Juneteenth is an African American festival with origins in Galveston Texas. In short, it took two and one half years on June 19 before word reached Galveston that slavery was abolished. A celebration began and the tradition spread. For thirty years Denver, Colorado had one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country. Then something happened; Juneteenth in Mile High City began to fade away.
This year Juneteenth is coming back to Denver’s historic 5 Points neighborhood. Numerous organizations including the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce have come together to make it happen. There will be food, music, and activities for all ages, education, a health pavilion, parade and much more. This one-day event will take place on Saturday June 14, from 10am-6pm.
You can view collaborating organizations, contact committee point persons, get general information and most importantly get involved by visiting www.brotherjeff.com or calling 303.297.0823.
Do you have any Juneteenth thoughts or ideas? Post your comments. Do it now; we need to hear from you!
Juneteenth 2008:The Rebirth
April 30, 2008 · 16 Comments
Categories: Juneteenth · Uncategorized
Tagged: Juneteenth
16 responses so far ↓
brojeff // May 1, 2008 at 12:42 am
Brother Jeff:
I really wanted to take the time to say thanks to you and Ms. Juniel for having a very informative meeting. It really was uplifting to hear about the “Rebirth” of Juneteenth. You guys really did provide great information which covered all topics.
I can’t wait to see the end results of everyone’s hard work.
Mrs. Smith
Jeanne Mamdu // May 1, 2008 at 1:07 pm
The demographics of northeast Denver have changed to a multiculture status than ever before . So I would like to see ‘everyone’ included in the event. Canvas all the surrounding neighborhoods with special invitational flyers letting them know they are welcome to partake in the event of Juneteenth. I recently attended an event given by another African American organization and it was quite obvious the demographical changes to the neighborhood was not considered. Yes, Juneteenth is an an African American celebration but we need to be inclusive in our endeavors to be successful.
Karen "LadyK" Louis // May 1, 2008 at 3:27 pm
I’d like to help co-facilitate the food/info/product vendors for Juneteenth. Let me know how I can help in this area. I have contacts across the state; from Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Green Valley to the Foothills.
Everyone is excited about the revitalization of Juneteenth this year and so am I. My daughter was in a drill team in the parade 23 years ago; when she was 5 years old. I still have the pictures.
Let me know how I can help out with the vendors.
Karen “Lady K” Louis
303 437-3991
Adrian Green // May 1, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Juneteenth is what i used to look forward to every summer! I recall never missing the celebration, since its been here. I remember selling T-Shirts during, after and in the parade as well as selling them at my father’s venders booth. It gives me great pride and joy that we are bringing it back because it is important to always reclaim what is rightfully ours! History and culture is what Black people are about and have always been about, and juneteenth, the rebirth, is the step in the right direction to bring our community in Denver together to enjoy each other’s company. So i ask that we leave the nonsense at home!!
Shout out to the Black Chamber of Commerce for stepping up and ensuring the Rebirth! Also, i want to applaud my father, Brother Jeff, for his hard work and due dilligence in rallying the troops for support! I will do my part to get everyone i know there!
I know i will be there! Will you?
Black American West Museum // May 1, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Children of all ages welcome!
Join us at the Juneteenth 2008: The Rebirth! There will be interactive activities for children of all ages.
Free Bounce houses, games, checkers, chess, face painting, music, balloons, prizes and lots of family fun!
Please contribute your fun ideas, games, prizes, and skills. Please contact the Black American West Museum, “where the colors of the west come alive.”Call us at 303-482-2242, or email executivedirector@blackamericanwestmuseum.com or visit us at http://www.blackamericanwestmuseum.com.
See you there!
Donald, La Wanna & Elizabeth
Big T // May 1, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I remember coming to Denver in the mid 80’s Denver had the largest Celebration of Juneteenth in the west. In the midwest we did not celebrate Juneteenth, but Denver’s summer started off with alot of love, food and fun. There were some negative issues which unfortunately underminded the greatest African American Celebration in the country. I respect Cinco De Mayo, St Patrick Day, Columbus Day, and the Taste of Colorado but they are not African American Celebrations. Juneteenth is like Jazz to me, all our own purely African American in its creation and spirit. In the spirit of newness and music harmony, let me quote LL Cool J the rapper, “Don’t Call It A Come Back, I Been here for years”. Juneteenth never stopped she was just a little quiet, and now she is Born Again! I fully support and welcome The Rebirth Juneteenth Denver, 2008.
Taj // May 1, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I remember when Juneteenth was the “the” event to attend for the summer – stretching nearly the expanse of Welton. That it faded to a little park next to the library was really sad – however, it’s good that we aren’t relegated to waxing nostalgic and can actually look forward to the re-establishment of “the” event of the summer…!!
