Juneteenth Celebration
June 15 @ 7:30 am – 7:15 pm
Metropolitan Community College invites the public to attend the Juneteenth Celebration on June 15 on the historic South Omaha Campus. This daylong celebration honors freedom, history and community through walking, dialogue, film, art, music and fellowship.
The day begins with a Freedom Walk at 7:30 a.m. on the Fort Omaha Campus, followed by programming throughout the day on the South Omaha Campus. Attendees are also invited to enjoy community vendors, food trucks and interactive exhibits throughout the event.
Throughout the celebration, attendees may also view “The Negro Green Book” traveling exhibit, on loan from The Great Plains Black Museum, visit community vendors and food trucks, access free health screenings provided by 1 Stop Cancer Screenings, and participate in voter registration and civic education with the League of Women Voters.
For questions or additional information, contact Tylonda Sanders at [email protected].
Schedule
- 7:30 a.m. – Freedom Walk. Kick off Juneteenth with a community walk honoring freedom and remembrance. Location: Fort Omaha Campus
- 9–9:30 a.m. – Quilts: Stitched History and How to Get Started. This panel explores quilting as both art and tradition, featuring quilt makers who share the history behind their work and offer guidance for beginners interested in learning the craft.
- 9:45–10:30 a.m. – “Greenwood: A Dreamland Destroyed” (Documentary). An experimental documentary recounting the 1921 massacre of a prosperous Black town in Oklahoma through dance, poetry, music and film, confronting history and remembrance.
- 10:45–11:25 a.m. – Checkers, Spades and Dominoes Tournament. Registration available at the information table.
- 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Entrepreneurial Pursuits. A panel discussion featuring new and experienced business owners sharing candid insights, lessons learned and diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the entrepreneurial journey.
- 12:15–1:00 p.m. – Juneteenth, The Black Church and the Fight for Freedom. This presentation examines how faith communities fostered resistance, education and collective strength, highlighting the Black Church’s enduring role in advancing freedom, justice and community empowerment from emancipation to today.
- 1:15–1:30 p.m. – Essay Contest: “What Does Juneteenth Mean to You?” Open to middle school and high school students. Essays should be no more than 100 words, typed in 12-point font. Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] by Wednesday, June 10. Winners will be announced during the celebration.
- 2–2:45 p.m. – Behind the Lens. A fireside chat with Monty Ross, co-founder of 40 Acres and a Mule and native Omahan, reflecting on his journey in the film industry.
- 3–3:45 p.m. – The Power of the Map: Representation and Community Impact. A discussion featuring former State Senator Brenda Council and Precious McKesson, executive director of the Nebraska Democratic Party, examining how redistricting affects representation and its impact on communities, engagement and fair representation today.
- 4–5:25 p.m. – “Inquisitor” (Documentary). This documentary explores the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan, a groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose powerful voice shaped American politics, championed civil rights and demanded accountability while revealing personal challenges beyond the public spotlight.
- 5:30–6 p.m. – Parliamentary Procedure. Parliamentary Procedure with Shawntal Mallory, Esq., and James Hawthrone III offers practical guidance for running meetings smoothly, covering agendas, motions, voting and decorum to help organizations make clear decisions, stay organized and efficient.
- 6:15–7:15 p.m. – Closing Event: Line Dancing. Celebrate community and joy as we close out the day.
