Juneteenth Weekend Freedom Celebrations

Join us!

The Multicultural Family Center (MFC) Juneteenth Planning Committee is hosting the 14th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Dubuque, Iowa. Similar to last year, 2024 will be a 3-day weekend celebration.

Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day, is a celebration of the day in 1865 when the abolition of slavery was announced in Texas.  Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, it was not formally announced or enforced in the State of Texas until June 19, 1865, more than 2 years later.  Today, it is an American celebration of freedom and achievement, and focuses on building stronger communities.

This year’s event will include:

Friday, June 14, 5pm - 9 pm Art & Culture Exhibition: Multicultural Family Center (MFC) 1157 Central Ave., Dubuque. Featuring the works of up-and-coming African American artists, Spoken Word, and Poetry.  Hosted by Bri Thompson

Saturday, June 15, Noon – 4 pm Picnic in Jackson Park: Includes a talent show (cash prizes awarded), raffles, bounce house, games for all ages, community booths, local business vendors, door prizes, free food and food trucks.

Sunday, June 16, 11 am – 1 pm Community Prayer and Praise in Jackson Park: Various Dubuque congregations will be represented along with a community choir. Food Trucks will be available.

Sunday, June 16, 1:30 p.m. Dubuque County Historic Preservation Commission Chair in conjunction with Dubuque NAACP will give a repeat of the African-American History Tour at 1:30pm. The tour will start at Washington Park, walk past the Dubuque Museum of Art, the former location of the Centenary Church and African-American school, to the “I am a Man” Mural and talk about the former African-American neighborhood on 8th Street and Robinson Street before going to 1243 Main, the Goodrich-Wilson-Ryan house, home of Judge David S. Wilson, who ruled to integrate the Dubuque Schools in 1877.