Bridge the Diaspora home

Explore All Sites

358 sites

Five Points — Welton Street Cultural Historic District

Denver, CO
Great Migration

Denver's Five Points neighborhood was known as the 'Harlem of the West' from the 1920s through the 1950s, home to the most concentrated Black-owned business corridor west of Chicago. Jazz giants including Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Miles Davis performed at the Rossonian Hotel — a rare venue that welcomed Black artists during Jim Crow. The Welton Street Cultural District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Counter-Narrative

The myth this site refutes: that African American cultural production was derivative. Jazz, blues, and hip-hop are among America's only original art forms.

Associated People

Tap a name to view their profile — names with appear at multiple sites.

Sources

National Register of Historic PlacesDenver Landmark Preservation Commission

Before & After This Era

← Before · Jim Crow

→ After · Civil Rights Movement

Sites in Conversation

"Both connected to Billie Holiday"

"Shared theme: Music and Arts & Black Business"

"Shared theme: Music and Arts & Black Business"