Juneteenth to celebrate freedom, end of slavery

CEDAR RAPIDS - Education and celebration.

This is the mission of the annual Juneteenth event hosted by the African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids, to be held Friday and Saturday, June 16-17.

The oldest known event celebrating the end of slavery in America, this year's Juneteenth includes a free screening of the Netflix original documentary '13th” on June 16 at the museum, 55 12th Ave. SE, along with a Celebration of Freedom on June 17 at Viola Gibson Park, 1201 10th St. SE.

'The celebration of Juneteenth represents a celebration of freedom from slavery, but also creates a place to talk about the progress of the African-American community since 1865, said Museum Educator Krystal Gladden. 'Although much of that progress is positive, there are also many issues that need to be discussed. This celebration is an open invitation for those of all cultures and backgrounds to learn about the triumphs and challenges of the African-American community.”

The documentary screening, in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, analyzes the criminalization of African-Americans and the U.S. prison boom. It takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. followed by a discussion hosted by Karl Cassell, president and CEO of Horizons, a family service alliance.

'There is a link between the disenfranchisement of African-Americans and the lack of equity and equality that was created with the bondage of slavery that links to the large incarceration rates of African-Americans today,” said Gladden. 'In order to figure out a solution, we must know what the problem is.

She said she hopes the screening and discussion attracts upward of 100 people.

The June 17 celebration at the park runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features stage entertainment by musician Kevin Burt, magician Zack Percell, spoken word artist Micah Ariel James and a special dance performance by the Oakhill Jackson Praise Dancers.

Gladden anticipates hundreds turning out for the event.

'There are new and consistent elements to our Juneteenth celebration, and that's part of what makes it so fun,” she said. 'We have an educational component and a celebratory component every year, but the topics of discussion, the performances, the children's crafts ... may be different each year.

'As the needs, the triumphs and the challenges of the black community change, so will Juneteenth,” Gladden added. 'In many ways, it is a reflection on how far we have come since slavery, and space to discuss and analyze where we are and where we are going as a community.”

There also will be a health station, community organizations sharing information about their services and food vendors serving barbecue, fried fish and baked goods at event.

Organizers hope Juneteenth, which has been celebrated since 1865, draws the community in, said Gladden.

'Because knowledge about diverse cultures and people makes us a better and stronger community overall,” she said. 'The events that led to the creation of Juneteenth are part of the American narrative.”

l Comments: (319) 368-8531; alexandra.connor@thegazette.com