Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, family, culture, and community. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the people and stories that helped shape the places we call home.

Many people are surprised to learn that Black residents were among Dubuque’s earliest pioneers and that Dubuque was home to Iowa’s largest Black population in 1840. From civil rights victories and community celebrations to generations of leadership, perseverance, and achievement, Black history is not a separate chapter in Dubuque’s story – it is part of Dubuque’s story.