Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame

Retired Fire Chief Roderick (Rod) Juniel is a native of Denver, and a 29-year veteran of the Denver Fire Department, where over the course of his career he earned and held the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief and Division Chief. On April 12, 2001, Juniel was appointed by Mayor Wellington Webb as Chief of the Denver Fire Department—the first African American to hold that position. He was inducted into the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame on Feb 1, 2020.

Dr. Jennie Mae Rucker earned her Doctorate in Library Sciences from the University of Denver. She served with Denver Public Schools, as a substitute teacher and founding faculty member at Community College of Denver, and as an outreach librarian at Denver Public Library, retiring from the library in 1997. She was a special inductee into the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame, awarded posthumously on Feb 2, 2019.

Denise Burgess is President and CEO of Burgess Services, LLC, a Denver-based construction management firm. She received a BA in journalism from the University of Northern Colorado, and managed a popular San Diego radio station. Returning to Colorado in 1994 she worked with father at Burgess Heating and Air Conditioning. After her father's passing in 2002, she transititioned the business into a national construction management firm, and became the first-ever African American to chair the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. She was inducted into Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame in February, 2018.

Born in 1920, Charles is often referred to as the “Jackie Robinson of classical music.” A bass player by trade, Burrell arrived in Denver in 1949 and broke the color barrier by being the first black person under contract with the Denver Symphony Orchestra. In 1959, he also became the first black performer to play in the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Opera. He retired in 1999.   He was a special inductee into the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame in early 2017.

Judge Karen M. Ashby was born in England into a military family.  Her father was a Tuskegee Air Force pilot who served in World War II and Korea.  Her family relocated to Denver, when her father was hired by United Airlines as a flight instructor.  As a graduate of University of Denver College of Law (1983), she joined Colorado State Public Defender’s Office in Denver until 1988.  Judge Ashby started her private law practice prior to serving as a judge.       In September 1998, Judge Ashby was appointed to the Denver Juvenile Court by Governor Roy Romer.  Nine months later in July 1999, Judge Ashby was appointed by Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey as the Presiding Judge of the Denver Juvenile Court.  In 2013, Governor John Hickenlooper appointed Judge Ashby to the Colorado Court of Appeals, the first African American woman to be appointed to this appellate court.

Ms. Denny, the granddaughter of a slave, was born in 1920 in St. Louis, Missouri. As an adult, Ms. Denny recalled vividly how hurt and angry she felt when she witnessed her mother being discriminated against by others.  With her husband and children, she relocated to Denver in 1952.   Ms. Denny was outraged by the Jim Crow practices she and her family were subjected to in Denver.  As a teacher in DPS, Ms. Denny taught at low income schools and provided all that she could for her students.  These experiences served to propel her into leadership in the Civil Rights Movement in Denver.   Upon retirement from teaching, she continued to serve the community by working with various people and groups whose purpose was to better the Denver community.  She also was a co-founder of “Rebels Remembered,” a film project with the vision that the civil rights movement in Colorado should be chronicled for the children of Colorado. Inducted  2014.

Ms. Wedgeworth’s professional experience in the private/public sector spans 26 years.  She was elected the City Council Member for District 8 and in 2003 was unanimously elected as the City Council President.  Ms. Wedgeworth served as the President/Chair of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee for the historic Democratic National Convention (DNC).  Her leadership was crucial and key to Denver being chosen to host the 2008 DNC.  Ms. Wedgeworth is a vibrant and enthusiastic leader and is the recipient of many honors and awards for her public services.  In April 2012, The Denver Posted named her one of Colorado’s Most Influential Women.  She was also named one of Denver’s 25 Most Powerful Women by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (2013) also receiving their ATHENA Award which honors Colorado women who best exemplify exceptional professional achievement, devotion to community service and assisting other women in the attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.  Ms. Wedgeworth has also served as the Chief Government and Community Relations Officer at Denver Health.  Inducted 2014.

Served as the Director of Multicultural Relations for MillerCoors, formerly known as Coors Brewing Company; developed relationships with local, regional, and national African American organizations and sponsored major events and scholarship programs.  Inducted  2012.

First African American appointed to serve the United States District Court for the District of Colorado by President Clinton; served as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado School of Law and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Inducted 2012.

Honorable Terrance D. Carroll  First African American Speaker of the House 2009-2010. Colorado House of Representatives State Representative 2003-2010.  Inducted  2010.

