FY2023 Adopted Budget

In June of 2021, Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague proclaimed June 19 to be Juneteenth National Freedom Day , an official holiday in Iowa City.

2021 Juneteenth Block Party

Juneteenth National Freedom Day commemorates June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger led Union soldiers into Galveston, Texas, bringing news that the Civil War had ended and that the Emancipation Proclamation declared all slaves to be free. Since then, Juneteenth commemorations have consisted of prayer services, inspirational speeches, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, food, games, and dances. Juneteenth celebrates the strength and resolve of African Americans throughout history, and is an opportunity to honor African-American culture, art, history, and achievement.

Cover: People gather on the lawn of Chauncey Swan Park for a free sunset screening of Miss Juneteenth at the 2021 Juneteenth Block Party (part of the Film Scene in the Park summer movie series).

"Juneteenth reflects our community's deep belief in liberty and equality for all individuals, as all benefit from a greater understanding and appreciation of the experiences of others."

Mayor Bruce Teague

In observation of the holiday, the City of Iowa City, Johnson County, and other sponsors hosted free public events throughout the month of June — including an education and resource fair, blood drive, meal drive-through, block party, and outdoor screening of the film Miss Juneteenth.

TO READ THE MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION, VISIT BIT.LY/JUNETEENTHIC.