In early 2020, Denver Public Library embarked on the renaming of the former Byers Branch Library after discovering that the namesake of the branch had been a supporter of the Sand Creek Massacre. In early 2021, a renaming community committee was formed to lead the renaming process. After a community vote, the number one choice, John “Thunderbird Man” Emhoolah Jr. Branch Library was adopted by the Library Commission in October 2021. The process was a first of its kind for the Denver Public Library and the City & County of Denver.
The Denver Public Library hosted a community celebration for the renamed John “Thunderbird Man” Emhoolah Jr. Branch Library on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The community was invited to honor the legacy of John “Thunderbird Man” Emhoolah Jr. and celebrate the renaming of the branch.
Background on Thunderbird Man P’awh-Sote K’oot-Tho-Kee (John Emhoolah Jr.)
Mr. John Emhoolah Jr. was a Kiowa and Arapaho and a descendant of survivors of the Sand Creek Massacre. He served in the Korean War with the Army’s 45th Thunderbird Division, and was an accomplished man whose work included serving on the National Native American Veterans Memorial Advisory Committee and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium in Denver where he lobbied the government for better funding of tribal colleges. He also served as Executive Director of the American Indian Center in Denver, was Director of the Adams County Five Star Schools Indian Education Program, was co-founder of the Denver March Powwow and remained a dedicated community leader and advocate until his passing on April 21, 2021 at the age of 91.