City Cast Denver logo
June 17, 2022

A Walking Tour of Denver’s Juneteenth History

City Cast Denver

A Walking Tour of Denver’s Juneteenth History

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

As of this year, Juneteenth is officially a state holiday in Colorado — but Denver’s Black community has been recognizing and celebrating June 19th for decades. A staple celebration in Five Points since the 1960s, an official Juneteenth music festival launched in the community in 2012 and is going strong today. (For more on the history of the Mile High’s Juneteenth history, check out our newsletter from earlier this week.) Today on the show, we share a story we aired last year with producer Xandra McMahon walking down Welton St. with Norman Harris, an organizer of the annual Juneteenth music festival. Norman digs into the past, present, and future of this celebration of Black life, culture, and community in Denver.


Looking for even more great things to do this weekend? Check out Newsletter Editor Peyton Garcia’s top picks: https://denver.citycast.fm/newsletter/


Does your family have a Juneteenth tradition? Tell us on Twitter: @citycastdenver


Leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418‬


Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:


Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
October 1

Will Denver Ever Say Yes to the Duplex? Plus, the Ethics Investigation Costing the City $800,000

A proposal to make sweeping changes to the zoning code was sent back to the drawing board by city council – signalling the end of a push...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 30

Your Guide to October 2026 in Denver

Fall is here — and we’re ready for the sweater weather, cozy vibes, and spiced everything! From finding the right craft meetup to enjoyin...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 29

Glendale’s Failed Nightlife Promises, New Live Music Venue in Cap Hill, and Duck Liver on the Ballot

The historically counter-cultural strip of 13th Avenue in Capitol Hill will be home to a concert venue once again! After all the drama an...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 28

Who Is Funding This Year’s Conservative-Backed Ballot Initiatives?

Ballots are hitting mailboxes soon and the campaign money is flowing. But where is it coming from and where is it going? In his investiga...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 27

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Denver

What’s a seemingly small project in Denver that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 25

The Unwritten Rules of Surviving and Thriving in Denver

What are the things you need to know to thrive in Denver? You know, like remembering to bring a jacket regardless of the weather – which...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 24

It's Film Fest Season! Plus, Red Rocks Ticket Troubles and Our Concert Recs

Sundance Film Festival’s Colorado debut is just months away, but there are plenty of homegrown film fests happening this fall and winter....

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 23

A Local Landmark Melts Away, Ball Arena’s New $135M Lobby, and Vegetarian Hot Dogs

Ball Arena is set to get a $135 million makeover, complete with more escalators and a giant LED screen outside for fans to watch the acti...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 22

A New Owner Bought Park Hill's Most Notorious Strip Mall. Is Gentrification Coming Next?

A grocery store or a bar? This is the question at the center of the future of The Holly, a shopping center in Northeast Park Hill. The ge...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 21

The Spicy Story Behind One of Denver's Most Famous Green Chiles

Green chile is a staple of Colorado cuisine – both the pepper itself and the spicy, soupy stew used to smother everything from burritos a...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art