I would like to join the community in honoring the memory of Edna Mosley, who died of natural causes on August 26, at the age of 89. Mosley was a pioneer in many ways, blazing trails in women’s rights, racial equality and fighting against gang violence. She was an extraordinary woman, civic leader and philanthropist.
Edna and her husband, John Mosley, a retired Tuskegee Airman, moved to Aurora in 1965, when Mr. Mosley was transferred to Lowry Air Force Base. Edna was part of the first graduating class of Metro State University of Denver in 1969. She was considered a “non-traditional” student because she was older, with two college-aged children. Edna was elected to the Aurora City Council at-large in 1991 and served three, four-year terms. During her tenure, she was influential in anti-gang programs, local gun control legislation and issues effecting racial equality. She and her husband were active in creating and supporting scholarship and community projects, as well as numerous political candidates.
She also worked for many years with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and was director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with the University of Denver. In 2004 she received an honorary doctorate from Colorado State University. Many will remember that she was also a founder of the Women’s Bank, which was created at a time when women did not have equal access to financial services.
To donate to the John W. and Edna Wilson Mosley Scholarship Fund in her memory, you may go to the Denver Foundation website at https://connect.denverfoundation.org/?pid=451 and select the Mosley Scholarship Fund from the drop-down menu. The John W. and Edna Wilson Mosley Scholarship Fund supports African-American students who graduate from East High School. Gifts can also be sent by mail to The Denver Foundation, 55 Madison St., 8th Floor, Denver, CO 80206.
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