A Vision, Realized. A Tradition, Reignited.

When The Epitome of Black Excellence & Partnership was founded, we carried a vision not just to celebrate Kwanzaa privately, but to restore its presence publicly, boldly, beautifully, and unapologetically in the heart of Denver.

 

This year, that vision becomes visible. We are honored to walk in the 9NEWS Parade of Lights with full cultural pride and deep gratitude.

 

To the Colorado Black Arts Festival—thank you for leaning all the way in with us and helping carry this vision from conversation to construction, from blueprint to brilliance.

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To the Denver Kwanzaa Committee—thank you for the decades of steady hands, cultural stewardship, and the safeguarding of our city’s Kwanzaa tradition. Your trust in us to curate this year’s celebration is a privilege we do not carry lightly.

This moment is history walked forward, culture illuminated, and community fully seen.

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Walk With Us

This section is for community members who will march with our unit in the Parade of Lights. No planning responsibilities! Simply show up, represent, and shine.

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Arrival

• Arrive between 4:00–4:30 PM

• Staging begins moving at 5:30 PM

• Parade starts promptly at 6:00 PM

• Staging Location: Broadway & W. 13th Avenue

• Unit Number: 17 (Specialty Float – Light Blue Star)

Please give yourself plenty of time for parking and walking to the staging site.

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What to Wear

To honor the theme, represent the culture, and keep warm:

HIGHLY Recommended Attire

• Black long-sleeve top

• Black bottoms

• Comfortable tennis shoes (you will walk)

Cultural Accents

• Traditional African attire (preferred)

• or Kente cloth accents/additions

Lighting

• All participants will have lighting as part of the parade theme
  (these will be distributed on-site)

Weather

• Dress warmly — layers recommended

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Check-In & Event Staff

You will see:

• Parade of Lights staff in burgundy sweatshirts or Black Ops jackets

• Some volunteers in green sweatshirts with official credentials

Please follow all instructions from event staff at all times.

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Parking & Drop-Off

• A vehicle drop-off pass is provided, but is for select float staff only

• Only the following vehicles may use the official drop-off:

  • Jaleesa McIntosh

  • MiDian Shofner

  • Dana Manyothane

  • Deborah Sims Fard

All other participants

• Should park in the surrounding lots and walk to Broadway & W. 13th

• When dropping off, note that the street remains open to local traffic — be cautious

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Important Guidelines

• No one in our unit should be dressed as Santa

• No political messaging or signage

• Follow all parade directions and keep pace with the group

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Your Role

Be ready to:

• March with joy

• Represent the beauty of Kwanzaa

• Hold the light—literally and culturally

• Help reintroduce Kwanzaa to the Parade of Lights after a long absence

No organizing, no logistics, no planning duties—simply show up in unity and celebration.

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Thank You for Walking This Moment Into History

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This memory will go beyond participation. You will feel the power of cultural reclamation, artistic presence, and collective pride.

We will see you in the lights, in the sound, in the drum, in the glow!