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Aurora Celebrates MLK Holiday

Dr. Barbara Shannon-Banister
Did you know? Aurora, Colorado hosts a week-long commemoration of the continuing legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beyond a single event or day of service, the city of Aurora -- one of the most diverse in Colorado -- hosts a full schedule of events focused on civil rights, justice and racial equity, thanks to the pioneering efforts and tireless commitment of Barbara Shannon-Banister, Ph.D., Chief of the Community Relations Division for the City of Aurora.

Dr. Shannon-Banister, a longtime Aurora resident, has served the City of Aurora for more than 30 years. In her capacity, she has created and maintained programs that foster an understanding of the rich and diverse communities that make up Aurora. She was a founding member of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Commission, formed in 1985. Since then, she has led teams responsible for planning and execution of the weeklong commemoration in Aurora.

Aurora's demographics rival that of larger metropolitan areas in the country, a true "minority-majority" city. Aurora is the third largest city in Colorado -- after Denver and Colorado Springs -- Yet, it is the most diverse. Some 46 percent of residents identify as white, while 18 percent identify as Hispanic or Latino. About 17 percent of Aurora residents are Black, while Asians and Pacific Islanders make up 6 percent of the population.

One in five residents is foreign-born, and most are from Mexico. Some133 languages are spoken in Aurora Public Schools. In addition, Aurora is home to refugees and asylees, due to robust services and programs offered by nonprofits such as the Asian Pacific Development Center and the Village Exchange Center.

This is why the work of the Community Relations Division is important. With the growing diversity of Aurora, communities can accomplish much by way of advocacy by learning about each other's shared struggles. Being aware of the history and legacy of how Black, brown and other marginalized communities have fought for civil rights, social justice, and equitable access to opportunities can serve as a blueprint about how we can continue to expand the tent and ensure equity for all.

Bringing everyone together to the table to work on finding solutions to common issues is the crux of the work of the Community Relations Division. Kudos and thanks to Dr. Shannon-Banister for her enduring vision and leadership.

On a personal note: I am grateful to Dr. Shannon-Banister for her wise and inclusive leadership in Aurora. About a year ago, as a relative newcomer to the area, I contacted Dr. Shannon-Banister to inquire about the Human Relations Commission. Despite her busy schedule, she took the time to meet with me to discuss the mission, vision and purpose of the Commission.

Here's a quick look at the slate of events planned for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration. Make sure you RSVP for events, as participation data helps the planning team continue to advocate for ongoing funding and other resources.

Download the program

MONDAY, JAN. 8
Opening Ceremony
10 a.m., Aurora Municipal Center, Lobby
15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Candlelight Vigil and Proclamation
6:30 p.m., Aurora Municipal Center, Great Lawn and City Council Chamber
15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Mayor Steve Hogan will read a proclamation, and Aurora Community of Faith will lead a candlelight vigil

TUESDAY, JAN. 9 Educational Forum: Resolving Conflict Without Violence
9 a.m., Aurora Municipal Center, City Council Chamber
15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Urban League Young Professionals President Charles Gilford III talks to Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District students about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his use of reason in communication over emotion

"Red Tails" Movie and Dialogue
6 p.m., Aurora Municipal Center, Aurora Room
15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Sponsored by Aurora Veterans' Affairs Commission
After a showing of the movie "Red Tails," Myron Wilson, the son of a Tuskegee Airman, will facilitate a discussion on the faces of humanity

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10
AuroraTV Forums
7 p.m., Comcast Channel 8 and AuroraTV.org
Four television forums about economic development in communities of color, civil rights in Aurora high schools, history of U.S. policing, and religious discrimination

THURSDAY, JAN. 11
Race Forum: Freedom Riders Film and Dialogue
6 p.m., Aurora Municipal Center, Aurora Room
15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Sponsored by Aurora Human Relations Commission and Aurora NAACP
Watch the story of the civil rights movement interstate busing protest campaign, followed by a group discussion

FRIDAY, JAN. 12
Aurora Community of Faith Breakfast
8 a.m., Aurora Municipal Center, Lobby
15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Annual event to celebrate the community and highlight unity, with keynote speaker Mary Jackson Meeks. Tickets are $15. Seating is limited.

SATURDAY, JAN. 13
Youth Forum: Youth, Activism and Education
10 a.m., Aurora Strong Resilience Center
1298 Peoria St.
Hosted by the NAACP Aurora Youth Council and Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism

MONDAY, JAN. 15
Motorcade and Wreath-laying
8 a.m., Aurora Municipal Center
Meet at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, to drive collectively, led by Aurora Police Department motorcycle team, to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., for a wreath-laying ceremony and refreshments, and continue to Denver City Park for the state Marade

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24
Community College of Aurora Award Ceremony and Luncheon
11:30, Community College of Aurora
Recognition of recipients of the Aurora Human Relations and Aurora NAACP Awards and the Community College of Aurora Spirit of King Award

For more information, contact the city of Aurora’s Community Relations Division at 303.739.7580 or bshannon@auroragov.org.

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