On June 18, 1991, Denver voters made history by electing Wellington Webb as the city’s first African-American mayor. Webb’s victory marked a turning point not just for Denver, but for Colorado, as he became a symbol of progress and leadership for the state’s Black community.
Webb’s path to the mayor’s office was anything but conventional. Born in Chicago in 1941, his family moved to Denver’s northeast neighborhoods in the 1950s. After graduating from Manual High School and earning degrees in sociology from Colorado State College, Webb began a career in public service that would span decades. He served in the Colorado House of Representatives from 1973 to 1977, representing northeast Denver, before taking on roles as regional director of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and as Denver’s city auditor.
His 1991 mayoral campaign became legendary for its “Sneaker Campaign,” during which Webb walked 321 miles across Denver, knocking on doors and staying in 42 different homes over 42 days. The worn sneakers he used are now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, a testament to his grassroots approach and connection with voters.
Webb’s tenure as mayor lasted 12 years, from 1991 to 2003, making him one of Denver’s longest-serving leaders. During his time in office, he oversaw transformative projects, including the completion of Denver International Airport, which became one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country. He also led the South Platte River Corridor Project, revitalizing parkland and neighborhoods along the river.
Under Webb’s leadership, Denver saw a 40 percent decrease in crime, record-low unemployment, and a $7 billion investment in city infrastructure. He championed economic development, public safety, parks and open spaces, and children’s programs, and worked to ensure that women- and minority-owned businesses had opportunities to participate in city projects.
Webb’s legacy extends beyond Denver. He served as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Conference of Democratic Mayors, and the National Conference of Black Mayors—making him the only mayor in U.S. history to hold all three positions.
Today, Wellington Webb’s impact is visible throughout Denver, from the airport to the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library he helped create. His election remains a milestone in Black history and a source of pride for the city.
For more information on Black history, arts and culture, visit www.caamuseum.org.
