Resources to learn more about Juneteenth and African American history and experiences
Monday, June 19, 2023
“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It's a celebration of progress. It's an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.”
— Barack Obama
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. It is also observed for celebrating African-American culture. The holiday originated in Galveston, Texas, when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger and his troops brought with them General Order No. 3 which read, in part, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” Thus, calling for celebration annually on June 19 through various parts of the United States since 1865.
View the resources below, compiled by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence, to learn more about the holiday.
What is Juneteenth?
- History.com - What Is Juneteenth?
- National Museum of African American History and Culture - What is Juneteenth?
- Rocky Mountain PBS - What is Juneteenth?
- Stacy Conradt - 12 Things You Might Not Know about Juneteenth
- Frederick Douglass - What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?
- National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian - Juneteenth Resources
African American History and Experience, 1619-Present
- In the 1930s, the Federal Works Progress Administration conducted oral history interviews with formerly enslaved individuals, asking them to reflect on their experiences in bondage. You can listen to these interviews here.
- From the Regis Magazine: Read about Julia Greeley, a formerly enslaved woman and candidate for canonization. She is recognized for her efforts in Denver to serve those living in poverty.
- Meet the Man Who Escaped Slavery and Made A Fortune In The Old West Again and Again by Alex Knapp of Forbes.
- Netflix - Watch High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America
- Read My America: Recipes from a Young Black Chef: A Cookbook Hardcover
- Read about King: A Life by Jonathan Eig, "the new definitive biography of Martin Luther King, Jr." Join us! Faculty and staff who are working on campus this summer: Please follow this link to enter to win one of four copies of the brand-new bio about Dr. King, courtesy of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence.
Podcasts and other sources:
- Acast - Kwame Onwuachi & the Draw of Intentional Food - Food with Mark Bittman
- Audacity- What is critical race theory, anyway?
- Apple - What is critical race theory, anyway?
- Equal Justice Initiative - A History of Racial Injustice
Films:
Visit Black-owned businesses in Denver:
- Colorado.com - Show some love to Black-owned businesses
- Thrillist - 11 Essential Black-owned restaurants in Denver
- 5280 - The Little Black Book is Denver's go-to directory of Black-owned businesses
List of Juneteenth Events in Denver:
June 17-18: Juneteenth Music FestivalJune 19: Denver Museum of Nature and Science - Celebrating Black achievement in STEAM
June 22: History Colorado - Celebrating Black Joy: Film Screening and Discussion
June 23: History Colorado - Walking Tour: Welton Street and Five Points
June 24: History Colorado - buffalo soldiers: reVision opening at Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center
June 26: Meet the Collection: Colorado's Black History Explored!
All month: Black Pride Events
All month: Roadtrippers - Take a driving tour of Colorado's Black History Trail
