Denver recently celebrated Juneteenth with a grand parade in the Five Points neighborhood, but the festivities continue this weekend with two significant events highlighting Gullah culture.
On Friday at 6 p.m., Central Baptist Church will host a performance by a talented quartet of singers from the Gullah islands in South Carolina.
This unique quartet, comprised of four friends who grew up together, will share traditional hymns sung in the Gullah language, characterized by its roots in various West African dialects combined with English.
Jorge Baldor, the curator of the Texas-based Latino Arts Project, is coordinating their visit and emphasizes the importance of Gullah music, noting its call-and-response style similar to Black spirituals.
Gullah culture, encompassing both language and heritage, has a rich musical history that has not been widely recorded, making this performance particularly special.
Baldor describes the selections chosen for the recital as ceremonial, with songs commonly sung at weddings, funerals, and other special occasions like New Year’s celebrations.
He explains the tradition of these songs is passed down orally, often sung by young girls, and maintained throughout their lives, showcasing cultural pride.
The following day, Saturday, Central Baptist Church will host an enlightening symposium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring five scholars who are noted experts in Gullah history and culture.
Baldor highlights that these historians are internationally recognized for their work, exploring the migration of Gullah culture from West Africa to Mexico, where Juneteenth was first celebrated outside the United States in the 1870s.
This symposium promises to delve into the complex cultural journey and its significance.
Additionally, these events coincide with the ongoing exhibit at the Museo de los Americas, located in Denver’s Santa Fe arts district, titled “AfroMexican Journey: Yanga, Slavery and Freedom,” which began in February and will run until August.
Baldor, who curated the exhibit, encourages attendees to discover the resilience and creativity of Afro-Mexican culture, linking it to broader global narratives about freedom and identity.
Interestingly, Baldor points out that Mexico is recognized as the first country outside of the United States to embrace Juneteenth, having celebrated it annually since its inception.
This historical connection to Juneteenth is noteworthy, with approximately 500 direct descendants of enslaved people residing in Mexico at the time slavery ended.
Baldor hopes to provide a tour of the Museo exhibit for the historians and singers on Friday, ahead of their performances, linking the events with a greater understanding of cultural heritage and celebration.
Overall, the combination of the Gullah quartet’s performance and the scholarly symposium offers a profound opportunity for attendees to engage with the rich history and cultural significance of Juneteenth and Gullah heritage, highlighting the ongoing quest for freedom and identity.
image source from：cpr
