Denver’s Juneteenth Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of Black culture and history. This year’s event features a star-studded lineup, including Bow Wow, but the true highlight is the first-ever Juneteenth Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring Denver legend Chauncey Billups.
The Denver air crackles with anticipation as Juneteenth weekend approaches. Five Points, the city’s historically Black neighborhood, is abuzz with activity. Tents rise on Welton Street like vibrant mushrooms, each one promising a taste of Black excellence – sizzling soul food, handcrafted jewelry, and artwork bursting with cultural pride. This isn’t just a festival, it’s a homecoming, a celebration of the resilience of Denver.
Norman Harris, a community leader and owner of Spangalang, a local brewery, beams with pride as he describes the event. “Juneteenth is about the energy,” he says. “Bringing so many people back to Five Points, folks who haven’t been down here in years. It’s a reunion, a celebration of who we are.”
This year, the energy is electric. The festival has a star-studded lineup, with international recording artist, Bow Wow, headlining. A unique highlight this year is the first-ever Juneteenth Lifetime Achievement Award, to be presented to Denver legend Chauncey Billups on Sunday, June 16, which is also Father’s Day.
“Chauncey’s a pillar in the community,” Harris explains. “His dedication, not just on the court but also off it, exemplifies the spirit of Juneteenth – celebrating achievement while acknowledging the work that remains.” Chauncey Billups, who in 1997 led the University of Colorado to its first NCAA Tournament berth in 28 years, will be enshrined into the 2024 class of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this August.
The festival transcends mere entertainment. Scattered throughout the weekend are educational booths and forums tackling issues of racial inequality and social justice. It’s a reminder that Juneteenth isn’t just about commemorating the end of slavery; it’s a call to action, a springboard for a more equitable future.
The journey to Juneteenth in Denver began in 1966, spearheaded by Otha P. Rice Sr. A figure deeply connected to the Black community, Rice brought his knowledge of the celebration from his Texas roots and ignited a tradition that has only grown stronger with time.
Five Points has always been the heart of Denver’s Juneteenth celebrations. But the Juneteenth Music Festival, established in 2012, solidified the neighborhood’s role as a cultural epicenter. Now, over 200 vendors line the streets, offering a vibrant marketplace of Black-owned businesses and artistic expression. Local musician Gregory Goodloe is set to take the main stage, his soulful melodies adding to the festive atmosphere.
Even Spangling, Harris’ renowned establishment, gets in on the act. “We’ll have our own stage with local performers,” he reveals. “It’s about showcasing our community’s talent, giving everyone a platform to shine.”
As the festival unfolds, the transformation of Welton Street is nothing short of magical. The once-quiet avenue becomes a pulsating artery of Black culture. The aroma of jerk chicken mingles with the sounds of laughter and live music. The vibrant parade, a tradition dating back to the 1950s, snakes its way through the throngs of people, a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience.
The energy Harris spoke of is palpable. It’s in the smiles of families picnicking in the park, the rhythmic sway of bodies on the dance floor, and the shared stories whispered amongst friends. It’s a celebration of freedom, of community, and of the unwavering spirit of a people who continue to rise.
But Juneteenth in Denver is more than a two-day extravaganza. Throughout the month, churches, community centers, and organizations host events that delve deeper into the history of slavery and the ongoing fight for racial justice. Film screenings, panel discussions, and educational programs foster reflection, learning, and a collective understanding of Juneteenth’s significance.
As Denver’s Juneteenth celebrations evolve, the future promises continued growth and community engagement. With the recent national recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, there’s a renewed momentum for education and outreach. Local initiatives could include incorporating Juneteenth history into school curriculums, creating public art installations that commemorate Black history, and supporting the creation of museums or cultural centers dedicated to preserving the legacy of Denver’s Black community.
As the final notes of the festival fade, and the tents are dismantled, the spirit of Juneteenth remains. It’s a spirit that lives on in the hearts of the community, a reminder of the past, a celebration of the present, and an inspiration for a more just and equitable future. It’s a spirit, as Norman Harris says, “that never gets old.”
