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The 23rd Annual Iowa Juneteenth
Observance
Theme for 2013
"The 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation:
Bridge to Freedom for All!"
Welcome to
the Iowa Juneteenth Observance Website!
President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was an important
step on the path to freedom, liberty, and responsible citizenship for
African-Americans following slavery.
The Emancipation Proclamation was a 'down payment' for the 13th, 14th,
and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments
officially outlawed slavery; broadened the definition of citizenship and
overturned the Supreme Court's Dred Scott Decision of 1857 (declaring
that those in slavery had no rights that the United States constitution
was bound to respect); and declared the right of citizens to vote -
regardless of race.
Juneteenth is important in this historical context because the first
Juneteenth took place in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 - following
the official end to the Civil War.
Prior to the 13th Amendment, it had been 60 years since the United
States Constitution was amended.
History is very important, and Juneteenth is history...that is why we
exist...to promote the education of Iowans on Juneteenth history and to
preserve that history for future generations!
2012 was my last year as the General Chairman for the Iowa Juneteenth
Observance, as I step down - I want to thank everyone that I have met in
my 22 years of leadership. I have priceless memories of the challenges
and accomplishments along the way. I continue to serve the Iowa
Juneteenth Observance as the State Advocate and Christopher (Chris)
Johnson is serving as the newly appointed General Chairperson.
Chris has worked his way up the organization from the position as: a
volunteer on the Logistics Committee, Chairman of the Logistics
Committee; Vice Chairman and Senior Vice Chairman. He brings a lot of
experience and commitment. His father is the deceased Chancey E. Mallett,
Sr., who faithfully served the Iowa Juneteenth Observance and is honored
as the Vice Chair Emeritus. Go to the Committee page on this site to see
the 2013 Iowa Juneteenth Observance leadership.
Ask your employer, church, and any community-based organizations that
you support to get involved with preserving an important part of Iowa
and American history, the Iowa Juneteenth Observance!
We look forward to another great year serving YOU with empowering
economic, social, and political events for all Iowans!
-----Gary Lawson
Chris Johnson, General Chairman
Gary Lawson, State Advocate
Founder and
General Chairman Emeritus
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Go to HERE to
look at our 2012 photos.
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