Local Black-owned businesses celebrate Juneteenth [Video]

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Juneteenth flag waved at the Colorado Capitol on June 19, commemorating the day Union soldiers marched to Galveston, Texas in 1866 to inform thousands of enslaved people that they were free. This is the third year Juneteenth has been celebrated in Colorado as an official state holiday.

Colorado Springs marked Juneteenth all week, beginning with the Juneteenth festival on Friday, June 14. On June 19, many black-owned businesses celebrated and honored their heritage.

“My favorite part about Juneteenth is serving as a black person, as my shirt says ‘Juneteenth I’m black every day but today I’m blackity’,” said Latoya Taylor, bar manager at Club Tilt & Grill.

In recognition of Juneteenth, Americans celebrate and recognize the invaluable contributions that generations of Black Americans have made in communities, to the economy, and the world.

Rafael Thompson, owner of L Seven Premium Fragrances said he’s proud of how …