June 19th, 1865 is the true date African Americans associate with freedom from slavery. It’s since been popularized as “Juneteenth.”

Omaha is one of many cities across the country that will celebrate Juneteenth with a parade on Saturday.

University of Nebraska-Omaha Adjunct Professor and Historian Preston Love poses the question, “What are we doing with our freedom?”

This is a question Love wants all generations of African Americans to gain introspection on and answer.

“Juneteenth ought to be a reflection time for us as a people,” said Love. “Many of the things we do, good and bad, are done because we are free.”

When Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in September 1862, it became effective in 1863. However, true freedom for a quarter million slaves in Texas did not arrive until June 19, 1865.

Great Plains Black History Museum Director Eric Ewing said, “You know, it took two years for the enslaved individuals that were living in Texas to be able to gain their freedom.”

Ewing says he wants everyone to know the value of black history.

“I really believe that it’s something that if we all embraced it, then we would all appreciate and understand the importance of it, just like we understand the importance of July 4,” said Ewing.

Love says Juneteenth should serve as a reminder to African Americans of what their ancestors went through. He also says it’s a call to action.

“We need to come together and agree upon where we’re going,” said Love.

“African American history is American history, told through the lens of African Americans,” said Ewing.

It’s a history both men hope many will come to understand and appreciate for years to come.

The Juneteenth parade in Omaha is this Saturday at 10 AM. It starts at 30th and Lake Street in North Omaha.