Lu Vason Founder and Director of the Bill Pickett Rodeo The rodeo shares the history lesson about Black Cowboys through fun for the entire family of how the "West Was Won." The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo has traveled to more than 38 cities across the United States. Inducted 2010.

Landri Taylor Vice President Community Affairs, Forest City Stapleton, Inc. Taylor is responsible for job training and small business development in addition to minority and women-owned business enterprise outreach at the former Stapleton International Airport. Denver Public Library Commissioner. He was the second African American to chair the Denver Democratic Party from 1997-1999. Inducted 2008.

James "Dr. Daddio" Walker Radio Station Owner Pioneer of Black Radio - "Soul to the Rockies." The first owner of an urban radio station, West of the Mississippi river - "Power 1510 KDKO". He gave true recognition to the black community for its accomplishments and made the community proud of its heritage. Inducted 2008.

Odell C. Barry  October 10, 1941  Politician and Businessman  Mayor, Northglenn Colorado 1980-1982; Northglenn City Councilman, Ward II 1971-1979; Denver Bronco.  Odell C. Barry's accomplishments throughout Northglenn and the State of Colorado are very well known.  He was the President of Barry & Associates, Inc. Real Estate Company and now is the Owner/President of Coldwell Banker Barry & Associates.  First Black elected mayor in a major city in Colorado and first Black elected Vice-Chair of the Colorado Delegation to the National Democratic Convention, 1980.  He was the first Black to become a charter member of the Rotary International and the first Black President of the Colorado Civil Defense Association.  Barry received Distinguished Service Awards from the Colorado Jaycees and the Northglenn Jaycees.  As a Denver Bronco he still holds the record for most kickoff returns (47) for one season (se tin 1964 and still unbroken).  American Football League and National Football League.  Inducted  2006.

Alphonse D. Robinson  Mus. Arts., B. 1910, East St. Louis, Illinois  Organist, choir director, pianist, composer.  Student of Marta Baloghy Teodonno, Hungarian born concert pianist.  Chronicled in Choral Music by Afro American Composers by Evely Davidson White, 1981, Scarecrow Press, Metuchen, New Jersey.  Composed work:  "Soliloquy to a Martyred hero".  Collaborators:  Betty Jean McConnell Brewster, Virgil V. Rosenberger.  World premiered in 1976, Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado.  Inducted  2004.

Arie Parks Taylor    March 27, 1927-September 27, 2003  Politician and Businesswoman, State Representative, Colorado House of Representatives  "The "Fierce Black Woman from Colorado."  Arie Parks Taylor's accomplishments are numerous and well known throughout Denver City and County and Colorado.  She was the first African American woman to become Chief Clerk of the Denver Election Commission.  In 1972 she was the first African American woman elected to the Colorado House of Representatives and chaired the State Veterans Affairs Committee.  She served for six terms.  Numerous bills that she sponsored were enacted into law, treatment centers for Sickle Cell Anemia and Hemophilia; Colorado income tax deduction for the Displaced Homemaker Program and the tax contribution to domestic abuse.  She amended the Civil Rights Act to include women being able to obtain credit in their own name.  Arie founded and owned the Arie Parks Taylor and Associates (APTA), an accounting and management company.  The Arie P. Taylor Administration Building, located in Montbello, Colorado is named for her honor.  Inducted 2004.

Syl Morgan-Smith  Communicator and Community Leader  Mrs. Syl Morgan-Smith was one of the first African American television news anchorwomen in Colorado. She was a weather forecaster, sportscaster, television talk show host, newspaper editor, and popular radio announcer and newscaster. In 31 years, she honored more than 450 individuals and organizations for excellence in Christian and community service, as the Founder and President of the Colorado Gospel Music Academy & Hall of Fame. She served on many boards of directors including Children's Hospital, First Interstate Bank, and Metro Denver Urban League. At New Hope Baptist Church she serves as an ordained deacon and member of the Majestic Praise Choir. Inducted 2002.

Victoria "Vikki" Denise Buckley 1949-1999  Colorado Secretary of State  First African-American female and Republican elected to a Colorado statewide constitutional office (November, '94).  Mrs. Buckley was the highest ranking female African-American Republican to secure elective state office in the United States (July, '99).  In 1998, "Madam Secretary" was elected to a second term as the Colorado Secretary of State and in June of 1999 became the first female ever to swear in a Cadet at the US Air Force Academy.  Inducted  2000.

