5 Months In: A Look at President Trump’s Second Term…12 Youth on Record Creates Musical Pathways for Denver’s Youngest Artists…14
PUBLISHER
Rosalind J. Harris
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
MANAGING and COPY EDITOR
Ruby Jones
COLUMNISTS
Barry Overton
Dr. Dedrick Sims
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Khaleigh Reed
Latrice Owens
Mona Cedillo
Ruby Jones
T. Holt Russell
Wayne Trujillo
SPECIAL PROJECTS ASSISTANT
Tanya Ishikawa
ART DIRECTOR
Bee Harris
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PHOTOGRAPHER
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DISTRIBUTION
Lawrence A. James
Denver Urban Spectrum is a monthly publication dedicated to spreading the news about people of color. Contents of Denver Urban Spectrum are copyright 2024 by Bizzy Bee Enterprise. No portion may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.
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Write to Denver Urban Spectrum at P.O. Box 31001, Aurora, CO 80041. For advertising, subscriptions, or other information, call 303-292-6446, email publisher@urbanspectrum or visit the Website at www.denverurbanspectrum.com
Celebrating National Black Music Month in the Mile High City
Summer officially begins on June 20, and as the city heats up there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fun of Denver’s growing music scene.
Festival season started early this year with a new activation of jazz events throughout Five Points as a nod to the historic neighborhood’s musical past. The First Friday Jazz Hop started in May, and will continue throughout the summer, with local musicians and artists performing at venues along Welton Street on the first Friday of each month.
Contributor Latrice Owens highlights Youth on Record this month, detailing the organization’s efforts to expose young people to the art and business of musical production; and Dazzle Jazz is featured, with a look at how the venue is keeping the spirit of Denver’s legendary El Chapultepec alive. Meanwhile, contributor Khaleigh Reed provides a look at the future of entertainment in Denver, with an article about the increasingly popular Vibes in the Park.
The cover story this month features Otis Williams, a legend in his own right who shares his experiences as a prominent member of the original Motown supergroup, The Temptations. Contributor Wayne Trujillo takes readers down memory lane as Williams discusses the group’s start, and its many seasons. What better way to celebrate National Black Music Month than to pay tribute to some of the most iconic Black music makers of all time?
In addition to acknowledging the role Black singers, songwriters and instrumentalists have played in making life in America more musical and magical, June is a time to celebrate Father’s Day. Contributor Mona Cedillo shares a special message to dads, noting the importance of fatherhood and reminding readers that June is also Men’s Health Month and the perfect opportunity to take inventory of physical, spiritual and emotional health.
There are a number of community updates this month, including the impending induction of one of Colorado’s respected Black journalists to the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, and changes being made to humanize incarcerated individuals at local correctional institutions. The Building Resilience In Colorado or BRIC Fund celebrates its fifth anniversary this month, with a touching letter to the community from founder LaDawn Sullivan. Another monumental update by T. Holt Russell explains the current state of political affairs, and how recent events could affect communities of color in Colorado and beyond.
The city is mourning the loss of Rev. Dr. James D. Peters Jr, the long-time pastor at New Hope Baptist Church and a prominent figure in Denver’s civil rights movement. As we remember his leadership and life of service, we thank community leaders and service providers throughout the city for their enduring efforts to advance equity and change lives.
Happy Father’s Day!
Dear friends and colleagues,
After 34 years of service in the City and County of Denver, Mayor’s Office spanning five mayoral administrations, I’m stepping into a new season of retirement. It has been an incredible honor to serve under Mayors Wellington E. Webb, John W. Hickenlooper, Guillermo “Bill” Vidal, Michael B. Hancock, and Mike Johnston.
From my humble beginnings as an executive assistant to serving as executive director and deputy chief of staff, I’ve worked alongside some of the most passionate and dedicated city employees. When I started back in 1991, Denver was a city of 500,000 people, still using typewriters and pagers. Today, it’s a thriving metropolis. Each administration, project and challenge has shaped me and contributed to Denver’s growth. I’ve witnessed history, endured crises including COVID and
firsthand God’s faithfulness through it all.
What I’ll cherish most are the people and relationships; community and city employees who became like family, the shared laughter and tears and the unwavering commitment to serve our city. Our work has always been more than policies and programs. It’s been about people, purpose and making an impact. To everyone who has walked this journey with me— Thank You!
While this chapter is closing, my dedication to Denver remains, and I look forward to new ways to serve and contribute to our community.
As I prepare to embrace retirement this summer, I step forward in faith, trusting that God will lead me into a chapter filled with more. More time to restore my strength, renew my mind, and deepen my faith. More time with my husband,
Ruby Jones Editor
family, friends, and beautiful grandchildren. More time to travel. More time for my business, Lacy’s Chair Covers and Linen. More time to simply embrace the journey ahead—in all its fullness.
seen
LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY
Thank you, Denver
LaTonya
Soul Survivor: Otis Williams Carries the Temptations into a Seventh Decade of Superstardom
Dr. Otis Williams knows how to make an entrance, even over the phone. His penchant for punctuality takes a break as he delays his interview’s start time “four or five heartbeats” to perform a quick tech-check.
Derrick Holmes, the interview facilitator, Colorado-based entrepreneur and Williams’ associate, explains both the delay and that the singer is prone to zippy, musicallythemed metaphoric lines.
When the voice of The Temptations’ legendary founder returns to the line, he notes, “It’s been about 20 heartbeats already.”
In the same way that his affection for pithy aphorisms holds firm, it’s apparent that his passions for music and his R&B and soul singing group also endure.
Meet the Temptations (1964)
The Temptations’ story is almost as fabled as their music.
A 1998 NBC miniseries broadcasts the dizzying drama surrounding the group, revealing equal parts tragedy and triumph. In 1991, “The Five Heartbeats” drew inspiration from their story, with director Robert Townsend admitting that the film was loosely based on the group’s ups and downs.
More recently, the Broadway musical, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, showcased their legacy, winning the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography.
Now, six decades after the group’s first appearance on Billboard’s Hot 100 in May 1965, the trade magazine recently
By Wayne Trujillo
announced that the breakout song surpassed one billion streams on Spotify.
On May 1, Williams made an appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” celebrating the 60th anniversary of the song. He acknowledged God for
blessings ranging from waking up each morning to the enduring impact of Motown and its ability to unite disparate cul tures across generations.
“Over one billion streams because of you all,” he smiled, pointing into the audience.
Gettin’ Ready (1966)
Despite their meager beginnings, The Temptations are inductees in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in addition to being Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awardees whose iconic sound is memorialized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Despite his calm, cool demeanor, much of The Temptations’ success can be attributed to Williams’ fastidious leadership style.
It was Williams who supported, counseled, bolstered, encouraged, cheered and cajoled the group at the height of its success. His attention to detail and exactness laid the foundation, while Smokey Robinson’s composition and David Ruffin’s lead vocals propelled “My Girl” into ubiquity.
In the 1960’s Detroit was brimming with aspiring artists who possessed comparable qualities; but without Williams’ inflexible determination and the professional guidance provided by Motown Records, the other hopefuls were unable to match the flair, finesse and talent of The Temptations.
Sky’s The Limit (1971)
Williams set his artistic sights on secular success, but he was rooted in the spiritual grounding passed on by his grandmothers during his early years in Texarkana, Texas, before relocating to Detroit to live with his mother and stepfather.
“I’m very spiritual,” he explains.
Armed with his grandmothers’ spiritual convictions and his own ambitions, he arrived at a pivotal place at the perfect time.
Known as “Motor City” due
to its dominance in the automotive industry, Berry Gordy’s influence and team of budding stars added another dimension to the Midwest city.
The opening of “The Temptations’” two-episode series captures the moment and the mood: “This is Detroit, right around 1958. And that was me right there – Otis Williams. 17 years and about to burst,” he narrates.
Audiences watch as his younger self rushes to the Fox Theater, where The Coasters, The Cadillacs, The Chantels, Clyde McPhatter and Ruth Brown appear on the marquee.
“Back then there were mainly two choices for a young man like me, the assembly line or music. I know now that I was destined for the latter. What I didn’t know was that I was living in the city soon to be known to the world as the ‘Birthplace of Motown Records.’ I remember it like yesterday, the exact moment that singing became the most important thing in my life.”
Initially, Williams recruited Melvin Franklin, referred to as “quite possibly the best bass singer of all time,” by John Oates of the rock duo Hall and Oates, at the Temptations’ 1989 hall of fame induction ceremony.
