Happenings in and around Historic 5 Points and Northeast Denver June 2014
Safe Summer Safe Holly Park Hill Festival 2014
5 POINTS NEWS
Proud Recipient of the Dr. Syl Morgan Smith Excellence in Media Award, the Colorado Black Roundtable Commitment to Service Award and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Colorado Media Award
Safe Summer Safe Holly Park Hill Festival volunteer and main stage manager Rosylyn Washington gives a raffle prize to an excited festival participant
Saturday, June 7, was an exciting day in Northeast Denver as hundreds of people gathered from all over the city to celebrate Safe Summer Safe Holly Park Hill Festival 2014. As final school bells rang announcing summer vacation, event organizers felt strongly that young people should be connected to community activities and resources, many of which are located right in the Holly area. The day featured live entertainment and attractions for all ages–more information and photos on page 9.
11th Annual Five Points Jazz Festival
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(L-R) Pianist extraordinaire Joe Bonner and renowned Saxophonist as well as Denver native Brad Leali at brother jeff’s Cultural Center’s Jazz Jam Session
Jazz originated in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century in the Southern United States as a combination of European harmony and forms with African musical elements. Five Points became known as the Harlem of the West due to the many great Jazz artists who came to perform. On May 17th, the neighborhood and larger community came together for the 11th Annual Five Points Jazz Festival The free event on the third Saturday of each May celebrates the music, culture and history of Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood, with performances highlighting many of Denver’s finest musicians. Performances and activities took place in numerous venues in Historic Five Points, with food and art vendors along Welton Street. Twenty three local artists and musical groups were scheduled on seven different stages. Main stage performers included Buckner Funken Jazz, Hot Tomatoes, Nelson Rangell, Conjunto Colores, and the Brad Leali Orchestra. Additional artists included Joe Bonner, Ed Battle, The Tom Tilton Jazz Ensemble, Freddy Rodriquez, the Greg Goodloe Quartet, Linda Theus-Lee, Latitude Experience, among others. Another hightlight of the day was the annual Jazz Jam Session at brother jeff’s Cultural Center. Five Points Jazz on Film kicked off the weekend with a screening of Bird, the Biopic of saxophone player Charlie Parker, who suffered the corresponding highs and lows. With support from his wife, he continued to play his new style of music, revolutionizing jazz and gifting the country with this amazing genre of art. –Misti Aas
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(L-R) Vocalist Danette Hollowell, KUVO Radio Personalities Lenard Scott and Arturo Gomez, as well as legendary bassist Charlie Burell
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Does Anyone Remember Men of Fashion?
brother jeff with Mr. Duncan who recently turned 104-years-young
Some say men’s fashion is a lost art. Few in this generation know anything about Biscuit Toe Stacy Adams, hatterdashery, or pocket squares. In fact, today you are more likely to see freshly pressed white tee shirts, starched jeans buckled at the kneecaps, along with hundred dollar basketball shoes worn by non-athletes that will never touch a basketball court. The fedora has officially been replaced by the snapback baseball cap with the sticker left on advertising a person’s head size. I’m not saying any of this is bad - it’s simply different. But to be honest, I like the old way. I like the time when men would Step Out and people would say, “Ohh Wee! You are clean as the Board of Health!” Thinking back on those days, I was honored to spend time with the man who made sure Denver’s men fashioin standard was high. Mr. Alexander Duncan, legendary propritetor of Duncan’s Men’s Store, recently turned 104-years-old. And yes, when I stopped in to see him - all I could say was, “Ohh Wee!” –brother jeff
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It’s True, Northeast Denver is Truly Country
Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, it’s a fact, Northeast Denver has always had deep southern roots and southern sensibilities. However, many Denver folk have spent generations trying to be cool and denying our Southern roots. For example, we don’t say Pop or Wayzout anymore, but when 5 POINTS NEWS saw this woman
walking her pig through Park Hill it became clear: We are country as can be and we yam what we yam! “Don’t let me catch you with that pig in Texas,” yelled Mr. Hysaw from his car window. In other words, if this woman was with her little potbelly pig down south, it would end up as a fine plate of ribs.
Happy Birthday Wilma Webb from 5 POINTS NEWS
5 POINTS NEWS extends a heartfelt birthday wish to a woman we admire greatly, the Honorable Mrs. Wilma Webb. You have given so much to our com-
munity and you are well appreciated. You deserve the best. Have an awesome year, and many more.
Calvantt Fashion Clothing, Barber & Salon Len Rogers | Cell: 720.309.6927 PH: 303.399.1221 FAX: 303.388.1728 CALVANTT@ MSN.COM
5 POINTS NEWS
Monthly Publication – June 2014
Publisher brother jeff Editors brother jeff Layout & Design Cynthia R. Martin Photography A-Team Photography brother jeff Kenneth Drew Lens of Ansar
3339 E. COLFAX AVE DENVER, CO 80206
Writers & Researchers Terrance “Big T” Hughes brother jeff Cynthia Martin Aminah Fard Aliyah Fard Misti Aas 5 Points News is a publication of brotherjeff.com 2836 Welton Street Denver, CO 80205 303.297.0823 5pointsnews@brotherjeff.com
Talkn’ With Dr. Daddio Saturdays 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Dr. Maya Angelou
Rest in Peace Dr. Maya Angelou (April 14, 1928 – May 28, 2014) was one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. She was hailed as a global renaissance woman, celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist Published in 1970, her book of poetry, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, went on to international acclaim and enormous popular success. The list of her published verse, nonfiction, and fiction includes more than 30 bestselling titles. Dr. Angelou’s words and legacy will continue to stir our souls, energize our bodies, liberate our minds, and heal our hearts.
