DUS May 2013

Volume 27

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Number 2

May 2013

Special Love For A Mother’s Day...8 Raising The Bar On Technology...9 Seizing Opportunities Through Sports...14

Linda Richardson

Photo by Lanae King

Flamenco Is Her Passion...4

PERSEVERE HOPE M EA

DR

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MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER Volume 27 Number 2

May 2013

PUBLISHER Rosalind J. Harris

GENERAL MANAGER Lawrence A. James

CONTRIBUTING COPY EDITOR Tanya Ishikawa COLUMNIST Earl Ofari Hutchinson

FILM and BOOK CRITIC Kam Williams

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charles Emmons Angelia McGowan ART DIRECTOR Bee Harris

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jody Gilbert, Kolor Graphix

PRODUCTION AND OFFICE ASSISTANT Cecile Perrin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHES A Star Photography Lens of Ansar Sweetz Photography

ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT Robin James DISTRIBUTION Glen Barnes Lawrence A. James Ed Lynch

A Fork In The Road

Boston bombing suspect Dzokhar Tsarnaev has been arrested and charged in federal court. Among the charges include use of a weapon of mass destruction. As I watched CNN televising his capture, I also watched the faces of people who were jumping and clapping in jubilation. Over the next several weeks and months there will be a lot of questions, some speculation and probably many assumptions as the country probes into his life searching for answers.

I also watched his mother say her sons are innocent and how she is proud of them. Truly, as a mother of two sons also, my heart goes out to her. And although it was miles away from Denver, this incident was close to home because it was at home - in America.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev was 26 and brother Dzokhar is just 19 years of age. Only four years older than my teenage grandson.

Last month we featured 33 young people ranging in age from 18 to 30 – close to the ages of the Tsarnaey brothers.

These young people participated in our summer journalism program years ago during their formative years as teenagers.

They all took different journeys when they took their last step out the doors of the Urban Spectrum Youth Foundation program – going their separate ways.

As with everyone, I am sure there were obstacles to overcome, tough choices to make and forks in the road.

Fortunately, when they came to a fork in the road, they made sound and just decisions to further their careers and life overall. As of today, none were involved in the Aurora Theatre killing massacre, nor the Sandy Hook shootings, and not even the Boston bombings. But they are involvedJinvolved in journalism, entertainment, computers, health, beauty, music, dance, business, and education - and for some, family and children.

We received a mass of verbal comments and written letters praising US for featuring the participants after many years of absence. Why? Because... our children are our future; our children are important; and our children need love and guidance.

What would cause a young man to go into a theatre and randomly kill 12 people? Or enter an elementary school and take the lives of innocent children? Or plan the use of a weapon of mass destruction where families would be in attendance?

What we do know is that at one time or several times, they reached a fork in the road and went the wrong way.

I do understand we have a lot of vices and problems at the helm of the community that need to be addressed and put in check. They may not get the publicity like the others, but they still look the same. And they may not be the same magnitude as the theatre shootings, Sandy Hook or the Boston bombings, but they still feel the same.

Sure, we are happy and proud to honor and recognize those in our midst who are doing great - and great things, but let us not forget the ones who took the wrong turn at that fork in the road and lost their way – the ones who need help the most.

It’s an old African-American proverb but overdue in time for the community to “Each One Teach One.” Four simple words we should live by daily, in every sense.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reader Considers DUS Publisher A Classic Giver

The Denver Urban Spectrum is a monthly publication dedicated to spreading the news about people of color. Contents of the Denver Urban Spectrum are copyright 2013 by Bizzy Bee Enterprise. No portion may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

The Denver Urban Spectrum circulates 25,000 copies throughout Colorado. The Denver Urban Spectrum welcomes all letters, but reserves the right to edit for space, libelous material, grammar, and length. All letters must include name, address, and phone number. We will withhold author’s name on request. Unsolicited articles are accepted without guarantee of publication or payment.

Write to the Denver Urban Spectrum at P.O. Box 31001, Aurora, CO 80041.

For advertising, subscriptions, or other information, call 303-292-6446 or fax 303-292-6543 or visit the Web site at www.denverurbanspectrum.com.

the wonderful Gillian Conte – who, with her graphic design partner, Frank Foster, went on to design the brilliant cover of my (#1 Denver Post Local Bestseller, NAACP Image Award finalist nominated, recommended by the Denver Public School Libraries as an important book about...Colorado history) debut book, “Boldfaced Lies.”

Indeed, I’ve been blessed by many with beautiful, supportive hearts and spirits such as Bill and Lucille Porter, Linda J. Williams, Herman Malone, Terry Nelson (and the Blair-Caldwell Library staff), Jeff Fard, Taliah Abdullah, George Sumpter, Steve and Julie Eisold, Eric Hughes, Gay Fliegler, Robert Howard, Tracey Lovett, George Love, and my “coach” Lee Dora Smith (a retired factory worker and one of 14 children of a Mississippi sharecropper and his homemaker wife), and numerous others who said to me, “You’re a Black woman trying…so I’m going to do this.”

Thus, please permit me a public opportunity to express MY UTMOST

Editor: This morning, April 9, 2013, on Yahoo News, the book by Wharton School of Business professor Adam Grant, “Give and Take,” was featured.

He shared research which suggests that some of the most successful people – not just in business, but in many realms – are in fact classic ‘givers,’ people who genuinely try to help those around them.

The April, 2013 edition of Denver Urban Spectrum with its salute to your fellow publishers, in the feature “Community Publications Stand the Test of Time,” is a classic example of your steadfast personal and professional generosity…as well of genuinely trying to help those around you.

For example, while my journey to becoming a full-time novelist has been truly grueling along the way, I’ve been even more awesomely blessed.

Such as when you insisted that I talk with your then graphic designer,

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

3

Rosalind J. Harris Publisher

GRATITUDE…to YOU, and ALL, for making it possible for me to achieve becoming not just a published writer, but also a bestselling and award nominated author.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I promise to pass it forward. May you be blessed for being a blessing.

