Marking 157 years since all enslaved Americans were finally freed, with the last group in Texas on June 19, 1865 (two years after the Emancipation Proclamation), Denver’s reputation for presenting one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations will include a robust 2022 program at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD). CPRD and the Colorado Black Caucus present a unique collaboration between poet laureate, Nikki Giovanni and Denver jazz icon, Javon Jackson, on June 17 and 18, during events at the CPRD Theatre at 119 Park Avenue West. Jackson is a Denver native and graduate of Montbello High School now leading the internationally touring Javon Jackson Jazz Quartet.

A jazz concert, a panel discussion about communications and journalism impact “Black Voices Matter,” and a poetry keynote, along with a CPRD Ensemble performance, offer entertainment and education for people of all ages.

“We expect tickets to sell out for this momentous weekend celebrating the 157th year of Juneteenth—and our newest official Colorado holiday,” said Malik Robinson, CPRD Executive Director.

Who:
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance/Ensemble, and Cleo Parker Robinson, with the Colorado Black Caucus
Poet Laureate Nikki Giovanni
Tenor Saxophonist Javon Jackson, founder of the Javon Jackson Quartet

What: Juneteenth 2002 Jazz Concert, Panel Discussion, and Poetry Keynote/Dance Performance

When: Friday, June 17 – 7 pm | Doors at 6:30 pm
Jazz Concert, The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni with the Javon Jackson Quartet
Book and music sales in the CPRD Theatre Lobby; autographs available

Saturday, June 18 – 1 pm | Doors at 12:30 pm
Black Voices Matter: Impact of Blacks Communications & Journalism, presented by Colorado Public Radio
–Dr. Brenda Allen, Moderator, Professor Emerita, and retired DEI Vice-Chancellor, CU Denver
–Sherkiya Wedgeworth-Hollowell, Managing Editor, Accountability and Outreach, Colorado Public Radio Host (KCFR 90.1FM)
–Bee Harris, Publisher, Denver Urban Spectrum
–Stephen Brackett, Co-Founder, Flobots & Youth on Record; Colorado State Music Ambassador
–The Maleman, Timmale Dotson, Host on THE DROP 104.7FM

Saturday, June 18 – 3:30 pm | Doors at 3 pm
Poetry Keynote presentation by Nikki Giovanni with a performance by the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, and an award presentation

Sunday, June 19 – 9 am to 8 pm at Sie Film Center (Colfax Ave & Columbine St)
-Featured Black Cinema (2 films to be announced)
-Children & Family Experience
-Concessions
-Kids’ & Family Literary Corner at the Tattered Cover Bookstore, Colfax on Columbine
-Live stream of Hollywood Bowl’s Juneteenth Concert Experience conducted by Denver’s own Derrick Hodge
–Additional experiences to be announced; visit DenverFilm.org

Why: Part of the 157th Anniversary of Juneteenth Official Colorado Holiday and celebrations in Denver
How: Tickets and details at cleoparkerdance.org/juneteenth ($30 for Friday, June 17, and $30 for events all-day June 18). Visit DenverFilm.org for June 19 event details.

About Cleo Parker Robinson Dance: 52nd Anniversary Season, 1970 to 2022
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) is now celebrating its 52nd anniversary season in 2022/2023, serving the artistic and educational needs of the community. CPRD was founded with the belief that the language of dance transcends the boundaries of culture, class, and age.

CPRD is a 501 © (3) non-profit, multi-cultural performing arts organization based in Denver, Colorado. For more information, to buy tickets, attend classes, or organize school outreach programs, please visit cleoparkerdance.org or Cleo Parker Robinson Dance on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.