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 (and the federal government is making progress on this). Denver City Council even voted unanimously to solidify Juneteenth as a holiday in Denver earlier this year.

Now, 155 years later and during 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 and share resources for our community to commemorate and celebrate together.

Learn more about Juneteenth

Opportunities to Celebrate and Engage on Juneteenth

• Celebrate at the 1st Annual Loveland Juneteenth Festival
• Join the 2021 Juneteenth Music Festival in Denver 
• Attend the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble performance at The Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins on June 17th
• Read the Source story, Juneteenth, An Expression of Freedom
• Read President McConnell’s message to the university community (link coming soon)
• Learn more about the history of U.S. enslavement 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 

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