Ballard Family Mortuary When Dignity is a Must
Dr. Vincent Harding Memorial
My family continues to be grateful for the many demonstrations of concern and love in the wake of my father’s death. We’ve all been busy with the myriad responsibilities that quickly emerge upon the death of a beloved family member. So, we apologize that we haven’t yet responded to some of the beautiful notices we’ve received. This is just a short note to announce that the Veterans of Hope Project and the Iliff School of Theology will jointly (and with the help of other friends) coordinate a memorial celebration of my father’s life, work and spirit on July 25 and 26 in Denver, Colorado. –Warmly, Dr. Rachael Harding
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Honesty with Integrity
Celebrating Black business and remembering Duncan’s Men Store Happy 104th Birthday Mr. Duncan
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Mr. AlexanderDuncan
Born May 21, 1910 Alexander Duncan knows a lot about business. Many know him as the founder of Duncan’s Men Store, a Five Points business that
was once a community staple before Duncan’s retirement. 5 POINTS NEWS recently visited Duncan to say happy 104th birthday. We also asked what got him interested in business ownership. “I’m from Arkansas and my father was a businessman. He used to own an Ice House and sold watermelons,” said Duncan. “People would come from all around to purchase ice or store their food in the Ice House. I worked for my father and got my business interest from him.” Duncan opened his shoe and clothing store when moving to Denver and has a business formula that works. “Buy quality products at a reasonable price, make them affordable and always give top notch service.”
5 POINTS NEWS
History Makers Regis Groff
Stephanie O’Malley
County of Denver, Stephanie O’Malley provides civilian oversight of the Police, Fire and Sheriff’s departments. As former Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Hancock, O’Malley engaged in a host of matters of public concern on his behalf including direct engagement with Denver’s Police, Fire, and Sheriff’s departments, as well as with the Office of the Independent Monitor. A Denver native, O’Malley grew up in the City Park West neighborhood. She graduated with honors from Howard University in Washington, D.C., with a degree in Business Administration. She is a licensed attorney in the State of Colorado As the Executive Director of the and received her J.D. from the University Department of Safety for the City and of Denver Sturm College of Law.
James Chapman
a Mecca for those who were entrepreneurial minded with a drive for success. Chapman, also known as “The Button Man”, continued in his mother’s and family’s business footsteps. He remembers growing up in Park Hill and on rainy days racing Popsicle sticks in the gutter from the hilltops of Kramaria directly into the Holly Shopping Center. Chapman spent 20-years running his painting contracting company on Welton Street before establishing his current business, The Button Man Gift Store, located at 5524 E. 33rd Avenue. “I inherited the entrepreneurial sprit from my family,” said Chapman. “We have a tradition of working for ourselves.” Chapman’s motto is “Take care of the Born in Melbourne, Florida, James kids; take care of the seniors; take care of Chapman’s mother Jessica moved her the community and let’s all prosper tofamily westbound to Denver known as gether.”
Regis Groff was born in Monmouth, Illinois. After graduating from high school, he entered the United States Air Force for four years. After his honorable discharge, Groff earned a degree from Western Illinois University in Education. Groff obtained a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of Denver. He taught American History and United States Government at Smiley Jr. High and then Afro American History and American History at East High School. The Honorable Groff was elected as a Colorado State Senator in 1974
and served on the Finance, Judiciary; Health, Education, Welfare and Institutions, Procedures, and Legislative Council committees during his six years as a legislator. He was elected as the Senate Minority Leader in 1978. After retirement from politics, Groff worked in the Juvenile Correctional System in an administrative position. He set up programs for young people who were considered “at-risk.” Groff serves as the co-chair of the Colorado Black Round Table. He is married to Callie Brownlee Groff and he has two grown children, Peter and Traci.
