Juneteenth

Many area communities mark the holiday on the day — June 19 — or leading up to it. This past weekend Fort Collins residents enjoyed a family-friendly weekend of activities at the Foothills Mall.

An exhibit at the Museum of Boulder illuminates the often untold stories of Black Coloradans and their influence on our region's history – and future. On In The NoCo we hear from one of the project's creators, author and soul food historian Adrian Miller.

Juneteenth is our newest federal holiday. It’s observed on June 19, but many cities across Colorado will celebrate Freedom Day this weekend, with music festivals and community gatherings. On In The NoCo, CSU professor Ray Black discusses the meaning of Juneteenth, and the unique way he'll celebrate the holiday.

However big or small, communities across the Front Range are finding ways to honor the holiday and raise awareness this Juneteenth. Get ready to celebrate and get educated with a number of events happening across Northern Colorado.

KUNC's Beau Baker sat down with Dr. Janine Weaver-Douglas, director of the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center at the University of Northern Colorado. They spoke about the history and context of Juneteenth and what it says about addressing racial inequities.

"We can all finally celebrate. The whole country together," says the 94-year-old who has been working for years to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Erie is a town of 27,003 people, according to 2019 Census estimates, that sits partially in both Boulder and Weld Counties. Their town board issued their first proclamation recognizing Juneteenth last year. The town — with a population that is 87% non-Hispanic white and 0.2% Black — will hold its inaugural Juneteenth celebration on Saturday.

June 19, 1865, marked a huge turning point for Black people in America. But many slave owners refused to comply. And even celebrating the date was discouraged in the years to come.

The yes vote comes a day after the Senate unanimously moved to recognize June 19 as a commemoration of the end of chattel slavery in the United States.

Author Clint Smith explains why Juneteenth isn't taught in schools and how that contributes to distorted views of slavery.