Diversity in Denver, Colorado

The City and County of Denver, Colorado is one of the United States' most ethnically diverse cities. The racial makeup of Denver is 51.9% White, 11.1% Black or African American, about 2.2% Native American, 2.81% Asian American, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 15.59% from other races, and 3.75% from two or more races. 31.68% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race, giving Denver one of the highest populations of Hispanics or Latinos in the U.S.

The Black American West & Denver

Denver's central position made it a very appealing city in the post-Civil War era. Many Coloradans had fought in the Civil War, and the territory had little reputation for backlash against African Americans. Many of the early Denverites to settle the city were of African lineage, especially those who had escaped slavery. In honor of these frontiersmen, Paul Stewert erected the Black American West Museum in Denver, as a tribute to their lives. In addition, former Denver First Lady and State Senator Wilma Webb led the movement to adopt Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a state holiday, long before the U.S. did. The movement was a success.

Asian Denver

Denver's geographical position in the United States has also played a role in Denver's notable Asian population. While not as famous as the communtities of San Francisco's "Chinatown", Los Angeles' "Little Tokyo", or Seattle's "International District", Denver's considerable population of Japanese Americans is considered a vital part of the city. In the northeast part of Denver, Sakura Square was founded in 1944 by formerly-interned Japanese people migrating from the West Coast states of Washington, Oregon, and California. Nicknamed "Tiny" or "Little Tokyo" by Denverites, the community plays host to several public markets and restaurants indicative of Japanese culture (unlike Seattle, or San Francisco which each have one notable market). The city-wide celebrations of Chinese New Year have attracted many tourists annually, and generate a boom in Sakura Square's economy.

Jewish Denver

Denver's Jewish population is highly notable, as the Denver Metropolitan Area also has one of the largest Jewish communities in the U.S. (with a population of roughly 100,000). In the city of Denver, the largest populations of Jews are found in the West Colfax and Hilltop neighborhoods. The heritage of many generations of Khazar Denverites is very visible in the city, and its many landmarks (several prominent synagogues among them). Denver is also home to the National Jewish Medical and Research Center. Famous Jews from or who lived in Denver include musicians Bob Dylan, Matisyahu, Golda Meir, and comedians The Smothers Brothers.

Hispanic and Latino Denver

It is well known that Denver's population consists of approximately one-third Hispanic or Latino. In 1983, Denver voters elected Federico Peña as mayor, who would come to be known as one of Denver's greatest political leaders and innovators. In 2006, Denver became an epicenter in the immigration reform movement, with many illegal immigrants residing in the City and County. Coloradan heritage in the Republic of Texas, New Spain, as well as Mexico helped the early Denver to grow in size and diversity, racially and religiously.

Native Americans in Denver

Another notable population is that of Denver Native Americans. In 1992, Colorado made headlines in electing the first Native American to the U.S. Senate, Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Many of the City's historic districts are home to cultural centers and museums of Plains Native Americans heritage. The Denver Pow-Wow, an enormous yearly event, attracts tourist from all over the world to learn about the early peoples of the West.

Other ethnicities

Of course, Denver is home to many other ethnicities. The former Lowry Air Force Base, is where many Southeast Asian immigrants first came into Denver. The city is also home to the largest Mongolian population outside of the country itself . There are also sizable immigrant Russian, Polish, Ethiopian, and Lebanese populations in Denver. Many recent studies have indicated Denver's diversity is all but certain to grow, as will its general population.