Richard Harrison closely examined a pair of slave chains that were once used to confine Buffalo Soldiers.
“I’ve read about these in books, but to actually see them and to think someone was forced to wear these, well that’s crazy,” Harrison said during Saturday’s Juneteenth festival in Denver.
Juneteenth celebrations were being held across the country, including the Five Points neighborhood, because June 19, 1865, marks the day Texas slaves were belatedly freed by President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, a document he had signed two years earlier.
“I’m trying to teach my nephews and nieces about black history, and this is amazing stuff,” Harrison said.
This year’s Juneteenth festival was organized by the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce.
Denver’s festival in previous years had grown into one of the country’s largest African-American celebrations, but a few years ago had been canceled by event organizers because of contractual problems.
This year, festivalgoers turned out by the hundreds to dance in the streets, feast on a variety of hot and cold foods and listen to rappers sing songs that contained spiritual messages.
“I’m content there will always be a Juneteenth celebration,” said former Denver first lady Wilma Webb. “History has to be carried forward.”
Skies were overcast, and gusts of wind would periodically blow information and photos of Buffalo Soldiers off the table.
John Bell, a historian with Buffalo Soldiers of the American West, didn’t mind the wind. He was more interested in telling stories about his father, grandfather, uncle and a cousin — who were all Buffalo Soldiers — to anyone who stopped by to listen.
“My job is to tell this history; they had a job to do but weren’t appreciated,” Bell said.
Annette Espinoza: 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com