With utmost joy,

Charlene A. Porter Denver

DUS 2013 April Issue Was Heartwarming For Reader

Editor: I hope and pray that this note finds you in the best of health and spirits.

My name is Bernard Celestin, I would like to let you know that the April issue of the Spectrum is the most heartwarming magazine that I have read in years, both the story about Gloria and Amani but mostly the story title “ Where are all the Children?”

As an African American male/husband/father and veteran, I have long been working with our Continued on page 34

Linda Richardson

Flamenco

A Celebration of Culture & Self Expression

O

n the first weekend in May, some 400,000 revelers will converge on Civic Center Park for the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. This holiday, celebrating freedom and the Mexican culture, commemorates the 1862 victory over French troops by a severely outnumbered Mexican army. The historic event was instrumental in the eventual ouster of further foreign influence in Mexico.

While Mexico already had a rich cultural heritage from the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, Columbus’ arrival and Mexico’s subsequent colonization deposited new European influences and culture there. Before Columbus, most historians agree dance in Mexico focused mainly on religious rites in tribute to the Aztec and Mayan gods. After Mexico became a Spanish colony, popular dance traditions reflected the culture of the new occupants. Europeans brought the polka, waltz and Flamenco. Later with the intermarrying of Spanish and indigenous people, the folk dances began to reflect the merging of cultures.

Mexican folk dances or Baile Folklorico evolved by borrowing different aspects of the diverse cultural art forms. The similarities between Folklorico and Flamenco, for instance, are easily discovered. The large flowing skirt, the hand movements and the feet stamping are familiar features of Flamenco that were translated into the folk dances.

Flamenco consists of three major elements – singing, guitar and dance.

Its origins reach far back into history, with roots in East India and influences

Denver Teacher Linda Richardson Shares Passion for Flamenco

By Charles Emmons

The lyrics of Flamenco have many different themes: happiness, sorrow, or anything relevant to the feelings of the composer. The words celebrate life at the same time as they console and help the artists and audience deal with daily struggles. The music is filled with duende, which means spirit, and many people interpret duende as like having a religious experience. That happens when you give 100 percent of yourself, you’re not self-conscious, and you give yourself totally to the art form – it transports you to a different kind of feeling, said Richardson, who teaches Flamenco and pushes her students to commit totally to their performances.

The 100 percent commitment is both emotional as well as physical.

She said a great performance shows the vulnerability of the artist. It takes hours and hours of practice to become technically proficient, but this may not always be the ultimate objective. The goal is to become proficient within your own experience, which inherently will not be the same as anyone else’s.

from the disparate, persecuted populations of the Iberian peninsula, which included Gypsies, Jews and Muslims.

During the 15th century, these populations were forced to convert to Christianity or face expulsion or death. Many fled to the mountains of Spain or left the country. Flamenco developed to express their emotions about dealing with the harsh realities of this life.

“W

hen I first started learning Flamenco, I thought it was important to get the footwork or to get the body movements just like my teachers,” said Linda Richardson, 36, who recently studied the art form in Spain under a Fulbright fellowship. “After spending three years there, I realized the most important thing was to be myself and bring my own experience, because as hard as I try to emulate a Spaniard dancing Flamenco, I will never be able to do that. Just to have my own take on Flamenco is much more important. Self expression is very, very important.”

Richardson first traveled to Seville in Spain’s Andalucía region, the birthplace of Flamenco, 12 years ago to study the art form for four months. As a port city, Seville was long the sole conduit for trade with the Americas, and possibly exported Flamenco here as a result.

The art form began in the homes with singing and dancing, and the guitar was added later. Modern Flamenco has branched out, borrowing from other genres including jazz, but Richardson felt drawn to Flamenco puro, the original form with the three traditional elements.

R

ichardson was born to her South Korean mother and AfricanAmerican father, when he was stationed with the Air Force in Seoul, South Korea. After a few years there, Richardson’s family moved to Denver where she spent her primary years on Lowry Air Force Base. They then moved to Colorado Springs, where she spent her formative years and saw Flamenco for the first time in a film. It piqued her interest and led to her further study of the art form.

Later, “When I was living in Arizona, I had a friend who did

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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Photos by Lanae King

Flamenco dance and she had these beautiful red shoes,” recalled Richardson. “On the bottom of these shoes, they had small nails on the toe and the heel, so they looked like tap shoes. Her shoes had really cool ribbons. I was just enamored with her shoes and I went to class with her.

And from then on, I was hooked.”

M

eanwhile, Richardson studied the clarinet at the University of Northern Colorado, but graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor of arts in humanities. She was recently accepted into the Boettcher Teacher Residency Program, and will be working towards a master’s degree in education at Regis University this fall.

She teaches Flamenco at the Denver School of the Arts and Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy. She believes that this type of self expression, based in personal experience rather than rote imitation, is important for students to grasp.

“I really enjoy teaching them, because they are so open to learning a new art form,” she said. “Within Flamenco, there may be movements that are familiar to them either through their families or maybe through their friends and how they dance with them, or what they see on television, and it is relevant. So for them to make connections like that is really important.”

The appeal of Flamenco for Richardson is that the dancers bring their experiences and vulnerabilities to their performances, so they are always unique.

Continued on page 6

Top Minority Entrepreneurs Discuss Journey To Success

The Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce Leadership Foundation hosted its first “Conversations of Success” through an insightful panel and business networking event.

The event offered an opportunity to accomplish two key goals: an open and honest dialogue about minority business practices and to give those who attended access to in-depth stories of inspiring career successes with a group of diverse executives who continue to persevere under tough economic times. Featured panelists Richard Lewis, president and CEO of RTL Networks, Inc., Jeanette Wellers, president and CEO of JBlanco Enterprises, and Ming Chan, president and CEO of the1stMovement provided attendees with nuggets of wisdom to finding ways to uncover new market opportunities as well as dialogue that challenged conventional thought about entrepreneurship and service leadership. Anthony E. Graves, Director of Government & Community affairs for VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, moderated the panel with a mixture of humor, audience engagement, and stimulating questions.

