Celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth
CU 51传媒 will close on Thursday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth National Independence Day. Juneteenth marks the historic date when the Union Army arrived in Texas in 1865 to proclaim freedom for Black and African Americans in 1865, approximately two months after the official end of the Civil War and more than two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln delivered the听.
Observed in Black and African American communities since 1866, the Juneteenth name is a portmanteau of 鈥淛une鈥 and 鈥渘ineteenth.鈥 It became an official state holiday in 2023 when Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a legislative bill into law recognizing the significance of the date in U.S. history. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Act into law.
Community events
听听Sunday, June 15听听听听11 a.m.听听听Manual High School (Denver)
The Juneteenth Parade kicks off the Juneteenth Music Festival. Staging for participants begins at 8 a.m. at Manual High School on 26th Avenue and听Williams Street. The parade promptly begins at 11 a.m., follows 26th Avenue and ends on Welton Street at the music festival.
听听Sunday, June 15听听听Noon鈥8 p.m.听听听Historic Five Points, 2701 Welton St. (Denver)
Join Denver鈥檚 largest celebration of Black culture and music. The festival includes cultural vendors and food trucks, a youth zone, music and entertainment, and a headline performance by hip hop artist Juvenile. The event is free and open to all.听
听听Monday, June 16听听听Lecture 3鈥4:15 p.m.听听听Dialogue Mixer 4:30鈥6 p.m.听听听CASE Auditorium
听听Tuesday, June 17听听听Lecture 3鈥4:15 p.m.听听听CASE Auditorium
听听Wednesday, June 18听听听Lecture 3鈥4:15 p.m.听听听Dialogue Mixer 4:30鈥6 p.m.听听听Dairy Arts Center
Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to participate in a lecture series by professor Danielle Hodge. Dialogue Mixers on Monday and Wednesday provide an opportunity for participants to share diverse perspectives and experiences and engage in radical listening.听
听听Thursday, June 19听听听9 a.m.鈥5 p.m.听听听Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Enjoy free general admission all day, plus live performances, music and engaging activities for the whole family honoring Black culture, history and achievement in science and beyond.
听听Thursday, June 19听听听Noon鈥4 p.m.听听听UNC Campus Commons (Greeley)
In honor of Kejetia, the largest open-air market in Ghana, the city of Greeley and University of Northern Colorado are bringing local businesses to sell products and services to event attendees. There will also be a family craft room and concert featuring saxophonist Tony Exum Jr., who blends jazz, funk and soul.
听听Thursday, June 19听听听1鈥7 p.m.听听听Confluence Park (Denver)
Celebrate Juneteenth with Black Outdoors Colorado (BOCO). This is a community-style cookout, and guests are invited to bring a vibe, bring a dish and bring the family!听
听听Thursday, June 19听听听5:30鈥8:30 p.m.听听听Harley Brown Amphitheater
Join an evening of music, art, reflection and celebration in honor of the historic end of slavery in the United States. This free, family-friendly event brings the community together to recognize freedom, culture and resilience.
听听Thursday, June 19听听听6鈥9 p.m.听听听Pennsylvania Avenue, The Hill (51传媒)
This celebration of freedom, artistic expression and community will honor 51传媒's musical legacy and the significant contributions of Black musicians throughout U.S. history. Hosted by Roots Music Project with support from city of 51传媒 and community sponsors.
听听Friday, June 20鈥揝aturday, June 21.听听听Foothills Mall and Cultural Enrichment Center
Friday鈥檚 activities include a teen night for youth ages 12鈥17 and a concert on the lawn. The Saturday community celebration will feature live music, a health and wellness fair, food trucks, vendor market, educational opportunities and more.
听听Friday, June 20鈥揝unday, June 22听听听Citadel Mall (Colorado Springs)
This vibrant celebration of freedom, community, culture and history will bring together an array of activities, performances and culinary delights offering something for everyone to enjoy.
听听Saturday, June 21听听听3鈥7 p.m.听听听Roosevelt Park
Come together to celebrate our diverse community by sharing, educating and appreciating one another. The event includes music, fashion, vendor and information booths, kids activities, drumline performances and great food.
听听Saturday, June 21听听听2鈥6 p.m.听听听Aurora Town Center
This celebration honors Juneteenth鈥檚 historical significance and brings together residents, small businesses, nonprofits and performers to recognize the community鈥檚 diversity and resilience.
: Flag raising ceremony in recognition and celebration of Juneteenth 2023 at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. by NASA/Keegan Barber.
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