Flowers in downtown Fort Collins on June 14. All photos by @katvaldezwriter
If you’ve lived in FoCo for any amount of time, you know summer is the season of festivals, outdoor concerts, and good times with friends and family.
Here are a few events and places to get you in the mood for summer. And a bit of history, to put things in perspective.
Summer Solstice Festival at The Lyric, June 23-24
20+ local bands! 2 stages! Vendors!
The summer solstice: when is it and what causes it? “The summer solstice [June 21, 2023] and subsequent longest day of the year are celebrated by many cultures around the world with numerous traditions, holidays and festivals. From sunrise gatherings to midsummer festivals, summer solstice celebrations certainly blow the winter cobwebs away.”
Interested in deepening your knowledge about the planets? Chani is “a queer, feminist-led tech and media company on a mission to make astrology and its wisdom accessible to everyone as a tool for self-discovery, mindfulness, and healing.”
FoCo Juneteenth Celebration, June 16-18
“Join FoCo Juneteenth for a fun-filled weekend jam packed with events geared towards all community members. Celebrate liberation & freedom with live music and performance, youth activities, local vendors and artists, & more.”
Juneteenth: “On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. With the principles of self-determination, citizenship, and democracy magnifying their hopes and dreams, those Texans held fast to the promise of true liberty for all.”
The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth: “Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.”
A Proclamation on Juneteenth Day of Observance: “Juneteenth is a day to reflect on both bondage and freedom — a day of both pain and purpose. It is, in equal measure, a remembrance of both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation, as well as a celebration of the promise of a brighter morning to come. On Juneteenth, we remember our extraordinary capacity to heal, to hope, and to emerge from our worst moments as a stronger, freer, and more just Nation. It is also a day to celebrate the power and resilience of Black Americans, who have endured generations of oppression in the ongoing journey toward equal justice, equal dignity, equal rights, and equal opportunity in America.”
Feminist Friendship Workshop on July 22
I asked Dr Cori Wong to teach a workshop on Feminist Friendship because I’m personally interested in this topic and thought friends like you would be interested, too.
This workshop is geared toward women and non-binary individuals who are committed to critical self-reflection, connection, authenticity, and solidarity across our differences within our own community.
Read details and register here.
Dr. Wong’s registration form and TedX video provide powerful questions, observations, and truths to consider even if you can’t attend the workshop.
Let’s learn how to be better friends to each other. Seating is limited to 20 people. Register today!
Pride Month Events and Information
If you missed the NoCo Pride March, there are still plenty of local and regional events to look forward to:
PRIDE: History of LGBTQ+ People in Fort Collins
Pride Events at The Lyric
2023 Denver PrideFest
Boulder County Pride Month
Longmont Pride 2023
PrideGuide Colorado
Independence Day Community Celebration
The City of Fort Collins, in partnership with Elevations Credit Union, will host the 2023 Independence Day Community Celebration on Tuesday, July 4 with a full day of family-friendly events and activities.
Outdoor Concerts
The Mish
Lagoon Concert Series
Thursday Night Live, Old Town Square Stage
An Equitable & Inclusive Space in Fort Collins
If you haven’t seen a movie, attended a Story Swap, or enjoyed the tasty meals at The Lyric recently, it’s time for a visit.
Consider becoming a member to enjoy unlimited movies each month and discounts on concessions and events while supporting this unique, independent theater that is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive space.
What’s on our watch list? The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster, a modern take on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Read more about it on CherryPicks, “the best place to find out what women think about film and television.”
Tour de Fat is Back!
Dig out your favorite outfit and wig from your costume trunk (doesn’t everyone in FoCo have one?) and save the date: Aug. 26, 2023. Watch New Belgium’s website and social media for updates.
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What are you looking forward to this summer? Drop a comment in the box below or on our Facebook events group and page.
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Local Equity & Inclusion Resources
City of Fort Collins Equity & Inclusion Office
City of Fort Collins Boards & Commissions
– Apply to serve on a board or commission
Larimer County Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Board
– Now accepting applications for board membership. Deadline: June 14.
As always, we welcome your stories (see Community Voices) and suggestions for Local Resources and BIPOC-Owned Businesses.
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Thank you for following Diverse FoCo. See you around town!
Katherine
Founder, Diverse Fort Collins
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