Colorful Coloradans Biographies
Bill Hosokawa (1915 - 2007)
Author, Denver Post editor, and diplomat who worked to promote the rights of Japanese Americans and improve U.S./Japan relations after World War II.
Dr. Carl J. Johnson (1929-1988)
Dr. Carl Johnson was a Jefferson County health official who fought to expose the health impacts on citizens caused by radiation coming from the Rocky Flats plant.
John R. Lawson (1871-1945)
John Lawson was a union organizer during the Colorado Coal Field War.
Judge Benjamin Barr Lindsey (1869-1943)
Judge Benjamin Barr Lindsey was known as the father of juvenile law. He established the first juvenile court in Denver, Colorado, and was known for his advocacy for juvenile rights, women’s rights and workers’ rights.
Chief Little Raven (c.1810 - 1889)
Born around 1810 on the Great Plains, Little Raven was Hinono'ei (Arapaho) and a principal Southern Arapaho chief who was known for his commitment to maintaining peace.
Henry Lowenstein (1925 - 2014)
The "Father of Denver Theater," Henry Lowenstein survived the Holocaust to become one of Denver's most famous stage producers.
Portia Lubchenco (1887 - 1978)
Portia Lubchenco was one of the first female chiefs of staff of any hospital in Colorado. "Doctor Portia" survived the Russian Revolution and helped modernize hospitals and medicine throughout Colorado.
Tadaatsu Matsudaira (1851 - 1888)
Tadaatsu Matsudaira was an early Colorado pioneer and engineer who worked in the mining industry in Colorado. He was likely the first Japanese immigrant to come to Colorado.
Burnis McCloud (1908 - 1990)
Photographer who created the largest visual record of Denver's African-American history, with photos of everything from daily events to visits by leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hattie McDaniel (1893 - 1952)
Hattie McDaniel was the child of former slaves who grew up to be the first African American to win an Academy Award.