The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Marade steps off from near the King memorial site in City Park at 10 a.m. Monday morning and will proceed through city streets to Civic Center. The combination march and parade pays homage to the civil rights leader who visited Denver many times in the ’50s and ’60s as he fought peacefully for equality and liberty for black Americans.
As part of the annual MLK celebration, Cherry Creek Shopping Center has mounted “Me & the Dream,” an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia documenting King’s visits to Denver, as well as the events leading up to the adoption of the official King holiday in 1984.
The exhibit opens Monday and includes personal thoughts, memories and observations about the life and legacy of King from community leaders, including Wilma Webb, who is credited with Colorado’s adoption of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an official state holiday.
The exhibit will be in the Cherry Creek mall Community Gallery, on the lower level near Wilson’s Leather, through Feb. 28.
Just in case you can’t make the show, we have a few community leaders’ reflections to share with you here:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remains the uniquely caring individual who gave all people the sense of hope that the world could overcome racism, poverty, bigotry, and war, and he is the full measure of a wise humanitarian who led by principle as a Christian minister and international philosopher, a servant of all people and as an oratorical leader extraordinaire. He walked with common people, yet possessed respect and admiration of influential people from across the world. His life’s message of brotherhood continues to heighten the moral consciences of people throughout the world.
– The Honorable Wilma J. Webb
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought the good fight, and now I control my destiny. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. suffered dehumanization, and now I am recognized as a man.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. faced danger on a daily basis, and now I walk proudly judged by my character.
Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. paved the roads to the ballot box with his blood, and now I can freely exercise my right to vote.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived and died for generations he would never meet. Thank you for the sacrifices, Dr. King.
– Denver City Council President Michael B. Hancock
I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of Dr. King’s fight for equality and respect. He opened doors for many of the finest athletes in history – some of whom I’ve been fortunate enough to call teammates. I will forever be grateful for his passion and the fact that my children will never witness racial segregation in sports.
– NFL Hall-of- Famer John Elway
I was a girl growing up in Washington state when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and remember the pain of losing him. What he said about nonviolence, reconciliation, social justice and education impacted me and I am moved every time I hear his “I Have a Dream” speech. I have lived my life and raised my children not to judge people “by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
– 7News anchor Bertha Lynn
