Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame facts for kids

The Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame is a special project. It was created by the Denver Public Library and Denver Public Schools. This Hall of Fame honors amazing African American people from Colorado. These individuals were often the first to achieve big professional goals in their fields. They also actively supported the African American community while working towards their dreams.

The idea for this Hall of Fame started in 1973. It began with 41 photographs as part of Black Awareness Month. In 1985, four more people were added. Since then, new members are inducted every other year. This tradition celebrates the important contributions of African Americans in Colorado.

Amazing Colorado Leaders

Many inspiring people have been honored in the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame. These individuals broke barriers and helped their communities. Here are just a few examples of the incredible people recognized:

Pioneers and Trailblazers

• Clara Brown (1800-1882): Known as "Aunt Clara," she was a formerly enslaved person. She became a successful businesswoman and gave a lot of money to help others. She is remembered for her kindness and generosity.
• Barney Ford (1822-1902): Barney Ford was a very successful businessman. He was also a strong voice for civil rights in Colorado. He owned restaurants and hotels and fought for equal rights for all.
• Justina Ford (1871-1952): Dr. Justina Ford was Colorado's first African American woman doctor. She delivered thousands of babies. She helped many families who couldn't find other doctors.
• Oliver Toussaint Jackson (1862-1946): Oliver Jackson was a true pioneer. He helped create a farming community for African Americans in Colorado. This community was called Dearfield.

Leaders in Government and Law

• George L. Brown (1926-2006): He made history as the Lieutenant Governor of Colorado. This was a very important political position.
• Elvin R. Caldwell (1919-2004): Elvin Caldwell served on the Denver City Council. He worked hard to improve the city for everyone.
• Terrance D. Carroll (1969-): Terrance Carroll became the Speaker of the House for the Colorado House of Representatives. This is a powerful leadership role in state government.
• Honorable Wiley Y. Daniel (1946-2019): He was a judge for the U.S. District Court in Colorado. This is a very high position in the federal court system.
• Wellington E. Webb (1941-): Wellington Webb served as the Mayor of Denver. He was the first African American mayor of the city.
• Wilma Webb (1941-): Wilma Webb was a Colorado State Representative. She was also the First Lady of Denver when her husband, Wellington Webb, was mayor.
• Elbra Wedgeworth (1941-): Elbra Wedgeworth was the City Council President. She also worked as a Chief Government and Community Relations Officer.
• Edna Wilson-Mosley (1941-): Edna Wilson-Mosley was the first African American city councilwoman in Aurora, Colorado.

Education and Community Heroes

• James A. Atkins (1890-1968): James Atkins was a dedicated teacher. He helped educate many young people.
• Lulu Craig (1867-1971): Lulu Craig was also a teacher. She inspired generations of students.
• Gilbert Cruter (1915-2005): Gilbert Cruter was the first African American educator for Denver Public Schools. This was a big step forward for diversity in education.
• Evie Dennis (1924-): Evie Dennis was the first African American and first woman superintendent of Denver Public Schools. She led the entire school district.
• Ruth Denny (1920-2012): Ruth Denny was an educator and a civil rights activist. She fought for fairness and equality.
• Jessie Whaley Maxwell (1909-2002): Jessie Maxwell was the first African American principal in Colorado and Denver. She led schools and supported students.
• Rachel B. Noel (1918-2008): Rachel Noel was an assistant professor of sociology. She was also a strong advocate for desegregation in schools.
• Pauline Short Robinson (1915-1997): Pauline Robinson was a librarian and a civic leader. She helped make knowledge available to everyone.
• Paul Wilbert Stewart (1925-2015): Paul Stewart was a museum curator. He worked to preserve and share the history of African Americans in the West.

Arts, Sports, and More

• Jerome C. Biffle (1928-2002): Jerome Biffle was an athlete and a high school counselor. He was known for his achievements in sports.
• Charles Burrell (1920-): Charles Burrell is a talented musician. He has made important contributions to music.
• Eugene Gash (1921-1995): Eugene Gash was a concert pianist. He shared his musical gifts with many audiences.
• George Morrison, Sr. (1891-1974): George Morrison, Sr. was a musician and composer. He created beautiful music.
• Cleo Parker Robinson (1948-): Cleo Parker Robinson is an artistic director and ambassador. She is famous for her dance company.

Images for kids

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  Jim Beckwourth, a scout and trapper.

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  Jerome C. Biffle, an athlete.

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  Clara Brown, a philanthropist.

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  George L. Brown, Lieutenant Governor of Colorado.

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  Charles Burrell, a musician.

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  Elvin R. Caldwell, Denver city councilman.

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  Barney Ford, a businessman.

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  Justina Ford, Colorado's first African American woman physician.

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  Oliver Toussaint Jackson, a pioneer.

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  Edward J. Sanderlin, a businessman.

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  Wellington E. Webb, Mayor of Denver.

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  Wilma Webb, Colorado State Representative, with her husband Wellington Webb.