CU walked in Denver's annual Juneteenth parade to celebrate freedom and the Juneteenth holiday.
Photo by: Brent DePaepe/CU Athletics
CU Buffs Honor Juneteenth With Historic Five Points Juneteenth Parade
June 19, 2021 | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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Student-athletes, coaches, staff and alumni celebrate Juneteenth by walking in Juneteenth Parade.
By: DaWon Baker, Associate AD - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
BOULDER – Although Juneteenth is not a new concept or holiday, CU Athletics has committed to not just learning about the day, but participating in the education and celebration of Juneteenth by participating in the Denver Juneteenth Festival. The Denver Juneteenth Festival is an annual celebration and opportunity to see the Juneteenth Parade and the historical significance of Juneteenth to the state of Colorado, which dates back to the 1950's. Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Liberation Day, Juneteenth celebrates the day when Union Army General Gordon Granger read aloud the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19, 1865, in the city of Galveston, Texas. Colorado began recognizing Juneteenth as a ceremonial holiday in 2004, and Juneteenth became the nation's 11th federal holiday in June 2021.
For the Buffs, it provided an opportunity to not only celebrate the day, but to show student-athletes why this day is important. "This Juneteenth is extremely special, as we celebrate it as a Federal Holiday for the first time," said Shandrika Lee, assistant coach for women's basketball. It also provides an opportunity for coaches to bond with athletes. Lee mentioned, "It's important for our student-athletes to see us participating because we are a family and will always support our black student-athletes. We want to show them that they matter, their voices are heard. They give so much to the University of Colorado and it's important we celebrate them."
For the student-athletes participating, it shows the commitment to not just educate, but to be active participants in the ongoing journey of freedom. "I'm walking in the parade to celebrate my people," said Jaylyn Sherrod, a women's basketball student-athlete. "I enjoy and love the experience that comes with being Black, it can be challenging but to be able to come together and celebrate something positive for our community and keep something alive that has been celebrated for years is something I feel inspired to do and push forward." CU Women's Basketball members strike a pose as they complete the Juneteenth Parade in Historic Five Points in Denver, CO.
Alumni C Club members also walked in the parade, an initiative that Executive Director Kimbirly Orr saw as a priority to share with members, especially members that have been asking for more opportunities for Black C Club members. "The Alumni C Club is an inclusive organization representing all athletes and teams from the University of Colorado Boulder," said Orr. "When the opportunity to participate in the Juneteenth celebration in Denver was presented, we jumped at the chance to participate and celebrate along with the community." Orr went on to mention how walking shoulder to shoulder with the Buffs is not a new concept. "Participating in the Juneteenth parade allows us to continue the efforts to support our black athletes, and alumni, who are committed to changing culture and building community." CU staff, student-athletes honored the holiday with a commemorative CU Juneteenth banner.
You can learn more about CU's Juneteenth efforts and resources here.
