RTD hosts 60th anniversary of Civil Rights Act celebration July 20 featuring bus art unveiling, live performances
DENVER (July 2, 2024) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is partnering with community organizations to host a special event to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act – a groundbreaking law enacted 60 years ago today that legally ended discrimination and promoted equal opportunities in transit, employment and public facilities.
The celebration will be held noon – 3 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Studio Loft in downtown Denver. The public is invited to attend and see the unveiling of RTD’s one-of-a-kind wrapped bus designed by the winner of RTD's Bus Design Contest.
When RTD launched the contest April 26, Debra A. Johnson, RTD’s General Manager and CEO, said, “I believe that public transportation is the great societal equalizer, and the delivery of transit services is inherently linked to social justice movements and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Dignity and respect are not always afforded to all, even after six decades of the passage of this monumental legislation. As a Black woman leading a major transit agency, it is incumbent upon me to ensure all people know that RTD is welcoming for its employees, customers and partners.”
The winning bus design to be revealed at the event was selected from 15 entries evaluated by a panel comprised of RTD staff and community partners. The artist behind the vibrant design along with their inspiration for the art will be revealed during the event.
The celebration will also feature a lineup of music, spoken word, poets and speakers to honor the Civil Rights movement and other achievements to bring about equity, accessibility and fairness.
Event details: Celebrate 60 years of Progress and Justice with RTD
Saturday, July 20, noon-3 p.m.
The Studio Loft, 908 14th Street, Denver, CO 80222
Cost: free
RSVP here by July 16 and visit RTD’s 60 Years of Civil Rights webpage for more information.
RTD is sponsoring the event in collaboration with Denver NAACP, ACLU Colorado, One Colorado, Colorado Asian Pacific United, Servicios de La Raza, Atlantis Community, Inc., along with other community partners.
The agency and its partners look forward to seeing everyone there to celebrate the spirit of the Civil Rights movement.