Veteran journalist Gerri Hirshey called Williams and Franklin the “heart and brains” of The Temptations. When told of Hirshey’s assessment, Williams agreed, replying that they stood “shoulder to shoulder.”
Next, Williams recruited Elbridge “Al” Bryant, and when a rival group – the Primes – disbanded Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams joined the ranks. Prior to being recognized as The Temptations, the group performed as The Elgins. Kendricks would provide lead vocals on many songs, while Williams, also a fine singer, became recognized for
his choreography innovations.
A few years later, David Ruffin replaced Bryant, completing the group’s halcyon composition.
What they needed next was a new name and an audition at Motown. According to the miniseries, they received both in March of 1961. The series depicts their decision to adopt “The Temptations” because “it’s got to be something forbidden, something that everyone
wants but no one can have. It’s got to be something sexy.”
The Temptin’ Temptations (1965)
When a singing group couldn’t score a hit, other companies would “drop you like a bad habit,” declares Williams. He credits Gordy and Motown for their patience and tutelage to outlast The Temptations’ early dry spells, saying “Barry believed in us.”
Motown groomed artists for stardom, investing time, resources and money to secure success. The company transformed talent from being merely impressive to inimitable. Maurice King guided novices through the intricacies of vocal phrasing and delivery, while Cholly Atkins elevated their street game, coaching them through choreography with strict attention, timing and
Continued on page 6
Continued from page 5 rigor. Smokey Robinson provided the melodies, expressions and studio expertise, while James Jamerson and the Funk Brothers provided the ready and righteous backdrop.
Motown’s golden era is often described as resembling an assembly line. According to Road and Track, Gordy’s approach can be attributed to his previous work on an assembly line at the LincolnMercury plant, even instituting what he called “Quality Control.”
The process included artists as the cogs in a wheel, which helped the “hit factory” churn out hit after hit. The intensive training set Motown artists apart from their competition on the Black charts. They were prepped for crossover appeal during segregation, and their carefully executed superstardom facilitated the cultural backlash that eventually allowed The Temptations to take the global stage.
After a few years, Motown’s investment paid off.
“The Way You Do the Things You Do” hit No. 11 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in April 1964, and in the following year “My Girl” reached the chart’s premier position on March 6, becoming the first of four No. 1 smashes.
The Temptations followed with 15 Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 entries; charting a career total of 53 times, to date.
Puzzle People (1969)
As seen in examples of stardom throughout the history of the entertainment industry, success doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing.
While Ruffin and Kendricks typically assumed lead vocals, Williams was often forced to keep the ship sailing – and at times, upright – as ego, drugs and alcohol use threatened to capsize the group altogether.
Ruffin was the first to bail or, more precisely, to be fired in
1968, due to his drug consumption and other maladaptive behavior. Dennis Edwards replaced him, though it was a Herculean hurdle to bridge the gap created by his departure.
Paul Williams struggled with alcohol addiction and health problems, which forced an early retirement from the group. He later died by gunshot in 1973. At only 34 years old, suicide was listed as the cause of his death, though some suspect foul play.
Kendricks jumped ship in 1973, pursuing a solo career until he succumbed to lung cancer in 1995. Both he and Ruffin returned for limited engagements with The Temptations over the years, but were mainly absent from the group decades before their deaths.
While Franklin endured as a Temptation throughout his career, he suffered heart failure and passed away in 1995.
Williams is the sole/soul survivor of the original
Solid Rock (1972)
The tragedy, grit and grime of The Temptations journey cannot obscure the glory of its golden days.
When the group released a barrage of classics like “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “I Wish It Would Rain,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Just My Imagination,” “Psychedelic Shack” and a seemingly endless parade of others, they achieved a surreal and mythical glamour – even otherworldly.
Their appeal wasn’t limited to recording alone; their performances onscreen and onstage were even more alluring.
“In their prime no one could work a crowd like the Tempts,” wrote Gerri Hirshey in her essential study of soul music, “Nowhere to Run.”
“No one dressed as well; no set of voices could match their full-court give-and-go. And surely no one could outdance them. Even gravity was just a pissant nuisance to the
destruction. Williams says that the admission brought him to tears. He considers Motown’s ability to bring a measure of tranquility to the 1960s – what he calls a “tumultuous time.”
However, his gratitude and affection isn’t limited to years passed. The current lineup of Temptations tours nonstop, with Williams still guiding the group.
“It’s huge to see how many people have come to know and love The Temptations,” he enthuses. “We do great business.”
He relays the secret to The Temptations’ longevity and his continuous stewardship, sharing words of advice he was given long ago.
“Maurice King said if you carry yourself right, you can keep a good audience from now on.”
Still Here (2010)
While The Temptations’ reach is global, their local connection hits close to home. Gaining traction as a hub for its diverse live music scene, Colorado boasts a deep appreciation for historic and contemporary musical influence, including the soulful sound of the Motown super group.
The CEO of Banneker Watches has enjoyed both a personal and professional relationship with Williams for years, with the only surviving Temptation serving as an ambassador of his company. A photo on the Banneker website shows Williams, Holmes and the cast of Ain’t Too Proud on Broadway, sporting the sophisticated timepieces.
Further, Williams and Holmes recorded and released a song in 2016, titled “Ready for Love.”
While not personally connected, The Temptations served as an emotional anchor for another Coloradoan, lifelong fan Marlene Romero, who trav-
eled hundreds of miles from the centrally-located town of Salida to attend the group’s most recent appearance at Denver’s Paramount Theater.
For many, The Temptations’ music has served as a buoy and a booster during rough roads, tragedy and heartache. After her mother passed after a lengthy illness in 1990, Romero found solace in their magic.
“One day I searched through our cassette box and found The Temptations,” she says.
“As I was washing dishes the song, ‘I Wish It Would Rain,’ started. I danced my way into the living room and turned
up the volume. I realized that this is the first song that made me want to dance since the loss of my mother.”
Williams doesn’t take the power of The Temptations’ artistic resonance lightly. He believes that the mission and music coming out of the twostory building at 2468 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit 60 years ago was divinely inspired.
“That was God,” he states emphatically. “The music that was on purpose.”
Now, six decades after their first No. 1 hit, he adds, “That music that came out of Motown will outlast us all.”.
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Colorado-based entrepreneur, Derrick Holmes, with long-time friend Otis Williams.
Hickenlooper Honors Denver Civil Rights Leader, Rev. Dr. James Peters, Jr. on Senate Floor
On Monday, May 19, U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper paid tribute to Reverend Dr. James D. Peters Jr., a civil rights pioneer who helped shape the nation’s struggle for equality and spent nearly three decades shepherding Denver’s largest Black congregation.
On the Senate floor, he recalled Peters’s faith in nonviolence and his lifelong dedication to justice, noting that “walking next to Rev. Peters, it was impossible not to feel buoyed up by the enduring hope he carried with him pretty much at all times.”
Peters, who died May 10 at age 92, was a founding member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and marched alongside Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1950s and ’60s. He participated in the 1963 March on
Washington, and famously crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge at Selma in 1965.
He later brought that same commitment to Colorado, where he served as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church for 28 years and chaired the Colorado Civil Rights Commission.
“He knew that they were –that we are – strongest when we’re united, marching hand in hand,” Hickenlooper said.
“Rev. Peters carried that same commitment when he came to Denver, and to Colorado. That same commitment to justice … Along the way, he had a significant impact on many of Colorado’s leaders. I was one of them.”
Video footage accompanying Hickenlooper’s remarks shows the senator standing at the lectern, paused by emotion as colleagues listened in silent reverence. He described Peters as “one of the greatest men I’ve ever known,” noting the reverend’s influence on his own tenure as Denver’s mayor.
In July 2003, days before Hickenlooper’s inauguration, 15-year-old Paul Childs was shot and killed by a Denver police officer, igniting public outrage. Hickenlooper credited Peters, alongside former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, with guiding the young mayor-elect toward community healing.
“Following that awful tragedy, Rev. Peters… helped organize their community and mentored me on the appropriate ways to address this tragedy in such a way that it could be constructive,” he recounted. Under Peters’ counsel, the city established its first Citizen Oversight Board and an Office of the Independent Monitor –both charged with investigating police misconduct and strengthening trust between law enforcement and residents.
Eight years ago, Hickenlooper joined Peters and others on a pilgrimage to Montgomery, Alabama, to visit
the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which honors victims of lynching and racial terror.
“He spoke about his life growing up in Washington, D.C., during segregation and his fierce belief in nonviolence and nonviolent movements,” Hickenlooper said. “He reflected on how their nonviolent tactics led more and more people to join them.”
