Editor Message JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS This month I would like to thank everyone who made Iowa Juneteenth a success. For those of you not familiar with Juneteenth let me provide you with a brief history lesson. The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves on January 1st, 1863 and slaves were told through this document they were free. Communication didn’t get to Galveston, Texas until June 19th, 1865 which is now known as Juneteenth. Juneteenth has been celebrated by the nation for the last 154 years. Iowa Juneteenth was founded by Gary Lawson and Des Moines had their first Iowa Juneteenth celebration in June of 1990. Gary and his team worked tirelessly to make sure each Iowa Juneteenth was a success. April 11, 2002 Iowa Juneteenth was written into law by former Governor Tom Vilsack to be celebrated on the third Saturday in June. I always remember it because it’s Father’s Day weekend. After 25 years of being the General Chairperson of Iowa Juneteenth, Gary gave custodianship to The Des Moines Urban Experience in October 2015. I’ve had the pleasure of having events from the Community Builders Appreciation banquet where we recognize individuals in the state of Iowa for the work in the areas of education, health, citizenship, political process, advocacy, gospel, and next year jazz. We also have a statewide essay contest and recognize our 9th-11th grade winners. We’ve had a Gospel Fest for the last three years and end our celebration with our Urban Parade and Neighbors Day at Evelyn K. Davis Park. During Neighbors Day we have vendors, a three on three basketball tournament, food, health screenings, and entertainment. Each year we get better and grow to make sure everyone in the community comes out to celebrate. This year we had our first Iowa Juneteenth night at Principal Park. As Iowa Juneteenth grows, we will need volunteers. Please make sure to check out our website on July 15th which will inform you on the volunteers needed. Iowa Juneteenth turns 30 next year. I want the community to come together to support and participate in the activities we will have. Iowa Juneteenth wouldn’t make it without the help of our sponsors who provide in-kind and monetary donations and our volunteers who give of their time because they believe in Iowa Juneteenth. I will leave you with this, Iowa Juneteenth is like our fourth of July and we should tell the state of Iowa all about it. It is our time to make things better for our youth and provide an outlet for them to be successful in the areas of education, health, and wealth. I can’t do it on my own, but together we can do more. I always believe we are better together. I ask for your help next year whether you give to Iowa July 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 9 Juneteenth personally, volunteer, or educate others about who we are. Iowa Juneteenth exists to make sure the history of Iowa Juneteenth is passed down for generations to come. Visit our website at www.iowajuneteenth. com to find out more about who we are, and the events that took place over this last Iowa Juneteenth. -Dwana Bradley Dwana Bradley , Editor of Urban Experience Magazine
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