Juneteenth, a state holiday in Iowa and 28 states, marks the day when the last slaves in Texas learned that slavery had been abolished on June 19, 1865 – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. Many black communities across country mark the holiday with educational events and celebrations.Muriel Konne believes Juneteeth, being celebrated today across the state and elsewhere, serves a reminder for African-Americans to unite against the problems that plague them.

“It’s a time where people feel free to express their opinion about what is really going on in this country,” said the 17-year-old Des Moines student. “I personally feel that African-Americans as a whole are oppressed because our voices aren’t heard enough.”

Iowa’s Juneteenth theme is Iowa Families: Guardians of Freedom, Liberty & Citizenship. Thousands of people are expected to descend upon Des Moines’ Evelyn K. Davis Park today for educational attractions, music, food and children’s events.

“Juneteenth is a perfect way for us to be able to come together, have our voices heard and be able to identify the key problems that are really affecting us,” said Konne.

College entrance and affordability are among the issues most concerning to Konne, and her sister, Rachel, 19, who is an intern at the Iowa Commission on the Status of Africans.

Rachel Konne said some teachers at Des Moines’ Roosevelt High School appeared to have low expectations of black girls, which hampers their self-esteem and can render them unprepared to attend college.

She said Juneteenth is a good day for blacks to remember history, talk about issues, such as college preparedness, racism and discrimination, and to unite. Her sister agreed.

“I think everyday should be Juneteenth,” said Muriel Konne.