Event hosts, included the CBCC Leadership Foundation Event Committee, Ed Wingfield, Monique Dyers, Curtis Love, Shani Hilliard, Allen Webb and Shayla. The event was underwritten by TIAA-CREF, Kaiser Permanente and Mark Anthony PR. CBCC board member and supporters in attendance included Vanecia Kerr, City Year and CBCC Leadership Foundation board member; Christyle Russell, TIAA-CREF; Jerome Blackwell, Kaiser Permanente; Rosemary Rodriguez, State Director for Senator Bennet and Former Denver City Council member; Les Townsend, Townsend Management; Tracey Adams Peters, University of Denver; Nicole Singleton, Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce; and Eddie Koen, Urban League Young Professionals.

“The “Conversations of Success” event was a huge success due to our incredible group of supporters who continue to recognize the importance of developing business acumen and lessons in leadership,” said CBCC Foundation President, Ed Wingfield.

Editor’s note: The CBCC Leadership Foundation is committed to providing opportunities and events for business leaders within the Denver community. For more information on upcoming events and event sponsorship opportunities, visit www.cbccfnd.org

Nicole A. Singleton, CBCC Interim President/CEO; Ming Chan, President and CEO of The1stMovement; Jeanette Wellers, President and CEO of JBlanco Enterprises; Richard Lewis, President and CEO of RTL Networks, Inc.; Anthony E. Graves, Monique Dyers, CBCC Foundtion Committee Member; Anthony E. Graves, Director of Government & Community affairs for VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitor Bureau; and Ed Wingfield, CBCC Foundation President

At the Mental Health Center of Denver, we focus on recovery-oriented mental healthcare. Working with 100 active community partners, we help people overcome challenges related to mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness and other personal crises. And it’s working. We’re the national model for success, with more than 75% of people receiving treatment going on to lead healthier, more productive lives. And each one of those individuals is part of a stronger, healthier community. Learn more about our efforts at MHCD.ORG.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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Linda Richardson

Continued from page 4 “Only I can do it like I do it. They can only do it how they do it. They will never be able to dance like me,” she observed. “And I will never be able to dance like my favorite Flamenco artist, and that is okay. You would just make yourself crazy trying.

But if someone lifts up their arms in a very deliberate way that comes from their soul – that is what Flamenco is about.”

S

he noted that when you see a performance your attention is frequently drawn to the dancer. In most dance art forms, the musicians are secondary, but in Flamenco, the musicians and singers are equally important. In traditional Flamenco, the emphasis is actually on the singer, not the dancer.

“There is always singing. Flamenco cante, Flamenco singing is so difficult.

If you have heard Indian or Turkish or Moroccan music, they use a lot of melismas (groups of notes sung during one syllable). It is difficult to achieve, so you don’t find a lot of Flamenco singers, especially American artists. We do what we can with what we have. You will see a lot of dancers with guitarists and not usually singing. But the core of Flamenco is

the singing. As a dancer, my responsibility is to interpret the singing. If you ever go to a Flamenco show and there isn’t singing, it is incomplete,” she explained.

The basis of this singing is the cante jondo (pronounced hondo), which is often sorrowful tones or as Richardson described, “guttural singing from your heart.”

These slow songs make it more challenging to match dance movements, so this is where the life experience of the dancer comes into play. Rather than display athleticism, dancers may slow their pace. For example, older dancers may have physical limitations where they can’t move their feet really fast, but they have a command and deep understanding of the music. Some of the best dancers are those that stand motionless, but can still project great feeling and emotion. “You don’t see the younger ones able to do that, able to carry that.

It’s really the older ones. I think because of a lot of life experience, they are able to do that,” she said.

Similar to jazz, Richardson explained, Flamenco is a structure or framework of rhythms within which the members of a Flamenco group can improvise. This improvisation creates a rich blending of the dance, song and music.

The fourth element in Flamenco is audience participation. Flamenco is best performed in an intimate setting where the performer feeds off the audience.

“The audience is very important to the improvisational nature of Flamenco,” said Richardson. “It’s like this kinetic energy, this exchange of energy as a performer, and what the audience is giving you. It’s like both parties are being nourished and as a result you get a different performance, and more of an improvisational nature.”

N

ot all Flamenco is about pain and sorrow. Just as upbeat blues lifts spirits, Flamenco has cante chico, which is more light-hearted, faster singing with the same rhythms of cante jondo but played in a different key by the guitarist.

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n Flamenco, jaleos (shouts of encouragement) are given to the cuadro. If a performer is really connecting to the audience members, they will respond.

Flamenco is disciplined, yet freeing – collaborative but individualistic.

Richardson prepares for her performances with live musicians, and collaborates with her guitarist in finding different rhythms. These rhythms come from many various sources including Cuba and Africa.

“You can’t be a dancer without learning how to manipulate the rhythm; you can’t be a singer without using the rhythm, and you can’t be a musician without rhythm. So fundamentally it is about the rhythm,” she said. “And from an African-American perspective, Flamencos in Spain are obsessed with Michael Jackson. You can see it in their movements. Jackson

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Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

6

is popular with Spanish Flamencos because of his mastery of body movement and genius with rhythms.”

R

ichardson recalled interviewing Gypsies in Spain and their attempts to connect to her as an African American.

She feels extremely fortunate to have grown up in a multicultural household and to be able to share a common experience with the Gypsies. She has not found many African Americans interested in Flamenco.

“I think a common misconception that foreigners or Americans have of Flamenco is that it is an art form that happened in the 1950s in big theatrical productions with really beautiful women with roses in their hair. But the reality of Flamenco is that it is much more tangible to different types of people. You can be really thin, really fat, really young or really old, and you can always do it. That is something that I want the masses here to understand and to know,” she professed.

This month if you take in Cinco de Mayo, get inspired. Listen to the music with your heart, allow the rhythms to move your feet, let personal expression guide your performance, and you will be experiencing the fringes of Flamenco.

