The Hall of Fame honor is bestowed upon a Coloradan who has been the first African American to accomplish a professional goal in their field and/or who has actively supported the African American community while achieving his or her goal. The original series contained forty-one photographs and was created in 1973 as part of a cooperative venture for Black Awareness Month between the Denver Public Library and the Denver Public Schools. In 1985, as part of the Ford-Warren Branch Library’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, an additional four black Coloradoans were inducted into this Hall of Fame. Since then, every other year at least one is entered into the Hall of Fame Series.
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 2004.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.