Juneteenth, the federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans, will be celebrated at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in a 11 a.m. June 19 event on the Nebraska Union Plaza.

Led by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the commemorative celebration will include details about the historic national holiday, opportunities for ongoing education, community activities and action, and information booths offered by several campus partners engaged in the efforts of inclusive excellence.

“We are elated to bring forth this event again for the university community. This year we are expanding opportunities for ongoing education, understanding, acknowledgement, and celebration,” said Nkenge Friday, senior assistant vice chancellor for strategic initiatives. “This long-celebrated holiday truly reflects ongoing commitment to inclusive excellence here at Nebraska.”

Significance of Juneteenth

Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by Abraham Lincoln on Sept. 22, 1862, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 1863, it did not have an immediate effect for most enslaved people across the southern United States.

For some, especially in Texas, it was a two-and-a-half-year delay. Stories behind the slow rollout ranged from waiting to the end of the last cotton harvest to a messenger being killed on the way to spread the emancipation news.

Freedom — while already mentioned in history textbooks — arrived for enslaved Texans in 1865. Federal troops were sent to Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and declare that all enslaved people were free.

In the years since, June 19 has transformed into Juneteenth, a day to honor the end of slavery in the United States. It is considered the longest-running African American holiday and was designated a federal holiday in 2021.

Additional information on Juneteenth and the upcoming event is available online or by sending an email to diversity@unl.edu.