Editor’s note: For or information, about Flamenco or to take a class, visit www.flamencalinda.com. To view one of Linda Richardson’s performances in Sevilla visit, http://www.youtube.com/ watch? feature=player_embedded&v=EfHQ5qxe5 nk. This video demonstrates a complete cuadro which is one of the elements of a Flamenco performance and audience participation in the form of jaleos (or shouts of encouragement).

Dr. Reiland Rabaka To Discuss African American Music As Soundtrack For Popular Movements, Historical Episodes

Don’t miss this powerful story of hope and the healing power of love.

African American movement music – from the spirituals to rap music and hip hop – will be the focus of Dr. Reiland Rabaka’s featured presentation during the R E A P National Conference on the Spirituals June 13-15 at the University of Denver. Dr. Rabaka will explore each major form of popular African American music – including the blues, ragtime and jazz, bebop, gospel, early rock & roll, soul and funk – as a soundtrack for a broader African American popular movement of historical episode. His analysis underscores that African American music is more than music: it is an often-overlooked repository of African American history, culture, politics, and inspiring democratic social visions.

Dr. Rabaka, an associate professor of African, African American, and Caribbean Studies in the Department of Ethnic Studies and the Humanities Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder, is also an affiliate professor in the Women and Gender Studies Program and a research fellow at the Center for Studies of Ethnicity and Race in America (CSERA). He also holds graduate faculty appointments in the College of Music, School of Education, Department of Sociology, and Department of Religious Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Organized by The Spirituals Project in collaboration with the University of Denver, the R E A P Conference is designed to facilitate dialogue between professionals and the general public from around the country about preserving and revitalizing the multi-layered cultural legacy of the spirituals. The event offers interactive workshops and presentations on diverse topics including music, education, health and healing, literature, history, religion, culture, and social justice.

R E A P represents the four pillars of Research, Education, Activism and Performance, which are central to the mission and guiding vision of The Spirituals Project.

The Spirituals Project is an award-winning secular, non-profit organization established in 1998, with administrative offices on the University of Denver campus. Its mission is the preservation and revitalization of the music and teachings of the songs commonly known as “spirituals,” created and first sung by enslaved African women and men in America in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Spirituals Project operates a number of community-based programs involving performance and education, including regular concerts by its renowned 75-member multi-ethnic, multi-generational choir. The organization also maintains a popular online educational resource, Sweet Chariot: The Story of the Spirituals, which provides information and guides for further study about the multifaceted history and cultural impact of the spirituals tradition.

Editor’s note: For more information on The Spirituals Project, visit spiritualsproject.org or call 303-871-7993. The R E A P Conference schedule is available online at http://spiritualsproject.org/reap/schedule/. Conference registration is open online at http://spiritualsproject.org/reap.

With a joyous, moving score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues.

Seating is limited.

Order your tickets today: 303-739-1970

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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May 12 will be Tanya Beverly’s

second Mother’s Day since she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

In September 2011, after experiencing sharp pains on her right side, the Denver resident was found to have Stage 3 ovarian cancer. Major surgery and six months of chemotherapy followed. Today, the 53-year-old continues her recovery. “I was scared and hoping I could get through the surgery and everything. I still have to be careful and I still get tired,” Beverly says, but she continues to display the positive attitude with which she has faced the disease.

Speaking with a voice of experience, she advises other women dealing with ovarian cancer to “stay strong and do what you have to do to get better. You’ll be okay. You are going to get better.”

Among those who have been helping the mother of three deal with ovarian cancer is her son, Tyrone Beverly. “He’s been wonderful,” Beverly says. “Tyrone has been there through thick and thin.”

“She set the stage for us,” says Tyrone about the example his mother set for him and his older siblings, Pam and James. “She’s overcome a lot throughout her life, but she’s always

Positive Attitude Helps Denver Mother Deal With Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis, Treatments

been positive.”

Regarding her battle with ovarian cancer, her youngest son reports, “She wanted us to feel good too, to be optimistic.”

On June 2, 2012, Tyrone and some of his friends participated in Jodi’s Race for Awareness, an annual fundraiser for the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance (COCA). Beverly attended the event, which was inspired by Colorado native Jodi Brammeier, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008 and died in 2010. Brammeier’s goal was to establish a race to raise awareness about ovarian cancer so that other women might find their cancer earlier and stand a chance to win against the deadly disease.

Like many people, Beverly was not familiar with ovarian cancer and its symptoms prior to her diagnosis. It is COCA’s mission to support women in Colorado dealing with ovarian cancer and to promote increased awareness about the disease through advocacy and education. All money raised during Jodi’s Raise for Awareness remains in Colorado and funds COCA’s numerous programs, including Nicki’s Circle support groups, the Nicki’s Circle online network, the COCA Cares financial assistance program, comfort kits, Survivors Teaching Students, the Raise Awareness campaign and health fairs.

Tyrone, who is a yoga instructor, intends to be among the walkers and runners again this year during the Tyrone helps Mom with exercise routine

fourth annual Jodi’s Race for Awareness, scheduled for Saturday, June 1 in Denver’s City Park. He believes the work COCA does is important and supports the organization’s efforts on behalf of Colorado women. “People need to be aware,” he says. “They need to be more proactive about their health.” He reports that during his mother’s recovery she has learned how to improve her diet and her strength through exercise by walking and stretching.

There is no screening test for ovarian cancer so being able to recognize the symptoms, leading to early detection, is critical to saving lives.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include suddenly-occurring and persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and may not be specific or severe, so often, women do not seek medical attention, and health professionals fail to diagnose it early. If found in an early stage, up to 90 percent of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive for more than five years.

Editor’s note: To learn more about Jodi’s Race for Awareness and the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance and its programs, visit www.colo-ovariancancer.org.

WE NEED EVERYBODY TO CUT BACK EVEN MORE. During this severe drought, outdoor watering is restricted to no more than two days per week. One way to use less in May is to hand water the dry areas of your lawn and let the shady parts be. More drought survival tips (for indoors and out) are available at www.denverwater.org/drought.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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Technology Expert Gives Small Businesses And Nonprofits

A Digital Boost

By Angelia McGowan

and streamline the registration process making it easier for people to get involved with our event and easier for Rebel Saffold, III us to capture the registration data we need.”

