WAYNE, Neb. -- On June 19, 1865, 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to announce more than 250,000 enslaved black people were free. 

158 years later in a few states away, residents came together at Bressler Park in Wayne to commemorate the federal holiday. 

Visitors and residents enjoyed music, ice cream, and learned about the history of the newest national holiday. 

Dr. Joseph Weixelman, associate professor of history at Wayne State College, spoke about the history of Juneteenth and said the holiday is a time of education. 

“Freedom comes gradually. We’re not quite free yet, we’re still working to freedom," Weixelman said. "But here in Nebraska, we have to recognize we had slaves in Nebraska. I think that’s something that we lose sight of in our schools. We don’t teach about that, but this was a slave territory.” 

According to Weixelman, the exact date varies for when some states abolished slavery, such as Nebraska which ended slavery in 1861. Juneteenth allows for an all-encompassing holiday to be celebrated everywhere. 

“The celebration - Juneteenth - becomes that reminder of freedom. I think that’s what it is today," Weixelman said. "[A] reminder that we are still striving for freedom.” 

Endia Casey-Agoumba, chair of That Ain’t Right, a non-profit group supporting diversity, celebrated the holiday in South Carolina, but said celebrating it in Wayne is a different experience. 

“The fact that I am now celebrating freedom with my Caucasian brothers and sisters, that hits a little bit different," Casey-Agoumba said. "It’s important for me to be free, obviously, but when others also see the need and see the joy; and see the American dream through the celebration of my freedom or my ancestor’s freedom, it makes it even a little more special.” 

According to Casey-Agoumba, plans for a Juneteenth celebration began after George Floyd’s death in May of 2020. 

Casey-Agoumba said That Ain’t Right educates people with events such as the March to the Majestic on Martin Luther King Day or a Kwanza celebration. 

“We understand that changing the history books is a hope for the future, but it is actually, all of our responsibility to educate everyone else. Each one, teach one," Casey-Agoumba said. 

The Juneteenth celebration at Bressler Park began at 4:30 p.m. and ran until sunset with activities, history, and games for those in attendance.