DUS “Powers Up” for its Power By Melovy Melvin •
Denver Urban Spectrum has been spreading and sharing the news about people of color for 30 years since 1987 and is inviting all friends, family, community members and the public to join US in celebrating. POWE On April 26, and starting the chain of events, DUS held its kickoff reception at the Clocktower Cabaret in downtown Denver. The reception paid homage to the 2017 DUS African-Americans Who Make A Difference, announced the 15 DUS Power 30 Couples, and debuted DUS’s new theme song and video, “More Today Than Yesterday.” The 2017 African Americans Who Make A Difference recognized were Albert C. Cooper, Arthur C. Jones, Brande’ Micheau, Brenda Lyle, Councilman Christopher Herndon, Elycia R. Cook, Gary M. Jackson, Haroun K. Cowans, Linda Theus-Lee, Regina L. Jackson, Rev. Reginald Carl Holmes, Ty McKay, and Vanessa Power Anderson. Vocalist Jah Goatfish and friends (Freddy Rodriguez on keys, Orlando Rafael on electric guitar, Desmond Washington on drums and Jeroan Adams on bass) provided the entrainment.Proceeds from the song (which is available on CD Baby www.cdbaby.com/cd/jahgoatfish) will benefit the Urban Spectrum Youth Foundation’s scholarship to be presented during the Family Reunion Festival in August. On May 13, DUS hosted its Power 30 Luncheon at the Renaissance Hotel in Stapleton, where recognition was given to the 15 Powerful Couples who have been striving to profoundly and positively affect the community. The DUS 15 Power Couples included the Honorable Wellington E. and Wilma J. Webb, Dr. Johnny and June Johnson, Dr. Reginald and Faye Washington, Eula and Janet Adams, Geta and Janis Asfaw, Gregory and Nina Henderson Moore, Rev. Dr. Timothy and Dr. Nita Tyler, Scott Durrah and Wanda James, Damon and Heather Barry, Gerald and Glynis Albright, Dr. Ryan and Simone Ross, the Honorable Mayor Michael B. Hancock and First Lady Mary Louise Lee, Matthew and Priya Burkett, Chauncey and Piper Billups and Eric and Kathy Nesbitt. The luncheon ended with an amazing video presentation filled with many memories of the 30 year history and journey of Denver Urban Spectrum. Former Denver City Councilwoman and President Allegra “Happy” Haynes and former State Representative and Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll emceed the luncheon while a duet was performed by Jah Goatfish and Linda Theus-Lee and pianist Michael Williams. As DUS “powers up” on its BIG “30,” the fun continues. 1987 Denver Urba
SPECIAL THANKS: Councilman Albus Brooks, Rev. Quincy “Q” Shannon, Rev. James Fouther, Allegra “Happy” Haynes, Terran Al Saadiq Johnson, Allan Tellis, Bernard Grant, Caroline Price, Deborah Powell, Donald James, Duvonne Green, Ed Jenkins, Ja Norma Paige, Mable Sutton, Marlina Hullum, Melovy Melvin, Stephanie Hall, Tanya Ishikawa, Vinson Powell, Velois Rausch. Stapleton, Denver Water, Janus Capital, Visit Denver, Denver Health, Banneker Watches, Simmons Foundation, ARC Thrift St Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2017
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