It’s a supportive but rare testament ess than three years in Denver to the importance of Lebertech’s work, and Rebel Saffold, III is helping cornerconsidering it primarily serves as a stones of Denver’s small business and silent partner with its clients. The company focuses on long-term partnonprofit communities take their leganerships and cost-effective solutions, cy to the next level, the digital level. with the understanding that work perThrough his Denver-based compaformed today will impact the company, Lebertech Technology Services, he ny for many years down the road. The brings a “high-tech personalized words “client” and “partner” are touch” to his work with clients. The interchangeable for Lebertech. full-service shop focuses on Web support services and operations outsourc- Saffold, who holds an engineering degree from Washington University in ing.

Saint Louis, talks about the growing “We utilize project management role of technology in long-term busimethodologies to execute and deliver "When you ness leave your job... success: highly effective solutions for our Denver Urban Spectrum: How do don't leave your money behind!" clients,” says Saffold, who has 10 nonprofit organizations, and even for-profyears of operations support experience it agencies, miss the boat when it comes to Myra Donovan, CLU, ChFC, CFP in the technology field. “It’s a broad planning for success? statement, but at the end of the day, it Financial Adviser Rebel Saffold, III: They forget means we help clients meet their orgaabout technology, or don’t make it a nizational goals using technology 3200 Cherry Creek Drive South, #700 high priority.

We have a firm belief tools.”

Denver, CO 80209that if you make creating an infraFreeing up time to focus on busi303-871-7249 -structure www.myradonovan.com to support the efficient and ness development is key for Carla effective execution of the business Ladd, executive director of the processes (of your organization) for Mountain Region Black Economic "Call Today for acreating FREEan long term growth, you’re Summit, which is presenting its 8th environment for success.

Consultation!" annual summit on May 31-June 1, at DUS: When it comes to keeping up the Hyatt Regency, Denver Tech with the latest technologies, what opportuCenter. nities are presented by partnering with “As a small business, efficiency is LeberTech? important to my bottom line,” she RS: Our proactive approach to our says. “We employed Lebertech to partnership is unique. We live in the assist us with our website (mrbes.com)

world of technology daily with consistently evolving tools and approaches to business challenges. We’re looking for the opportunity to implement new tools, that we have proven are stable, effective and add value to an organization. Most, if not all, process and tools we offer our clients, we’ve utilized ourselves or I’ve had the experience of implementing with other organizations.

DUS: How does “advancement” fit into the technology services you offer?

RS: That’s the beauty in what we do. We create technologies that bring all of the individual business units into a unified-enterprise-wide system no matter the size. Supporting large scale companies with the primary goals of advancing the mission of the organization has been my primary responsibility over my career.

Lebertech now applies those same techniques to support clients with that challenge, with an emphasis on datadriven decision making.

DUS: Web site companies are a dime a dozen these days. How do you distinguish your services?

RS: Our specialty is making sure we meet the technology needs of clients. We initially started with our Web services division and now have poured major resources into an operations outsourcing division. A major passion of mine and a primary goal of our company is to see business growth. If you grow, we grow.

DUS: We live in a do-it-yourself world. Can companies pinch hit with their technology infrastructure?

L

"When you leave your job... don't leave your money behind!"

Myra Donovan, CLU, ChFC, CFP Financial Adviser

3200 Cherry Creek Drive South, #700 Denver, CO 80209

303-871-7249 - www.myradonovan.com

"Call Today for a FREE Consultation!"

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

9

RS: Trying to become a technology expert can be a deterrent to success for organizations if that’s not in their mission. We want to eliminate that obstacle and allow the company to stay on mission.

DUS: Tell us about a special debut that one of your ‘not-so-silent’ partners has coming this month?

RS: After more than 25 years serving readers through its print version, the Denver Urban Spectrum (DUS) is expanding its reach online, and we are happy to be a part of that transition to digitally extend the publication’s legacy. We are in the process of creating this dynamic and engaging integrated communication platform, under our new service — online media publication services. DUS is laying the foundation to go global and support the development of multiple streams of revenue and future initiatives.

DUS Publisher, Rosalind “Bee” Harris has jumped many hurdles in order to keep up with the current trends of the Internet and technology – areas that have been challenging with the decline of the newspaper industry.

“I was introduced to Rebel and Lebertech – not a second too soon. He was like a breath of fresh air,” Harris said. “Our website has been an ongoing project since inception for more than 15 years and not producing the results we expected or needed. Each year during our anniversary month, we try to improve DUS to better serve the community, our readers and supporters. This year was no different with plans to re-launch our website sometime in May. I feel confident that our partnership with LeberTech and the debut of our “new and revised” website and other projects will not only create some new and much needed revenue streams, but also better serve the global community.”

Editor’s note: For more information on LeberTech, call 720-515-6484, E-mail rebelsaffold@lebertech.com or visit www.lebertech.com.

G

iving fans nationwide ring-side seats from the comfort of their local movie theaters, NCM Fathom Events, Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions, SHOWTIME Sports and O’Reilly Auto Parts bring undefeated, Eight-Time and Five Division World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather to the big screen once again as he takes on Six-Time and Four Division World Champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero.

Mayweather, boxing’s pound-forpound and pay-per-view king, will defend his WBC Welterweight World Championship against Guerrero in an action-packed live broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. on Saturday, May 4.

“May Day: Mayweather vs. Guerrero” will be simulcast to select theaters nationwide at 7 p.m. (MT).

Also featured on the Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster line-up will be another explosive match-up featuring WBC Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce de Leon making his first title defense against TwoDivision World Champion Abner Mares in a 12-round fight.

“This is Floyd’s fifth fight that will be shown in movie theaters,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Watching Floyd Mayweather fight is a larger-than life

Floyd “Money” Mayweather Faces Robert “ The Ghost” Guerrero As World Championship Boxing Returns To Cinemas Featherweight This May

experience and the opportunity for fans to see him on the big screen is truly extraordinary. He has a tough test in Robert Guerrero, and we hope that fans take advantage of the opportunity to watch this amazing matchup with fellow boxing fans at movie theaters across the country.”