Keith "KC" Matthews 1962  Engineer, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)  Co-founder of Denver Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).  Past National Alumni Chairperson of National Society of Black Engineers the premier international minority engineering organization.  The organization is dedicated to increasing the number of Black engineers who succeed professionally and positively impact the community.  Member Denver Educational Excellent Program (DEEP) for the Denver Public Schools. "KC" has paved the way for other African-American hires at work and has influenced the Colorado Department of Transportation to implement programming and commit resources to Denver's inner city middle and high schools.  Inducted 2000.

Jacqueline G. Peterson-Hall 1956  Real Estate Developer  The first African-American female in the State of Colorado to develop a 7 million dollar housing/mixed use project.  Mrs. Peterson-Hall is the CEO/President of Eldercare 2000 Inc. and founder of Clyburn Village.  She received the Colorado NAHRO (National Association for Housing and Redevelopment Officials) award for the Clyburn Village project.  Clyburn Village brought affordable housing for seniors and new economic development to the Whittier, Five Point's/Cole neighborhoods.  Inducted 2000.

Hiawatha Davis Jr.  Denver City Councilman  Hiawatha Davis Jr., a Denver native, grew up in the same Northeast Denver neighborhood he now represents as District 8 City Councilmember.  Since elected in 1983, he has served four terms.  During this time Hiawatha has initiated economic development, job training and neighborhood improvement projects.  He led the fight for a police review board, introduced the city's first public nuisance ordinance, and promoted historic preservation.  the helped establish MADD DADS, Metropolitan Denver Black Untied fund, and Linkages for Older Adults.  He is a dedicated servant for the people and lives the words of Frederick Douglas, "If there is not a struggle there is no progress."  Inducted  1998.

Jessie Whaley Maxwell  Educator  Mrs. Maxwell was the first African-American principal in the State of Colorado and in the Denver Public Schools.  She served as teacher and later principal at Whittier Elementary School circa  1979.  Mrs. Maxwell provided the shoulders on which thousands have stood to reach the stars of success locally and nationally.  She established a trust fund for college scholarships for youth in Colorado.  Inducted 1998.

Columbus "Chris" Veasey, Jr. Ph.D. Chairman, Denver County Democratic Party Elected Chairman, Denver County Democratic Party in 1991. He was the first African-American to be elected as Party Chairman in Denver History. His aggressive get-out-the-vote campaign helped President Clinton win the electoral vote from Colorado, one of the few times a Democratic candidate had carried Colorado. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Kappa Housing, Inc. owners and operators of a 45 unit senior citizens housing complex. He was a board member and treasurer of the Denver Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Foundation which awarded over $350,000 in scholarships to Denver-area African-American youth. As Director of Finance, Chris Veasey,Jr,. was the first African-American hired at the Director level at the Denver Public Library. Inducted 1998.

Ms. Wedgeworth’s professional experience in the private/public sector spans 26 years.  She was elected the City Council Member for District 8 and in 2003 was unanimously elected as the City Council President.  Ms. Wedgeworth served as the President/Chair of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee for the historic Democratic National Convention (DNC).  Her leadership was crucial and key to Denver being chosen to host the 2008 DNC.  Ms. Wedgeworth is a vibrant and enthusiastic leader and is the recipient of many honors and awards for her public services.  In April 2012, The Denver Posted named her one of Colorado’s Most Influential Women.  She was also named one of Denver’s 25 Most Powerful Women by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (2013) also receiving their ATHENA Award which honors Colorado women who best exemplify exceptional professional achievement, devotion to community service and assisting other women in the attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.  Ms. Wedgeworth has also served as the Chief Government and Community Relations Officer at Denver Health.  Inducted 1997.

Major Oleta Lawanda Crain  First African American Woman to enter the military from the State of Colorado (1942).  Entering as a private and retiring 20 years later as a Major.  Crain joined the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington D.C. as a contract expert.  In 1968 she transferred to Boston where she helped organize Region I, Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.  She served as Chief, Contracting Unit.  She worked with six New England States as Associate Regional Administrator, for Office of Administration and Management, and Office of Job Service.  Ms. Crain transferred to Denver, Colorado to become Regional Administrator for the Department of Labor's Women's Bureau on June 1, 1984.  Inducted  1996.

