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June 30, 2021

Independence Day

Independence Day has been celebrated since July 1776 when America declared its independence from British rule. Many battles and events led up to the American Revolution. The Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War) between France and Britain, 1756 – 1763, resulted in the need for Britain to raise taxes against the American colonists with the passing of the Stamp Act in 1765 to help cover war debt accumulated. The Stamp Act was followed by other imposed taxes against the American colonists including the Townshend Acts and the Tea Act. Ultimately, the American colonists sought to gain their independence from Britain and, with assistance from the French, were able to do so with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 although the American Revolution didn’t end until 1783.

June 24, 2021

Legalization of Same-Sex Marriages

In continuation of the celebration of Pride Month, it is important to recognize and celebrate a major milestone in the advancement of civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community. On June 26, we acknowledge the legalization of same-sex marriages. The Supreme Court ruled on June 26, 2015, that same-sex marriages must be recognized across the United States.

June 15, 2021

Juneteenth

The Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, however, it took an additional two years for that news to reach Texas. On June 19, 1865, Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to share the proclamation with African Americans living in that state which numbered more than 250,000. The first Juneteenth celebrations occurred in Texas on June 19, 1866 and it has widely grown across the United States over the years since. Also known by several other names including Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, and Liberation Day, Juneteenth is a celebration of African Americans’ freedom from slavery. It’s a time for celebrating both the abolishment of slavery and the African American culture and is celebrated in many ways such as religious gatherings, music, arts and crafts, food, and much more.

June 07, 2021

Janine Weaver-Douglas, Director of the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center

June 03, 2021

LGBTQ+ Pride Month

LGBTQ+ Pride month is celebrated annually during the month of June which was selected to commemorate the riots that took place at the Stonewall Inn in June of 1969 in New York. LGBTQ+ Pride month provides a time to recognize and celebrate the progress that so many across the country have worked toward in support of LGBTQ+ rights. Recognized and celebrated in many ways across the nation including educational opportunities, pride parades, and many other events. Denver Pride will be celebrated June 26-27 and will offer a virtual and in-person 5K as well as a virtual Pride Parade. The rainbow flag, designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, will be prominently displayed throughout the month of June. Each of the six colors included in the rainbow flag have a particular meaning and include life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony, and spirit.

May 26, 2021

Memorial Day: A Day of Remembrance

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day observed in honor of the Americans who have died while serving in the United States Military. Observed annually on the last Monday in May, this year, Memorial Day occurs on Monday, May 31. While Memorial Day was not declared an official federal holiday until 1971, the original observance of Decoration Day took place in 1868 to remember those soldiers lost while fighting in the Civil War. Over time, the holiday grew to include military members lost in all wars.

May 19, 2021

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

In 2002, May 21 was designated as World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. This day provides an opportunity to better understand and value cultural diversity as well as to encourage the advancement of the goals of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Convention on the Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

May 13, 2021

COVID Vaccination Disparity

The State of Colorado vaccine data shows significant gaps among races, particularly in persons in the Hispanic, All Races (State of Colorado terminology) demographic. Persons identifying as White (non-Hispanic) make up 67.76% of the population in Colorado and of those persons, 69.53% have been immunized. In comparison, Hispanic (All Races) make up 21.69% of the population in Colorado and only 9.11% of those persons have been immunized. Unfortunately, this gap is not unique to Colorado. According to the CDC, this trend can be seen across the United States. CDC data indicate that of the total Hispanic/Latino population in the United States, only 11.1% are fully vaccinated. In comparison, 65.8% of the entire White, Non-Hispanic population in the United States is fully vaccinated.

May 01, 2021

Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

As we begin the month of May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The following reflection and commemoration, with support from the staff of the Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS), of this heritage month, is written by third-year Criminal Justice Major Gabby Galamgam (He/Him). Gabby is involved with Air Force ROTC, and his hometown is the Island of Oahu, Hawai‘i.

April 29, 2021

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) occurs next week and has significant meaning for Mexican immigrants in the United States and has become a way to share their pride and heritage of the Mexican culture. Although not a major holiday or celebration throughout Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the state of Puebla, Mexico. Puebla was the site of the 1862 Battle of Puebla, which ended when Mexico defeated French troops in an attempted takeover. The battle of Puebla is regarded as a sign of Mexican strength and perseverance.

April 22, 2021

Respectful Behavior Statement and Bears in Solidarity

Rowing, Not Drifting 2030 guides our direction and aspirations for the next decade of serving students and our community. Our vision takes shape in the form of five elements that serve as our foundation over the next 10 years in support of and service to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community. These five elements include: (1) Students First, (2) Empower Inclusivity, (3) Enhance & Invest, (4) Innovate & Create, and (5) Connect & Celebrate. Â鶹´«Ã½ is dedicated to strengthening and advancing our collective work related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

April 19, 2021

Marcus Garvey Director Search

The search for the Director of the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center is currently underway. The search committee, chaired by Shawanna Kimbrough-Hayward, includes Angie Henderson, Sociology Professor; Myria Davis, Interim MGCC Director and Graduate Student; Tammy Ortiz, Graduate Student; and Rudy Vargas, Coordinator of Undocumented Students and the DREAMer Engagement Program. First-round Zoom interviews included ten selected candidates, and concluded earlier this week.