Gwendolyn Scott
Gwen Scott graduated from Manual High School in Denver in 1944 and Denver University in 1948 with a BA. Subsequent scholastic honors included a Masters from
Denver University in 1968 and two Fulbright Scholarships, to India and Kenya. Scott’s career began as a public school teacher in Kansas City, Kan., before moving on to teach in Denver. When she began working toward her teaching degree in Denver, the schools were segregated, and she was allowed to teach only African-American students. She taught in the Denver Public School system for twenty-three years before retiring. She then became a facilitator-teacher for A World of Difference, a diversity training program administered in Colorado schools. After ten years in this position, Gwen retired a second time. Following a five-year adjunct Professorship in the Teacher Education Program at Denver University, Gwen retired for a final time. Source: denverpenwomen.org
Membership is Power Join the Denver Branch of the NAACP Download the membership application at www.naacpdenver.org
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Manual Assistant Principal Not Returning
Former Manual Assistant Principal, Vernon Jones
Manual High School assistant principal Vernon Jones and the community reacted to the decision not to renew Jones’ contract for the 2014-15 school year. His departure from the school sparked outcry in Manual and northeast Denver. The decision has some parents rethinking whether they’ll stay with the school, which has struggled with low performance and turbulent changes in leadership. District officials have already expressed concern about dropping enrollment at the school, where only 75 freshmen are expected to enroll next fall. Following is the announcement Manual principal Don Roy sent to staff: I have decided not to renew Assistant Principal Vernon Jones’ contract for the 2014-15 school year. I made this decision after careful deliberation and evaluation, and I determined that we needed different leadership in the Assistant Principal role for the upcoming school year. I know that Mr. Jones has been a part of the Manual community for a number of
years, and that many of our students, teachers and families have strong relationships with him. My door is open to anyone who has questions or concerns about this decision. I am limited in what I am able to discuss when it comes to personnel decisions, but I will do my best to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your continued support and engagement in the Manual community. Vernon Jones issued a statement following the announcement: “I spoke truth to power in a very passionate way during a community meeting and from that moment Mr. Roy began to see me as not a fit for his team. I have been placed on administrative leave and he has recommended to the DPS board that my administrative contract at Manual High School not be renewed for the 2014-2015 school year. This action did not surprise me but it saddens me because of my eight year commitment to advocating with and for scholars, colleagues, and my community, in a number of positions related to Manual .I had heard whispers within the building and from external colleagues that this was coming but after an earlier face to face meeting with Mr. Roy on May 27 I dismissed them because I trusted that we had come to an understanding and were moving forward as a team. I should have listened to the rumors. I remain resolute in my solidarity with the Manual scholars, staff, parents, and community. Our desire to self-determine, to walk and act T-BOLT STRONG remains. Still WE RISE! I remain a Manual parent and my responsibility to advocate for my children and their peers is still mine and is not dictated by one person’s opinion of my leadership fit. My heart aches but I am not deterred.”
Rita R. Lewis - Leave Manual Alone
Keep Manual intact as a neighborhood school! DPS claims that Manual does not have the numbers in regard to student population to keep Manual open... RECOMMENDATION: Force students from the Stapleton, Lowry areas as well as East to attend Manual. DPS did it before by busing Hilltop students from their George Washington neighborhood to attend Manual and they became proud Thunderbolts. Overcrowding at one school is not a good excuse to close or allow East to “absorb” Manual. If East really has a waiting list of 400+ kids then those kids should not be told that they will attend Manual but they will still be considered East Angels. They should not be deceived. They should become Manual Thunderbolts by default, which alleviates the lack of numbers and forces DPS to provide better resources to Manual to accommodate the increased numbers of incoming students.
This is a huge problem in implementing education in Denver. Too often good neighborhood schools are “absorbed” by other communities..ie. Stapleton has “absorbed” Park Hill schools like Smiley and the old Phillips school. Park Hill residents can’t even attend Odyssey and are told that the spaces are reserved for Stapleton parents. This is discriminatory and I can personally attest to the Stapleton preference as a Park Hill native and parent. Manual has a long, strong history that has been marginalized by DPS based on the number of times DPS has closed Manual or otherwise diluted it’s academic program. Keep Manual intact, and force students from overcrowded East and the Stapleton area to become Manual Thundebolts. Give Manual cutting edge technology and resources that will attract East, Stapleton and other parents in the district. –Rita R. Lewis, Esq. President, NAACP-Denver Branch
Landri Taylor Responds to Rita Lewis
Rita, Thanks for your leadership and recommendations presented. I believe as you do that Manual should be kept as a neighborhood school. This means we shouldn’t let Manual be absorbed with Stapleton, Lowry and Park Hill neighborhood kids. Too many Manual neighborhood parents are choosing to send their kids out of the neighborhood to other better performing schools. I believe we need to continue the investment into Manual and work to make it the #1 school in the district. This means recognizing that this will take time. We must not rush into a short-term fix that won’t sustain the long-term solution we all want to see. The Manual neighborhood is changing rapidly before our eyes. Real 6 8 5 Points News
estate prices are now the highest among Denver neighborhoods including those at Stapleton! Hence, those 5th & 6th graders today will be the new Thunderbolts of tomorrow. I’m working with our DPS staff to ensure we address the feeder system of elementary and middle schools. These schools have to be academically proficient and feed tomorrow’s Manual with well prepared 9th graders. In the meantime, we have to make sure today’s Manual students are given every tool they need to compete upon graduation. I hope to see you this Saturday at the Thunderbolt graduation. Again, thanks for your leadership. –Landri Taylor DPS School Board Member
