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A Tragic Legacy: Remembering Preston Porter Jr. 125 Years Later
In a solemn gathering on November 16, 2025, around 30 individuals converged at the University of Colorado Denver campus to honor the life of Preston John Porter Jr., a 15-year-old African American boy who was lynched in Limon, Colorado, in 1900. This memorial vigil marks a significant milestone, as it has been 125 years since this tragic event unfolded, yet it resonates deeply within the fabric of both Denver and American history.
Porter was wrongfully accused of the murder of Louise Frost, a young white girl, and despite a complete lack of evidence, he was subjected to inhumane treatment. Authorities interrogated and tortured him in a sweatbox, extracting a coerced confession that would seal his fate. As detailed in numerous historical accounts, including a recent feature in The Denverite, Porter’s journey from Denver to Limon ended with a brutal lynching at the hands of a white mob numbering in the hundreds. He was tied to a railroad stake and burned alive, a gruesome act which highlights the pervasive racial violence experienced by Black Americans during this dark period in history.
Shining a Light on Racial Injustice
The Colorado Lynching Memorial Project (CLMP) has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about Porter’s story and the broader context of racial terror in Colorado. Lynching, particularly anti-Black lynching, was rampant in both the South and West, yet the stories of these victims have often been overlooked. Historian Stephen Leonard notes that between 1859 and 1919, more than 160 individuals were lynched in Colorado, many of whom were Black and Mexican. This history paints a stark portrait of racial terror that must be acknowledged and remembered.
Cultural Reflections and Responsibility
As attendees honored Porter’s memory, they reflected on their social responsibility to educate others about this legacy. Javon Mays, former poet laureate of Aurora and a participant in the vigil, emphasized the importance of safeguarding this narrative, stating, “We're not trying to lock people into the past. We're trying to have people take all these lessons from the past and carry them forward.” This sentiment reinforces the meaningful connection that these vigils create as communities confront their histories and engage in reparative actions.
A Call For Collective Memory
As part of a movement to ensure such injustices are not swept under the rug, the establishment of historical markers in Denver serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed against Porter and others like him. These markers invite dialogue about racial justice, urging future generations to learn from the past and advocate for a more equitable society. Indeed, acknowledging our history is a crucial step toward healing and progress.
The recent passing of the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act is a significant legislative response addressing past injustices, highlighting a growing national awareness and commitment to confronting the legacy of lynching in America. As the 125th memorial of Porter’s lynching reminds us, much work is still needed to address systemic racism and ensure such horrors never happen again.
For all those who participated, the continued journey towards justice means recognizing the pain of our past while believing in the possibility of a better future. As we remember Preston Porter Jr., may we pledge to stand against racial terror and honor the innocent lives taken too soon.
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