Black History Month is celebrated annually in February in recognition of individuals of African heritage that contributed greatly to North American culture and society. This month memorializes the people of African descent, along with affiliated events, that have challenged and modified the system in place and influenced the past and present condition of the United States of America.

 

One such individual that has left his mark in history is Wellington E. Webb, the former mayor of Denver and Denver’s first African American Mayor. Born in 1941, Webb found himself in pursuit of a political career after being turned down in the educational field. This career shift worked in his favor as Webb was elected into the Colorado House of Representatives in 1972. His political career continued to expand and he held positions such as Executive Director of the Department of Regulatory Agencies and Denver City Auditor. Webb was also recognized as the only African American candidate for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairmanship in 2005.

 

Webb served as the first African American Mayor of Denver for 12 years, starting in 1991 and ending in 2003. He is remembered for his efforts in commercial and residential redevelopment, energy, and

February 2009

Caught in the Webb of Success

By Salma Shukri

 

economic transformation while holding this position. He is currently the President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Commerce.

 

Wellington E. Webb is the Keynote Speaker for The Bridging the Gaps Speaker Series which will begin on Tuesday, February 3^rd, 2009. The Bridging the Gaps Speaker Series is a partnership between The Conflict Center (TCC) and the Institute on the Common Good (ICG) at Regis University. The purpose of the speaker series is to present leaders in the field of nonviolence and create a forum for community engagement and civil dialogue. Tickets can be purchased at www.bridgingthegapscolorado.org. For more information please call The Conflict Center at 303-433-4983 or Regis University at 303-458-4967.