DPS educators and students came together with other Denver community members on Monday, January 21 to commemorate the late Martin Luther King Jr. at the 33rd annual MLK Marade (March and Parade). Marchers walked the equivalent of a 5K from the Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream Memorial” in City Park, south on Esplanade Street and west on Colfax Avenue to Civic Center Park in downtown Denver.
Marade goers heard from many prominent officials and leaders throughout the day, including Mayor Michael Hancock; Governor Jared Polis; former Mayor Wellington Webb and his wife, Wilma; Colorado’s first black Congress member, Joe Neguse, Attorney General Phil Weiser; and Elisabeth Epps, a lawyer and criminal justice reform activist, who delivered the keynote at Civic Center Park. DPS student groups and team members from our DPS Belong groups were in attendance during the Marade and at additional events taking place around Denver. One of which included Janet Damon, DPS library support specialist and co-lead of the Women of Color Belong group.
“Martin Luther King Jr. Marade always inspires me.” Janet reflected. “So many people work tirelessly to bring his dream to life, in our schools, our neighborhoods, and our city. In the midsts of turmoil, we can look to his life and the work of social justice champions to give us hope and wisdom. I’m also grateful to see the youth, taking their place as leaders and activists. They are truly the hope and the dream.”
We also want to thank Whittier Café for their coffee donation- which helped many participants stay warm throughout the morning. Thank you for your generosity and support of DPS and the Marade!
See below for photos captured of our DPS team and students throughout the day:
