Thank you so much for spotlighting the incredible history of this hotel! Adding to my list to visit (even if covered in scaffolding) next time I'm in Harlem
The Five Points area in Denver, most recently gentrified, less recently a slum, but long before that the Harlem of the West, was the place where Black folks were able to hear the finest Black musicians the country had to offer. My close friend Sonja Motley had a mother who was a fine musician and cook. Sonja was the only child of Edna Motley and her Army father; the mother was born into a Colorado whose state house was run by the KKK. She and their family created a restaurant business; the mother was a terrific pianist and when talent came to town, she accompanied. I wrote Edna's remembrance for Sonja's funeral which is why I know all this. That obit doesn't show up on line and the ones that do don't tell this story. https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/denvers-five-points-the-harlem-of-the-west/
I suspect you know a good deal about all of this; I knew Edna as Sonja is one of my closest friends. I was deeply honored to be asked to write her story, and in doing so learn much more about this part of Denver's history which far too many know nothing about.
So to that local who said she didn't want "your sort" around, you can know that "your sort" are part of why Denver became what she is today: a city of great diversity, talent and beauty.
Thank you so much for spotlighting the incredible history of this hotel! Adding to my list to visit (even if covered in scaffolding) next time I'm in Harlem
The Five Points area in Denver, most recently gentrified, less recently a slum, but long before that the Harlem of the West, was the place where Black folks were able to hear the finest Black musicians the country had to offer. My close friend Sonja Motley had a mother who was a fine musician and cook. Sonja was the only child of Edna Motley and her Army father; the mother was born into a Colorado whose state house was run by the KKK. She and their family created a restaurant business; the mother was a terrific pianist and when talent came to town, she accompanied. I wrote Edna's remembrance for Sonja's funeral which is why I know all this. That obit doesn't show up on line and the ones that do don't tell this story. https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/denvers-five-points-the-harlem-of-the-west/
I suspect you know a good deal about all of this; I knew Edna as Sonja is one of my closest friends. I was deeply honored to be asked to write her story, and in doing so learn much more about this part of Denver's history which far too many know nothing about.
So to that local who said she didn't want "your sort" around, you can know that "your sort" are part of why Denver became what she is today: a city of great diversity, talent and beauty.