60th Anniversary of Civil Rights Community Celebration 

This month, RTD marks the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The legislation was a crucial step forward in promoting equality and combating discrimination. RTD remains committed to celebrating and upholding this legacy of equality in transportation.

The "Gang of 19" refers to a group of 19 activists with disabilities who staged a 24-hour protest on July 5, 1978, at the intersection of Broadway and Colfax Avenue in downtown Denver. They blocked buses from moving when stopped at the bus stop to highlight the lack of accessibility in public transit nationwide, including Denver. Their actions catalyzed a national disability rights movement, culminating in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

To honor the events of 1978, particularly acknowledging Reverend Wade Blank's pivotal role in supporting and organizing the protest, a plaque was initially installed at Civic Center Station in 1995. However, it was temporarily removed during the renovation of the Civic Center Bus Station in 2016. Following the station's completion in 2017, the plaque was refurbished and reinstalled in early 2023.

RTD invites community members to join an upcoming commemorative event and engage with community partners. The event will feature the special reveal of a bus wrap design honoring the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and the announcement of the winner of the Bus Design Contest. 

RSVP by July 16 to attend this free event.

Event details:

Saturday, July 20, noon – 3 p.m. at The Studio Loft at Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 908 14th St. Denver, CO 80202