“For years, Elbert “Big Al” Richardson, Jr. was a staple in the African-American community around Five Points.
“Our dad came to Denver in 1946 after serving his country,” Larry Richardson, son, said. “He wanted people of color to create businesses and property and prosper.”
Big Al was a long time leader of the Five Points Business Association. He ran a popular nightclub called “Big Al’s” in Five Points while also serving as a Deacon at the Graham Memorial Church of God.
“When the spirit would get high in the church, he’d get happy,” Leona Masters, district missionary of Graham Church, said. “He’d get crying, tears running down, praising the Lord.””
Garcia, Nelson. Channel 9 News 3 November 2016.