Denver’s MLK Business Award Winner Champion Voting and Black Cowboy Culture

She has been called an integral part of the Denver tapestry. And on Friday, she received the Trailblazer Award at the Martin Luther King Jr. Business Awards.

Peggy Wortham has spent decades working to promote civil rights and recognize the important role of black people in the prosperity of the Western world.

“I’m from a place called Danville, Virginia, south of Washington, D.C. I’m older now, but I graduated high school in 1963,” Wortham said.

After graduating, Peggy Wortham persuaded her mother to let her live with her godmother in Washington, D.C. And a few months later, she participated in her 1963 March on Washington and witnessed history.

She said, “It was such an honor just to be there and meet you all and hear the speeches, and I felt so much energy.” I was impressed by the fact that they were talking about better terms.” everyone. ”

A military spouse, Wortham and her young family eventually moved to Denver, where she encountered housing discrimination.

Her family had to recruit white helpers, something as simple as renting a house in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood.

“So, when we went, they said no. But when we sent white people, they said yes. So we worked with the NAACP, the Urban League, housing, and all the other various “We worked with a number of organizations to try and stop this from happening in Park Hill,” Wertham said.

Wortham’s career included working on Mayor Wellington Webb’s staff and working on campaigns for black leaders across the country. She hopes her fellow Americans never underestimate the power of their vote.

“Young people are asking, what is this all about? And we’re saying, once again, go out and vote, you have a voice, but if you’re at home. “Don’t vote, complain. You’re part of the problem rather than the solution,” she said.

Wortham, who is also a champion in the MLK Junior African American Heritage Rodeo, is passionate about educating children in Denver and people across the country about the important role of Black people in Western history.

“Being from Virginia, we never had cowboys or cowgirls, so I was in awe when I saw real cowboys and cowgirls,” Wortham said.

Mr. Wortham, 78, says there is still much work to be done to realize Dr. King’s dream. And she’s ready to put up a good fight here.

“In 1963, I never thought I would be here receiving the MLK Award in 2024, but it’s a joy and a blessing,” Wortham said.

Denver hosts the nation’s largest MLK event, with a parade on Monday morning. You can watch live streaming coverage starting at 9:30 a.m. on CBS News Colorado.