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Black Hawk County proclaims June Pride Month and reaffirms Juneteenth as county holiday; local events planned
Summary
The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors adopted proclamations recognizing June as Pride Month and reaffirming Juneteenth as a county holiday, and county staff and community organizers outlined local Juneteenth events taking place June 19–22.
The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors on June 17 adopted proclamations recognizing June as Pride Month and reaffirming Juneteenth as a county holiday.
The Pride Month proclamation affirms that Black Hawk County “values fairness, civility and respect for all individuals” and recognizes contributions of LGBTQ+ residents to the county’s civic and cultural life. The Juneteenth proclamation notes the historical significance of June 19, 1865, and states that Juneteenth is recognized locally as a federal, state and Black Hawk County holiday; the proclamation also says the county has commemorated Juneteenth for more than 150 years and that 2025 marks 30 years of local Juneteenth celebrations.
Gabby Huitt, marketing coordinator for the county, said the county will have a table at the local Juneteenth celebration and introduced Latanya Graves, who described this year’s events. Latanya Graves, president of the NAACP and events organizer for Social Action Incorporated, outlined a schedule that begins with a men’s forum on Thursday, June 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Impact Church of Hope, 710 Broadway Street. On Saturday, June 21, organizers will hold a freedom walk beginning at noon at Ferguson Field, followed by programming at Sullivan Park from about 1 to 8 p.m., including vendors, youth activities, music and performances. Sunday’s events, Graves said, start at 2 p.m. and will include a softball game and recognition of businesses and community members with 30 years of involvement.
Both proclamations were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Board members then posed for photographs following the proclamations.
The Juneteenth proclamation also said the county will read names of victims of acts of violence during the celebration, including some unsolved cases, as part of an annual memorial.
No board action beyond adoption of the proclamations was taken; the proclamations are symbolic recognitions and invitations for residents to participate in the listed community events.