Invoking Dr. King’s assertion that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,” Hickenlooper acknowledged setbacks in recent years but said Peters’s legacy demands perseverance.
Peters’ passing leaves a void in Colorado’s faith and civic leadership. Those who followed his sermons at Denver’s New Hope Baptist Church will remember him as a man whose hope never wavered and whose life embodied the promise of justice through unity. .
Celebrating Father’s Day with a Look at Men’s Health
By Mona Cedillo
The month of June often reminds people of their fathers and other men who served as father figures in their lives. June also marks the official commemoration of Men’s Health Awareness Month, making it the perfect time for fathers to acknowledge the importance of their health.
In a 2023 national vital statistics report by the National Center for Health Statistics, the average life expectancy for Black men was 71 years - the second lowest out of all the ethnic groups in the
U.S.. Another report by The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health indicated that heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black men.
In an effort to improve Black men’s health, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shared a study performed with the National USA Foundation Inc., 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and the National Football League. The report confirmed racial disparities connected to a lack of health insurance, medical mistrust, poverty, education level and other socioeconomic factors.
A Lesson in Trust
Dr. Jason Lester is the father of Ellington, a bright 12year old with autism. He serves as the deputy director for El Paso
County Children, Youth & Family Services and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work.
Lester’s father passed away from colon cancer when he was eight years old. Eight years later, his mother also passed away from cancer, and he became an orphan at the age of 16.
“I think about the generation of my grandmother and the Tuskegee experiment. The things that black women have gone through,” he says. “There’s a grave mistrust of medical procedures and any kind of health. It is evidenced by past experiments. The medical field has a lot of work to do to regain trust.”
He admits that going to the doctor was a fear he had to overcome, and when he found a doctor he trusted, going regularly helped him feel more confident as a dad.
In “4 Health Problems That Concern Black Men – and 7 Ways to Stay on Top of Them” by the American Association of Retired Persons, doctors acknowledge that regular visits might be difficult for those without health insurance or who have strict work schedules. However, having a doctor who is familiar with a patient’s medical history and culture can help with early detection of any health issues.
Learning family medical history can be a starting point for fathers who wish to take control of their physical and emotional health, followed by self-care, self-awareness and connection.
The Heart of the Matter
Jide Gamu is a single father to a 17-yearold daughter. The active-duty Army soldier and founder of the iFOUR Dating &
Relationships Analytics app shares that taking care of his health goes hand-in-hand with being a father.
“When you think about fathers, self-love is highly important. We understand that you can’t love anyone else until you love yourself first. To understand what love is, we must understand ourselves as we grow. The first piece of that journey would be self-awareness. How often are you going to a doctor to be aware of yourself?” he asks.
“The understanding of selfawareness is one of the building blocks to self-love. What do I know about myself in terms of my health? How should I work out? What should I eat? Should I smoke this?”
He continues, “It’s more important, especially as parents, to ensure that we’re taking care of ourselves, because that is the example that we’re giving our kids.”
For Gamu, exercise is part of living healthily. “That next step is the area of self-discipline. How disciplined are we in ensuring that we’re doing the right things? How often do I go to the gym? How disciplined am I in my eating habits?”
Changing the Narrative
Barry Frye is the father of a 21-yearold son and 10year-old daughter. He challenges himself to learn as a father regularly.
“Black men are conditioned to believe that we have nobody, and that no one cares. This can affect what kind of impact we have on our households,” he says.
He has raised both of his children to be independent and conscious of their surroundings.
“I don’t want them to have the same life as I did; I want them to do better.”
Frye had his backyard uprooted and turned into a garden. Together with his family, they’re learning about healthy foods as he instills knowledge about where food comes from and what it’s good for.
Community Connections & Fatherhood
A study by the American Heart Association confirmed that Black men who have regular interactions with others have better cardiovascular health than those who isolate. The study also confirmed that connecting with others results in higher exercise, diet and weight scores.
Having strong connections helps Black men find support, provides a sense of belonging and offers mentorship, which of all affect mental health. Positive relationships can also foster stronger connections to identity
and an understanding of how to navigate life’s challenges.
Lester says, “For me, selfcare is actually sitting down and talking with friends and having intellectual conversations. It’s being where I want to be, when I want to be there. It’s trying my best to do community service efforts with my fraternity, trying to be the best husband and father I can be. That, all that brings me peace; and it’s worked out well for me.”
Gamu attributes being a good father to what he calls “The four C’s:” Captain, Coach, Counselor and Consultant. From dependence to assistance, leadership and advice, he believes fathers play an integral role at each stage of a child’s life.
Lester shares encouragement to other men, saying “Half the battle is showing up. …Show up and keep showing up.”.
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The 2024 election of President Donald Trump has caused a great deal of anxiety for people of color and their allies, who anticipate the administration’s sweeping changes and worry about their nationwide implications. The rapid development of the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and the billionaire’s enthusiastic wholesale layoffs of jobs has only amplified those anxieties.
Each week reveals new developments and new causes for concern as equity initiatives are shuttered, grant funding is revoked and progressive reforms made in the last century come under threat.
Only five months into the Trump presidency, special interest groups, nonprofit leaders and community members are looking ahead with skepticism as culturallyrelevant programs and institutions are picked apart. To understand the magnitude of potential changes in the future, it is critical to assess the current state of our nation.
Juneteenth
Despite incendiary rhetoric, there have been few legislative changes or proposals to curtail Juneteenth celebrations.
After launching an attack on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on day-one of his second term with an executive order calling for the end of “identity-based programs,” any effort made by President Trump to curtail Juneteenth as a federal holiday would be a step backwards and an overwhelmingly contemptuous act.
To date, the holiday’s federal recognition has not been called into question; but, while federal employees will receive the day off, they are prohibited from observing Juneteenth and other culturally-significant holidays
The State of Our Nation
do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.”
within government facilities.
In February, Republican Representative Claudia Tenny introduced “Trump’s Birthday and Flag Day Holiday Establishment Act,” combining Flag Day with a celebration of Trump’s birthday – both of which fall on June 14.
The close proximity to Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, suggests an intentional slight to the emancipationbased holiday, and magnifies a rift in our culture that could worsen in the future.
Voting
Since President Trump was elected in 2016, several states have passed laws that make voting more difficult for some American citizens. Mandates including strict photo identification criteria, absentee ballot ID requirements, restrictions on early voting, the elimination of ballot boxes in low-income areas and reduced voting days are just the tip of the dagger that Republican lawmakers are thrusting through the law books.
In Georgia, the 2021 passage of Senate Bill 202 made it illegal to give water and snacks to people waiting in line to vote, putting an end to the longstanding tradition of incentivized political participation.
Arkansas, South Carolina and Montana have passed laws that make it a penalty for election poll workers to assist voters in any way that falls outside their duties, affecting elder-
How Political How Political Changes in 2025 Changes in 2025 Will Affect Will Affect Communities of Communities of Color in the Color in the Future Future
The story of America is still being written, and the present political climate has highlighted the importance of protecting voting rights with even more vigor.
Cultural Centers
By T. Holt Russell & Ruby Jones
ly individuals, people with disabilities and non-English speakers.
In Texas, where the voter rejection rate jumped from 1% to 2% – predominantly in urban areas – a voter can use a concealed weapon ID to vote, but not a student ID.
Voting purges have been conducted in several states, including Ohio, Georgia, Wisconsin and Texas, with civil rights groups asserting that the removal of inactive voters disproportionately impacts Hispanic and Black communities.
While none of these laws target race specifically, the relocation of voting centers and reduced hours of operation at polling places tend to affect marginalized groups the most.
New and proposed voting laws could significantly impact people of color, people without transportation, older adults, non-English speakers and people living in impoverished communities. With three more years before the next general election, it is important that activism and organization continues at the local level to safeguard rights that the Black community has fought and died for.
Late U.S. Representative and civil rights icon, John Lewis, said that “each generation must
Signed in March, the “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” executive order has raised concerns related to the truthful representation of U.S. history. Historians have criticized the order, arguing that it imposes ideological restrictions that stifle storytelling – particularly regarding race and gender.
The executive order targeted the Smithsonian Institute and called for a review and potential reinstatement of Confederate monuments removed since 2020.
Frenzied responses to the order were immediately followed by claims that artifacts were removed from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, a Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. However, the Smithsonian refuted these claims in a statement outlining the artifact loan process: “The Smithsonian routinely returns loaned artifacts per applicable loan agreements and rotates objects on display in accordance with the Smithsonian’s high standards of care and preservation and as part of our regular museum turnover. Recent claims that objects have been removed for reasons other than adherence to standard loan agreements or museum practices are false.”
