Peggy Wortham, a 78-year-old activist dedicated to civil rights, was honored with the Trailblazer Award at the Martin Luther King Jr. Business Awards in Denver. Born in Virginia, Wortham’s journey into a lifetime of human rights activism began when she moved to Washington D.C. with her godmother after high school.
“I’m from a place called Danville, Virginia. It’s south of Washington, D.C. Age myself now but I graduated high school in 1963,” Wortham said in an interview with CBS News.
Upon moving to Denver, Wortham became a leader for the MLK Jr African American Heritage rodeo, where she educated young people on the important role of Black individuals in Western history.
“Coming from Virginia, we didn’t have any cowboys or cowgirls so I was in awe when I saw real cowboys and cowgirls,” Wortham said.
Upon her arrival in Denver with her family, Wortham encountered discrimination when trying to rent a home in the Park Hill neighborhood. With support from white allies, they were able to secure the home, prompting Wortham to get involved with various groups to combat such discrimination.
“So when we went they said no. But when we sent the white person they said yes. So we got involved with the NAACP, and the Urban League and housing and all the different groups to try to stop that from going on in Park Hill,” Wortham said.
Throughout her career, Wortham collaborated with former Denver mayor Wellington Webb and other Black leaders to advocate for social justice, with a particular focus on encouraging young people to vote.
“With the younger people, they’re questioning, what is it all about? And we’re trying to say, again you get out and vote, you got a voice, but if you stay home, don’t vote, complain. You’re just more a part of the problem than you are the solution,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Wortham pointed to the 1963 March on Washington as one of the key moments of her life, emphasizing the impact of Dr. King’s vision for equality and better conditions for all.
“It was quite an honor just to be there and see everybody and hear all the speeches and it was such great energy,” she said. “I was impressed with the fact that Dr. King was talking about equality for all, jobs and better conditions for everybody.”
Receiving the MLK Award in 2024, Wortham expressed her gratitude, reflecting on the transformational nature of her journey from 1963 to the present.
“I never thought in 1963, that I’d be here receiving the MLK Award in 2024. But it’s a pleasure and a blessing,” she said.
