Juneteenth is observed today as a federal holiday, recognizing the day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, which came more than two months after the Civil War ended. In recognition of the holiday, more states are making it a state holiday and more companies have made it a paid holiday for employees, according to Axios. Juneteenth’s history as a holiday and how it has changed is also gaining awareness, NPR reports.

Iowa Juneteenth Observance held the Community Builders Appreciation Banquet last week, where Abena Sankofa Imhotep, a writer and executive director of Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group, was the keynote speaker.

Four individuals received awards for their support of the community and the state of Iowa. The recipients are:

• Debra Carr, Iowa Citizen of the Year Award.
• Taria Mills, Gospel Legacy Award.
• Sheryl Barnes, James Durham Health Practitioner of the Year Award.
• Steven Kellogg, Mary McLeod Bethune Education Award.

Schedules of Juneteenth events around the state are available here, and events in Des Moines can be found here.