Undefeated Floyd “Money” Mayweather (43-0, 26 KO’s), an eight-

World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon Takes On Two-Division World Champion Abner Mares In Co-Featured Fight

time world champion in five divisions, remains boxing’s biggest attraction and the world’s highest paid athlete, wowing crowds each time he steps into the ring. During Mayweather’s extraordinary career, he has amassed wins over former world champions such as Genaro Hernandez, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Victor Ortiz and, most recently, then WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Miguel Cotto, marking the 43rd win of his storied career.

The pride of Gilroy, Calif., Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (31-1-1, 18 KO’s) is a six-time and four-division world champion who got the attention of the boxing world when he defeated former Two-Time World Champion Andre Berto in November 2012. Now the 29-year-old southpaw has the chance of a lifetime as he prepares to step into the ring with one of the sport’s all-time greatest fighters. With wins over former World Champions Joel Casamayor and Michael Katsidis

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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and former world title challenger Vicente Escobedo, Guerrero is ready to shine on an international stage in this main event.

“We are very excited to once again partner with NCM Fathom Events and have the opportunity to showcase an amazing night of fights in the movie theaters,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “The entire ‘MAY DAY: Mayweather vs.

Guerrero’ fight card will be an incredible lineup of talent and as we strive to bring this caliber of talent to fans everywhere, the unique experience of watching championship boxing on the big screen is something that is not to be missed.”

NCM Fathom Events, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions first teamed up in September of 2009 to bring the highly successful presentation of Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez fight to theaters, followed by Mayweather vs. Mosley Fight LIVE – Who R U Picking? in 2010 and Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz during Mexican Independence Day weekend in 2011. In May 2012, Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto drew a record-breaking number of viewers for Mayweather’s 43rd career win.

“Floyd Mayweather’s bouts against some of the best fighters in the world have consistently drawn enthusiastic audiences across the United States to their local movie theaters,” said Dan Diamond, senior vice president of NCM Fathom Events. “Ever since Mayweather first appeared on the big screen in 2009, it has just gotten more exciting with every fight, and this championship bout with Guerrero will be no exception.”

Editor’s note: Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). The event will be broadcast to more than 400 select movie theaters across the country through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.

DESTINATION HEALTH: Walk/Run/Learn Returns To City Park

The Center for African American Health will host its third annual Destination Health: Walk/Run/Learn at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 27 in Denver’s City Park, located at Colorado Boulevard and 23rd Street (adjacent to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science).

The Haynes Family

Sign up by June 15 to take advantage of the early-registration discounts: $25 for adults; $25 for children 6 to 17 and seniors 50-plus; $25 per person for walk/run teams (must have four or more members); free for children five and under (no shirt); $10 for children five and under (with shirt). Register online at www.destinationhealth5k.org Volunteer opportunities are available. For more information or to volunteer, E-mail the Center at info@caahealth.org or call 303-3553423. For more information about the Center for African American Health visit info@caahealth.org.

Lost Your Joy?

Find it again at the

United Church of Montbello!

Come as you are and get connected to your best self through great fellowship and the love of Jesus Christ!

Sunday Worship: 8:00am (Traditional) and 10:30am (Gospel) 4VOEBZ 4DIPPM BN r 8FEOFTEBZ #JCMF 4UVEZ QN

Rev. Dr. James E. Fouther, Jr., Pastor 4879 Crown Blvd., Denver, CO 80239 303-373-0070 http://ucm.ctsmemberconnect.net

Rev. Rodney Perry

Destination Health is a familyfriendly, educational and multi-generational experience. Runners and walkers can choose the 5K route or enjoy the one-mile option. The Health Education Expo area, featuring more than 40 booths filled with important facts about vital health matters, offers an excellent opportunity to learn about active, healthy lifestyles. And, a special Children’s Health and Safety Zone will provide fun activities and information for youngsters. This enjoyable event also will include great entertainment.

Destination Health not only benefits those who participate July 27, but also the larger Denver community that is served year-round by the Center for African American Health, which is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the African-American community. The Center partners with a wide variety of health-education and health-delivery organizations to develop and provide culturally appropriate disease prevention and disease management programs to thousands of African Americans each year. The Center offers programs on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer, as well as a wellness program for seniors, and health literacy training.

Plan now to take part on July 27 in the 2013 Destination Health – and encourage your family, friends and coworkers to participate also by forming a team.

Kimberly had BREAST CANCER. She DIDN’T HAVE health insurance but KIMBERLY had Komen.

1 in 7 women in Colorado will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

Unfortunately, 233,000 women in Colorado are uninsured. Kimberly knows that early detection can save your life. Schedule your mammogram now.

This campaign is made possible through the generous support of Great-West FinancialŽ Photography courtesy of Lindsay B Photography Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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Help Komen do more.

Someone you love may need them. www.komendenver.org

The Running Ribbon is a registered trademark of Susan G. Komen for the CureÂŽ

1835 Franklin Street, Denver, CO 80218 303.744.2088

R e v. L e o n K e l l y

Leads Denver Area Boys And Girls Clubs Ta l k A b o u t R a c i s m

gathering was to talk about racism – what it is, how it can affect us, and what we can do to stop it. Joining the discussion was Adier Deng, one of the Lost Boys of the Sudan.

The audience learned about human rights – those things that can’t be taken away from us simply because we’re human. They watched four short videos on specific human rights.

After the first, “We are all Born Free

Rev. Leon Kelly talks to the students about racism

Lost Boy Shares Story of Extreme Racism

Long-time Denver anti-gang activist, Reverend Leon Kelly (Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives) joined Judy Schneider, President of the Ballpark Neighborhood Association

and United for Human at the Church of Scientology to welcome Denver area middle school and high-school youth from the Boys and Girls club of Metro Denver. The purpose of the

TOGETHER TO END STROKE

Tyree Morris & Hearts of Worship

MAY 8, 2013 6PM to 8PM

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3880 Newport Street, Denver, CO 80207

Healthy Soul Food ~ Music ~ Health Screenings Giveaways ~ Educational Information RSVP encouraged. Contact the American Heart Association at 303-996-8741 or merida.carmona@heart.org

and Equal,” they erupted in cheers.

