In 1947, he organized a campaign of peaceful, nonviolent sit-ins at local businesses in violation of the 1935 Colorado Civil Rights Law. In Colorado Springs, African Americans were denied accommodations at local hotels and restaurants among other places. At George’s Hamburgers on South Tejon Street directly across from the Courthouse (now the CSPM), blacks could only order food to go. Several residents remember being denied service at the Walgreen’s lunch counter or having their food so heavily salted it was inedible. Lawsuits backed by the local NAACP under the leadership of Charles Banks were filed in October and November 1947 to challenge illegal racial discrimination. These measures proved successful with several businesses forced to pay fines and court costs for their illegal discrimination. From 1905 until his death on September 11, 1976, Charles Banks gained a reputation as a Civil Rights leader and a fearless advocate for equality. To learn more about Charles Banks and the Great Migration, please visit the Museum’s permanent exhibit: Anyplace North and West Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church Colorado Springs 1872-1967 MUSELETTER JUNE 2018| PG 3
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