Claudia J. Jordan  First African American County Court Judge in the State of Colorado  Jordan was the first African American hired as a Research Assistant for the Legislative Council in Colorado.  In 1980 she received her law degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado.  Jordan was a law clerk for Judge Morris Cole (1981-1982).  From 1982-1987, she was a trial attorney for the Colorado State Public Defenders Office.  Mayor Wellington E. Webb appointed her Denver County Court Judge in 1994.  Inducted 1996.

Cleo Parker Robinson 1948-  Artistic Director of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble  Cleo Parker Robinson is the Artistic Director of the only multi-cultural dance arts organization of its kind in this region.  The organization has received the Denver Partnership Award of Honor, the El Pomar Foundation Award of Excellence in the Arts and Humanities.  The Project Self-Discovery program provides the arts as an alternative to at-risk youth.  The Denver Post Centennial Commission selected her as one of the Colorado 100-people who have made a lasting impact on our state.  Cleo also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Denver in 1991, represented Colorado in the 1984 United States Olympic Arts Festival (Los Angeles, CA) and represented Black Dance at Festac in 1977 (Nigeria).  Inducted  1994.

Gregory Kellam Scott  1st Black Colorado Supreme Court Judge  The first Black member in the 116 year history of the Colorado Supreme Court.  He was sworn in on January 15, 1993, (the birthday of the late great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) Governor Roy Romer stated".....He (Scott) is a person who is devoted to his family, devoted to the community, and devoted to the law."  Presided over the Aurora Teen Court (where young people aged 13 to 18 who commit first time misdemeanor offenses have a "trial" before their peers with an adult judge presiding).  Justice Scott is currently working with several area churches to provide an introduction to the State Judicial System for church youth.  Inducted  1994.

First African American to be elected to the Aurora, Colorado City Council. (At-Large, 1991), and served for three terms.  Edna Wilson Mosley has demonstrated her commitment to the advancement of human rights and social justice through exemplary personal and professional achievements.  Her broad spectrum of interest and involvement include Colorado, national and international issues.  Mrs. Mosley's belief that we build strong institutions by beginning at home with the family is demonstrated by personal commitment to family.  She worked at the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, and was director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with the University of Denver. Edna Mosley is a founder of the Women's Bank, N.A. and also serves on the Board of Directors of the Women's Bank. Inducted 1992.

Evie G. Dennis  Superintendent of Denver Public Schools  As of September 1990, Dr. Dennis will be the first woman and the first minority to hold the superintendent's post in the Denver Public Schools.  Presently, she serves as the district's deputy superintendent.  Dr. Dennis has also distinguished herself by becoming the first woman elected vice president of the United States Olympic Committee.  She has been a trailblazer throughout her career both as a volunteer as well as in her employment.  Inducted  1990.

Honorable Raymond Dean Jones  Colorado Appellate Judge  The Honorable Raymond Dean Jones was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado.  He attended Harvard Law School.  After a distinguished career as a trial attorney, County Judge and District Judge, he became Colorado's first Black Appellate Judge in January 1988.  Inducted  1990.

Juanita Ross Gray 1916-1987  Civic Leader  Former Denver Public Library employee from 1971-1977.  she established a comprehensive outreach program promoting the library.  Her community and civic involvement in Denver spans nearly forty years from 1945-1984.  She was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Nell I. Scott Memorial Award.  Governor appointments included Colorado State Junior College Committee, Colorado Centennial Bi-Centennial Commission and the National Endowment for the Humanities State Review Board.  She served on Denver area committee on Alcoholism, the Denver Commission on Community Relations and the National Committee on School Drop-Outs.  Inducted 1988.

Wellington E. Webb Mayor, City of Denver Wellington Edward Webb, Thirty-seventh Mayor of Denver. From 1987 until 1991, he was Denver City Auditor. Elected to Colorado House of Representatives in 1972 and reelected in 1974 and 1976. He was named, in 1977, Regional Director, Department of Health, Education and Welfare by President Jimmy Carter. In 1981, Governor Richard Lamm named him Executive Director, Department of Regulatory Agencies. Inducted 1988.

Wendell T. Liggins  Minister  Pastor of Zion Baptist Church since October 1941.  Served as Chaplain for both the House of Representative and Senate for the state of Colorado.  First Black appointed to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and was appointed by former Governor John Love to aid in integrating Vietnam War veterans into employment.  Former Denver Public Library Commission Member.  Inducted 1985.

