The med center is planning events to celebrate Juneteenth.
Juneteenth celebrates the day – June 19, 1865 – when Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and all enslaved people in the United States were free. Recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, it now is a floating holiday at the University of Nebraska.
Events include:
- Omaha Branch NAACP Juneteenth Parade: Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m., 24th and Lake streets in Omaha
Faculty, staff and students are invited to join members of the med center’s African American Black Alliance employee resource group, along with other community organizations, as they march in the parade. This year’s theme is “This is Us.” Those interested in joining should register here.
- Omaha Freedom Festival: Saturday, June 15, noon-5 p.m., Malcolm X Memorial Foundation outdoor plaza, 3448 Evans St. in Omaha
The festival is a family-friendly event that provides education, entertainment and access to local resources. UNMC and Nebraska Medicine are sponsors of the event. While it is a free event, tickets are required for all attendees, including children. Get free tickets here.
- Juneteenth Jubilee: Wednesday, June 19, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Truhlsen Campus Events Center
Faculty, staff and students are invited to the fourth annual Juneteenth Jubilee. The event will include music, a spoken word artist, yard games, face painting, local community organizations and more. The first 50 attendees will receive a free southern BBQ lunch. This event is hosted by the African American Black Alliance employee resource group and the Interdisciplinary Association of Minority Health Professionals of the Omaha Metro Area.
Due to construction near the Ruth & Bill Scott Student Plaza, this event now will take place inside the Truhlsen Campus Events Center.
- Juneteenth T-shirts
Throughout the month, Juneteenth T-shirts will be available for purchase in the UNMC Bookstore and Nebraska Medicine Store for $24.
Volunteers are needed for the on-campus Jubilee. Those interested in volunteering should fill out the following form.