Congratulations Hope Center Graduates
Preschool gratuates (l-r) Mikayla Johnson, Imani Shannon and Eli’Ana Grimes
Hope Center has been graduating preschoolers for the last 50 plus years to move on to kindergarten ready to succeed. This month, over 60 children graduated from the program who will continue on to various schools in the community. It is amazing to hear the children talk about being doctors, teachers, fireman, police officers, basketball players, as well as sharing their dreams. Hope Center looks at children as an opportunity to take on the challenge of the many different personalities that are encountered, sharing in their special gifts and letting them blossom. The parents shared their appreciation of the experience they have had with Hope Center and have been strong advocates of the program located in the inner city. Hope Center cannot be successful without the support of community, parents, businesses and funders. Hope Center is a four star agency and is nationally accredited. Gerie Grimes, President/CEO states “The future of all children is what early childhood education is all about. We
know these are some of the most critical years of a child’s life and we must make sure as teachers and administrators we are preparing our children for success academically and socially”. On July 19, 2014 Hope Center will host a Community Carnival on site at 3400 Elizabeth Street, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., so come out and have some fun. The event is supported by The Denver Foundation and the city’s Safe Youth Program. Enrollment begins for preschoolers 2 1/2 - 4 years on June 23. Call 303-388480l for more information. The Hope Center is a year round program
Do you have or know a child that is 3 or 4 years old & resides in Denver? Start their education now, call: Hope Center 3400 Elizabeth St, Denver, CO (303)388-4801 www.hopecenterinc.org
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“The Butler” Author Haygood Visits Denver
Understanding Schizophrenia
Dr. Peggy Mitchell Norwood
Author Wil Haygood being interviewed by Denver Post editor, Greg Moore
Wil Haygood is a Washington Post writer and author of several books, including The Butler: A Witness to History. Lee Daniel’s movie, The Butler, was based on this book. Haygood was the luncheon speaker, interviewed by Denver Post Editor Greg Moore, at the 9th Annual Mountain Region Black Economic Summit and Expo on May 30 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. The
2014 theme was Connect2Success. The event has been labeled “the premier multicultural business leadership conference in the West.” It features a full-day economic empowerment summit comprised of workshops and panel discussions designed to promote financial literacy and stimulate action toward building and sustaining wealth in the Black community.
L-R: KT Coleman, Financial Advisor; Gary Karre, Assistant Complex Manager; Stephen McMillon, Financial Advisor; Betsy Steckel, Complex Manager’s Assistant; Clarke Octigan, Managing Director, Complex Manager- Southern Mountains; Gabe Terry, Nationwide Financial; Anthony Paul, Financial Advisor
The Denver offices of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management was a proud sponsor of year’s Mountain Region Black Economic Summit (MRBES) Morgan Stanley sponsored a presentation on Social Security titled “The
Choice of a Lifetime”. 44% of Americans currently take their benefit as soon as they are able to, at age 62, but longer life expectancies are changing the face of retirement planning.
My high school boyfriend was diagnosed with schizophrenia as an adult. He had been in and out of treatment and on different medications, but he didn’t like the side effects and stopped taking his meds. He had grown increasingly paranoid when he boarded a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train at New York’s Penn Station. As the train filled and became more crowded, he started to pace up and down the aisle. The other passengers felt he was “menacing” and they called transit police. When the transit cops boarded the train, he pulled out a martial arts sword he had hidden in the leg of his combat-fatigue pants. One thing led to another, and when all was said and done, he was shot eight times. Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder involving a disturbance in thoughts, emotions, and behavior. People with schizophrenia are considered psychotic or “out of touch with reality” and commonly experience hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations are false sensory experiences, for example seeing things that aren’t really there (visual hallucinations) or hearing things that aren’t really there (auditory hallucinations). Delusions are rigidly held false beliefs, for example that people are trying to obstruct, harm, or kill you when they really aren’t (persecutory delusions) or exaggerated beliefs that
you have extraordinary abilities, fame, or wealth that you don’t actually have (grandiose delusions). People with schizophrenia often have disorganized thoughts and speech and may go off on tangents or speak incoherently. Their behavior may also be bizarre, disorganized, or catatonic and they may withdraw from others, exhibit a lack of initiative or pleasure in activities, and have difficulty taking care of themselves. They may also experience lack of emotion or inappropriate emotions. The newspaper dubbed my high school boyfriend “The LIRR Swordsman.” Miraculously, he survived the shooting. His parents communicated that their son was not dangerous; he was simply mentally ill and had not been taking his medication. In lieu of prison time, the court mandated assisted outpatient treatment. He could remain free as long as he stayed on his medication and complied with treatment. Most mentally ill people are not violent and most violent people are not mentally ill. However, when someone is psychotic or out of touch with reality, their risk of violence increases. A psychotic person might not respond to ordinary requests or instructions and may feel paranoid and feel threatened if you approach them. Rather than fearing mentally ill people, we should learn to recognize the signs that someone is in distress or might be at risk for harming themselves or someone else. It is important for us to also learn appropriate ways to assist people with mental health issues and how to refer them to a mental health professional. Do your part and educate yourself on recognizing and responding to mental health issues. – Dr. Peggy Mitchell Norwood Dr Mitchell Norwood is a mental health consultant, ordained minister, and author of the book, Do Something Different…For a Change. You can reach her at peggy@drpegonline.com or 303-745-4944.
