Juneteenth Events in Omaha, 2022
By Odelia Amenyah
This year marks the first anniversary of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday in the United States. Juneteenth dates back to 1865 when U.S. troops reached Texas to free enslaved Black people who had never been told about the Emancipation Proclamation.
Opal Lee, 95, of Marshall, Texas, is credited with advocating the longest for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday. In an interview with CBS News, she shared her story detailing her life and her mission to secure Juneteenth as a national holiday. Watch below to learn more about Lee’s journey.
Scroll down and check out the many events happening in Omaha to celebrate Juneteenth in 2022.
Events
Taste of North omaha
Friday, June 17th 4 p.m. to 9p.m. FREE
Saturday 18th 12 p.m. to 6p.m. FREE
Eagles Nest Worship Center
5775 Sorensen Pkwy
Omaha, NE 68152
WALK WITH DISTRICT 11, JUNETEENTH PARADE.
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Line up begins at 8 a.m. FREE
Join District 11 as we walk with the people and community in commemoration and celebration of our ancestors’ strength and perseverance.
Please sign up so we can have a good head count. Water and snacks will be provided.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to Mike Lee at (402) 456-7890 or Mlee@Leg.Ne.Gov
JUNETEENTH PARADE
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. FREE
Starting at N. 24th and Lake Street
The Omaha NAACP sponsors the Juneteenth Parade Celebration each year. Juneteenth marks the day when a quarter-million slaves in Texas first learned of their freedom. It was on June 19, 1865 that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston with news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were now free.
This was two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official on January 1, 1863.
Omaha Freedom Festival
Saturday, June 18, 2022
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. FREE
Malcolm X Event Plaza 3448 Evans Street
The Omaha Freedom Festival is hosted by Freedomtainment, a 501c3 non-profit organization located in North Omaha, Nebraska, that celebrates Juneteenth.
Concert later that Evening at 7:00pm with a Charge $$$. Tickets online here.
Featuring Raheem De Vaughn, Tink, Changing Faces and Kut Klose
Juneteenth Joy Fest
Saturday, June 18, 2022
12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. FREE
Fabric Lab, 2514 North 24th Street
Juneteenth Joy Fest is the first annual Black Arts & Culture Festival curated by Alajia McKizia with support from Fabric Lab, North Omaha Trail, and The Union for Contemporary Art.
This community event is free and donation based, centering Black artists and entrepreneurs. Juneteenth Joy Fest will begin after the annual Juneteenth Parade held on North 24th Street at 12pm with food, performances, a Black Flea Market & more.
STEAMPUNK TEA PARTY JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Saturday, June 18, 2022
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
North Omaha Music & Arts 2510 North 24th Street
This Juneteenth, immerse yourself in a celebration of Black excellence at The House of Afros, Capes & Curls' SteamPunk Tea Party!
All ages are cordially invited to this multi-sensory, retrofuturistic event highlighting the vibrant history and success of Black Victorian-era inventors, entrepreneurs, and activists.
Activities include: Steampunk cosplay, delicious bites, hot and iced teas, professional portraits with original backdrops designed by Black artists, a board game parlor, a fandom-themed M**der mystery, a treasure hunt, and plenty of fun!
Steampunk attire encouraged: Victorian and American Wild West styles still influence current fashion and can be found in most wardrobes, including yours.
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION | AMPLIFYING THE BLACK EXPERIENCE
Sunday, June 19, 2022
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. FREE
Kaneko 1111 Jones Street
In celebration of Juneteenth, Opera Omaha’s Amplifying the Black Experience will feature an afternoon of local Black artists.
Join us for an intimate artistic experience of poetry, music, dance, and video.
Admission is free. Registration requested.
Featuring Chabrelle Williams, singing poems of Langston Hughes set to music by composer Margaret Bonds, alongside Aaron Gregory, Justin Payne, and Head of Music, Sean Kelly. Light food and drink will be provided.