They learned about extreme forms of racism as Deng related to how he survived mass genocide when he was only five years old.

The story of the Lost Boys of Sudan is harrowing. Twenty-seven thousand boys aged four to 13 were separated from their families in 1990 and forced to flee South Sudan from the invasion of the Northern Sudanese government forces. They were hounded not just by the enemy helicopters laden with chemical bombs with the intent to kill every single male child, but they had to survive attacks by lions, hyenas, chimpanzees, and even crocodiles as they made their way from South Sudan to Ethiopia, and then from Ethiopia to Kenya because the Ethiopian soldiers wouldn’t allow them to stay in their country (a journey roughly equivalent of traversing the United States from Los Angeles to New York.)

As the middle school and high school students discovered that of the 27,000 boys who started the journey only 10,000 survived, they wanted to know what it was like to cross deserts and jungles and to live in a refugee camp for eight years. They asked Deng questions like “what was it like to lose your family,” and “what did it feel like when you finally got here to the United States.” The most important question they asked him was “how did you keep going.” Deng simply answered, “Hope. No matter how bad it was on any given day, I would always know that the next day would be better.”

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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It was a strong lesson for the students to hear, and one that Reverend Kelly continued to bring home to the audience. Rev. Kelly openly talked about gang violence and about how Deng’s story helped everyone to see how fortunate everyone is. He had the audience hold slim wooden signs that said, “colored only,” leftovers from Jim Crow laws in the South and he encouraged the children to talk about what they would do if they were in Deng’s shoes. Most importantly, Kelly had them give him answers on what they could do to “erase racism.” Their answers were simple and profound: to listen to each other better. To make the effort to understand those who are different from them.

Racism is ugly and still far too prevalent in 2013. It is a most basic and egregious violation of human rights. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology, made it clear that spiritual freedom and enlightenment were all but unattainable goals to individuals denied their most fundamental human rights. By bringing together young men and women from across Denver’s neighborhoods, Deng, Schneider, Rev. Kelly, and United for Human Rights, have worked to bring hope for a future where human rights are real, where racism has given way to people embracing each other’s differences.

Editor’s note: United for Human Rights is a not-for-profit, secular, education foundation that is supported in part by the Church of Scientology. For more information, visit www.humanrights.com.

Innovative FWD: 1963-2013 Series Focused On Civil Rights

By Rebecca Laurie

March on Washington

From the Sixteenth Street Baptist

Library of Congress

Church bombing to the March on Washington and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, 1963 was a pivotal year for the Civil Rights movement. Since January, civil rights leaders, scholars and community members have gathered at the History Colorado Center for one evening each month for the FWD: 1963-2013 program series where topics examine seminal Civil Rights events of 1963 and what remains to be done were discussed along with exploration of related music, theater and film.

“The FWD: 1963 – 2013 series has been a truly meaningful way to bring together many community voices to examine both local and national developments in Civil Rights over fifty years,” said History Colorado staff member and locally based actor and filmmaker, donnie l. betts, who developed the program.

“Our goal was to create a forum designed to foster a community dialogue about the people, politics and events that have shaped Colorado as a result of the Freedom Movement, and spark a discussion on what it means to be active, engaged citizens who play a role in building a better Colorado,” said Dr. William J. Convery, State Historian at History Colorado.

The series kicked off with “Introductions to FWD: 1963–2013” on January 28 with African-American scholar, historian and activist Dr. Vincent Harding, best known for his writings about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for whom he drafted speeches. Moderated by Dr. Winston GradyWillis, chair of African and African American Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver, panelists also included Jamie “Jonny 5” Laurie and Stephen “Brer Rabbit” Brackett of the acclaimed Denver band, the Flobots, as well as Assistant Professor of Education at CU Boulder, Linda Mizell. The evening also featured SuCh, who opened the series with “Ella’s Song (We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest)” and clips from the award-winning documentary Eyes on the Prize.

Dr. Harding returned for the second discussion on February 26 for “Conversations: The Bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church” with Reverend Carolyn McKinstry, who was there on September 15, 1963 when the church was bombed, killing four of her friends, and was among thousands of students hosed by firemen during the 1963 marches. Joining them were Diedra H. Brooks and her son,

Members of the community watch a clip from Eyes on the Prize Photo by Jay DiLorenzo, History Colorado

Jarrell, who survived the Century Theater shooting in Aurora on July 20, 2012. The evening included a clip from the the Spike Lee documentary, 4 Little Girls.

On March 25, “Lessons in Nonviolence” featured student nonviolent coordinating committee member John Perdew, who helped organize the Sumter County Movement where he was arrested and charged with “seditious conspiracy.” A video clip of Perdew’s autobiographical play, Education of a Harvard Guy, was screened. Joining him were Jeff S. Fard, better known as brother jeff, as well as Dr. Sara Miller, Dr. Nicki Gonzales and Gail Gonzales who addressed teaching tolerance in the face of adversity, addressing issues faced by the GLBT and Latin communities and the history of the Chicano movement in Colorado and beyond.

On April 29, Rutha Harris, a founding member of the Freedom Singers a cappella ensemble discussed “The Importance of Music and the Arts to a Movement.” In 1961, Rutha was involved in the Albany Civil Rights Movement and incarcerated during mass arrests. A diverse group of panelists rounded out the evening, including historian and writer, Rachel Elizabeth Harding, Ph.D., who focuses on the history of Afro-Atlantic religions; painter and muralist, Leo Tanguma; 16-year-old Denver poet, Jalon Martin; with a performance by Urban Method, whose members are credited with creating a unique blend of a cappella and hip-hop music known as “rap-a-pella.” The evening’s conversation included

Jamie “Jonny 5” Laurie and Stephen “Brer Rabbit” Brackett of the Flobots, soul singer SuCh, donnie l. betts, Dr. Vincent Harding, Assistant Prof. Linda Photo by Jay DiLorenzo, History Colorado Mizell Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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March on Washington

Library of Congress

excerpts from the film, Soundtrack for a Revolution.