Blair Caldwell African American Research Library 2401 Welton Street, Denver, CO 80205 · 720-865-2401
Sonny Lawson Park Reopened
Children and families enjoy the new playground at Sonny Lawson Park grand opening celebration
Sonny Lawson Park, had been fenced off for months due to renovations and a festive grand opening celebration took place on May 31. The event brought together individuals, community groups and organizations to share their talents and resources, and welcome park goers back. Food, dance performances, balloon art, and walking tours of the neighborhood were among the activities on the docket for the day. 8 8 5 Points News
The park at 24th and Welton was the first ball field in Denver to host Negro League games. In 1972, it became the first park in the city dedicated to an African American, Sonny Lawson. Lawson was a Denver native who started the Radio Pharmacy at 2601 Welton Street and ran it for more than fifty years. He was also the district executive for the Democratic Party in east Denver for more than two dozen years.
AMERICAN EXPERIENCE Presents: An Advanced Screening of the Film Freedom Summer with Special Guest Speaker Dr. Winston Grady-Willis, MSU Friday, June 20, 2014 | 1:30 pm | Free and open to the public Mr. Bones & Friends Join puppeteer Tim Seeber and learn about dinosaurs. See and touch life sized duplicates and learn about comparative anatomy. All ages. No registration is required
The Blair Caldwell African American Research Library has an exciting lineup of events. Visit www.aarl.denverlibrary.org/events_exhibits/index.html
Safe Summer Safe Holly Park Hill Festival 2014
K’yan enjoying a day of fun for all ages at the Safe Summer Safe Holly Park Hill Festival 2014
Hundreds of people of all ages turned out for the Safe Summer Safe Holly Park Hill Festival 2014 on Saturday June 7. The festival took place at Holly Square located at 33rd and Holly and featured live music, food, resources, vendors, a three on three basketball tournament, a chess tournament, chalk art, and a plethora of community collaborations and assets. On the main stage, Rene Ferguson opened the festival with her poetry read-
ing. Greg Goodloe, the Ricky Earl Band, the Sheldon Johnson Group, and Jakarta shared their musical artistic talents with festival participants throughout the afternoon. Zulu Gremlin, a legendary break dance artist, performed to a rapt audience. Dave Carver and his dancers demonstrated Detroit style urban ballroom dancing. Everyone had a great time and the community is looking forward to more.
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Safe Summer Safe Holly Park Hill Festival 2014
Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce
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Rep. McCann’s 2014 Legislative Wrap Up
Rep. Beth McCann, House District 8
The 2014 legislative session was productive with 96% of the bills passing with bipartisan support! We passed a balanced budget of just under $24 billion. Highlights included a $100 million increase for higher education and no college tuition increases over 6%; increased K-12 funding to $7021 per student; child care reforms giving working families greater access to affordable, high quality child care; a bill allowing ‘pot banks’; and, funds for drug abuse prevention from marijuana taxes. In working on behalf of House District 8, I was able to pass a number of bills. After three years of work, two bills will help those facing foreclosure. HB 1130 provides that any excess money a borrower provides to cure a default is returned to the borrower not given to the lender. HB 1295 requires a lender to establish a single point of contact for a borrower renegotiating a loan. It also prohibits “dual tracking” which occurs when a lender forecloses on a property despite the borrower being in a loan modification making payments.
Prescription drug overuse and misuse is a serious problem in Colorado. HB 1283 requires all licensed professionals who dispense narcotics to have an account with our drug monitoring program. Medical providers and designees will have access to the data and may be separately notified if patients are ‘prescription shopping’. The program licensing addiction treatment programs was extended for another five years with HB 1173. Currently, prescription drug outlets can only compound (personalize) drugs for office use by a medical practitioner. SB 95 allows drugs to be compounded for hospitals, giving patients quicker access to life saving drugs. Previously, pediatric dental benefits offered inside and outside of the Colorado Health Exchange were different. HB 1053 ensures that pediatric dental benefits are consistent within and outside the exchange. My human trafficking bill, HB 1273, strengthens our criminal laws concerning human trafficking. It extends the protections of the Rape Shield Law to victims of human trafficking, and clarifies that ignorance of the age of the victim and consent are not legal defenses. It creates the Council on Human Trafficking to coordinate efforts in this area. I am grateful for the widespread support from law enforcement and non-profit groups. A related bill, HB 1372, prohibits advertising for child adoption through a public medium. HB 1266 equalizes penalties for certain crimes based on the value of a stolen or damaged item. SB 39 allows emergency first responders to administer critical care to our family pets, and SJR 31 designates the month of October as School Safety Month. My door is always open; share ideas, comments or concerns at: beth@bethmc cann.org
Gessler Limits Voter Registration
Secretary of State Scott Gessler
Below is an excerpt from a letter sent by Secretary of State Scott Gessler’s office to many organizations that lead voter registration campaigns: “This is a reminder that June 2 is the last day for voters to timely register to vote through a VRD in order to vote in the June
24, 2014 Primary Election. Unlike in years past, you must suspend VRD registration activities after June 2 until June 25, 2014. Under newly-enacted Senate Bill 14-161, counties must now process all voter registration applications they receive through election day—meaning they will no longer defer processing of registrations they receive from VRDs after today’s VRD registration deadline. For this reason, any registration you submit between June 3rd and June 24th will be untimely and you will be subject to a fine for each form you submit.” Statement from Rev. Dawn Riley: “Whether Secretary of State Scott Gessler’s suspension of VRD registration activities from June 2nd – June 24th, 2014 is intentional or an unfortunate coincidence, the reality is the success of organizations that lead voter registration directed at communities of color may seriously be inhibited. To avoid this, widespread register and voter participation of underrepresented communities in November’s Midterm Election is imperative.”
