Keeping The Dream Alive
Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
It was a day to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. on his 94th birthday, and a day to march in the honor of the slain civil rights leader. It was a day to recommit to keep the fight for justice and equality alive, and to remember the fierce urgency of now.
Thousands assembled at the MLK, Jr. statue in City Park west of Park Hill on a brisk Jan. 16 for Denver’s annual MLK, Jr. Marade (march and parade). After the regular political speeches, the crowd marched up Colfax Avenue to Civic Center Park across the street from the state Capitol, for additional festivities.
This being a big election year, it was also a day filled with a multitude of candidates who are currently jostling for Denver mayor and city council seats, along with their supporters. Numerous politicos were seen out in force, carrying banners and marching with supporters and gripping and grinning for the cameras.
The Friday before the Marade, the Colorado Legislature adopted a resolution to honor MLK, Jr. and his dream for equality, and to honor former former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and former State Rep. Wilma Webb for their persistence in making MLK, Jr. day an official holiday.
Photos by Cara DeGette