The summer brings with it the opportunity to refocus our energies and commitments both on campus and in our city of Colorado Springs. June is a festive month, offering national and local events celebrating Pride Month and Juneteenth. Colorado Springs is home to abounding organizing efforts that celebrate community, activism, and the arts. We encourage you to deepen your sense of belonging by participating in these community events.

Pride started with the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City. Today the fight against discrimination continues together with celebrations of joy and our full humanity in public spaces.

CC will join Pikes Peak Pride by marching in the Pikes Peak Pride Parade on Sunday, Jun. 15.

Please RSVP as space is limited. Tiger Pride Logo shirts will be provided and communications about decorating opportunities will be forthcoming.

Juneteenth marks the end of chattel slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, news of this path towards liberation did not arrive to the enslaved in Galveston, TX until June 19, 1865. Today, Juneteenth offers us the opportunity to celebrate liberation and our continued fight against dehumanization.  

Celebrations are being organized throughout Colorado Springs. The Southern Colorado Juneteenth Festival will showcase of music, art, and educational activities at the Citadel Mall.

Concrete Couch, the vision of CC Alum Steve Wood ’84 who just received an honorary degree from CC for his community building efforts, will host a Juneteenth celebration featuring local arts and music at the Concrete Coyote Park. Music from 4-8 p.m. with DJ Chris Beasley, My Name Is Harriett, the PPMA Chamber Orchestra featuring vocalist Iyanla Ayite ’25, and more!

We hope you will make time to connect with our neighbors in the region marking these joyous occasions!

 

See you there,

 

Nancy Rios

Director of Belonging & Engagement