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Valentine Announces Candidacy
House District 7 Candidate, Elet Valentine
Elet Valentine, a people’s advocate for integrity in government, this week announced her candidacy for the State Representative –House District 7. Valentine, a native of Northeast Denver who believes in putting the people first before corporations or special interest groups, is challenging incumbent Angela Williams, the former insurance agency owner and mortgage corporation supporter through her House votes. Valentine, the mother of a Montbello High School graduate, attended Manual High School, but graduated from East High School in 1991. She was raised in the Cole, Park Hill and Montbello neighborhoods where she currently resides. She earned a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Behavioral Sciences from Metropolitan State College of Denver, with a minor in Criminal Justice in 1996. She has worked to restore public, taxpayer control of Denver Public Schools - leading the fight to stave off privatization of Montbel-
lo - and over the last 11 years has owned and operated Valentine Bail Bonds, L.L.C., working as a Bail Bond and Recovery Agent. She also created Valentine’s Heart, a 501(c) 3 non-profit foundation through which she annually donated school supplies to thousands of underserved students in the Denver Metro area. Valentine has spent much of her time advocating for others, putting the people around her first. She has chosen to do this with pride and because it is the right thing to do. She is committed to serve and be there for the residents of HD7. She believes that every person in the district deserves representation that provides equality, integrity and reliability in the delivery of good government and services. Unlike the incumbent, whose votes in the Colorado House suggest otherwise, Valentine believes in putting the people in her district before corporations or special interest groups. Valentine stands for and will restore through her people-centered actions, equality, integrity and reliability in government. For more information please visit: www.evalentineforstaterep.com
Elet Valentine is challenging incumbent Angela Williams in a race for the House District 7 seat. Rep. Angela Williams’ 2014 Campaign Kickoff will take place on Friday, June 13. The election season also continues with the June 24th primaries and the November 4th general elections.
Ballots on the way to Denver voters for June 24 Primary Election Mail ballots will start arriving in Denver mailboxes this week. For the June 24th Primary Election, ballots will be mailed to all active voters who are affiliated with the American Constitution, Democratic, or Republican parties. “Voted ballots can be returned in person or by mail, the return postage is 70 cents,” Denver Clerk and Recorder Debra Johnson said. “Voters who choose to return their ballots in person can bring them to any one of eight conveniently located Voter Service and Polling Centers across the city and all VSPC locations will offer drive-through ballot drop-off.” Denver voters will also have the added convenience of being able to drop off their ballots at one of twenty 24-Hour Ballot Drop-Off boxes located throughout the city. Ballots should never be left at any unsecured location or outside of the posted hours of operation at Voter Service and Polling Centers.
Information on Voter Service and Polling Center dates and hours of operation, drive-through ballot drop-off locations, and 24-Hour Ballot Drop-Off Box locations can be found on the instruction sheet in the voter’s mail ballot packet, at www.DenverVotes.org, or by calling 311. Sample ballots are available on the Denver Elections Division website, www. DenverVotes.org. Voters are encouraged to sign up for Ballot TRACE to receive updates about the status of their mail ballot. Ballot TRACE tracks a voter’s mail ballot from the time it is prepared, as it passes through the postal system, and until the Elections Division processes it. Once a voter signs up, they can receive text or email notifications, or view these updates at www. DenverVotes.org. Additional voter information available on our social media channels at Twitter.com/DenverElections and Facebook.com/DenverElections
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Central Rail Extension Mobility Study Public Meeting
Mile High United Way Mile High United Way’s new headquarters – the Morgridge Center for Community Change – is just three months away from being completed. Mile High United Way’s new headquarters located across from Sonny Lawson Park, at the corner of Park Avenue West and California Street, is a long-term investment in the collaborative community work Mile High United Way does to improve the lives of children, families and individuals. The 63,000 square-foot building was designed by Davis Partnership Architects and is being built by Denver-based PCL Construction.
Wednesday, July 16 St. Charles Recreation Center 3777 Lafayette St. Denver, CO 80205 Meeting – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Presentation – 6:00 p.m. The Central Rail Extension Mobility Study will identify the most feasible rail transit route and operating plan to provide a direct rail connection with no transfers between downtown Denver and the future 38th/Blake Station on the East Rail Line. Come learn about the options being considered and provide your input!
Learn more: rtd-fastracks.com and click on the Central Rail Extension link.
