Thanks to the invaluable support of our partners, the Museum's Juneteenth celebration came to life on Monday, June 19. We are immensely grateful for their contributions, as they played a pivotal role in making this event an incredible and rewarding experience for our community. We welcomed over 6,000 individuals who joined us to explore and pay tribute to the profound narratives, vibrant culture and remarkable contributions of the Black community. 

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It is a significant milestone in American history, symbolizing the liberation of enslaved African Americans and highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality. By combining the words "June" and "nineteenth," Juneteenth became an annual day of celebration and remembrance for this moment of freedom.   

A very special thank you to our partners who made this celebration possible:

• Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers (CAPBES)
• Colorado Men of Color Collaborative (CMOCC)
• East5ide Unified
• Jasmine Holmes
• Toi Massey with JEKL Organization for STEAM Education
• Make a Chess Move
• Monticue Connally
• Metro Deep
• Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy

We recognize the historical significance and cultural importance of Juneteenth and believe that celebrating it is a way to foster understanding, inclusivity and education. 

One of the Museum’s organizers, Maya Youcef-Toumi, said the Juneteenth holiday...

At the Museum, guests had the opportunity to explore the captivating exhibits, engage with community partners and Black professionals – pillars of STEAM and community knowledge – and participate in interactive, family-friendly activities throughout the day. The Museum’s Curiosity Cruiser also attended and joined the Juneteenth Music Festival at Five Points June 17-18, where the Museum brought science and education directly to the community by providing interactive exhibits, educational activities and engaging experiences for all ages. 

With a deep commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and embracing the rich and diverse perspectives of our community, the Museum has proudly included Juneteenth as one of our annual SCFD Free Days starting this year.

Here are a few of our photos from throughout the day: