What being an American, and Coloradan, means
Jul 04, 2026 | 6:00 am ET
Description
A historic 38-star American flag, featuring a star for Colorado, the 38th state. (Photo courtesy of History Colorado)
By Avery Clifton, Malia Walker and Melodie Miller
While the United States marks its 250th birthday as a nation, Colorado is celebrating its 150th birthday as a state. Colorado entered the union on Aug. 1, 1876, adding a 38th star to the U.S. flag.
Avery Clifton, Malia Walker and Melodie Miller, student journalists from the Colorado Student News Service, asked people at a Juneteenth event in Denver on June 20 what being an American (and by extension, a Coloradan) means to them on these twin anniversaries.
“The most important part of being in America is the exchange between Africa and here,” said Rosma Oyugi, an American from Kenya, who has lived in the United States for 25 years. “I’ve learned a lot and changed a lot for the better. Now I have a business life in America. Of course, it is hard, but it is good.”
Here is what others said:
Denver, CO