Daddy Bruce Randolph  Businessman, Philanthropist  On Thanksgiving Day, in the mid 1960's he invited over 400 needy persons to his restaurant and fed them - free of charge.  Since that time he has fed thousands of people annually, not only on Thanksgiving but on Christmas and Easter.  He has received hundreds of awards and several honorary degrees for his humanitarian efforts from people all across the United States.  Inducted  1985.

James David Ward Educator In 1965 he became principal of Manual High School, making him the first Black male high school principal in Colorado. He stayed at Manual High School until 1977 and was responsible for the successful desegregation of Manual High School - the first school in the United States to desegregate in reverse order - by Whites being bussed into a Black school area. Inducted 1985.

Wilma J. Webb  First Lady of Denver - Colorado State Representative  First Lady of Denver since 1991.  Colorado State Representative since 1980.  First minority woman member of the state's powerful Joint Budget Committee, she has ensured that vital programs in the areas of Health, Mental Health, Social Services and Education, receive adequate funding.  Representative Webb is the prime sponsor responsible for the enactment of law to commemorate the birthday of the late great humanitarian, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Inducted  1985.

Walker Andersen came to Denver in 1880 to learn the brick laying trade. After arriving he helped construct the old Denver Court House, State Capitol, Daniels and Fisher building, Mining Exchange, Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs, and the Opera House at Central City. A pioneer miner who owned claims at Silver Plume and mined at Black Hawk and Central City, Andersen became an original inductee in 1973.

James A. Atkins worked as a teacher at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State Normal College (now Tennessee State University) before coming to Denver in 1927. He assisted Dr. Ambrose Calves in Federal Emergency Relief activities for Negroes during the depression; national conferee in formulating the Charter of Negro Education which recommended the abolishment twenty years before the 1954 decision; was author of two books:  Human Relations in Colorado and The Age of Jim Crow; author of numerous papers and articles for The Denver Post; journalist for two magazines. Inducted 1973.

Ulysses H. Baker 1869-1933  Became a policeman in 1898; first motorcycle patrolman in the City and County of Denver; created the first auto-theft department in the West.  Was promoted to the rank of City Detective; held this position until retirement in 1931.  Was Mason, churchman and philanthropist.  Inducted  1973.

Jim Beckwourth, ca1798-ca. 1866. Named chief of the Crow Indians.  Beckwourth's Pass and Beckwourth's Valley in the High Sierras of Nevada are named in his honor.  Inducted  1973.

Named outstanding broad jumper in the United States in 1950, Jerome C. Biffle, nNative Denverite, was also named to the All American A.A.U. track team in 1952. Among his many other accomplishments Biffle was the first Coloradan to win an Olympic Gold Medal (Men's Long Jump: Helsinki, Finland, 1952), became the first black inducted into the Colorado Hall of Fame in 1968, and was a teacher, counselor and track coach at East High School, Denver.  Jerome Biffle was an original inductee into the Colorado Black Hall of Fame in 1973.

Jack Bradley  Musician  Native Denverite; charter member of Denver Civic Symphony, 1935; first black member of Denver Symphony 1940-1941 and 1946-1949; first black person serving as a regular member of any United States symphony orchestra; presently guest symphony conductor and head of the Music Department, Texas Southern University; music teacher, lecturer, civic leader, churchman.  Inducted  1973.

Aunt Clara Brown 1800-1882  Former Slave  Settled in Denver or Auraria Cherry Creek in 1859; set up the first laundry in the "new country" at Central City, Colorado, amassed a fortune, bought mining claims, and used her money to help bring other ex-slaves to the West.  Used her home as a hospital, hotel, or refuge as needed.  Central City honored her memory by dedicating a chair in its famous opera house.  Inducted  1973.

George L. Brown, Jr.  Lieutenant - Governor of Colorado  World War II pilot; staff writer and night city editor, Denver Post, 1950-1964; first black senator in the Colorado Legislature, 1956-1974; director of Denver Urban Coalition, 1969-1974; represented the United States Department of State as guest lecturer on communications for five European and fourteen African nations in 1962; assistant director of the Denver Housing Authority, 1965; one of the first King Fellows in Journalism at University of Colorado, 1959; recipient of many local and national awards in journalism and human relations.  Inaugurated Lieutenant-Governor of Colorado January 13, 1975.  Inducted  1973.

