In this episode Ramon del Castillo shares the story of naming and claiming La Raza Park in North Denver. In addition to reading his original poem, “A Strut Down Memory Lane,” Ramon describes decades of activism and the power of community in transforming people and places. Listen to hear an inspiring account of overcoming obstacles and envisioning a more equitable and diverse city.

Ramon is a retired professor who taught at Metropolitan State University of Denver for 35 years. He served as the Director of El Centro de las Familias and the PODER Project at NEWSED. Ramon was the Chair of the Master's Program of Nonprofit Management at Regis University and of the Chicana and Chicano Studies Program at Metropolitan State University.Read more of Ramon’s poetry here: https://coloradopoetscenter.org/poets/castillo_ramon/ 

For a transcript and to learn more about the Building Denver Initiative visit www.HistoryColorado.org/Building-Denver. 

Mention this podcast to receive $2 off admission to Building Denver: Visions of the Capital City--an upcoming exhibition at the History Colorado Center beginning May 29, 2021.