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is among a group of agency eliminations proposed by President Trump’s administration, along with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Founded in 1965, NEA has awarded $5.5 billion in grants
to organizations and individuals in the arts.
In May, hundreds of arts groups across the country received emails notifying them of the withdrawal and termination of their grants. “The NEA is updating its grant making policy priorities to focus funding on projects that reflect the nation’s rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President,” the emails read. “Consequently, we are terminating awards that fall outside these new priorities.”
The new priorities are outlined in the email as well, and include “Projects that elevate the Nation’s HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions, celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, foster AI competency, empower houses of worship to serve communities, assist with disaster recovery, foster skilled trade jobs, make America healthy again, support the military and veterans, support Tribal communities, make the District of Columbia safe and beautiful and support the economic development of Asian American communities.”
With great speculation about which initiatives, exhibits and funding programs will be eliminated, the task of preserving history and maintaining cultural spaces now falls largely on individuals and organizations that see their cultural and educational benefit.
Tribal Sovereignty
In December 2023, former President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14112, in an effort to reform federal funding and support for tribal nations. However, in March, President Trump rescinded the order through the issuance of an executive order of his own titled, “Additional Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions.” The order was made to “restore common sense to the Federal Government and unleash the potential of American Citizens.”
The Harvard Law School’s Environmental and Energy Law Program tracked actions taken under EO 14112, and found that $86 million was spent on Alaska small business funding, and $5.9 million was spent on cooperative agreements to provide healthcare for uninsured American Indian and Alaska Native children, with programs for mental health and substance misuse. The directive also led to the creation of an “Access to Capital Clearinghouse,” or a single location where indigenous tribes could search for federal funding.
While the rescission of the order does not cancel current funding or programs, it may prevent the future development of the initiatives.
After the rescission was announced, DOGE called for the closure of more than a quarter of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
offices, concerning the leaders of tribal nations who viewed the legislation as essential to strengthening tribal self-determination and sovereignty. With new developments being revealed over time, many questions remain regarding what’s next for tribal sovereignty in the U.S.
An Uncertain Future
As the nation prepares to celebrate the national recognition of Juneteenth, the freedoms recognized by the holiday are being called into question by the actions of President Trump’s administration. Recent events seem to be in stark contrast to the beliefs of many Americans, and constitutional guardrails aren’t as certain as they were before January. With federal mandates and funding sources in limbo, the fight continues through community organization, grassroots advocacy and economic protest. Support for organizations that operate assistive outreach programs is vital at this time, as
many groups await announcements that will drastically affect their budgets and capacity to serve clients.
Cultural acknowledgment, historic preservation and intentional programming centered around education and advocacy are the best tools available for fostering understanding, promoting equity and building resilient, informed communities that will stand the test of time.
Beyond the Beat
Empowering Denver’s Youth Through Music and Mentorship
By Latrice Owens
Black youth and other marginalized groups have historically encountered barriers to accessing creative expression, a vital outlet for expressing individuality and exploring self-identity. For some, a lack of structured guidance, ample information and access to opportunities can lead to hindered professional or creative growth. Without assistance, some young people may struggle to develop their talents or pursue their interests independently.
One Denver-based organization has merged music, mentorship and community support in an effort to change that.
Youth on Record (YoR) has bridged the gap between accessibility and arts education for Denver’s youth for the past 15 years.
On That Note…
YoR organization focuses on arts education, community building and workforce development for young people ages 11 to 24. Its Youth Media Studio is located in the Mariposa complex in the La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood in Denver.
Many students who visit the Youth Media Studio attend Denver Public Schools’ Intensive Pathways Schools, which serve youth who’ve faced significant challenges in traditional school settings. In addition to serving those students, YoR has in-school partnerships including Aurora West Middle School, Gateway High School, Colorado High School Charter, Compass Academy and the Third Way Center. At these schools, artists lead courses in music production, music technology, instrumental music and beat making. Their course Identity, “Power and Music” explores how each of those themes relates to students’ lived experiences.
Rhythm for All
“We really try to meet young people where they’re at,” says Stephen SmithContreras, the organization’s director of programs, emphasizing that young people with zero musical experience are encouraged to participate.
According to SmithContreras, YoR recently received support from the NBA Foundation, which will help expand their workforce development efforts within marginalized communities.
The organization hosts multiple programs that meet the needs of different age groups.
“Open Lab is a program that takes place three days a week,”
says Smith-Contreras. “It’s a drop-in program where young people can come in and access our recording studio for free.”
The Open Lab program is open to high school-age students and offers access to a beat lab, professional music production software and singersongwriter workshops.
Additionally, a monthly, allages community open mic is hosted on the first Friday of each month. Smith-Contreras describes it as a “safe, brave space” for people to perform in front of a supportive audience.
The Fellowship and Media Arts programs emphasize artistic and workforce development for youth ages 18 to 24, with both offering stipends to interns. According to SmithContreras, participants learn about the business side of the music industry, including forming LLCs, filing taxes, managing music careers and creating multiple streams of income through their music.
“Our podcast internship really explores audio and narrative storytelling,” he says, referring to the Media Arts program where interns get hands-on experience recording their own projects.
“Many of them become part of our podcast, which is called ‘Youth on Rewind,’” he adds. The award-winning podcast has received both a Gracie Award and a Top of the Rockies award, and is available locally and on streaming platforms.
Melodies in Motion
Moses Graytower, 24, initially joined Youth on Record through open mic events, and has completed both the Fellowship and Media Arts internship.
“I remember I walked into the building as a poet and a rapper. I was like, I want to be the greatest rapper all time,” he laughs. His goal began to evolve during the fellowship where he met his two current bandmates and formed their band The American Spirit.
“Being able to expand my skill set based on the inspiration I received from those around me, I thought was really cool,” he says, adding that the band has two upcoming album releases – one punk and one jazz – and are planning a tour in mid-June.
Recalling the resources he found most useful, he says, “There’s every instrument you could imagine; instruments I haven’t even heard of.”
“I think the most important thing is just the people, you know, just knowing that they were really there to walk me through it and help me out.”
He says that participating in the Media Arts Program and working with mentors such as Anne Marie Awad gave him the skills and the tools to be able to say that journalism is a possibility in his future.
“There is a career path for me just being able to tell my story eloquently and, you know, not put to a beat.”
Keeping the Tempo
YoR isn’t just teaching musical skills, according to SmithContreras.
“There’s so many jobs behind the scenes, and a lot of those jobs are attainable, but it requires a relationship.”
His hope is that graduates are prepared to take on creative careers. By giving youth the guidance and support they need, the organization is helping to guide the next generation of creatives and helping people discover their talents.
YoR will host its annual Block Party on Sept. 14, allowing youth to perform among
their community and peers.
“We have community booths, food trucks. It’s all ages, super friendly, and we shut down the intersection of 10th to Navajo, so it’s right in there –right in the community,” says Smith-Contreras.
With an abundance of mentorship and resources, young people are finding new ways to express themselves and build meaningful connections for now, and for the rest of their lives. .
Editor’s note: For more information and program details, visit www.youthonrecord.org/programs.
Opening Act: A Foundation for Self-Esteem and a Stage for Excellence.
Sylvia Cordy envisioned a vibrant future for young Black women as she stepped into retirement.
After 38 years of providing strategic communication consulting services to corporate and government clients, she teamed up with eight like-minded professional women in Denver. They founded Opening Act, a nonprofit organization that empowers and builds confidence in girls ages 5 to 17 through theatre-based mentorships, workshops and community events.
and talents she cultivated as a theatre arts major at Spelman College, a historically Black college in Atlanta. The organization’s programs are designed to help participants become successful, confident women whose voices are heard and dreams are realized.
She often says, “I want our girls’ voices to be impactful in the classroom, boardroom, courtroom or anywhere a woman’s voice needs to be heard – and that’s everywhere!”
cess. Opening Act helps change the narrative and equips participants to become vibrant contributors to the world.
To power Opening Act and create a new generation of leaders, Cordy uses the skills
Cordy and the founding board members of Opening Act knew there would be challenges to overcome in creating the organization. Statistics show that Black girls disproportionately face societal and environmental challenges that often compromise their paths to suc-
The board agreed that good communication skills are the number one contributor to success in school and at work. On top of this foundation, they added empowerment, passionate attention, empathetic active listening and interpretation to the values taught to participants.
