On June 19th, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform the last enslaved American people of their liberation – two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The day has become a celebration of Black freedom and joy and is now known as Juneteenth. It is important to recognize Juneteenth as a monumental moment in American history – one that many have called for recognition as a national holiday. 

Now, 155 years later and amid a civil rights movement centering Black lives, amplifying the celebrations and significance of Juneteenth is a powerful act of solidarity and love. We are excited to honor this day by using our platforms to share stories of Black joy and creation. From artists and musicians around the country to business leaders and change-makers in our own community, we celebrate Black life in America. 

Opportunities to Celebrate and Engage on Juneteenth

• Join the Juneteenth Nonviolent March from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Denver 
• Join the 2020 Juneteenth Music Festival virtually, which is typically held in Denver 
• Encourage your local representatives to pledge their support for making Juneteenth a national holiday 
• Learn more about the history of slavery and the significance of Juneteenth 

Support Black Business Owners in Northern Colorado

• Our colleagues at the Black/African American Cultural Center have curated a list of local, Black-owned businesses throughout Northern Colorado 

Share Stories of Black Excellence

• Opal Lee, a 93–year-old activist, will be walking 2.5 miles as part of her movement to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday 
• 12–year-old Keedron Bryant, who sang a beautiful and moving anthem to George Floyd that went viral, has now signed a major record deal. His recording of the anthem is being released on Juneteenth 
• Danielle Geathers was elected student body president at MIT, the first Black woman to do so in the school’s 159–year history 
• NASA engineer Dajae Williams is experimenting with a new way to instill an interest in math and science for young people through Hip-Hop 

Art, Music, and Film

• Keep the celebration going by attending a screening of Miss Juneteenth at the Lyric, which begins showings on June 26th 
• Celebrate the culture of Black art, music, literature, and more through the Black/African American Cultural Center’s list of Black Power Resources 

Donate

• Give to the Black/African American Cultural Center here at Colorado State University 
• Donate to Black-led organizations and fundraisers 

Stay Engaged in the Movement for Black Lives

• Commit to addressing anti-Blackness in your own organization 
• Continue to call and contact local and national representatives   
• Keep learning with curated anti-racism resources through the Black/African American Cultural Center and the Office of the Vice President for Diversity