Celebrations marking the end of slavery in the U.S. to take place June 14 through 22

City of Boulder’s Juneteenth Celebration to include flag raising, remarks from local leaders

The City of Boulder invites the community to join in a celebration and recognition of Juneteenth. On Friday, June 14, the city will raise a Juneteenth Flag at the Penfield Tate II Municipal Building at 3 p.m. Remarks from local leaders, including representatives from Boulder City leadership, Boulder City Council, NAACP, the University of Colorado Boulder and others, will follow the flag-raising. The event will also feature live entertainment by Selasee and the FaFa Family band.

Juneteenth, which falls on June 19 each year, celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation officially ended slavery in 1863, enforcement in all the states took several years. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas, that all enslaved people in the country were freed. 

“Juneteenth offers an important opportunity for our community to come together in reflection of our shared history,” said Equity Officer Aimee Kane. “The city is honored to participate in the events that pay tribute to and celebrate the countless contributions of Black people to our country and community.”

“On this important day, we honor and uplift the perseverance of Black Americans. We do not shy away from recognizing the horrors of slavery, but on this day, we also choose to celebrate the joy of freedom,” said City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde. “On Juneteenth, we pause to reflect on our progress towards true equality and acknowledge there is work still to do.”

The city’s flag-raising event is just one of many local celebrations this month.

City of Boulder Juneteenth holiday operations

  • The city’s three recreation centers, the Reservoir, Flatirons Golf Course, Spruce Pool and Scott Carpenter Pool will all be open normal operating hours.
  • Open Space and Mountain Parks trails and trailheads will be open. Visit OSMPTrails.org to plan your visit to city open space.
  • As a reminder, your emergency services do not take the holiday! Call 911 in the event of an emergency. Remember to recreate safely. Be prepared, wear the right clothes and have the right gear if you plan on swimming in one of Boulder’s natural bodies of water. Prevent wildfires by disposing of coals in the appropriate manner and remember that bonfires/campfires are against city code.
  • Parking is free on city streets and in all city-owned lots and downtown garages on Wednesday, June 19. Please note that the 14th and Walnut (RTD) parking garage is closed for maintenance through June 28.
  • Paid parking is in effect at/near Chautauqua Park on Wednesday, June 19 and the free Park-to-Park shuttle to Chautauqua will be running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • All Age Well Centers will be closed on Wednesday, June 19.

For more information about Juneteenth in the City of Boulder, visit the city’s website.

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