Byron Caldwell  Civic Worker  Native Denverite; supervisor of Job Corps, Pleasanton, California, 1965; director of Peace Corps, Nigeria, Africa, 1966-1972; director of the International Division of One World, 1972; presently national director of the Urban Farm and Garden Program.  Inducted  1973.

Elvin R. Caldwell   Denver City Councilman  Native Denverite; served three terms in the Colorado Legislature, 1950-1955; first black person elected to Denver City Council, 1955 to present; served three of five City Council terms as president.  Founder of Equity Savings and Loan Association, the only all-black financial institution in Colorado; co-founder, with Rev. M. C. Williams, of International Opportunity Life Insurance Company.  Assisted in planning and completion of the new Five Points Community Center; recipient of numerous awards and citations for services to humanities.  Inducted  1973.

Thomas Campbell, L.L.D. 1869-1957  Attorney  Graduated from Howard University School of Law, Washington, D.C., in 1893; first black man to practice law in the Indian Territory, Oklahoma, 1893.  Served as major in the Spanish American War, personally recruiting and organizing a company in the 7th Army; led this company in Cuba and the Philippine Islands.  Came to Denver in 1904; founder and editor of a Negro journal, The Denver Independent; alternate-at-large to the National Republican Convention at Chicago, 1908; served as president of the National Bar Association; admitted to the Colorado Bar, 1921; organized the first colored Citizen's Association, 1919, which became the Denver Urban League in 1946.  Inducted  1973.

Alta Cousins worked as a community activist and was respected by all who knew her. She and her husband were married sixty years.  Ms. Cousins became one of the original inductees in 1973.    Her husband Charles Lilburn Cousins served as a Pullman porter on Western railroads for 35 years. He also worked as realtor, builder, and counselor to many young African American businessmen, in addition to being a philanthropist. Like his wife Alta, Charles Cousins was one of the original inductees in 1973.

Lula Craig came to Colorado from Kansas in a covered wagon. She was an early teacher in southern Colorado, a writer of western history, a homesteader, and a civic leader.  Mrs. Craig died at age 105, becoming one of the original inductees in 1973.

Gilbert Cruter  School Administrator  First male black teacher in Denver Public Schools; U.S. Department of State, Goodwill Ambassador to West Africa, 1955; U.S. Cultural Affairs Officer to Eastern Nigeria, 1961-1963; Congressional Liaison Officer for the Agency of International Development; Executive Director, School-Community Relations, Denver Public Schools.  Inducted  1973.

Elva Jones Dulan, R.N.  Counselor for Black Students, Loretto Heights College  One of the first 18 black nurses serving in Baltimore City Hospitals; one of the first 24 black nurses to enter the Army Nurses Corps, 1941; transferred to Fitzsimons General Hospital, 1942.  First black employed by Denver Visiting Nurses Association; appointed instructor, University of Denver, 1959; first black nurse on staff, Tri-County Health Department, 1959-1963; assistant director of Public Health Nursing, University of Colorado; appointed by Governor John A. Love to the Colorado State Board of Nursing in 1971; secretary treasurer of the Colorado State Board of Nursing.  Inducted  1973.

Honorable James C. Flanigan  Colorado's First Black Judge  Appointed as Denver deputy district attorney, 1949; municipal court judge, 1957; district court judge, 1965; faculty member of National College of State Judiciary, 1974; presiding judge, Criminal Division, District Court, 1975; active in Y.M.C.A. and Boy's Clubs.  Inducted  1973.

Barney Ford 1822-1902  Businessman  Came to Denver in 1860; gold miner in Breckenridge, Colorado; owner of the former Inter-Ocean Hotel at 16th and Black Streets; a civil rights leader of the 19th century; established Denver's first Adult Education Classes.  Inducted  1973.

Justina L. Ford, M.D. 1871-1952  Colorado's First Black Woman Physician  Came to Denver in 1902; medical practice was widespread among Spanish, foreign-born and black people; spoke eleven languages.  Was the attending physician at the delivery of more than 7,000 babies; brought free medical services to migrant camps near Denver; staff member of Denver General Hospital; member of the Colorado Medical Society and the American Medical Society.  In summer of 1975, the Denver Public Library will honor the memory of Dr. Ford by dedicating the new Ford-Warren Library in east Denver.  Inducted 1973.

