‘I don’t think that it’s taught enough’: Lincolnites spread the word about Juneteenth

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The nation celebrated Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday, on Thursday.

Although there was no official celebration in Lincoln, the meaning behind Juneteenth was still very present.

The story of Juneteenth starts on June 19, 1865, when the last group of slaves in the South learned they were free.

“This is the 160th year of freed slaves, slaves being free,” said Regina Sullivan, the founder of one Lincoln nonprofit. “I just love that we have come so far. We still have longer or a little bit ways to go.”

The holiday is rooted in freedom, and for many Black Americans, it’s also about reflection, resilience and recognition.

Across Lincoln, it was a day for conversations and telling truths that don’t always make the history books.

“I’m always encountering people that don’t know about Juneteenth,” said Kwame Gyamfi, the author of “Prism of Perspectives” and a board member of the Malone Community Center. “I understand that in a school day, there’s only so much they can pack, so much curriculum.”

So he said it’s the community’s responsibility to educate people about Juneteenth.

Danielle Garcia and Aletta Richardson said it’s important for children to know what Juneteenth means because some still have questions.

“I have a 5-year-old,” Garcia said. “How do you explain that to a 5-year-old?”

Richardson said plenty of adults don’t understand the holiday either.

“A lot of the educators, even people in the community, we are still learning about Juneteenth and our history,” Richardson said. “So no, I don’t think that it’s taught enough.”

One thing they all agree on when it comes to the holiday is Juneteenth isn’t just a date on the calendar.

It’s a living reminder that the fight for equality continues — one generation at a time.

“I think Kendrick Lamar said, ‘I got loyalty in my DNA,’ and I think everything I do is motivated to not only helping my community but the community as a whole,” Gyamfi said.

On Saturday, the community will be gathering in Woods Park for a Juneteenth celebration.

Gyamfi said the Malone Center will have cooling centers for those trying to beat the heat.