Top Martin Luther King Day Celebrations In Denver
Martin Luther King Day is Monday, January 19, and there are many different ways that you can use the extra day off to celebrate and commemorate the contributions of one of the most significant leaders for civil rights in the history of the United States. There will be the huge annual Marade, which combines a march with a parade, followed by speakers and a rally at Civic Center Park. Or visit one of the other great events and options all over the state of Colorado. Most importantly, use this opportunity to educate your children on just who Martin Luther King Jr. was and why this day is honored all over the country.
Martin Luther King Day Marade
17th Ave and Colorado Blvd
Denver, CO 80205
www.drmartinlkingjrchc.org
Date: Jan. 19, 2015
Honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual Marade in Denver. It's the largest march and rally of its kind in the United States, and you can gather with your community to march, starting at City Park and ending at Civic Center Park, for a huge rally and celebration of King's life and contributions. It all kicks off at 9 a.m. and continues throughout the day until the rally, where there will be speakers, booths and artisans all there to honor the work of this great man. If you are looking to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this is the biggest and best event in Denver to attend.
Martin Luther King Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions
Denver Coliseum
4600 Humboldt St.
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 296-6977
www.nationalwestern.com
Date: Jan. 19, 2015
Every January in Colorado, the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo is one of the biggest and best events every year. As part of this annual festival, the Martin Luther King Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions will highlight the contribution of black cowboys and cowgirls and how their impact has been felt throughout western history. You may be amazed at just how many different African Americans contributed significantly to the formation of Colorado and the West, and this rodeo is a great way to celebrate their honor. Grab your cowboy hat, your boots and your spurs and get down to the National Western Complex for this fun and enlightening event.
Related: Top Women's History Spots In Denver
Black American West Museum and Heritage Center
3091 California St
Denver, CO 80205
(720) 242-7428
www.blackamericanwestmuseum.org
Spend the day visiting the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center in Denver. Founded in 1971, this museum is home to a huge collection that preserves the contributions of blacks in the West. There are many different exhibits to enjoy at this museum. Check out the homestead exhibit, which is dedicated to the town of Dearfield, a pioneer town that was founded on the principles of Booker T. Washington. Or visit the Cowboy exhibit to see many photographs, saddles, hats, spurs, chaps and boots from some very famous black cowboys. There is also a military exhibit, dedicated to the story of the Buffalo Soldiers and their help settling the West. For a day filled with education about the contributions of African Americans in Colorado, this museum is the perfect destination for the whole family.
Related: Top Historical Sites In Denver
Free Day at Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-1206
www.nps.gov
Date: Jan. 19, 2015
Why not take advantage of the holiday and the day off to get up to the beautiful mountains? Take a hike, explore nature and find some beautiful land to sit and talk about the historical significance of this day with your family. Bring some books, some lunch, your family and head up to Rocky Mountain National Park to enjoy this free day. Chat with the rangers to find a great location, and use the time to discuss the contributions of Martin Luther King Jr. with your children in a beautiful and serene setting that is perfect for a family day. All national parks are free on January 19, so if Rocky Mountain National Park is too far, find the one nearest you.
Volunteer Your Time
www.volunteermatch.org
Instead of using the day to go shopping or just to lounge around the house, use this holiday for something bigger. You've got the day off, so use the time in a very appropriate way and find some volunteer work that you can do with your whole family. Visit the Volunteer Match website to search through hundreds of local charities in need of your help. You can find something perfect for you, your children or for everyone to do together. Spending the day giving back to the community is certainly something very appropriate to do with your day off in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
