I love the term Black excellence because that is definitely how we want to be identified.

The Owl Club itself has been a staple in the Black community.

The Legacies of Excellence exhibit here at History Colorado is a display of some of that Black excellence.

The Owl Club was started in 1941 by a group of very prominent men in the city of Denver.

They felt that a lot of the young ladies in our community were not being recognized by all the great things that they were doing.

In 1951, we began doing a debutante cotillion.

This is my favorite photo because of this dress.

I love it.

I would wear it today.

When I look at these photos, I truly appreciate that these women were defying stereotypes put on young Black women.

You know, having this visual representation is so important to recognize and celebrate Black history.

And specifically in Denver, I think it's not really told.

I'm sure that our founders did not envision that we would become listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

And it's an honor to be here after 70 years.

This is their building that they purchased in 1960.

When they purchased it, it was actually in a middle, white class neighborhood in Denver, and they were able to purchase the property, which was huge.

There's so many attacks happening at Black history and Black history being taught.

Sharing these stories, it's just a really good reminder that we've been achieving, regardless of all of these barriers that have been put in our way, and we're still doing it.