Coming soon to the Neighborhood August 2014 Center for African American Health Offers Free Home Blood Pressure Management Program July 26 Destination Health: Walk/ Run/Learn in Denver’s City Park Supports Community Prevention and Wellness Initiatives Year-Round Just Check It, a home management program to help control blood pressure, is among the Center for African American Health’s services that will benefit from the 4th Annual Destination Health: Walk/Run/ Learn event on Saturday, July 26 at the Pavilion in Denver’s City Park. The Just Check It toolkit includes a blood pressure cuff, information on lifestyle choices, and a system to track home blood pressure and share information with a doctor or pharmacist to enable better decisions about how to manage blood pressure. “Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and African Americans have the highest death rate from cardiovascular disease of all racial and ethnic groups,” points out Center Executive Director Grant Jones. “It’s important that we recognize that there are modifiable risk factors – high blood pressure, diabetes and limited physical activity – and steps we can take to control our health. We are here to help the people we serve in community make more informed decisions about the foods they eat, activities, and other lifestyle choices.” Dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the African-American community, the Center partners with a wide variety of health-education and healthdelivery organizations to develop and provide culturally-appropriate disease prevention and disease management programs to thousands each year. The Center is also a certified Connect for Health Colorado assistance site. To learn more about the Center’s programs, including Just Check It,
visit http://www.caahealth.org/index.cfm/ ID/3/Programs. Destination Health combines exercise, education and entertainment in a multigenerational experience. On-site registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. July 26 near the City Park Pavilion. Following warm-up activities at 8 a.m., the run/walk (5k route or one-mile course) will get underway promptly at 8:30 a.m. The Health Education Expo features more than 40 booths filled with important information and resources about vital health matters and the special Children’s Health and Safety Zone provides fun activities and information for families. There also will be an awards ceremony and great entertainment by the Mary Louise Lee Band. Destination Health online registration is available at www.destinationhealth5k. org. Early bird pricing is in effect until June 20 and is just $25 for adults and children 6 and older. After June 20, the cost for adults increases to $30. Special pricing is available for teams (four or more), children 6-17, adults 50+, and active/retired military. Children 5 and under are free. There also is a Sleeping-In for Health option ($15) for those unable to attend the July 26 event yet want to support the Center’s programs and receive a t-shirt. Onsite registration is available for $35. If you would like to be a CAAH volunteer or need additional information about the Center for African American Health, please contact the Center at info@caahealth.org or call 303-355-3423.
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Upcoming Events To list an event in 5 POINTS NEWS send us an email: 5pointsnews@brotherjeff.com Father of the Year and Golf Tournament Park Hill Golf Course | 4141 E. 35th Ave., Denver, CO 80207 Saturday, June 14, 2014 | 7:30 am The Father’s Show Resource Program is hosting its fifth annual Father of the Year event with a golf tournament, silent auction, & award luncheon. The golf tournament begins at 7:30 a.m., the luncheon begins at noon. This year’s guest speaker is former Bronco Running Back Reggie Rivers. To reserve tickets, please visit www.thefathershowrp.org/ and click on the banner for “Ticket”. Only the first 100 golfers will be accepted. ($125.00 per person).
Annual Scholarship Award Luncheon Gottesfeld Room at the University of Denver’s Ritchie Center Sunday, June 15, 2014 | 1:00 - 3:00 pm The Hubert L. “Hooks” Jones (HLHJ) Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. is proud to announce that they are hosting the Annual Scholarship Award Luncheon for this year. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Richard Biffle III, professor of sociology, anthropology and archaeology at Thomas College and heritage member of HLHJ Chapter. Tickets may be purchased or donations made through chapter members, online at www.colorado-redtails.com.
Men of Distinction ~ Fathers of Wisdom Mirage Event Center | 13250 E.Mississippi Ave., Aurora Sunday, June 15, 2014 | 3:00 - 6:00 pm This 27th anniversary celebration is presented by the Denver Urban Spectrum. Special Father’s Day Musical Tribute featuring Ron Ivory, Diana Castro, Harold Lee, Linda Theus-Lee, Ernest Washington and Vickilyn Reynolds. For more information, call 303.292.6446 or visit www.denverurbanspectrum. com. Individual tickets - $45.00.
Agape Christian Church Summer Food Service Program 2501 California Street | Denver, CO 80205 June 2 through July 31, 2014 The Agape Christian Church is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age,or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service. Monday - Friday 11:30 to 1:30
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Businesses & Services Along Welton Advertising and Marketing Commerce Kitchen 515 30th Street, Denver, CO 80205 (877) 299-9101 Architecture and Interior Design Studiotrope 2942 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 308-1144 Arts and Culture Black American West Museum 3091 California Street, Denver, CO 80205 (720) 242-7428
Coffee Shops Coffee at the Point 710 E 26th Ave Denver, CO 80205 (303) 955-2237 Purple Door Coffee 2962 Welton St Denver, CO 80205 (720) 515-6639 COmmunications Wireless Express 610 26th St., Denver, CO 80205 (303) 295-1788
Blair-Caldwell African American Library 2401 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (720) 865-2401
COmmuniTY DEVELOPMENT Civil Technology Inc. 2413 Washington, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 292-0348
brother jeff’s Cultural Center 2836 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 297-0823
Five Points Business District 2444 Washington, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 832-5000
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance 119 Park Avenue West, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 295-1759
Spark Policy Institute 2717 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 455-1740
Stiles African American Heritage Center, Inc. 2607 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 294-0597
