By Angelia McGowan

Across the country in honor of Juneteenth, people are planning barbecues, gospel showcases, and a variety of contests and festivals. In the midst of all the planning, some are having conversations about the meaning of Juneteenth. But for most, top-of-mind questions are “who, what, when, and where?” For Colorado, major Juneteenth celebrations are in Denver’s Five Points and Colorado Springs.

This year’s celebrations date back to January 1, 1863, which marks the beginning of Juneteenth. This was the date when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, in theory, freeing all the slaves. The impact of the document was not fully realized until June 19, 1865, one month after the final battle of the Civil War was fought on Palmito Hill in Texas. Juneteenth marks the date General Gordon Granger marched into Galveston Bay and proclaimed the authority of the United States over Texas. In so doing, Granger declared all acts of the Confederacy null and void and declared that slaves were henceforth free.

Thanks to successful legislation by Texas State Representative Al Edwards, Juneteenth became an official state holiday there in 1980. Other states that recognize an official holiday include Oklahoma, Florida, Delaware, Alaska, Idaho, Iowa, California, Wyoming, Missouri, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Arkansas, Kentucky, Michigan, and New Mexico. In 2003, the District of Columbia passed legislation to recognize Juneteenth as a district holiday observance. Many more states including Oregon, South Dakota, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Montana, Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia, Colorado, and Vermont recognize Juneteenth through such acts as state legislative resolutions and gubernatorial proclamations.

In Colorado Springs, the African American Voice newspaper, in partnership with a host of community and corporate groups, will present their first Juneteenth Festival on June 1, 9, and 15 at Colorado Technical University and the Academy-Best Western Hotel. On June 1, festivities get underway with the VIP kickoff reception at 5:30 p.m., honoring Colorado African-American artists and festival sponsors and partners. Female and male artists of the year will be recognized, and some of the art will be on display from June 1 through June 30 at Colorado Technical University.

The celebration continues on June 9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with an outdoor festival featuring food, entertainment, and exhibits. The day will include a range of music from Hip Hop to Old School, and will wrap up with local entertainer Ron Ivory from 6 to 8 p.m.

The closing day, June 15, features the Juneteenth Freedom Awards Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. As the date coincides with the 180th anniversary of the Black Press, African American Voice will present the Newsmaker of the Year Award.

The historic Five Points neighborhood in Denver will also throw a celebration June15-17. For the fourth year, the Kingdom of Glory Christian Center is presenting “The New Juneteenth Festival Celebration.” It will run the length of Welton Street, from Park Avenue West to Downing Street. In addition to food, entertainment, exhibits, and a parade, the celebration will feature a “little Mr. and Miss Juneteenth” and a “Mr. and Mrs. Juneteenth” contest. The community can also enter the “Best pot of greens” and the “Best sweet potato pie” contest.

Editor's note: Event details for the Colorado Springs celebrations are available by calling 719-388-3474 or 719-528-1954. More information on the Five Points events is available by calling the center at 303-293-2230.

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