The Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Martin Luther King Jr, was a champion for humanity and equality. The Division honors MLK’s legacy of fighting for civil rights through the work the Division performs to enforce the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA).
MLK day is celebrated every third Monday of January not only in Colorado but throughout our nation. According to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, on November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, it is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities. On April 4, 1985 Colorado's Governor Dick Lamm signed legislation, spearheaded by Representative Wilma Webb, into law making the birthdate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a Colorado holiday.
Colorado has historically hosted one of the largest MLK parades, also known as the Marade, in the country. The Marade has been held every year to the present, and is one of the the largest march and parade celebrations honoring Dr. King. With crowds averaging 60,000 people. According the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission, the term “Marade” was coined by Commission Chairperson Representative Wilma Webb, whose meaning is to parade and celebrate the victories achieved in combating injustices that had occurred, and march non-violently to always confront injustices in the future, wherever they may be.
In addition to the Marade, there are many events throughout the Denver metro area to educate our communities about the legacy of Dr. King. For more information, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission.
The Colorado Civil Rights Division is reminded everyday of the work that Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to when enforcing the Colorado Anti Discrimination Act (CADA). CADA prohibits discrimination based on protected class in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation. The CCRD enforces CADA primarily through the investigation of complaints of discrimination, but also through mediation and education.
To learn about your Civil Rights and protections from discrimination under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act ("CADA"), visit the Colorado Civil Rights Division.
Citations:
- The 15 year battle for Martin Luther King, Jr.. day. National Museum of African American History and Culture. (2023, May 2). https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/15-year-battle-martin-luther-king…;
- Marinelli, M. (n.d.). Dr. king’s dream amplified. Our Story. https://www.drmartinlkingjrchc.org/index.php/our-story