Eugene Gash  Concert Pianist  First Native-born black Coloradan to perform at Carnegie Hall; Fulbright Scholar; Carnegie Scholar; former member of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra; professor of music, University of California at Berkeley; lecturer, teacher and international pianist.  Inducted  1973.

James C. Gaskin  Director, Veterans Administration Hospital, Denver  Former assistant manager, Veterans Administration Hospital, Tuskegee, Alabama; special assistant to the manager, Veterans Administration Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; assistant manager, Veterans Administration Hospital, Newington, Connecticut; assistant director and, since 1971, director of Veterans Administration Hospital, Denver.  A native of Cheyenne, Wyoming.  Inducted  1973.

Bernard F. Gipson, M.D.  Physician  Studied at Howard University; first chief of surgery, Lowry Air Force Base, 1954-1956; first black doctor in the West to become a member of the American College of Surgeons; presently a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery.  Has been on staff at Mercy Hospital sixteen years, where he has served as chairman of the Department of Surgery; is on the board of directors of the Colorado Division of the American Cancer Society; is a deacon of New Hope Baptist Church; chairman of the Emancipation Proclamation Scholarship Fund; and a member of the Board of Mountain States Video Cable T.V. Company in Denver.  He was appointed clinical associate professor of surgery, University of Colorado, in 1975.  Inducted 1973.

Clarence F. Holmes, D.D.S.  Dentist  Native Denverite; co-founder of the Colorado N.A.A.C.P. in 1914; founder of the Inter-racial Cosmopolitan Club for Human Relations, Denver; served on Denver's first Commission on Community Relations with its founder, Mayor Quigg Newton; recipient of many awards for meritorious service to mankind, including the National Conference of Christians and Jews Award, and the Omega Psi Phi National Man of the Year Award at Phoenix, Arizona, both in 1974.  Inducted 1973.

Oliver T. Jackson 1862-1946  Pioneer  Inspired by Booker T. Washington's Up From Slavery, Jackson established the community of Dearfield in Weld County, Colorado.  It was his hope this would be a place in which black people could become capable farmers -- independent and self-supporting. Inducted 1973.

Ledyard C. Jones  Bookkeeper and Auditor  Native Coloradan; first black to be appointed to United States Treasury Department in Colorado, 1934; retired in 1961; received the Albert Gallatin Award from the U.S. Treasury upon retirement.  Served a four-year term as commissioner of the Housing Authority of Denver County; thirty-third degree Mason; Most Worshipful Master, Rocky Mountain Lodge No. 1, Past Potentate, Shriners.  Inducted 1973.

Oglesvie L. Lawson (Sonny) 1893-1969  Pharmacist  Co-owner of Radio Drug Store for fifty years; political leader and counselor; thirty-third degree Mason; an original member of Denver Career Service, 1955; first black to serve on Denver Public Library Commission, 1948-1959.  Lawson Park at E. 23rd and Welton Streets was named in his honor in 1972.  Inducted 1973.

Earl Mann 1886-1969  Legislator  Came to Fitzsimons General Hospital as a wounded officer; elected for five terms to Colorado House of Representatives (1944-1953); actively participated in the passage of the Fair Employment Practices Act and the defeat of a bill forbidding Japanese people to own land in Colorado; editorial writer for the Colorado Statesman and The Denver Post.  Inducted 1973.

Became Colorado's first African-American licensed dentist in 1907, practicing for more than 40 years to provide dental care to patients from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.

Irene McWilliams  Musician, Teacher and Churchwoman  W.P.A. music teacher, 1933-1939; director of Denver U.S.O., WWII: taught at Littlejohn School of Music (a federal project to rehabilitate wounded soldiers through music); conducted choirs for Denver Post summer operas at Cheeseman Park and International Fold Festivals; church choir director and civic worker.  Inducted 1973.

George Morrison, Sr.  Musician  Violinist, orchestra leader, music teacher, churchman and philanthropist; served on Mayor's Committee on Music, 1947-1960; furnished music on the famous Denver Post Special Train to Cheyenne, Wyoming Frontier Days Rodeo; received the 50-year pin from Mile-Hi Chapter of American Red Cross, 1969; composer and arranger of jazz, spirituals and classics; thirty-second degree Mason.  Inducted 1973.

Lt. Col. John W. Mosley, Jr.  Administrator  Native Denverite; World War II flyer; air scientist; one of the draftsmen of the integration orders of the Air Force for President Harry S. Truman; special assistant to James Farmer, assistant Secretary of Administration, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 8th Region.  Social worker, teacher, lecturer, and civic leader.  Inducted 1973.

