RTD commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A legacy of service, transportation equity and justice

Diversity Spotlight celebrates the diversity of RTD employees and the larger community that RTD serves and 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 Nov. 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, establishing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Day as a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January. This momentous recognition followed years of persistence by civil rights activists and was the culmination of a long fight that began just days after King’s assassination on April 4, 1968. The legislation to honor King was first introduced shortly after his death, but it would take 15 years of tireless advocacy before it was approved by the federal government, with an additional 17 years for all 50 states to officially observe the day. King’s impact on American society extends far beyond the fight for racial equality. His efforts sparked a revolution in civil rights, impacting education, housing, employment and, importantly, transportation systems. As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is essential to reflect on how his efforts continue to resonate in today’s pursuit of transportation equity, a key element in ensuring equal access for all Americans.

The Road to Recognition and the Fight for Justice

The journey toward making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday was not easy. In 1979, on the 50th anniversary of King’s birth, the bill finally came to a vote in the House of Representatives. Despite the backing of President Jimmy Carter, a petition of 300,000 signatures and support from King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, the bill failed by a narrow margin. Republican Congressman Gene Taylor led the opposition, arguing that the costs of an additional federal holiday were too high and that no individual citizen should have a holiday named in their honor. Yet, the fight for recognition did not end there. Over the years, activists continued their efforts, and in 1983, the federal government recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Day, dedicating the third Monday of January to honor King’s life and legacy. Despite this national recognition, the observance of the holiday across states was inconsistent for many years. Some states, such as Arizona and New Hampshire, chose to celebrate "Civil Rights Day," while others, like Alabama and Mississippi, combined the King holiday with "Robert E. Lee Day." By 2000, all 50 states had officially recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Day, solidifying his place in history. In Colorado, Congresswoman Wilma Webb played a crucial role in the state’s recognition of King’s birthday. Before the federal holiday, Webb worked tirelessly to have Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday adopted as a state holiday. She introduced legislation in 1980, and Colorado first celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1984, when the Colorado General Assembly passed H.B.1201. This bill, introduced by State Rep. Wilma Webb, was the third bill she had introduced on behalf of her husband, Wellington Webb, who had introduced similar bills in the 1970s. Colorado’s celebration of King’s legacy continues to grow, and the state now hosts one of the largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations in the country.

The King Holiday and Service Act: A Day of Action

In 1994, the King Holiday and Service Act was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Championed by Congressman John Lewis and former Sen. Harris Wofford, this legislation encouraged Americans to transform Martin Luther King Jr. Day into "a day on, not a day off." The act inspired Americans to engage in service activities, highlighting the importance of volunteering and contributing to the betterment of our communities. The National Museum of African American History and Culture, along with various community organizations across the nation, honor King’s legacy by organizing community service drives and promoting volunteerism each year. These efforts continue to reflect King’s vision of a society where collective action and service to others are paramount.

The Selma Marches and the Fight for Transportation Equity

King’s legacy also remains intertwined with the fight for transportation equity, a central issue in the Civil Rights movement. The Selma to Montgomery Marches of 1965 serve as a poignant example of the connection between transportation and civil rights. These marches, led by King, were organized to demand voting rights for African Americans in the South. The 54-mile journey from Selma to Montgomery highlighted the systemic barriers African Americans faced, not just in voting, but in accessing transportation that was safe, reliable and free from discrimination. King’s words during the marches were clear: “There never was a moment in American history more honorable and more inspiring than the pilgrimage of clergymen and laymen of every race and faith pouring into Selma to face danger at the side of its embattled Negroes.” The marches brought national attention to the urgent need for accessible transportation to polling stations, employment and public services — basic rights that should have been available to all Americans, regardless of race. The march ultimately contributed to the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and it also underscored the need for transportation systems that were fully accessible and inclusive, reinforcing the connection between transportation and civil rights.

RTD’s Commitment to Transportation Equity

At RTD, we are inspired by King’s call for justice, equality and the recognition of all people’s right to access public services, including transportation. The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Selma Marches were defining moments that linked the fight for racial equality with the push for accessible, non-discriminatory transportation. These pivotal events laid the groundwork for ongoing advocacy to ensure that all Americans — particularly marginalized communities — have access to safe, reliable and equitable transportation. As part of RTD’s mission to provide the best possible public transportation services to meet the diverse needs of its communities, the agency remains committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of race, income or ability, has access to public transportation services. RTD’s vision to create an inclusive and sustainable transportation system reflects King’s ideals of fairness, justice and equity.

One of the ways RTD continues this commitment is through programs like the Transit Assistance Grant (TAG), launched in 2024 in response to the Systemwide Fare Study and Equity Analysis. The TAG program was introduced to provide support for customers with urgent transportation-related needs and to help community organizations that serve these populations. In its inaugural year, the program awarded 181 Denver Metro area organizations with no-cost fares for distribution to their clients or constituents. TAG serves as a bridge for those facing transportation barriers, giving organizations the time and resources to educate and enroll clients in LiVE, RTD’s income-based fare discount program for eligible customers. The TAG program had a significant impact in 2024, positively affecting over 55,000 individuals, helping ensure that transportation is more accessible to those who need it most. This initiative is just one example of how RTD continues to work toward a more equitable, inclusive and accessible transportation system in line with King’s enduring legacy.

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with RTD

As part of its observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, RTD encourages employees and the broader community to support local businesses and organizations that advocate for social equity. Here are some ways to get involved:

• MLK Peace Breakfast: Celebrate King’s legacy from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 11 at Mile High Station. Enjoy a breakfast while listening to inspiring speakers and connecting with like-minded individuals.
• Colorado Round Table: Participate in the How Can We Change the World, If We Can’t Change Ourselvesroundtable discussion from 3:30 to 5:30pm Jan. 20 at Zion Senior Citizens Center. For more information, please reach out to [email protected].
• Denver Marade: Join the largest celebration in the United States in honor of King’s birthday, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 20. The marade will proceed from City Park to Civic Center Park.
• MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo: Celebrate Black cowboy heritage with a special rodeo at 6 p.m. Jan. 20 at the National Western Stock Show.
• Virtual Races - “I Have a Dream”: Participate in the virtual race series throughout January and February, including distances from 1 mile to a full marathon.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute & Humanitarian Awards: From 7:30 to 10 p.m. Jan. 14 attend the awards ceremony hosted by the Colorado Symphony, honoring recipients of the 2025 MLK Jr. Humanitarian Awards.

A Call to Continue King’s Work

King’s legacy calls on us all to continue the work of building a more just and equitable society. At RTD, we recognize that transportation is a critical piece of that puzzle. By working to eliminate barriers and improve access, we aim to fulfill King’s vision of a world where all people can move freely and live without discrimination. As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor his enduring impact by continuing to push for transportation equity and justice for all.

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. Please note that participation in these activities is voluntary and unpaid. Supervisor approval is required to participate if events occur during a regularly scheduled shift.