Celebrating Black History Month, we honor Rev. Denzil Angus Carty, a true champion of equality in Minnesota.

The Unsung Hero of Minnesota: Rev. Denzil Angus Carty’s Fight for Equality

Celebrating Black History Month, we honor Rev. Denzil Angus Carty, a true champion of equality in Minnesota. 🙌 #BlackHistoryMonth #Equality #MinnesotaHero

St. Paul, Minnesota – During a time when the fight for civil rights was at its peak, there stood a man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of equality and justice. Celebrating Black History Month, we honor the legacy of Rev. Denzil Angus Carty, an Episcopal priest and civil rights leader who left an indelible mark on the state, particularly in St. Paul.

Born in Antigua in 1904, Carty’s journey led him to New York, where he earned degrees in science and divinity. His commitment to human rights was deeply rooted in his Christian faith, believing that helping people was the only worthwhile endeavor.

Rev. Denzil A. Carty (standing at center) with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (sitting) in 1956, during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

1956 photo of Rev. Denzil A. Carty (standing at center) with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – this photo was taken during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama.

Carty’s impact in Minnesota began when he became the priest at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in St. Paul, a position he held for 25 years. He was a pillar in the community, leading several organizations and serving on numerous boards. As president of the Minnesota NAACP and other key roles, he tirelessly fought against discrimination in housing, education, and employment.

One of his notable achievements was lobbying for the Minnesota Fair Housing Act in 1961, which prohibited racial and religious discrimination in housing. He also played a crucial role in desegregating St. Paul public schools and increasing the number of black workers in construction jobs.

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Carty’s advocacy extended to the national stage when he led a prayer intercession at the Minnesota State Capitol in 1964 to support the Civil Rights Act. His efforts contributed to the passing of this landmark legislation, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.

Despite his successes, Carty faced challenges, especially with urban renewal projects that negatively impacted the black community in St. Paul. He later expressed regret for supporting these initiatives, as they led to the scattering and division of the community.

Rev. Denzil Angus Carty passed away in 1975, but his legacy lives on. Carty Park and Carty Heights in St. Paul stand as testaments to his enduring impact on the fight for equality. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember the unsung heroes like Rev. Carty, whose dedication to justice and equality continues to inspire us.

🗣 What do you think of the inspiring Rev. Carty? Have a black history hero you’d like to share with us? Drop a comment below! ⬇️

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