Even though we offer fewer classes in June, there are many diversity-related learning opportunities! June hosts the longest-standing day to recognize the end of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth, and national Pride month. Read on for details.
Juneteenth
On June 19 we recognize the end of slavery in the United States. This day has a fascinating history and is becoming recognized as a major holiday in Iowa City, Johnson County, and other areas. Many local organizations are hosting educational events throughout next week.
- The African American Museum of Iowa: https://blackiowa.org/events/juneteenth/
- Johnson County
- City of Iowa City, which also notes events in Cedar Rapids: https://www.icgov.org/city-government/departments-and-divisions/equity-and-human-rights/juneteenth-2021
We’d like to draw your attention to two related opportunities to support local entrepreneurs:
- Juneteenth History Walk-in, June 13-19. Posters, punch cards and stickers will be distributed at participating Black-owned businesses including Venus Beauty Supply, Textures Salon, SugaPeach, Keto Kitchen, Dunn Brothers, Crepes De Luxe Café, Christina’s Unity Beauty Supply, A to Z Thrift Store, Basic Goods, Tweety Juice Bar, Modina African Market, Rodney’s Jamaican Jerk, and Island Vybz. See graphic below for address details along with Google Map directions (thanks, Ying!).
- Diversity Market, Saturdays beginning June 12. A summer "pop-up" market is launching this Saturday to bring together and elevate BIPOC-owned and/or woman-owned entrepreneurs, artisans and others looking for a spot to shine and sell their products and services! Another goal is to increase access to a neighborhood marketplace for South District residents and for other folks throughout the Iowa City area to come shop and enjoy this side of town!
Pride Month
Dr. Liz Tovar’s June message includes a reminder about how active the University’s DEI social media channels are becoming. Bookmark/follow if you are so inclined and stay tuned for stories of celebration. From her message:
“June at the University of Iowa is about planning and celebrating…. We celebrate #Pride2021 in the community and online. Watch our social media channels @DiversityUI on Twitter, @uiowadei on Instagram, @DiversityUI on Facebook, and our LinkedIn page. We are telling the stories of our community's LGBTQ+ history.”
While our student leaders at the University of Iowa Pride Alliance celebrated Pride week back in March when more students were in town, the community recognizes Pride month in June, including a celebration at City Park Pool on June 19. RSVP requested: https://www.iowacitypride.org/events-1/pride-at-the-pool. The annual Pride Parade in Iowa City, ordinarily held this month, has been postponed until October 1st and 2nd.
Thanks to Ying, here are Google Map Links to each of these businesses: Stop 1-9 , Stop 10-14.