Dispensaries Denver Kush Club 2615 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 736-6550
Automotive Courtesy Auto 728 East 26th Avenue, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 861-4417
Central Baptist Church 2400 California, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 292-6618
Wells Fargo 2559 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 297-7786
City Life Church 608 26th Street, Denver, CO 80205 (720) 989-1827
BaRBERs & Beauty Shops Five Points Beauty and Barber 2757 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 298-1078
Government Offices Denver Motor Vehicle Five Points Plaza 2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (720) 865-4600
Hope for a Change Beauty and Barber Shop 2737 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (720) 434-9092 Mr. Puff 2754 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (720) 404-8154 New Look Barbers 2825 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 295-9192 BaRS Climax Lounge 2217 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 292-5483 M&M Bar 2621 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 295-0424 Cleaners C & B Cleaners & Hatters 2748 Welton, Denver CO 80205 (303) 297-9544
Street Blossoms owner LaSheita Sayer
713 East 26th Ave., Denver (Historic Five Points) Join Street Blossoms for Friday Night SWAPS 5:30 - 7 PM Exchange gently loved items. Bring an item to trade and receive 10% off any bouquet. June 13-Flower Art | June 20 - Frames & Candles | June 27 - Silk Flowers
303.539.9300
Faith Based Agape Christian Church 2501 California, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 296-2454
Banking US Bank 2701 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 296-4742
Franklin Stigers Afro Styling 2755 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 295-9055
Welcome Street Blossoms to Five Points
Health & Human Resources brother jeff’s Community Health Initiative 608 26th St., 2nd Floor, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 293-0024
The Law Office of
Jessica Jackson-Barrows, LLC
Denver Options 2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (720) 587-2800
Former Brooklyn, NY Prosecutor Specializing in Criminal Defense and Personal Injury
Healing Life’s Pains 2515 California St., Denver, CO 80205 (720) 275-3383 Hope Communities 2543 California, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 860-7747
695 South Colorado Blvd., Suite 480 Denver, Colorado 80246 PH: 303.898.2698 | FAX: 303.722.7281
Unification Point 2954 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205 (720) 984-1448
Payment Arrangements Available
Legal Services A Release Bail Bonding www.releasebonds.com (303) 523-4447 Cooper & Dorancy, LLC 3025 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 831-1021
Kiovsky and Duwaldt 2820 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 293-2300
Wise-Harris Arms Apartment Complex 605 26th Avenue, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 296-7530
Media Colorado Public Television 12 2900 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 296-1212
Retail & SERVICES Graham Crackers Antiques 2545 Welton, Denver, CO 80205
Denver Weekly News 2937 Welton, Denver, 80205 (303) 292-5158 5 Points News 2836 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 297-0823 Free Speech TV 2900 Welton, Denver CO 80205 (303) 442- 8445 KUVO 2900 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 480-9272 Real estate & Housing Public Realty 2608 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 295-2128
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Neat Stuff at the Black Market 2547 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 382-1337 Uptown Market 2721 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 993-7701 Venues Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom 2637 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 297-1772 Youth Services Heart and Hand 2758 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 757-2368
Five Points & Northeast Denver Restaurants
Tom’s Cafe 800 E. 26th St., Denver, CO 80205 (303) 388-8035
Music Executive Big Jon Platt Returns to Montbello
Taste of Haiti Caribbian Cuisine 2622 Welton St., Denver, CO 80205 (303) 296-3389 Welton Street Cafe 2736 Welton St., Denver, CO 80205 (303) 308-0860
Music executive awards scholarships to Montbello High School students.
Montbello native Big Jon Platt has reached the highest heights in the music industry. He is well known for his work with Jay-z, Rhianna, Usher, Beyonce and more. He is now president of North America for Warner/Chapell and gives annual
The Creamary 908 30th St., Denver, CO 80205 (303) 295-2404
A&A Fish 2896 Fairfax St., Denver, CO 80207 (303) 399-3730
scholarships to Montbello High School seniors. Platt returned to his alma mater to give scholarships. Sadly Montbello High School will close this year. However, Platt has pledged to continue giving to students in the Montbello area.
I Candi Car Wash
Cora Fayes 2861 Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80207 (303) 333-5551 WT Snack Shop 5560 East 33rd Street Denver, Co 80207 (303) 329-0335
Commercial & Residential State of the Art Equipment Top of the Line Professional Products Licensed and Insured The Best Deals in Town Guaranteed!
George W. Copeland, Jr. Owner/Operator 303.295.WASH (9274) icandicarwash@aol.com www.icandicarwash.com
WireLess Express Bogey’s on the Park 2500 York St., Denver, CO 80205 (303) 291-1354 Jammin’ Joe’s BBQ 2600 High Street Denver, Co 80205 (303) 298-7427
Whittier Pub 2000 E. 28th Ave., Denver, CO 80205 (303) 638-7397 Support local businesses and help build a stronger Five Points Community. When you do, mention that you saw them in the 5 POINTS NEWS.
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610 26th St. Denver, CO 80205 June 2014 8
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Alvin Braswell, Sr.
J. Mark Pipkin
Losing a loved one is never easy. When people experience loss, they need a strong support network to provide comfort and offer encouragement. The caring and experienced professionals at Pipkin Braswell are here to support you through this difficult time. We offer a range of personalized services to suit your family’s wishes and requirements. You can count on us to help you plan a personal, lasting tribute to your loved one. And we’ll carefully guide you through the many decisions that must be made during this challenging time. Please feel free to call us any time of the day, any day of the week, for immediate assistance. Or, visit our facility in person at your convenience.
6601 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80220
303.996.0869
www.pipkinbraswell.com