At the gathering of about 60, religious leaders and civil rights activists remembered Watson, who they said contributed significantly to racial justice during his work in the 1960s and 1970s. Some commited to carrying his legacy forward.
Lisa Calerón, a local activist who works for Denver City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca, said Watson inspired a generation of warriors. Pastor Terrence Hughes said the community should keep Watson alive by telling his stories.
Watson lay in an an open casket viewing before the service began. The service consisted of poetry and speeches interspersed with songs by James Brown, War and Al Green.
Hasira "Soul" Ashemu peers into the casket of his father, Colorado Black Panther Party founder Lauren Watson, during his funeral, Aug. 21, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Pastor Terrence Hughes speaks during a funeral for Lauren Watson, founder of Colorado's Black Panther Party, Aug. 21, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
A funeral for Lauren Watson, founder of Colorado's Black Panther Party, Aug. 21, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Yvie Oddly attends the funeral for her grandfather, Colorado' Black Panther Party founder Lauren Watson, Aug. 21, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
A funeral for Lauren Watson, founder of Colorado's Black Panther Party, Aug. 21, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Kevin is a multimedia artist who flung himself into the world of journalism. He likes using a camera and microphone to tell stories about workers, the environment, social justice and fascinating humans.
