January 19 marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time when we honor his contributions toward civil rights, equity and social justice in many forms. Driving down MLK Boulevard in Denver, I started wondering if Dr. King had more of a connection here than simply having a street named after him.
In fact, Dr. King came to Colorado several times. Having visited in 1956, 1962, 1964 and 1967, the civil rights leader has a notable history in our state that includes and continues to engage with communities across the city. As Coloradans celebrate and honor this day, let’s take a look at the events that took place during his visits.
Grounded in Community: 1956 & 1962 Visits
Historically, Black families were excluded from Downtown Denver and forced to live within the (then) edges of the city, forming current day neighborhoods of Five Points, Cole, Whittier, Clayton and North Park Hill. It is here where Black communities found respite from the harsh realities of the early ‘60s.
Dr. King’s early visits to Denver—when he visited Zion Baptist Church in Park Hill and First Baptist Church in Capitol Hill—were grounded in community. He spoke in support of integration of communities and the realities and challenges that come with voter rights. These churches still stand today, where you can find the exact pulpit where Dr. King gave his speech many years ago.
Organizing events in churches was central in Dr. King’s outreach as they served as places of refuge for many Black Americans.
Spreading the Dream in 1964
Visiting just six months after delivering his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, DC, Dr. King returned to Colorado in January of 1964 for several visits across the city. A notable event took place at the Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church in Park Hill, drawing a crowd of around 3,000 people, an impressive number for the time.
Additionally, Dr. King visited Grace Presbyterian Church in suburban Littleton, focusing on fair housing policies and racial justice. Dr. King wanted to emphasize that these issues weren’t just a Southern issue, imploring residents to adapt and grow beyond prejudice.
During this same visit, Dr. King spoke at the University of Denver to a small crowd. However, this would not be the case during his next visit to the university.
Protests and Backlash in 1967
Dr. King’s second visit to DU was met with turmoil and chaos. The event was held at the Richie Center, selling tickets at $1 for students and $2 for the open public to a half-filled arena.
Right outside of the Richie Center, protests erupted along fraternity row where a sign demanded “Rights for Whites.” Additionally, a cross was burned on top of a car.
Though Dr. King’s teachings helped make many strides towards desegregation and integration, it is equally important to remember that his ideas were often seen as radical and led to backlash, particularly from White communities.
Today’s Legacy
As you take a nice stroll through City Park in Denver, take some time to marvel at Ed Dwight’s statue of Dr. King. Adorned by panels that depict various themes of African American struggle, this sculpture also showcases sculptures of Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, Mahatma Gandhi and Sojourner Truth, all who were major inspirations in Dr. King’s life.
If you plan on attending Denver’s MLK Marade January 19, this will be your starting point. The term “Marade” was first used by Commission Chairperson Representative Wilma Webb, combining a march towards confronting injustice and a parade celebrating the victories that have been achieved. The march will end at Civic Center Park with a celebration that includes food and performances.
Dr. King’s legacy in Denver is still alive, serving as inspiration for the communal work that is still very much needed to this day. As many individuals continue to march in his honor and advocate for equality, it is important for us to remind ourselves of how far we have come thanks to the strides that have been made.