The program’s early intervention approach, which begins
with girls as young as five, aims to instill a positive self-image at a young age. By focusing on girls at a fundamental stage of intellectual and social-emotional development, Opening Act helps counteract the damaging effects of limited and stereotypical portrayals in media and society.
Since its inception in 2015, Opening Act has engaged more than 300 girls in meaningful theatre experiences. Parental involvement and community also play an essential role and Opening Act
works diligently to include both as partners to success.
Stepping Stone for Success
Opening Act participants have received significant recognition. After attending Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) programs and graduating from high school, Denver native Aminah Fard attended college at Spelman and fulfilled her dream of performing with the Spelman Glee Club.
Her dream came full circle earlier this year when the Glee Club traveled to Denver to perform at the Park Hill United Methodist Church.
Additionally, three girls from Opening Act enrolled at the Denver School of the Arts.
Mentoring Moves Mountains
Opening Act provides multiple engagement opportunities throughout the year. Mentors often expose the girls to positive environments beyond their communities, and participants are invited to special events including complimentary performances at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
For many of the girls, these events are their first opportunity to experience live theatre. They are encouraged to discuss the performances, themes and messages afterwards, and think about ways in which each production might impact their individual journeys. Often, these experiences build a lifelong affinity for the performing arts.
Now in its third year, Opening Act’s after-school program at Stedman Elementary provides a culturally rich environment that fosters academic growth and identity development. The most recent program concluded with a powerful performance showcasing skills learned in an original play entitled, Black is Queen. The play tells the story of young girls embarking on a journey toward self-love and empowerment in a bright and vivid world shaped
by social interactions. Building on its success, the organization plans to expand its after-school program to another school, continuing to strengthen girls’ storytelling, stage presence and confidence.
Summer Camp 2025
Opening Act’s signature program is a two-week Summer Theatre Camp, tailored exclusively for girls. The camp runs from July 14 to 25 on the Clayton Early Learning campus.
This experience invites young minds to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of theatre, and is carefully designed to spark imagination, encourage self-expression and enhance natural talents. Attendees often cultivate lasting friendships as they engage in classes that teach fundamental improvisation, acting techniques, movement and dance, vocal coaching and singing.
Applications for Opening Act’s 2025 Summer Camp are currently open, with a limited number of scholarships available.
Nurturing the Future
Cordy lives by the anonymous quote, “The true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more professional dancers, or artists; it is to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds, and who can lead productive lives.”
As an avid believer in the power of the performing arts, she is excited for the next class of young artists, and welcomes the community to support their endeavors through attendance and generous giving.
Individuals who would like to contribute to the participants’ journeys are encouraged to join the organization as sponsors, or make monetary donations to reinforce the organization’s efforts. .
Editor’s note: To donate or learn more about registration, visit www.openingacttheatre.org.
Colorado Association of Black Journalists Honors Civil Rights Icon, Students and Community Trailblazers At Fundraising Gala
On May 3, the Colorado Association of Black Journalists (CABJ) gathered journalists, community leaders, sponsors and allies at MCA The Cube in Denver’s Central Park community for its Annual Fundraising Gala and Awards Ceremony.
This year’s gala brought together an inspiring room of change makers and supporters, including a civil rights icon whose presence demonstrates courage in the face of growing attacks on the profession of journalism.
“We simply cannot gather in the name of journalism without acknowledging that our profession is in trouble,” says CABJ President, Micah Smith. “But nights like this surrounded by those who believe in truth, justice and representation remind us why we keep going.”
With some previous supporters withdrawing from previous investments into this event and annual CABJ programming due to fear of retaliation, the support received this year was even more meaning-
ful. The gala was possible thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors including Jones Law Firm, Denver7, Rocky Mountain Public Media, CBS Colorado, Colorado Public Radio, the University of Denver, the Denmon Group and the Montbello Organizing Committee.
New this year, CABJ awarded two $5,000 scholarships to outstanding students, Khaleigh Reed (University of Colorado Boulder) and Francisco Zambrano (Colorado Media School), respectively.
Reed is a junior majoring in journalism and minoring in media production at the University of Colorado Boulder. Although she is originally from southeast Texas, she spent seven years in Colorado Springs before moving to Boulder. When she isn’t partaking in extracurricular activities or reporting on issues near and dear to her heart, she spends her time focusing on photography, rock climbing, writing and art. After graduation, she intends to pursue a career in documentary filmmaking and directing.
Zambrano is a non-traditional student – a married father, who recently stepped back into academia after years of working full-time. He shared his story of sacrifice and determination coming to this country alone as a child and making a way for his family.
“CABJ is not just helping students, you’re lifting up gen-
erations,” he says. Outside of his studies and working through his wellness platform “Eat Fit and Repeat” for busy dads, he enjoys highlighting stories from varied perspectives – from showcasing small business owners to celebrating diverse cultural traditions in his work. He says his dream is to use his skills to build a media landscape “where everyone feels seen and valued.”
At the gala, emceed by Colorado Public Radio Host, Chandra Thomas Whitfield, CABJ honored a powerful lineup of community change makers and organizations – a testament to the work the chapter has been doing to be recently named a finalist for Chapter of the Year with its home organization, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
“This honor reflects a remarkable journey from going dark for several years to being resuscitated and reimagined under the leadership of President Micah Smith and a determined group of volunteers and members,” shares Whitfield.
Since its revival, CABJ has hosted workshops, student forums, trainings, social outings and revived its awards gala in the name of creating an empowering space for Black journalists in Colorado.
2025 CABJ honorees include:
• Civil Rights Award - Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine students who integrated Arkansas public schools.
• Community Service AwardApril Denmon, owner of Denmon Realty in Denver.
• Cultural Competence Award
- Ski Noir 5280, an advocacy group that seeks to diversify winter sports.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award - Urban League
Young Professionals of Metro Denver, the local chapter of the young adult arm of the National Urban League.
• Higher Education Institution of the Year - University of Denver. Champion of Justice AwardJones Law Firm, PC, a Colorado-based family law firm.
• Journalist of the YearMicah Smith, 5 p.m. anchor/social equity reporter Denver7 and co-host of “Real Talk” on CPR and Denver 7
• Media Organization of the Year - KGNU Community Radio, a public media platform.
• Legacy Award - Kevin Hartfield, chief photographer/editor at CBS Colorado.
• Scholarship RecipientsKhaleigh Reed, CU Boulder and Francisco Zambrano, Colorado Media School.
The Role of Media: Past, Present & Future
“These past few days I’ve been out of the country, and I thought about it again and it really dawned on me that the first award that the Little Rock Nine received is the Robert S. Abbott Award. He happened to be the founder of the Chicago Defender, and that happened in 1958. He was the child of slaves and graduated from Hampton Institute. He went to Chicago when his mother married her second husband because his father had passed. They have been giving the news since the early 1900s,” Carlotta Walls LaNier shared during her acceptance speech for the “CABJ Civil Rights Award.”
“To receive that award then, and to receive this award today is somewhat of a full circle for me. I have received many awards and I’m very proud of them, but none of that was about what we were looking for
when we went to Little Rock Central High School. None of that was on our mind. All we wanted was the opportunity for the best education available and access to what belonged to us based on Brown v Board of Education.”
She continued, “I ask all of you who are in the media to be vigilant about what is happening today. Report it and report it honestly. When I went on Google to look up Robert S.
Abbott and the list of awardees, it seemed to have erased all of those back in the 40s and 50s. So all of that is happening and it’s going to take each and every one of us to step up, say what needs to be done – in your own way. Not all of us are wordy or action-oriented or what have you or leaders, but you can be a part of a group to help make things better.”.
Editor’s Note: To learn more about CABJ, visit www.cabj5280.org.
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Ya sea que vivas, trabajes o te diviertas en nuestra ciudad, queremos que estés informado y capacitado sobre los programas, eventos, noticias y servicios que hacen de Denver una ciudad maravillosa.
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Dazzle Denver and El Chapultepec: A Harmonious Fusion Celebrates the Past and Future of Live Music in Denver
By Ruby Jones
Denver’s rich jazz heritage has long been anchored by two iconic venues: Dazzle and El Chapultepec. With each contributing uniquely to the city’s musical tapestry, a historic collaboration between the two blends their storied pasts into a vibrant future within the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Dazzle: A Quarter-Century of Musical Excellence
Established in Capitol Hill in 1997, Dazzle quickly became a cornerstone of Denver’s jazz scene, hosting luminaries like Otis Taylor and Dianne Reeves. Even after moving to the historic Baur’s Building downtown, the venue cultivated a reputation for intimate performances and community engagement.
