Local Black historian Terri Gentry on the significance of Juneteenth
DENVER — Colorado historian Terri Gentry’s family has been in Denver for generations. In the early 1900s, her paternal great grandfather, Dr. Ernest McClain, was the first licensed Black dentist in Colorado. Photos of Gentry’s family are on display at the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center.
“Everything and anything about Colorado keeps me fascinated, especially understanding the history of my own ancestors,” added Gentry, who is also the engagement manager for Black communities at History Colorado.
Gentry is best known for her knowledge and love of history, especially Black American history. Gentry is an American West Museum volunteer docent, with a master’s degree in humanities focusing on public history and museum studies. She is also a public speaker who provides diversity training and tours of Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood.
Gentry recently organized and hosted a Juneteenth presentation that included a compilation of historical photos, telling this vital chapter in American history.
Juneteenth is a national holiday celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. This celebration first started in Texas in 1865 after word that enslaved people were freed under the Emancipation Proclamation — which President Lincoln issued two years prior — finally made it to Galveston, Texas.
For many years, Juneteenth was primarily celebrated in Texas but gained national prominence. President Joe Biden signed a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021. It became a state holiday in Colorado in 2022.
“It’s now become a national holiday and hopefully the reason for that is to draw attention to some of other challenges that we continue to face in the United States with acquiring full unabridged civil rights,” she added.
Gentry said that time and time again, Black Americans have been, “put in a box with stereotypes, [and] horrific ideologies about who we are.” Yet through adversity and unimaginable struggles, Black Americans have shown resiliency and relevancy, Gentry added.
Gentry said she is proud of the rich history both sides of her family have brought to Colorado.
“[My family] continued to pass on from both sides of the family all these incredible stories and history and legacy that I stand [on with] broad shoulders,” said Gentry. “I’ve got to celebrate that every day.”
Lindsey Ford is a multimedia journalist with Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach her at lindseyford@rmpbs.org.