At 10:45 a.m. on Jan 21., members of the Denver community began marching down Colfax Avenue for Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day. It was Denver’s 34th annual Marade, one of the largest MLK Day celebrations in the country. Organizers say that the Marade is unique to Denver, the only one of its kind. The title combines the words “march” and “parade” communicating that it is both a celebration of MLK’s contributions to defeating racial injustice and a demonstration against the racial injustice that still exists.
A drumline scored the march as Denverites lined the streets waving and cheering for the parade that passed. An estimated 50,000 to 75,000 Denverites attended this year’s Marade, boasting icons from across the state. Politicians, church leaders and students marched together.
The Marade began at the “I Have a Dream” memorial at City Park near East High School and went west down East Colfax Avenue. After a roughly three-mile trek, it ended at Civic Center Park just west of the Colorado State Capitol Building.
At the terminus of the march, the crowd gathered in front of the Greek Theatre to hear from the organizers of the Marade and performers such as gospel choir Voices of Praise and Bridge the Gap. The theme of the 2019 Marade was “We Cry Freedom,” a call to action considering the recent injustice and inaction in both society and the government.
In celebration of MLK’s dedication to service, there was a food and resource drive for anyone who needed it. The organizers offered up donations to those affected by the government shutdown.
Churches, high-schools and local clubs had representation at the Marade. So too did DU, with many students marching alongside other Denverites. Members of clubs and affinity groups such as Social Justice LLC, Black Student Alliance (BSA) and LatinX Student Alliance (LSA) were represented. In addition, numerous students that weren’t representing any on-campus groups attended, as well. DU students sought to stand in solidarity with others and show their appreciation for Martin Luther King Jr.
