LOOK: Denverites remember the past and celebrate Blackness at 2020 Juneteenth parade

The annual celebration takes on special meaning amid weeks of protests about racism and police brutality after the killing of George Floyd.

Analise Harris was in the crowd at the annual Juneteenth celebration in Denver on June 13, 2020.

(Brien Hollowell for Denverite)

Outside Contributor

Jun. 13, 2020, 4:58 p.m.

By Brien Hollowell

“I celebrate Juneteenth to honor my ancestors’ sacrifice for freedom and liberation,” said Analise Harris, as she took in the festivities on Saturday in Denver.

The annual Juneteenth parade went forward despite the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has shut down most summer festivals. The music portion of the celebration was moved online and is planned for this Thursday June 18. But Saturday, people of many different ages and races packed the streets, with nearly everyone in a mask. The whole vibe was a celebration, with a lot of non-Black people out to support the community.

Keenon White at Juneteenth parade in Denver on June 13, 2020. — Keenon White, 10, said, “I am here because Black Lives Matter.”
Brien Hollowell

Sylvia Lambe at the Juneteenth parade in Denver on June 13, 2020. — Sylvia Lambe, a public relations strategist, 53 said, “I am a part of the Juneteenth festival planning team. I can use my media skills to help. Juneteenth is like a mini carnival. People celebrating Blackness."
(Brien Hollowell for Denverite)

A man who calls himself Native Son was in the crowd at the Juneteenth celebration in Denver on June 13, 2020. — Native Son, 34, said, “Juneteenth should be a national holiday recognized globally to propel our collective voice to encourage global solidarity amongst the collective We.” He supports abolishing the police.
(Brien Hollowell for Denverite)

Dj and Rebecca Cline, among the crowd at the Juneteenth celebration in Denver on June 13, 2020. — Dj and Rebecca Cline, 18, said: “This is important because it’s always important for the youth to have a voice and to realize the importance and power of our history.”
(Brien Hollowell for Denverite)

DeAsia Edwards at the Juneteenth celebration in Denver on June 13, 2020. — DeAsia Edwards, 24, said: “I am here to speak up for all of the injustices. Black Lives Matter.”
(Brien Hollowell for Denverite)

Marisa Tuffiash at the Juneteenth celebration in Denver on June 13, 2020. — Marisa Tuffiash, 35, said: “I’m a teacher. My students are why I’m here.”
(Brien Hollowell for Denverite)

Thomas Booth at the Juneteenth celebration in Denver on June 13, 2020. — Thomas Booth, 59, said he came to the celebration to, “Support the last notice of independence from slavery after the emancipation proclamation.”
(Brien Hollowell for Denverite)

Jenn Greenwood was in the crowd at the Juneteenth celebration in Denver on June 13, 2020. — Jenn Greenwood, 39, said: “I am here because what is happening in this country is horrifying. The community has given us so much and now it is our duty to be present and represent for all.”
(Brien Hollowell for Denverite)

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Keenon White, 10, said, “I am here because Black Lives Matter.”

Sylvia Lambe, a public relations strategist, 53 said, “I am a part of the Juneteenth festival planning team. I can use my media skills to help. Juneteenth is like a mini carnival. People celebrating Blackness."

Native Son, 34, said, “Juneteenth should be a national holiday recognized globally to propel our collective voice to encourage global solidarity amongst the collective We.” He supports abolishing the police.

Dj and Rebecca Cline, 18, said: “This is important because it’s always important for the youth to have a voice and to realize the importance and power of our history.”

DeAsia Edwards, 24, said: “I am here to speak up for all of the injustices. Black Lives Matter.”

Marisa Tuffiash, 35, said: “I’m a teacher. My students are why I’m here.”

Thomas Booth, 59, said he came to the celebration to, “Support the last notice of independence from slavery after the emancipation proclamation.”

Jenn Greenwood, 39, said: “I am here because what is happening in this country is horrifying. The community has given us so much and now it is our duty to be present and represent for all.”