Colorado To Celebrate 40 Years Of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday
Denver's celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday stands out as a unique and significant event in the country. With approximately 60,000 attendees, it is the largest celebration of King's life outside of his hometown of Atlanta.
This annual parade and march, known as the "marade," has become a powerful symbol of unity and remembrance. The term "marade" was coined by former state lawmaker Wilma Webb, who combined the words parade and march to capture the essence of this event.
Webb played a crucial role in ensuring that King received recognition in Colorado on his birthday. Initially, her efforts to pass a bill in the state legislature to recognize King's birthday were unsuccessful. It was only after President Ronald Reagan declared it a national holiday in 1983 that Webb's bill eventually succeeded.
On April 4, 1985, Colorado's bill recognizing King's birthday was signed into law by Governor Dick Lamm, 17 years after King's assassination in Memphis. However, it wasn't until 1986 that the federal holiday was officially observed.
Denver's marade has faced its share of challenges over the years, with one notable incident occurring in 1992. White supremacists obtained an event permit on the same day as the marade and proceeded to heckle marchers with hate speech, resulting in a riot after the event concluded.
Denver's Martin Luther King Jr.'s Marade route begins near City Park and ends at Civic Center Park. (CREDIT: KUSA)
Despite these challenges, Denver's marade continues to be a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in our nation. This event brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, races, and ethnicities, all united in their commitment to honoring King's vision of a more inclusive and harmonious society.
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The significance of Denver's marade cannot be overstated. It not only pays tribute to one of the most influential figures in American history but also serves as a rallying point for those who continue to fight for equality and justice.
As Colorado commemorate Dr. King's birthday, let us remember his timeless message of peace, love, and unity, and strive to make his dream a reality for all Americans.