RTD commemorates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr .
Diversity Spotlight celebrates the diversity of RTD employees and the larger community that RTD serves, and it fosters an appreciation of our social and cultural similarities and differences. Diversity Spotlight supports RTD’s values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration and ownership.
On Monday, our nation commemorates the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent figure of the American civil rights movement, who was assassinated in 1968 due to his civil rights activism and ideals for racial equality. One of his first acts of leadership was his involvement with the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott from Dec. 5, 1955, to Dec. 20, 1956. The protest was a major cultural movement that brought significant attention to the issues of race and segregation. As a result of King’s leadership, the actions of Rosa Parks, the four women plaintiffs in the Browder v. Gayle case and the approximately 40,000 Black bus riders who participated in the boycott, the state of Alabama legally ended racial segregation on public transportation on Nov. 13, 1956. It is important to note that even though integration was legal, it was met with violence and death threats. This was the first of many nonviolent resistance actions King led in the pursuit of equality and equity for all. King visited the University of Denver in 1967, showing that these events are not far away in other states, but right in our backyards.
Although legislation for a federal holiday was introduced in Congress as early as 1968, there was sufficient opposition on racial and political grounds to block its passage. In 1983, legislation established Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday, and it was first observed nationwide in 1986. RTD commemorates King’s legacy, celebrating the momentous strides our society has made toward equity and simultaneously acknowledging that there is still a long road ahead. RTD embraces the values of diversity, respect and collaboration while providing community value and customer excellence to all people, regardless of race, gender, national origin or any other protected status as defined by law.
Diversity Spotlight recognizes special observances as set forth by presidential proclamation, executive order and public law, and in keeping with RTD’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
RTD will be participating in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marade on Jan. 15. from City Park to Civic Center Park. Customers should expect minor detours during the Marade, for information click here.