Crossroads (with lunch) | Celebrating Juneteenth

Celebrating Juneteenth

Rep. Rob Johnson
State Representative, District 34

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June 18, 2026  |  11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Plymouth Congregational Church, Waveland Hall
4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines
** in-person event **

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated African American holiday and commemoration, through solemn reflection and joyous community gatherings. Juneteenth traces its roots back to 1865 when the final order to follow the Emancipation Proclamation arrived in Texas. It is a time not only to honor the end of slavery, but also to celebrate Black history, culture, achievements, and the ongoing journey toward racial equality. Join us for Crossroads with Rep. Rob Johnson to learn more about this important holiday and the celebrations that surround it.

NOTE: For June only, Crossroads will be on THURSDAY (June 18) due to Plymouth Church being closed on Friday in honor of the Juneteenth holiday. Because of this change, reservations for Crossroads are due by noon on Tuesday, June 16.

You may make your reservation to attend in-person (with lunch) by clicking on the "Register Now" button. Four bag lunch sandwich options are available: turkey, roast beef, ham salad, and vegetarian; brown bag lunches are $15 each. Please note: You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Tuesday, June 16. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will not be available.

If you have any issues registering, please email info@interfaithallianceiowa.org or call 515.279.8715.

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER | Rep. (and Rev.) Rob Johnson is a faith leader, community activist, and mental health advocate who is known nationally for his birthday Gas Giveaway. Born and raised in the Dearborn Homes Housing projects of Chicago by a single mother of three, Rob and his sisters learned the value of family and community from their mother. He is passionate about mental health issues as well as getting communities involved in the political process through voter engagement.

Rob currently serves on multiple boards, including Iowa Juneteenth, Taste of the Junction, Back 2 School Iowa, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, I’ll Make Me A World In Iowa, and many others.

Crossroads is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Des Moines.