University Of Iowa To Celebrate Oldest Known Juneteenth Celebration In US

 Iowa- Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, will be observed from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 19, in Room 2520D of the University Capitol Centre.

A speaker, music performances and a cake reception are featured in this second annual celebration sponsored by the University of Iowa African American Council and Bethel A.M.E. Church of Iowa City.

The dreams, actions and spirit leading up to this defining moment in history are the focus of the event, celebrating the emancipation of African Americans from slavery.

While the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, is deemed as the end of slavery in this nation, official notice was delivered two and a half years later to the last slave state, Texas, thus ending slavery. The date of that last proclamation of freedom was June 19, 1865, thus the Juneteenth Celebration.

Juneteenth celebrations have grown in popularity across the nation and worldwide in recent decades.

For more information, contact Billie Townsend at 319-354-5995 or billie-townsend@uiowa.edu.