Did you know there are at least eleven parks in Denver named after Black leaders who helped shape our history? From local trailblazers like Sonny Lawson to national icons like Madam C.J. Walker, we’re celebrating the individuals who have made Denver a better place and shining a spotlight on the parks that serve as living tributes to the diversity and strength that built our community. This month, join us as we honor Black History Month in our parks. Watch the video below to learn about these historical figures and their namesake parks.
- Sonny Lawson, Founded first Black-owned pharmacy in Denver
- Lenore B. Quick, Local child educator and advocate
- Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, First physician to successfully complete open heart surgery
- Frederick Douglass, Jr., Established the first school for Black children in Denver
- George Morrison, Sr., First Black musician to be signed by Columbia Records
- Madam C.J. Walker, First woman to become a self-made millionaire in the U.S.
- J. Langston Boyd, Community advocate and pastor at Shorter African Methodist Episcopal Church
- Fred N. Thomas, Park Hill icon who fought against segregation
- Thomas Ernest McClain, First licensed Black dentist in Colorado
- Martin Luther King, Jr., National civil rights hero who visited the Park Hill neighborhood in 1964
- William H. Whitsell, First Black person on record to be born in Colorado
And remember – the celebration doesn’t stop when February ends. Black History is Denver History. The Denver Park Trust is dedicated to ensuring these stories and achievements are not just acknowledged during a specific month but cherished all year round.
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