City of Des Moines to Host 2024 Iowa Juneteenth Celebration Neighbors Day

Des Moines, Iowa – The Des Moines Urban Experience (DMUE) board proudly presents the unique Iowa Juneteenth 2024 annual Neighbors Day. This one-of-a-kind event takes place in Downtown Des Moines at Western Gateway Park 1000 Grand Avenue from 12 pm-7 pm on Saturday, June 15th. Visitors will be treated to a full day of live music performances, a diverse range of local food vendors, engaging games, and enlightening book walks. The Iowa Juneteenth Neighbor’s Day Main Stage, hosted by All Voices DSM, will feature a variety of sounds throughout the day by Hope Elim Worship Team, Sharane Calister & the Feel Right Band, The People’s Band, Gospel Voices of Des Moines, Miles Ahead,Unique Vibrationz, Isiserettes, Des Moines Metro Mix, Voices of Prophecy, Strangers of Necessity, P.A.W.C.R.A.M. Da Poet, M’KYE, K.C., Pyramid Theatre, DJ Taz, DJ TheMoodsetta, Emmett Phillips, Tommy Ross, Jasmine Brooks, and headliners Aniba and the Sol Stars.

The theme for this year’s event, ‘Remembering Our History, Releasing the Past, and Reshaping Our Future ‘, holds great significance. It calls for us to curate change and shape a better future. We are thrilled to announce our first inaugural pop-up exhibition, CURATING CHANGE Leading with Love. This group exhibition, co-curated by Jill Wells and Corey Dion Lewis, will be a testament to this theme. Visit the Pappajohn Education Center on Saturday, June 15th, 11 am-5 pm to support BIPOC creatives Toni Corbett, Miradieu Joseph, Yvette Sutton, Mackey Doctor, Indigo Moore, Fred Ebong, Vera Webster, G. Thomas, and Reuben Cheatem as they share their art through fiber, fashion, visual art, and documentary films. We invite all members of the community to join us in celebration as we honor the present and reflect on our history.

Juneteenth is a symbol of slavery’s end and where freedom begins. While Texas is the foundation for this celebration, Juneteenth has become a federal holiday and a day to celebrate freedom across the United States. The greater Des Moines community, which values and cherishes its diverse history, has steadfastly committed to celebrating Iowa Juneteenth annually on the third Saturday in June.

For additional information or interview requests contact Dwana Bradley, General Chairperson of Iowa Juneteenth Observance at iowajuneteenth@gmail.com or by phone at 515-508-9688. For a full listing of Iowa Juneteenth events, visit our website at www.iowajuneteenth.org.