusion in our textbooks?

At the AAMI we strive to preserve, exhibit and teach Iowa’s African American heritage. We encourage engagement, conversation and reflection. In the face of racial injustice, we offer educational and interactive programs striving toward understanding, equality and justice. The late poet Maya Angelou said “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Juneteenth Celebration 2024

As we all aspire to do better, the AAMI is here as a resource for ALL Iowans and visitors who want to be proactive about learning history that has long been excluded from our textbooks and continues to shape our identities today. Join us for a week-long celebration including:

Learn More

Visit blackiowa.org/Juneteenth to learn more and explore past celebrations. But don’t stop with Juneteenth. The AAMI provides educational tools year-round through relevant exhibits, programs, collections, traveling resources and events. Why? Because Black history is Iowa’s history.

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