Politics & Government
There were some tense moments as national and international politics entered the fray, but the day was largely peaceful.
little girl on shoulders during parade
The MLK Marade brought out hundreds to Denver on January 19. Evan Semon Photography
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Hundreds came to City Park and marched in Denver on Monday, January 19, for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marade. A day meant to unify based on the words of King, groups from the Denver Police Department, Denver Health, Denver Nuggets and Denver Mayor’s office attended and mingled with the members of the public.
Although the parade was largely about fellowship and coming together, national events and current struggles were still present. Signs against ICE and current federal immigration enforcement were spotted in the crowd, as were Palestinian flags. However, the Palestinian flags were separated from the Marade march after former Mayor Wellington Webb halted the procession and asked the pro-Palestinian protesters to go elsewhere. The event remained peaceful.
See photos of the 40th annual Denver MLK Marade below.
Parade marchers in Denver
Marade marchers gathered Monday morning at the Dr. Martin Luther King statue in City Park.
Evan Semon Photography
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Denver Mayor Mike Johnston attended the Marade.
Evan Semon Photography
cheerleaders march in parade
And so did Denver Nuggets cheerleaders.
Evan Semon Photography
anti-ice protester holds sign
Anti-ICE signs were common at the Marade.
Evan Semon Photography
Marade attendees brought homemade signs with King’s words printed on them.
Evan Semon Photography
Denver’s 42nd mayor, Wellington Webb, and his wife, former Colorado State Representative Wilma J. Webb, who sponsored legislation that adopted Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a Colorado state holiday.
Evan Semon Photography
Pro-Palestine marchers tried to join the Marade to raise awareness about the mass killings of Palestinians in Gaza, but were asked to separate from the march honoring Dr. King.
Evan Semon Photography
Tense moments as former mayor Webb halts the Marade to separate from pro-Palestinian marchers.
Evan Semon Photography
child holds MLK sign
Children got in on the sign-making, too.
Evan Semon Photography
The Marade is always a great photo opportunity for state and local officials.
Evan Semon Photography
Marade attendees also visited the State Capitol, where this paper mache puppet of a crying Lady Liberty was displayed.
Evan Semon Photography
Despite current national politics and some tense moments, the majority of the day was focused on King and his work.
Evan Semon Photography
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Thomas Mitchell has been the news editor of Westword since February 2024. He’s been with the publication since 2017 and was formerly its cannabis editor. He’s earned numerous awards and accolades for his work, including placing second for the Marijuana Enterprise Reporting Award from the Colorado Society of Professional Journalists in 2018; being named a Top Cannabis Journalist by Leafbuyer in 2020; and placing first for the College Sports Writing Award from the Arizona Press Club in 2014. His prior work experience includes Arizona Republic, Inman News and Fox Sports.
thomas.mitchell@westword.com
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