This weekend many celebrations commemorating Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. In Denver events include the Marade (March/Parade) and the African-American Rodeo of Champions.
The Marade starts at 10:00 am, January 21st in City Park with participants marching to Civic Center Park, where cake will be served. At 6:00pm the National Western Stock Show, presents African-American Rodeo of Champions shows a life lesson how black cowboys and cowgirls impacted the West throughout history.
Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy is commemorated in the Mile High City every January with what has grown to be one of the largest MLK Day celebrations in the U.S. -- even larger than that of Washington D.C. This memorable day features a variety of events, including the Marade (March/Parade) and the African-American Rodeo of Champions.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. history:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the spokesman for nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal as well as state law. In his “I Have a Dream” speech he raised public consciousness and became one of the greatest speakers in U.S. history. King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and discrimination. At the time of his death in 1968 he had refocuses his sight on ending poverty. His focus was on helping people in his community and beyond.
Soon after King’s assassination the campaign for a federal holiday to honor began. It was promoted by the labor unions in contract negotiations. The King Center turned to the corporate community and the general public for support.
November 2, 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed a bill, proposed by Representative Katie Hall of Indiana, creating a federal holiday to honor King. On January 20, 1986 the holiday was first observed.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday seems like an appropriate time to teach our children the art of giving to their community.
This weekend is a perfect time to teach our children how To keep The Dream Alive. During this long weekend, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Events to keep the “Dream Alive,” are important; However, after the celebrations are over let’s make sure our children know first the history of the holiday, and second the responsibility, character building and citizenship of giving to their community.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday weekend seems like an appropriate time to teach our children the art of giving to their community; The perfect day to find a way for your children to focus on the needs of others. Teaching them, like King, they too can make the world a better place. Not just for a long weekend, for life.
R.R.Cratty
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