Cynthia D. Daiels // May 1, 2008 at 6:20 pm
I am very pleased to see that Junteenth in Colroado is again rising like the Phoenix from the ashes. I sincerely hope that it will be a peaceful celebration. We as African Americans need to come together and support each other, not judge or criticize each othe. I for one am very excited and look forward to the rebirth of Juneteenth for 2008, and for the celebration to continue for many years to come.
Efy's Beauty // May 1, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Hello Bro’ Jeff and all,
An elderly woman came in to my beauty supply store and had a great idea!!! She said the ‘historic’ reason for Juneteenth should be RE-ENACTED on stage all day long. Her concern is that:
“Kids these days go down to the celebration “shootin’ and carryin’ on ’cause they don’t know where they came from! They don’t know nothin’ bout the history of this here event and they could careless why! It needs to be shown to them! Let them see a peek of how it was back in my time!”
This brings up an even more important question! What will the security be like for this Juneteenth? My great-grandmother owns property and has been in her home for more than 50 years. It’s our family tradition to BBQ and gather because her back yard opens up onto Welton Street. Any time shots are fired at Juneteenth we’ve seen shooters run, hide and escape between homes and yards off the points!
brojeff // May 1, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Thank you for the comment Efy’s Beauty,
The rising cost of security was one of the reasons Juneteenth had a decline. We have a wonderful team in place that includes the Denver Sheriff Department, Denver Police Department and private security.
We also plan to make sure every participant takes ownership in making this a safe, family friendly festival.
Let’s all work as a community to prevent any problems that may arise. We welcome everyone, however, there will be a zero tolerence approach to nonsense!
Robin W. // May 2, 2008 at 4:03 am
Many thanks to Bro. Jeff and friends for revitalizing the Juneteenth Celebration. Any celebration in Denver that honors African Americans can only serve to strengthen our community. I came to this beautiful city in 1992 from the Baltimore/Washington metro area and know first hand how difficult it is to connect with African Americans here. Over the years, I have come to love Denver, so I have chosen to be present and try to extend myself to those I meet who are new to the area. I too, respect other cultures and their celebrations, but there is nothing like your own. Honestly, I never heard of Juneteenth until I moved here and still don’t know much about it, so my intent for this 2008 celebration is to take the opportunity to get out and about, meet some new folks and take in a little history along the way. Bro. Jeff, you have my full support and I will definitely pass the word along.
Gerald Borden // May 2, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Gerald Borden // May 2, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Thanks Bro Jeff for the Blog. Then thanks to everyone working to make Juneteenth 2008 rebirth a success. It’s sad to say but you can find more Blacks in Canon City, CO than anywhere else. Otherwise try the cities of Denver or Colorado Springs. Then my best suggestion would be to find a copy of Brother Jeff’s Community Guide. The obvious idea is to attend Juneteenth 2008.
DJ Woogie Fresh // May 3, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Brother Jeff,
We are working with Karen Dergin to establish a stage for local entertainment to perform…”Historical 5 points Connection presents: SOUNDSTHATPOUND on the BIG STAGE.” It would be nice if you could assist with seeing this through. My crew will be working with Karen to book the entertainment and promote this stage online and with flyers. Karens number is 303.695.8202. It would be good as well that you know that we will be submitting our proposal that you received to edited to the Black Chamber of Commerce and it would be good if you could assists us with that aspect as well so that we will be in a position to document this event. Also we wanted to know the direct contact for Ron and Clautia and assistance with getting a step crew for the JUNETEENTH PREMIERE on JUNE 6t that will be broadcasted on TV. Also it would nice if you attend this event as well to provide viewers with an overview of the festivities. thanx
DJ Woogie Fresh
Alton Clark // May 6, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Greetings All
I am glad to see the rebirth of the Juneteenth celebration. After reading the blogs is apparent that there are concerns about the negative groups and a concern for the safety of the crowd. We should have some security available and not limited the Denver police.
Another idea was a history review of how this all came about, re-enactment would be nice. So what is the agenda going to be?
brojeff // May 6, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Thank you Alton,
We have a great security plan in place. In addition to the Denver Police Department and Denver Sheriff Department our privite firm is JCJ Executive Security. This is a Black owned company that did the security for Cinco DeMyo.
Also the Blair Caldwell African American Library will be having educational and historical re-enactments.
I also believe we have more positive elements than negative. Therefore, if we are all committed to safety we won’t need to worry about any problems. Let’s stop them before they start!
Bro Herman // May 9, 2008 at 8:28 pm
As Salaam Alaikum,
i’m glad to see Juneteenth Reborn, I know you said you have security locked, but if you need them, just know that the Mighty, Mighty FOI is at your service. Just give your brotha a shout.
Peace