As a native of south Texas, Franklin Jefferson has been commemorating Juneteenth for nearly all of his 82 years. On Saturday, he shared memories of week-long celebrations from his childhood at Loveland’s fourth annual Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration, held at Backyard Tap.
“You can’t have Juneteenth without watermelon, some barbecue and red soda water,” he told the crowd. “And on the cultural side of things, those who could afford it would hire carriages and go to dinner or plays in their best dress.”
Jefferson also spoke about his community’s efforts to get the historic events of June 19, 1865 the recognition they deserve.
“In 1979, we got it passed as a state holiday in Texas,” he said. “And it’s been growing ever since. Now we’re saying ‘Happy Juneteenth’ in 20 different countries. Now years later it’s a national holiday. I feel like I’ve been a part of it my whole life.”
Juneteenth, known variously as Jubilee Day or Emancipation Day, marks the date that enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were officially freed by the Union, marking the end of chattel slavery in the United States.
However, one of the day’s speakers, Dr. George Stevens, argued that the slaves might have technically been freed following the Civil War, but systemic racism and unfair codes like Jim Crow kept African Americans from knowing true liberty. He urged members of the crowd to eschew the official history taught in textbooks and seek out the other side of the story about race in America.
“I love history, but we need to be truth tellers,” Stevens said. “So many things are left out.”
Jefferson and Stephens were joined at the event by six other performers, including Valerie Peaches Embry, who delivered a stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice,” which is referred to as the “Black National Anthem.”
Also performing on Saturday was rapper Riaga, who hails from Aurora, but was born in Georgia. Like Jefferson, he has celebrated Juneteenth for most of his life and he was excited to help Loveland commemorate it on Saturday.
“It’s about keeping the origin, but also embracing the progress that we’ve made as Black people, but also being inclusive of others,” he said. “It’s important not only for Black people to celebrate, but for everyone to come and embrace our culture and learn more about what it means to be Black.”
The crowd, which grew throughout the afternoon, was also treated to traditional African music and dancing from the Mokamba Ensemble, breakdancing from the Scrappy Breakers and inspirational songs from Json Martin. Ending the afternoon was a performance from Ernest Washington and the Men of Funk.
“One thing we did this year was focus on celebratory performances,” said Caitlyn Wyrick, founder of nonprofit Heart and Sol, the event host.
There were also booths from service providers and nonprofits including the League of Women Voters, Obesity Awareness Action and Global Justice. Soul food was available from a food truck and the taps were flowing at the host venue.
“Anyway that we can utilize this space to help serve the community, we’re all for it,” said Jessi Benshoof, co-owner of Backyard Tap with her husband Steven. Last week, Loveland’s Pride celebration was held there. “If it’s for a fundraiser, we’ll donate the space for the community to use it.”
Also on hand were Loveland Mayor Jacki Marsh plus Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally, who delivered opening remarks for the event.
See more about Heart and Sol at heartandsolco.org.
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