In August 2023, Dazzle embarked on a new chapter, opening its doors at 1080 14th Street within the Denver
Performing Arts Complex. This move positioned it amidst Denver’s spectacular cultural hub while its newly designed space amplified acoustics and audience experience.
El Chapultepec: The Soul of Denver’s Jazz History
El Chapultepec, affectionately known by longtime loyalists as “The Pec,” began its journey in 1933, coinciding with the end of the Prohibition era. Originally a bar and restaurant, it transformed into a jazz and blues venue under the stewardship of Jerry Krantz in the late 1950s. For decades, it was a haven for both emerging artists and jazz greats, including Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.
Despite its storied past, El Chapultepec closed its doors in December 2020 after 87 years –one of many casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic – until innovation and preservation let the spirit of its legacy live on.
A
Harmonious Merger
Dazzle’s main listening room seats up to 240 guests, with every seat offering an intimate connection to the stage.
Recognizing El Chapultepec’s profound legacy of the former LoDo venue, the new location features “El Chapultepec Piano Lounge,” a dedicated space where latenight piano performances echo the ambiance and spontaneity of years gone by.
The location’s curated art, by local artist Shay Guerrero, celebrates the contributions of Hispanic and Latino musicians,
while murals honor figures like Jerry Krantz and jazz saxophonist Freddy Rodriguez.
Community at the Core Dazzle’s evolution is deeply rooted in community engagement. The venue collaborates with the Downtown Denver Partnership, Denver Arts & Venues, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Youth on Record, Rocky Mountain Public Media, Live Music Society, The Gift of Jazz and the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts to highlight important issues and show its dedication to its Denver home.
Throughout the month of June, the venue will host an exciting lineup of live music events such as kids’ matinees; brunch events, including a Father’s Day Brunch with the Adam Bodine Trio; Purnell Steen & The Five Points Ambassadors Father’s Day & Juneteenth Show; Harold López-Nussa’s Timba a la Americana; Gregory Goodloe’s tribute to George Benson; Cyrus Chestnut – in celebration of KUVO Jazz’s 40th Anniversary; and much more.
The integration of El Chapultepec’s legacy into Dazzle’s new home honors the past while fostering a dynamic future for jazz in Denver. As the institutions unite, they create a space where history and innovation converge, ensuring that the rhythms of Denver’s jazz heritage continue to thrive for generations to come. .
Editor’s note: To learn more, visit www.dazzledenver.com.
Unlocking the Male Mind
Navigating the Gender Communication Gap and Advocating for Boys’ Emotional Well-Being
An op-ed by Dr. Dedrick Sims
Have you ever found yourself wondering why it sometimes feels like men and women are speaking entirely different languages? I know I have.
It’s a question I’ve wrestled with both personally and pro-
fessionally for years; and the deeper I dig into it, the more I see that it’s not about emotional immaturity or a lack of willingness to connect – it’s about how our brains are wired.
This month, I’m sharing six truths I’ve come to understand about boys and young men that have helped me support their emotional well-being in real, transformative ways.
Understanding
the
Fragile Male Ego
We’ve got to stop pretending that boys are emotionally indestructible. I’ve worked with countless young men over the years, and I can tell you: they are not made of stone. In many cases, they are deeply emotional beings who are piecing themselves together behind the scenes. They are puzzles in progress, and they’re doing the best they can.
Statistically, boys are more likely to struggle with ADHD, anxiety and depression. Yet, many of them are taught from a young age to bottle their emotions, to “man up,” or power through. I’ve seen how powerful it is when they are given the permission and language to be vulnerable instead.
Vulnerability isn’t a liability. It’s a core part of what makes us human, and when we help young men tap into that truth, it can break generational cycles of silence and suffering.
Nurturing Emotional Needs
I’ve noticed that while girls often have social permission to talk about their feelings, boys are left to figure it out on their own, resulting in emotional solitude in schools, sports and even in homes filled with love but lacking in emotional language.
Research tells us that the female brain contains more integrated communication between emotional and logical
centers than the male brain. It’s important that we acknowledge the difference with intentionality.
What’s helped me most is remembering that my job isn’t to make boys more like girls, it’s to make boys feel safe enough to be fully themselves. I create spaces where it’s okay to cry, to be confused, to ask questions and to not have it all together.
Compartmentalization and Emotional Processing
When boys shut down, it doesn’t always mean they don’t care. I’ve had students walk out of classrooms, sons shut doors and mentees go silent. Oftentimes they aren’t rejecting connection, but trying to process their emotions.
The male brain often compartmentalizes. While it may be easier for girls to draw upon emotion and logic in real-time, boys tend to file one thing away before moving on to the next. Instead of avoidance, it’s survival.
By giving young men space and support during periods of emotional overload, we allow them to reset, reflect and return stronger.
Self-Esteem: Unraveling the Complexities
Boys often wear masks of confidence, sarcasm and bravado as armor against a world that doesn’t give them space to say, “I don’t feel okay.”
I’ve seen some who appear fearless on the field but crumble under the weight of perfection, and I’ve seen class clowns who are terrified of not being good enough. Young men often struggle silently because society doesn’t always make room for their fragility.
It’s our job to see past the performance and let them know that real strength isn’t about how much they can carry – it’s about knowing when to ask for help.
Race and Gender: Intersecting Narratives
As a Black man and an educator, I’ve felt and witnessed the weight of racialized expectations. Young Black men are often forced to choose between being seen as threatening or invulnerable. Neither option allows them to be fully human. They’re told to be strong, but not expressive; present, but not too passionate; confident, but not soft. It’s an impossible balance that leaves too many of our boys emotionally stunted.
That’s why representation matters – Black boys need to see themselves in positions of power and vulnerability. They need to see men who cry, listen, reflect and lead with empathy.
Advocacy and Empowerment
If we want to change outcomes for boys, we have to change the environments they grow up in.
That means building programs that teach emotional literacy, supporting schools in recognizing that not all trauma looks the same and making room for mentorship that allows boys to see men living in integrity.
Advocacy includes actions such as writing curriculum, talking to school boards and showing up when a boy needs you most.
The Cost of Caring
I don’t believe the male mind is broken. I believe that it is beautifully complicated and that boys aren’t detached – they’re just misunderstood. I also believe that we owe them presence instead of just judgement.
Let’s be the ones who listen, who ask the questions and who model emotional health.
When we teach boys that it’s okay to have and express their feelings, we help them become better men and more whole human beings; and in doing so, we can change the world.
The AI Edge in Real Estate
How Homebuyers and Sellers Can Leverage Artificial Intelligence for Smart Moves
Submitted by Barry Overton
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has quickly evolved from a buzzword to a powerful ally in everyday life – transforming how we shop, drive, manage finances and yes, even buy and sell homes. While real estate will always carry emotional weight, AI is shifting how buyers and sellers navigate the journey. It doesn’t just streamline – it supercharges.
Whether you’re on the hunt for your dream home or preparing to list your property, here’s how AI can elevate your experience –and the top tools to start using now.
How Buyers Can Use AI to Find the Right Home
Scrolling through endless listings can feel overwhelming. Traditional search platforms react to your input. AI, on the other hand, learns and adapts –predicting what you want based on behavior, feedback and preferences you might not even know you have. Imagine an AI that factors in
not only price and square footage, but also walkability, commute times, school districts and your unique lifestyle patterns. That’s the power of intelligent, predictive technology.
For relocation buyers, AI offers a huge advantage – analyzing crime stats, job growth, nearby amenities and neighborhood trends to help ensure you’re buying more than a home – you’re buying into the right future.
How Sellers Can Use AI to Maximize Their Sale
Selling a home is part emotion, part economics – and AI is the secret to mastering the data side. It can analyze buyer activity, local competition, market fluctuations and seasonality to recommend the best time to list, the right price to ask and even how to position the home to appeal to various buyer types.
More than that, AI can help sellers craft compelling marketing descriptions, create lifestylebased visuals, and just like this article – recommend pre-listing improvements that can significantly increase home value.
The result? Faster sales, stronger offers and less time sitting on the market.
Three
AI
Tools
Every Buyer and Seller Should Be Using
These three platforms are changing the game – offering real, practical ways to turn AI into your real estate advantage.
Revaluate uses AI to predict who’s likely to move in a given neighborhood – even before they list. It uses over 200 data points, from life events to credit behavior, to forecast turnover.
