by Clelia Sweeney

Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It began in 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were first informed that they had been freed by the ending of the Civil War and President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Although slavery legally ended two years before, official enforcement by the Union Army began in Texas on June 19, 1865. The passing of the 13^th Amendment later that year eradicated slavery for good. Since then, Juneteenth has remained a nation-wide celebration of Black identity, culture, and achievements.

You may have noticed some eye-catching posters in the windows of businesses along Main Street this month. We are holding a Juneteenth scavenger hunt in downtown Ames, for children and adults alike. To participate, pick up a scavenger hunt card at the Ames Public Library or any participating business. Then you can walk around and learn about important Black people and places in Iowa history from the color-coded posters. Find three posters in each of the color categories to complete your card: red (for Black leaders of today), green (Black people from history), yellow (Black sports figures), orange (Black culture), and black (Juneteenth history.)

There is also an exhibit with posters for the scavenger hunt in the Library vestibule, so picking up a card there will give you a head start! Return your completed card to the desk at the Ames Public Library for a prize.

On Juneteenth itself —June 19^th— at 7pm the library is hosting a fascinating lecture by Iowa State Representative Ross Wilburn on his Civil War-era ancestors in the Union Army. From 1863 to 1865, African Americans fought on the side of the Union Army in regiments known as the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Wilburn will share his family’s Civil War history and adventures in genealogical research tracking down these brave ancestors. This program is presented in partnership with the Ames History Museum and the NAACP Ames Branch. If you would like to attend virtually, please register at https://ameshistory.org to receive the Zoom link. Registration is not needed if you’re attending in person.

For more information about the significance of Juneteenth, I recommend visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s website: https://nmaahc.sci.edu/explore/moments/juneteenth. I learned a lot there and loved seeing their curated historic documents and photographs. You can also check out a free “Adventure Pass” from the library and take a trip to the African American Museum of Iowa.

Please join us this month in celebrating this great moment in American history and what it has meant for the lives of millions of African Americans.