Celebrate Juneteenth

What is Juneteenth?
Before we get into any celebrations, we need to talk about what Juneteenth is and why it’s important. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States and the beginning of independence for African Americans. As the civil unrest of recent years has shown us, we still have a long way to go in this country for true equality, and we will be using this weekend to educate ourselves.

Support Black-Owned Businesses

Gentrification has made a devastating impact on Denver’s Black community and businesses. However, there are Black businesses, experiences and spaces that would truly appreciate your support and patronage. I’ve shared a few spaces below.

Let’s Drink Something
Here is an incomplete list of spaces to enjoy a drink at. I’ve included coffee shops, tea spots and even a brewery.

• TeaLee’s Tea House and Bookstore – If you’ve been looking for a place to enjoy high tea, book your tea ASAP. Or, stop by for a pot of tea and great vibes.

• Whittier Café – I’m crossing my fingers that the weather is warm so that you can enjoy your coffee on their patio. On Sundays they host an Ethiopian coffee ceremony. African owned and all beans are sourced from the continent of Africa. Whittier Cafe is also a wonderful space focused on activism.

• Spangalang Brewery – Looking for a brewery to enjoy a good beer? Black owned and jazz inspired! You can also take the light rail or ride share to get there.

• Smith and Cannon – If you’re checking out outlet shopping at Colorado Mills Mall-you must make a stop here. Smith and Cannon has two of my favorite things: ice cream and coffee.

Where to Eat
One of the impacts of widespread gentrification in Denver was that there is no longer a significant African-American neighborhood. Previously that was Five Points and Park Hill. This displacement of Black residents has also dispersed Black-owned restaurants all across town. I’ve included a link to a post that I wrote asking the following question “If We Had Black Restaurant Week in Denver-Where Would We Go and What Would We Do?” It’s a pretty comprehensive list of restaurants to enjoy. I’ve also included a few suggestions below.

• Mimosas (Brunch)

• Le French (James Beard Semifinalist) Beautiful space too!

• Saucy’s Southern BBQ and Cuisine

• The Blazin Chicken Shack II

Uniquely Black Experiences and Spaces

• Vibes in the Park

• Outdoor Afro Events

• Black People Know Things Trivia Night – This is a really fun event.

• Museum for Black Girls – the beautifully curated experience was originally launched in Denver and then has made its way to Texas, D.C., and is back in Denver.

• Mo’Betta Green Farmers Market

Denver is Where to Go to Celebrate Juneteenth
For Black Denverites, we’re used to being overlooked in the national conversation around the experience of blackness, unique experiences, and more. If I were given $100 every time people said “There’s Black people in Denver?” I would be a freaking millionaire. We have a rich and long history of being a part of the creation, growth, and development of the state of Colorado.

Regardless of what events you choose to attend during the Juneteenth weekend, it’s important to remember the cause behind the celebration. As we mentioned, Juneteenth is also a time for education and self-improvement, so we urge you to brush up on resources such as Black Lives Matter, Five Points Business Improvement District, and more to see what you can do to help aid the local Black community.

Support our local Black community every day. You check out our favorite Black-Owned Restaurants and Black-Owned Businesses lists for inspiration!

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Source: do303
Source: Square State CO