Mayor Teague Recognizes Juneteenth As An Official Iowa City Holiday

Press release from the City of Iowa City:

June 16, 2021

During the June 15, 2021, City Council meeting, Mayor Bruce Teague signed a proclamation announcing that for the first time in Iowa City history, Juneteenth will be officially observed.

The full proclamation can be read online.

Juneteenth recognizes the day enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free: more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation and 71 days after the Civil War ended. While Juneteenth has been commemorated in Iowa City for many years, it now replaces President’s Day as a recognized City holiday, to be observed annually on June 19. Since that date falls on a Saturday this year, City Hall and other facilities will be closed on Friday, June 18. Visit our website for a schedule of closures.

2021 Juneteenth events

A series of events will be held in Iowa City and throughout the area to celebrate. Visit icgov.org/Juneteenth2021 for a complete list. Some highlights include:

• The African American Museum of Iowa is hosting both virtual and in-person events. For more information, visit their web page, or check out their Facebook page.
• The Johnson County Area Juneteenth Committee is hosting both virtual and in-person events. For more information, visit their page.

This press release was produced by the City of Iowa City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.