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October 31, 2019
DENVER Since 1926
DENVER, COLORADO
A publication of
ARE YOU PREPARED? Survivalists offer range of options for uncertain future P10
Report: Priests abused 166 kids Roman Catholic dioceses are urged to hire independent investigators ASSOCIATED PRESS
that has happened in the building. They are hoping to win $150,000 in the Vote Your Main Street competition to help pay for some of the water damage, as well as window repair. Because the building is historically designated, something as simple as replacing the windows can often become an expensive job because of the specific materials needed, Gentry said. Working to preserve the house is helping to save a piece of the culture of Five Points. Gentry added that Ford was a woman dedicated to that community. If Ford had a day off, it was rare, she said.
At least 166 Colorado children were sexually abused by 43 Roman Catholic priests over 70 years, and it took the church an average of nearly 20 years to act against clergy credibly accused of abuse, according to a report released Oct. 23 by Colorado’s attorney general. The findings of the independent investigation show the state’s three Catholic dioceses spent decades attempting to cover up the abuse, Colorado Public Radio reports. The months-long investigation was led by Bob Troyer, a former U.S. attorney for Colorado, and was released by state Attorney General Phil Weiser, who commissioned the project earlier this year. The most recent abuse cases involve four children and one Denver priest in 1998. The report says the church continues to receive allegations of abuse by clergy dating back decades. It says priests abused nine children in the 1980s and at least 11 in the 1990s.
SEE LEGACY, P9
SEE PRIESTS, P15
Terri Gentry holds up a photo of the McClain twins, one of whom was her great grandmother. Gentry is a board member of the Black American West Museum, which is inside Dr. Justina Ford’s former home and doctor’s office. KAILYN LAMB
The ‘Mother Teresa’ of Five Points Museum looks to preserve legacy of Dr. Justina Ford BY KAILYN LAMB KLAMB@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
For Dr. Justina Ford, simply doing her job was an uphill battle. Although she was one of the first women to practice medicine in Colorado, she was not allowed to do so in a hospital because she was black and not given membership to the Colorado Medical Society. Instead, Ford set up an office in her Five Points home. Over the span of 50 years she delivered 7,000 babies.
As a doctor, Ford left her mark on the Five Points community. She lived in her home office there until she died in 1952. Now that community is looking to give back. Board members and volunteers from the Black American West Museum have partnered with Historic Denver to enter a national competition where the prize money will help pay for renovations to Ford’s former home and pediatrics office. The museum, at 3091 California St., is also housed inside. The museum recently underwent a roof renovation, but board member Terri Gentry said staff at the museum also has concerns about the infrastructure and water damage
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
“Voting for only one candidate feeds polarization and factionalism. People are desperate for a positive message.” Frank Atwood, chairman of the Approval Voting Party | Page 7 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 10 | CALENDAR: PAGE 6 VOLUME 92 | ISSUE 51