The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission honored individuals who continue the work of the civil rights leader.
LaDawn Sullivan, Executive Director of the BRIC Fund, became the third generation in her family to be recognized by the commission, joining her mother, former Denver County Court Judge Dianne Briscoe, and civil rights leader Ruth Denny in receiving the Humanitarian Award.
Sullivan and Briscoe recently came together to remember Denny’s legacy.
Sullivan, honored at the 2024 Colorado Symphony MLK Tribute concert, reflected on her family’s legacy and her own work in philanthropy, including the creation of the Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) fund.
Sullivan’s dedication to philanthropy and her vision for the BRIC fund have resulted in more than $2.7 million being distributed to over 170 nonprofits, supporting initiatives that uplift the Black community.
Sullivan often draws inspiration from her grandmother, Ruth Denny’s, experiences and shares her commitment to giving back.
“The spirit of philanthropy has always been a part of our family and giving back and supporting others, not just with money but with how we’ve invested our time and our skill sets, our voice,” said Sullivan.
Ruth Denny’s impact on her family and community’s fight for justice continues to inspire Sullivan and her mother, Judge Briscoe, in their ongoing commitment to social change.
“She had my brother and I on the picket lines at the Denver Dry, King Soopers, Zone Cab. We were and making signs. We had meetings in our house. The Congress of Racial Equality meetings in our home,” Judge Briscoe said, reflecting on Denny’s dedication to activism.
The legacy of Ruth Denny continues to inspire Sullivan and her mother, Judge Briscoe, as they carry on the fight for justice and equality in their community.
If Ruth Denny were alive today, Briscoe says she would be disheartened by the hate and division in the world, but also encouraged by the many people working towards positive change.
The Importance of Honoring MLK Day
The celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality, justice, and human rights. The annual event is an opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy and to reflect on the progress made in the pursuit of equality for all.
The celebration of MLK Day is not just about remembering the past, but also about recognizing the work that still needs to be done. It serves as a call to action for individuals and communities to continue working towards a more just and equitable society.
Denver is notable for hosting one of the largest MLK Day events in the nation, with the Marade scheduled for Monday, January 15. This event brings together people from diverse backgrounds to honor Dr. King’s vision and legacy.
Through events and gatherings such as the Marade, communities have the opportunity to come together and reaffirm their commitment to equality and justice. It is a time to not only celebrate Dr. King’s accomplishments but also to recommit to the values he stood for and the causes he championed.
As the celebration of MLK Day continues, it is important for individuals to embrace the history of the civil rights movement and to recognize the ongoing struggle for equality. By reflecting on the past and acknowledging the work that still needs to be done, people can move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and determination towards creating a more equitable and just society.
The commemorations and events held in honor of MLK Day are a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made in the fight for civil rights and the work that still lies ahead. They serve as a call to action for individuals and communities to continue striving towards a more inclusive and just society.
It is an inspiring time that encourages people to see the possibilities and to work towards a future where everyone is treated equally, regardless of race, gender, or any other characteristic. The words of hope and encouragement from community members and activists serve to motivate and inspire individuals to continue the work of Dr. King and others who have fought for justice and equality.
In conclusion, MLK Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality. It is a time to reflect on the past, embrace the history of the civil rights movement, and recommit to the values of equality and justice. The celebrations and events held in honor of Dr. King are a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work that still needs to be done to create a more just and equitable society.
