Celebration of Courage Events Honor Little Rock Nine During Black History Month

CELEBRATION OF COURAGE EVENTS HONOR
LITTLE ROCK NINE DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

(DENVER) —- The Iliff School of Theology and a number of community co-sponsors will honor the Little Rock Nine, civil rights pioneers, with “A Celebration of Courage,” a series of events during Black History Month.

“Fifty years ago, America was changed forever by the voices and determination of nine young, courageous high school students. In 1957-58, America was a nation of inequalities, a country without a Civil Rights Act – a segregated land where skin color determined not only where you sat on the bus, but where you lived, the type of job you were allowed to hold, and the social circles you could move in,” said Dr. David Trickett, president. “As part of the nation’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas – a landmark event for the civil rights movement – we are delighted to host the nine individuals who helped to make it possible for every child in America to enjoy the right to a public education. Denver is fortunate to have this opportunity to host these pioneers and to hear stories of their journey together.”

The historic gathering of the Little Rock Nine – Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Melba Pattillo Beals, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Terrance Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, Minnijean Brown Trickey, and Thelma Mothershed Wair – features a number of events, including:

“Heroes and Sheroes: The Story of the Little Rock Nine” Exhibit
Feb. 1-29, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday
Wells Fargo Bank – Lobby
1740 Broadway, Denver
Description: Photos and hands-on items showcasing the civil rights legacy of the Little Rock Nine.
Cost/Information: Free, 303-765-3111

Little Rock Nine Interfaith Gathering
Feb. 24, 4 p.m.
Congregation Emanuel
51 Grape St., Denver
Description: An interfaith service with members of the Nine present, featuring commentaries from some of the Nine, a video, and choirs/singers from various groups. Co-sponsored by more than 15 religious organizations.
Cost/Information: Free, admission ticket required, 303-765-3111

Celebration of Courage Luncheon
Feb. 26, 11:30 a.m.
Adam’s Mark Hotel, 1550 Court Place, Denver
Description: Luncheon with all of the Nine present. Co-sponsored by more than 50 community partners.
Cost/Information: $125 per person, benefiting Iliff’s Justice and Peace Studies Program – Sold out, waiting list available, 303-765-3111

Celebration of Courage Film Festival
Feb. 26 and Feb. 27, 7 p.m.
Starz FilmCenter, 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver
Description: Two evenings of films and conversation with members of the Nine. “Journey to Little Rock: The Untold Story of Minnijean Brown” and the Oscar award-winning 1964 documentary “Nine From Little Rock” will be featured Feb. 26. “Nothing but a Man” will be shown Feb. 27.
Cost/Information: $5 per person, 303-595-3456 or www.denverfilm.org

“A Celebration of Courage” is being spearheaded by event co-chairpersons Barbara Baldwin, community leader, and Al Yates, former president, Colorado State University. Honorary co-chairpersons are Carlotta Walls LaNier, a member of the Little Rock Nine and former Iliff trustee, and Vincent Harding, long-time civil rights activist, professor emeritus at Iliff, and director of the Veterans of Hope Project.

Community co-sponsors working with Iliff to host the series of events include: Ball Corporation, Molson Coors Brewing Company, The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado, Chambers Family Fund, Post-News Community Programs of the Denver Post Newspaper Agency, CH2MHill, Comcast, KUSA, Merrill Lynch, the Bohemian Foundation, Great West Life and Annuity Insurance Company, Neusteter Colorado Co./Auer Family Fund, Barbara Bridges, Rutt Bridges Family Foundation, Rhondda and Peter Grant, Mary and George Sissel, Wells Fargo Bank, Susan Duncan, Pepsi, PricewatherhouseCoopers, Orbit Design, 1st Bank Holding, Barbara and Dennis Baldwin, Jared Polis, Caz Matthews, Mountain States Employer’s Council, the Piton Foundation, Judi and Joe Wagner, Xcel Energy, David and Susan Trickett, Alma Lantz, Adams Mark hotel, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, US Bank, Forest City Stapleton, Inc., Gay and Barry Curtiss-Lusher, Hal and Beverly Haddon, Barbara and Dave Sheldon, Holme Roberts and Owen, Kamlet Shepherd, Dovetail Solutions, Keyline Graphics, and Suzy and Cap Witzler.

For information, contact The Iliff School of Theology, 303-765-3109 or www.iliff.edu.
Additional information about the Little Rock Nine (including historic photos) is available through the National Park Service, Central High School National Historic Site http://www.nps.gov/chsc/.

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The Iliff School of Theology is a graduate theological school of the United Methodist Church, serving more than 38 different faith traditions. Founded in 1892, the seminary provides several degree programs, including a joint Ph.D. program with the University of Denver.