For buyers, this means identifying areas with future inventory and value growth. For sellers, it helps aim marketing directly at people most likely to buy.
Edge: Get ahead of the market by understanding buyer behavior before it’s visible
2. ChatGPT – Explore Neighborhoods with Just an Address
ChatGPT can act as your ondemand local expert. Input any address and ask for info about nearby schools, grocery stores, gyms, restaurants and transit. Ask things like:
“What are the best schools near 456 Elm Street?”
“What’s within walking distance of this address?”
“Describe this neighborhood for a young family or retiree.”
For sellers, this tool is gold. Use ChatGPT to generate lifestyle-focused marketing that highlights the best features of your location, tailored to your target buyer.
Edge: Instantly transform an address into a compelling neighborhood story.
3. Restb.ai – Enhance Listings with Visual Intelligence
Restb.ai is like a virtual property appraiser that understands what buyers want to see. It scans listing photos and recognizes everything from updated kitchens to home condition – helping calculate valuations based on visual features, not just numbers.
Sellers can virtually stage rooms in different styles or receive AI suggestions on which upgrades will bring the best ROI.
Edge: Convert subjective design elements into objective listing strength.
Humans + AI = Real Estate’s Power Combo
AI won’t replace great agents. But it will enhance them – and you. Think of AI as your data analyst, copywriter, neighborhood scout and marketing assistant rolled into one. It helps
you move with confidence, whether you’re searching or selling.
Pair it with a savvy human expert, and you’ve got a real estate strategy built for today’s market.
Don’t Just Watch the Shift – Lead It
AI isn’t coming someday –it’s already here. Those who embrace it early are seeing faster transactions, betterinformed decisions and greater returns.
So don’t just browse listings or list your home and hope. Use AI to research smarter, market stronger and buy or sell with an advantage.
Because the future of real estate isn’t just digital – it’s intelligent. And it’s ready for you to plug in. .
Editor’s note: Barry Overton is a licensed Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty. For more information, call 303-668-5433 or email barrysellsdenver@msn.com. Mail Box Express
Denver Sheriff Department Normalizes Inperson Visitation Environment for Everyone
Individuals in custody will wear everyday clothing for in-person visits
The Denver Sheriff Department (DSD) recently launched the In-person Visitation Clothing Project, which will provide non-institutional, everyday clothing to individuals in custody who are visiting in person with family and friends at the Denver County Jail.
The idea resulted from Sheriff Elias Diggins’ observation of the Netflix documentary film “Daughters.”
“This initiative helps maintain and strengthen familial bonds by further normalizing the visitation experience,” says Sheriff Diggins. “It’s our responsibility to facilitate these connections, which are crucial for successful reintegration back into the community.”
Denver Councilwoman Shontel M. Lewis facilitated DSD’s partnership with Goodwill of Colorado to provide non-institutional, everyday clothing. The individuals in custody will change into the clothing before their visits begin.
nonprofit organization, we’re pleased to support programs in local communities across the state that foster connection and hope for those facing challenges in their lives. Our Goodwill of Colorado Central Park store, located right here in our local
“This partnership is about restoring dignity, strengthening family bonds and reminding people that no matter their circumstances, they deserve to be seen with humanity,” says Lewis. “Creating a space where individuals can connect with their loved ones without the stigma of a jumpsuit helps nurture the hope, healing and real second chances they deserve.”
community, is honored to provide clothing that helps create a dignified, human-centered visitation experience at the Denver County Jail. This partnership is a meaningful reflection of what’s possible when local organizations come together to strengthen lives and uplift families.”
In May 2024, DSD reintroduced in-person visitations at the
The overall design of the inperson visitation room has a welcoming environment, with soothing colors and beautiful murals. The addition of noninstitutional clothing for individuals in custody will create a more welcoming experience for everyone involved.
“At Goodwill of Colorado, we believe in the power of dignity, opportunity and second chances, and we’re proud to bring that mission to life right here in the Denver community,” states Goodwill of Colorado President and CEO, Karla Grazier. “As a Colorado
Denver County Jail, ending a period when the only option to visit with individuals in custody was through video visitation. .
About the Denver Sheriff Department
DSD is the largest sheriff department in the state of Colorado. Founded in 1902, the department operates two jail facilities – the Denver Downtown Detention Center and Denver County Jail. It also provides security for the district and county court systems, state inmate transportation, extradition duties, fugitive and K-9 units and manages the detainment of inmates receiving services at Denver Health Medical Center
Sounds of laughter fill the air as men and women of all ages sway to the rhythm of oldschool and contemporary music being played in Denver’s beautiful parks. The pleasant sights, joyful sounds, warm breeze and Colorado sunshine hint at the beginning of summer.
Vibes in the Park (VIP) is a vibrant community event that has quickly become a staple for youthful attendees in the Mile High City from May to September.
“It isn’t something new,” says co-founder Tiffany TaylorRoss. We’re going back to our roots, when everybody used to hang out at City Park.”
Hot Fun in the Summertime
It all began at the end of pandemic, when people started emerging from their homes to find something to do in safe, outdoor spaces. The park offered the perfect environment for social distancing, and most importantly, cultural connection.
Vibes in the Park Vibes in the Park
Community event brings generations Community event brings generations together in outdoor spaces around Denver. together in outdoor spaces around Denver.
By Khaleigh Reed By Khaleigh Reed
VIP Founder, Gabby Aludo, joined forces with co-founders, Taylor-Ross and Alexandra Mason, to create a safe space where people could come together.
From 30 people to now over 1,000 each year, the “trailblazers” take pride in the innovative and inclusive approach to togetherness.
“We’re putting a lot of people on to their community,” says Taylor-Ross, who shares that many newcomers and long-time residents alike struggle to find culturally-relevant experiences in the Mile High City.
“We all want to level up together so that we can host bigger things for our city, like things we see in places like Atlanta, Dallas and Los Angeles.”
The Vibe of Season 5
This year’s first event took place on Sunday, May 18 at Sunken Gardens Park. Leading up to the launch, many attended VIP’s sister-event, Vibes in the Dark, where attendees learned popular new line dances from 5280 Line Dance Crew.
Vibes in the Dark is one of VIP’s funding sources, featuring local DJs and special events that take place throughout the year.
To support the monthly activity, community volunteers collaborate to ensure that the parks stay clean.
With approximately 300 people in attendance, people enjoy music, local vendors, food trucks from 3 to 7 p.m., bringing their own tents, blankets, barbecue grills and chairs for a comfortable, mid-day experience.
“I think vibes in the park is one of the most cemented Black family events in Denver. It has an excellent reputation – not just the event itself, but the team that created it,” says Fatima Manning, VIP’s volunteer coordinator.
“Vibes is a healthy outlet” says Jasmine White, a VIP supporter since the beginning. She enjoys the family-friendly, oldschool cookout vibe. “It’s always a good time. I got a new blanket, just for this.” .
Editor’s note: for more information follow VIP on Instagram @vibes_inthepark or visit www.vibesinthepark.co.
Five Points First Friday
Brings Welton Street Alive
Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood will transform into a vibrant hub of music and culture during the First Friday Five Points Jazz Hop. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the area’s rich jazz heritage, drawing locals and visitors alike to enjoy live performances along Welton Street.
Known as the “Harlem of the West,” the historic Five Points cultural district has long been a center for jazz and Black culture. The Jazz Hop continues this legacy, featuring local
COMMUNITY NOTES
musicians at various venues throughout the neighborhood.
The eight-series event began in May, with performances by the Tenia Nelson Trio, Big Wheel Electrosoul, LC Afro Cuban Latin Jazz, Nico Martinez and more.
The next event will take place on June 6, with performances by Hex Kitten, Danette Hollowell & the Good Guys, Tony Exum Jr., the Mark Diamond Trio, Ritmo Jazz Latino and more. The earliest performance will begin at 5 p.m., with shows stretching into the night at locations including Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center, Spangalang Brewery, Sonny Lawson Park, TeaLees, Marigold, the 715 Club and Welton Room - A Jazz Odessey Outpost.
As attendees stroll along Welton Street, they can experience a variety of soulful rhythms and community engagement while exploring local businesses, connecting
with neighbors and contributing to the economic vitality of the historic neighborhood. Editor’s note: For more information on upcoming performances and participating venues, visit www.fivepointsbid.com/jazzhop.
Emancipation Theater Company Launches with Jedidiah Blackstone
Emancipation Theater Company will launch its inaugural season with the world premiere of Jedidiah Blackstone: Origin Story of an Alter Ego & the Untold Tales from the Darkside of the West, opening June 19 and running through June 29 at Clayton Early Learning Center.