Rachel B. Noel  Assistant Professor of Sociology, Metropolitan State College  Member of the national board of directors, Girl Scouts of America; National Teachers Examination Board; vice-president, Denver Area Council of Churches; member of Board of Directors, LARASA, Y.M.C.A. Board; Denver Art Museum Board, International House Board.  Author of the Noel Resolution, which started the present integration of schools, while a member of the Denver Board of Education, 1965-1971.  Senior consultant for the Denver Commission on Community Relations; chairman of the department of Afro-American Studies at Metropolitan State College.  Inducted  1973.

Sebastian Cabot Owens  Director, Colorado Urban League  Minority groups field representative, 1941-1948; Urban League of Colorado, 1948-1975; executive director, Urban League of Colorado, 1952.  Guest lecturer at University of Denver and University of Colorado; teacher and churchman.  Inducted  1973.

The Reverend Harry E. Rahming   Episcopal Priest and Theologian   Great-great-grandson of Squanto, son of Massasoit, the 17th century American Indian.  Rector of Holy Redeemer Episcopal Church, Denver, 1920-1966; received the first Master of Theology degree from Iliff School of theology, 1922; examining chaplain of Episcopal Priests in the Colorado Diocese, 1922-1953; retired after 46 consecutive years in one parish.  Third senior black priest in America and second senior priest in Colorado.  Since 1970, priest associate at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church in Denver.  Inducted  1973.

Pauline Robinson  Librarian  N.A.A.C.P. freedom activist in her college years; responsible for the integration of Lakeside Amusement Park; coordinator of Children's Services, Denver Public Library; 1964, recipient of the Nell I Scott Memorial Award for outstanding Library service; college instructor, guest lecturer.  Listed in Who's Who in American Women, Who's Who in the West, and Who's Who in Library Services.  Inducted  1973.

Edward J. Sanderlin 1824-1891 Businessman Arrived in Colorado during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1859. After striking it rich in the mines, he expanded his fortune with skillful property and ranching investments. Mr. Sanderlin was a close friend as well as a business associate of Barney Ford. Inducted 1973.

Paul Wilbert Stewart Museum Curator Denver resident; one of the few black museum curators in the nation. Paul was one of the first to present an exhibit depicting the contributions of black pioneers in the early settlement of the state of Colorado. He is curator director for the Black American West Foundation Museum. Paul has lectured in many universities, colleges and schools in Colorado, and received many inquiries about early black settlers from all over the nation. Inducted 1973.

William L. Turner 1894-1971  Realtor  Nineteenth century Civil Service employee, Washington, D.C.; first realtor to break the color barrier in Denver housing; N.A.A.C.P. leader in Colorado; major contributor to Negro colleges in the Midwest.  Inducted  1973.

Peggy Underwood Secretary Personal and confidential secretary to four Colorado governors: Edwin G. Johnson, 1955-1957; Stephen L. H. McNichols, 1957-1962; John A. Love, 1963-1973 and John H. Vanderhoof, 1973-1975. Inducted 1973.

Joseph H. P. Westbrooke, M.D. Physician Came to Denver in 1907 to practice medicine; infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan as a member in order to apprise blacks of the Klan's plans; active civic leader; responsible for naming Dearfield, Colorado. Inducted 1973.

Cecilia Kay White  Musician  Age 13, student at Morey Junior High School; harp student since 1967; member of the Cecilian Chapter of the American Harp Society; performed with the Colorado Philharmonic Orchestra for Head Start; sang as soloist with Classic Chorale; gospel singer with Youth Unlimited; dancer with Ajose African Dancers; head cheerleader at Morey Junior High School; majorette in the 1973 Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C.  Inducted  1973.

The Reverend Murphy C. Williams  Pastor  Preached in Europe in Goodwill Tour of World Council of Churches, 1953; Co-Founder of International Opportunity Life Insurance Company in 1957; first Black appointed as Chaplain for the Colorado House of Representatives 1957-1965.  First Black in the United States to serve as Chaplain on a regular basis; cited three times by legislature, which published a collection of his prayers.  Recipient of Beth Joseph Men's Club Human Relation Award, guest preacher at U.S. Air Force Academy; guest preacher for Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellow (doctoral candidates) at Colgate Rochester Seminary.  Inducted 1973.