The Five Points and Whittier neighborhoods were once the heart and soul of the African American community in Denver. Everyone living in the area should understand the importance of these neighborhoods in the shaping of the city. Below are a few ways to learn about and celebrate the history of these neighborhoods this month.
Known as the “Harlem of the Westâ€, Welton Street corridor (Five Points) was home to more than 50 clubs and bars, and every business was Black-owned.
Many renowned jazz musicians such as Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie performed for large audiences at Welton Street clubs. The Rossonian, Denver’s most famous jazz club, and a few other landmarks from that time remain as reminders of our responsibility to value this neighborhood, and embrace its greatness.
To learn more about the culture, history, and civil rights victories of this community, visit The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, proudly positioned at 2401 Welton Street. A self guided walking tour is also available from the Welton Street Cultural District at history.denverlibrary.org/sites/history/files/WalkingTour.pdf
Situated within the Whittier neighborhood are several beautiful parks which bear the names of historically significant African Americans. All the parks are easy to access, in close proximity to one another, and are part of a great walking tour.
The open, inviting Madame C.J. Walker Park is named after the first female, self-made millionaire in the United States. Originally the park was named Thunderbolt Park in recognition of its proximity to Manual High School and use by those students.
George Morrison Sr. Park is another stop on this 1.2-mile loop. This linear, multi-block park is named after the world-class musician and first African American to have a recording contract with Columbia Records.
Also included in the tour, an intimate, shaded park named for renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass. While Douglass never visited Denver, his sons opened the first school for African American children in the city.
View this link denverparktrust.org/july-29-2021 from the Denver Parks Trust Newsletter (July 2021) for the walking tour of these and other fabulous Whittier neighborhood parks.
The countless contributions of African Americans to this city’s history and culture continue to inspire us. We honor those who made the Five Points and Whittier neighborhoods thriving, safe communities during a time of racial segregation.
Though Black History Month is a great time to highlight the heritage and history of the African American community, Black history is our history, and should be celebrated throughout the year. Denver’s neighborhoods are fortunate to be home to many institutions and public spaces that honor our ancestors. Take time to explore your community and know these places & spaces: The Black American West Museum, Stiles African American Heritage Center, Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, Ford-Warren Branch Library, Pauline Robinson Branch Library, and many area parks.
