King’s 1964 Visit To Park Hill Remembered
Cara DeGette
On Jan. 13 the Denver City Council unanimously approved a proclamation honoring Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting the civil rights leader’s visit to Park Hill 50 years ago.
Councilman Christopher Herndon, whose district includes northeast Park Hill, sponsored the proclamation after reading about King’s visit to Denver in the January Greater Park Hill News. King’s visit in 1964 was designed to recognize Park Hill’s national stature as a purposefully integrated neighborhood, and to promote what became the Civil Rights Act passed later that year.
“I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor his life and legacy,” Herndon said, introducing the proclamation. Noting that King was only 39 years old when he was assassinated in 1968, the councilman pointed out that King “didn’t have a chance to travel to many places … but Park Hill was one of them.”
The Denver City Council also recognized Park Hill residents Dick and Lorie Young. In 1964 Dick Young was chairman of the Denver Commission on Human Relations, which sponsored King’s visit to the city.
“I have to admit I was surprised to realize he was only 39 years old when he died,” said Council President Mary Beth Susman. “He was truly an old soul; his impact was so great.”
Among the highlights of the proclamation:
“WHEREAS, part of the impetus of Dr. King’s visit to Park Hill was the neighborhood’s position at the forefront of the national movement to integrate communities, from housing to public schools; and
“WHEREAS, Park Hill residents, Dick Young and his wife, Lorie, hosted Dr. King and shared his commitment to breaking down racial barriers in our great City and across the nation; and
“WHEREAS, Denver churches and organizations are planning various events to mark the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s three-day visit to Denver.” …
… “That the Denver City Council encourages residents of the City and County of Denver to remember the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. in the words he spoke to spur collaboration among all people, stating that “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”