Juneteenth celebrations from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City

Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in America, is being celebrated in many ways across the Corridor.

African American Museum of Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS — On its website, the African American Museum of Iowa explains: “After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on Jan. 1, 1863, owners in many isolated areas kept word from the people they had enslaved so that they would not flee. On June 19, 1865, some of the last enslaved people in America were freed when the news, at last, reached Confederate Galveston, Texas. Since (June 19, 1866) Juneteenth has been celebrated to honor the African Americans who built this nation.”

For more on the following museum-organized activities, click on the links at blackiowa.org/events/juneteenth/

Storytime featuring Michelle Edwards and Brion Martin: 10 t0 11 a.m. June 10, Marion Public Library, 1101 Sixth Ave.

Film and discussion: “Decolonizing Mental Health,” 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 14, Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE. The film dismantles the racism that underscores the mental health care industry. Through 20 profiles, the digital series discusses what a more responsive mental health care system should look like.

Opera and discussion: "dwb (driving while black),“ presented by the Des Moines Metro Opera: 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 16, Cedar Rapids Public Library; free but reservations required. This piece is montage of poetic and haunting moments examining the trials and triumphs Black mothers experience as their children come of age in a society plagued by racism and inequality

Juneteenth Festival at NewBo City Market: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 17, on the lawn at 110-0 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Music, spoken word, bouncy house, speakers, organization booths.

Online premiere: 1619 Freedom School Interview with Ashley Howard, June 19.

CEDAR RAPIDS OPERA

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Cedar Rapids Opera presents its third free Juneteenth community event with the public world premiere of “Charlie and the Wolf.”

This new opera by four-time Emmy-nominated composer Dave Ragland Jr. and playwright Mary McCallum explores an imaginary meeting between jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker and classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The story reminds viewers that we all play with the same notes — we just interpret them differently.

Commissioned by Cedar Rapids Opera, “Charlie and the Wolf” will be presented at 1 p.m. June 18 at the Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City and at 1 p.m. June 19 in the Whipple Auditorium at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE. Admission is free and reservations are not required. The show is best suited for ages 5 and up.

For details, go to cropera.org/juneteenth-2023.

IOWA CITY

IOWA CITY — A Juneteenth celebration for the entire county will be held on the downtown Ped Mall, beginning at 4 p.m. June 16. The event will feature free attractions for all ages from live music to food and a fashion show:

4 p.m.: Johnson County resource fair at Blackhawk Mini Park, 104 S. Dubuque St.

5 p.m.: Free soul food while supplies last

6:30 p.m.: Live music from Isaac Jordan, Pedestrian Mall main stage

7:30 p.m.: Fashion show, main stage

9 p.m. Live music from Aniba and the Sol Starz, main stage

Other attractions include the Iowa City Public Library’s Bookmobile, activities provided by the North Liberty Public Library, and more.

Juneteenth events will be held throughout Johnson County around the holiday. Check icjuneteenth.com for details.