Billed as a Hip Hop cowboy epic, the production combines spoken word, live music, dance and Black Western history into a genre-blending theatrical experience. An Industry Night Preview is scheduled for June 18 at 7:30 p.m. for press, producers and VIP guests.
Devil Went Down to Denver,” “Welcome Home” and “Darkside of the West” serve as both narrative devices and musical rallying cries.
Through a blend of post-Hip Hop expressionism and concert theater, the story reimagines the American frontier through figures like Clara Brown, Jeremiah Lee and Lorenzo Bowman, placing their legacies in dialogue with contemporary struggles around cultural erasure and historical truth.
Performances will be held Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. General admission tickets are $31, with a $112 Resistance Season Pass available for entry to all 2025–26 productions.
Created, written and performed by Jeff Campbell, founder of Emancipation Theater Company, Jedidiah Blackstone is both an origin story and a cultural reclamation project. It follows a modern-day emcee who uncovers the buried legacy of Black pioneers in the Rocky Mountain West and transforms into a cowboy poet determined to resurrect their stories.
“In a time when Black history is under attack from the highest levels of government, we’re raising our voices through art,” says Campbell. “This season is our response. We are countering the war on Black history – loud, clear and unapologetically on stage.”
Directed by Shayla Riggle, the production features an ensemble cast that includes DJ Musa on turntables, vocalists Erica Brown and Merrian Johnson and dancers DeAndre Carroll and Jared Hill. Original songs such as “The Day the
Inspired by the cultural momentum behind projects like the television mini-series “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” and Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” the play arrives amid growing national debates over how Black history is taught and remembered.
Each performance will also serve as a civic engagement opportunity, with calls to support the rededication of Clara Brown’s memorial, a Black artist residency in Central City and the preservation of the Jeremiah Lee Mansion.
“This is movement work,” says Campbell.
About Emancipation Theater Company
Founded in 2017, Emancipation Theater Company is a Black-led, Denver-based storytelling company that centers Black history, present and future. Its work spans stage plays, documentaries and creative campaigns that use art as a tool for education, organizing and liberation. Editor’s note: Tickets are available for purchase at onthestage.tickets /emancipation-theater-company.
NABJ Inducts Former
Denver Post Editor, Gregory L. Moore
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has announced that Gregory L. Moore, former editor of The Denver Post, will be inducted into its 2025 Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes Moore’s significant contributions to journalism, particularly his transformative impact on Colorado’s media landscape.
From 2002 to 2016, he served as editor of The Denver Post. Under his leadership, the newspaper earned four Pulitzer Prizes, including recognition for its coverage of the 2012 Aurora theater shooting.
He also championed initiatives like The Cannabist, a pioneering website covering the business and culture of legal recreational marijuana, and DPTV, a news video production unit.
Beyond newsroom achievements, he was a staunch advocate for transparency and open government. He led The Denver Post in legal battles to access public records, including a sixyear fight resulting in the release of documents related to the Columbine High School shooting. His unwavering commitment to the public’s right to know earned him the Jean Otto Friend of Freedom Award from the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition in 2016.
Moore’s dedication to journalism extended to mentoring
aspiring journalists and serving on various boards, including the Pulitzer Prize Board, where he was co-chair, and the American Society of News Editors. He also contributed to academia as a Hearst Visiting Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, sharing his expertise with the next generation of journalists.
Over his 40-year career, he has been a recipient of NABJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Benjamin C. Bradlee Editor of the Year Award and he has been inducted into the Denver Press Club Hall of Fame, recognizing his commitment to excellence, diversity and public interest.
The NABJ Hall of Fame induction will take place during the NABJ Convention and Career Fair in Cleveland from Aug. 6 to 10. Moore and others will be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction and Luncheon on Aug. 8, and special honors will be announced at the Salute to Excellence Awards Gala on Aug. 9. Editor’s note: For more information on the NABJ Hall of Fame and the 2025 inductees, visit www.nabjonline.org.
Omega Psi Phi to Host Annual Golf Scholarship Tournament
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. recently hosted its annual Clarence F. Holmes Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament at the Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills golf club in Westminster. Held on May 30, the popular community event raised critical scholarship funds for high school students across the Metro Denver area.
The Holmes Omega Scholarship Foundation, established in 1965, has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships to local students. The foundation’s mission aligns with Omega Psi Phi’s broader commitment to empowering young people
through education, leadership and opportunity.
This year’s tournament featured a two-person best ball scramble format and welcomed golfers of all experience levels with a full day of camaraderie, competition and community impact.
In a new partnership for 2025, the foundation has collaborated with First Tee Colorado, a nonprofit organization dedicated to introducing youth to the game of golf while promoting academic achievement and character development. Organizers say the partnership enhanced the tournament’s educational mission by reinforcing mentorship, life skills and college readiness among youth participants.
“We thank the community
for coming out, playing a round of golf and supporting our mission to invest in the future of our young people,” said a representative from the Holmes Omega Scholarship Foundation. “Your ongoing participation will help us continue a legacy of educational support that transforms lives.”
The event underscored Omega Psi Phi’s longstanding presence in the Denver area and its efforts to address educational equity while supporting youth development. In addition to enjoying a round of golf, attendees learned more about the students and programs their contributions enrich.
Editor’s note: To learn more about the Holmes Omega Scholarship Foundation, visit www.holmesomega.org.
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By Reverend Eugene Downing
aew Hope Baptist Church has served the faith community in Northeast Denver for over 100 years. Recently, the institution’s legacy of service took a heartfelt pause to praise God for Reverend Dr. James D. Peters Jr., our pastoremeritus, who passed away peacefully on the evening of May 10, at the age of 92. His nearly 30-year pastorate was the crescendo of a 70-year career in denominational leadership, serving congregations and communities across the country.
Peters entered the ministry at the young age of 19, serving in a small church in rural Burke, Virginia, before pastoring in Alexandria, Virginia, then Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he expanded his ministry and served as president of a local chapter of the NAACP.
By the 1960’s Peters led public action following his daughter’s exclusion from the thensegregated Girl Scouts. The evolution of his advocacy garnered the attention of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), leading to his participation in the planning and execution of King’s historic crossing of the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and the historic March on Washington.
After his tenure in Bridgeport, he served the American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), as the first
Director of American Baptist Churches of the South. The role required that he unite African American and Euro American congregations from the segregated South with those of the more progressive MidAtlantic region. He melded community advocacy and leadership skills with his adept ability for diplomacy in diverse communities, serving with distinction until 1978, when New Hope’s seventh pastor, Dr. Murphy C. Williams, appealed to become his successor.
In addition to his role at New Hope, Peters advocated for social justice, becoming an inaugural member of the Civil Rights Commission of the City of Denver, and working closely with Mayor Wellington Webb, Rabbi Steve Foster, Temple Emanuel, and Reverend J. Langston Boyd, Jr. of Shorter A.M.E. Church. He also led both the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance and the Western States Baptist Convention. He participated in peaceful protest and advocacy
for justice legislation in Colorado into his eighties.
Beyond my admiration for Peters’ commitment to advancing the cause of equity, I valued him as a colleague.
When I was called to New Hope, Peters had been a luminary pastor for longer than I’d been alive. He’d led the development of the exemplary edifice the New Hope community calls home, and I expected him to boast an attitude of indifference. However, upon my arrival in 2011, he befriended me, called me his pastor and implored me to remain authentic to God’s lead in ministry, rather than replicating him. I deeply appreciated gaining wisdom from him during our fellowship at baseball games, events, lunches and while laughing about the peaks and valleys of ministry throughout the years. His embrace of my authentic personhood as his successor modelled the intergenerational connectedness needed if African American institutions will continue to thrive.
from embrace inter thrive. genera in seek only
From Moses to Joshua, and Naomi to Ruth, the bible is clear about bringing the next generation forward. So, in the spirit of Sankofa, New Hope will look back and then carry forward the legacy of Pastor-Emeritus Peters by watering the seeds of ministry he planted while seeking God’s face for the increase. We won’t say goodbye to Pastor-Emeritus Peters, only “Farewell, we’ll see you in the morning!”
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Don’t go it alone.
Carpool and
combine
trips to reduce ground-level ozone.
Created from pollutants like car exhaust, ozone is the Front Range’s biggest air quality issue and a leading cause of respiratory problems.
Know when it matters most: text “BETTERAIRCO” to 21000 to sign up for ozone alerts.