Mayor Michael Hancock will close the series on May 28, when Dr. Harding returns to discuss “The Lasting Legacy of 1963: What Now?” Panelists include Laura Frank from INEW RMPBS, who will highlight findings released in a recent groundbreaking investigative report “Losing Ground,” and Greg Moore, editor of The Denver Post. The discussion will focus on the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and view clips from the film, Eyes on the Prize. The program wraps up by discussing how events of 1963 inspired the Civil Rights movement in the United States and other equal rights movements throughout the world.

The Inclusiveness Project, a program of the Denver Foundation, sponsored FWD: 1963-2013, with support from Colorado Humanities, KGNU Community Radio, Dazzle Jazz, Metropolitan State University of Denver, the Mizel Museum and Denver Urban Spectrum.

Editor’s note: Tickets for the May 28 program are available. RSVP by calling 303866-4686 or purchase tickets online. Cost is $5 per person, $4 for History Colorado members. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The History Colorado Center is located at 1200 Broadway in Denver. Previous FWD: 1963-2013 were filmed and posted on YouTube. For more information, visit HistoryColoradoCenter.org.

Montbello Regional Sports Teams Succeed With Increased Attention To Rigorous Coursework

By Heather D. Johnson Communication specialist, Denver Public Schools

A

fter school on just about any given school day the Montbello campus gymnasium is full of students: the basketball teams repeatedly running “suicide” drills to increase endurance, students weight training to build strength, reviewing film from last week’s match, and working with coaches to develop strategies for an upcoming meet.

In fact, not much is unusual about Montbello’s afterschool gym activities.

They are very similar, if not identical, to team practices at other high schools throughout the district. However, what is evident is that the athletes represent schools from the entire northeast region, something that is unique to the entire district. Collegiate Prep Academy, the Denver Center for International Studies, High Tech Early College High School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College High School, Vista Academy, Noel Community Arts and Montbello High School all feature students that are actively participating in the regional teams.

This level of participation and engagement from students attending the regional schools has allowed the community to collectively sigh in relief. When Denver Public Schools launched its comprehensive school turnaround effort in the region, there was some concern that the traditionally strong sports program would falter.

For years Montbello had dominated high school sports in the Denver area, earning numerous first place titles for track and field, while also being heralded as the football and basketball state champions year after year. Unfortunately, Montbello’s athletic prowess did not always translate to the classroom, causing enrollment to decline, and as a result the sports and activities programs saw a dramatic decrease in participation. In response, district administrators employed unprecedented measures to restore the community’s legacy, and one year later, the regional turnaround efforts are experiencing remarkable success.

For example, although soccer has huge popularity in other areas, the

sport is fairly new to the Far Northeast. This year the boys’ varsity soccer team made the state playoffs, and several players were invited to the all-conference team, which is also a first for the Montbello region and has Athletic Director Tyrone Cephers very pleased with the team’s progress.

schoolwork by providing a much needed physical outlet,” Smith said.

Cephers agrees that this strategy is working.

“A few seasons ago we had some very disappointing results with our football program. It wasn’t due to lack of talent, but lack of discipline.

Although we finished with only four wins this year it’s still a positive sign that our program is rebounding. We are rebuilding with the purpose of bringing our winning tradition back to the Montbello area,” Cephers said.

While some might scoff at Montbello’s football record, this year eight regional football team members were nominated to be a part of the 2012 National Underclassmen All American team. Juniors Jante Gadson, Marquell Jones and quarterback A.J. Thompson were selected to participate

Football: #58 MHS Senior Davion Patton and #17 MHS Junior Anthony Morales fight for touchdown against Standley Lake

“I believe this is the first time our soccer team has ever made state. Our coach, Ray Vergera, is building a strong team, we have a lot of talent, and now after going to state our expectations are even higher,” he said.

Montbello Junior Diana Torres plays soccer for the girls’ team and is excited about the progress they are also making.

“Soccer is what initially attracted me to the regional teams and it’s great that we are doing so well so quickly,” she said.

While Cephers continues to work with his coaches to build the teams and become more successful, the community is working together to ensure that rigorous coursework remains a vital element of the Far Northeast to further sustain the area’s dominance in sports.

Allen Smith, executive director for DPS’ Denver Summit Schools Network, said the extracurricular opportunities offered in the region reinforce the work being presented in the classroom.

“When we restructured the Far Northeast schools there was some concern that athletics and academics would decline. Through regional sports teams, intramurals and various other opportunities we are able to keep students interested in their

Jerell acknowledged that he could have gone to almost any school in the city and performed well academically and athletically, but made a conscious decision attend school in Montbello.

“I chose DCIS for what is offered academically, but I wanted to stay in the community because it’s a tradition for my family to go to school in Montbello. I can’t imagine going to school anywhere else. I’ve wanted to go to Montbello since I was a kid,” Jerell said.

“It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication our student athletes exhibit on a daily basis,” said Smith.

Cephers is adamant that students are not recruited to play regional sports, and his staff works with school officials to incorporate several strategies to ensure that students become involved in the program and make sure that all the regional schools are consistently and equitably represented.

Regional principals agree that the strategies are working “We know that all of the students are not going to be interested in playing sports, but each school is committed to encouraging their kids to do something, join a club, tryout for the dance team, help with the play. These activities keep them invested and may expose skills that were previously unknown to them,” said Montbello

Volleyball: Montbello Varsity Volleyball team participates in “Pink Out” game

in the game in South Carolina.

“This is a true accomplishment for our program. Only 100 kids from around the country are invited to this game and we have three players that made the team,” said Cephers.

Additionally, DCIS-Montbello Sophomore Jerrell Nettles was named to the Second Team All-Conference football team and was the only state qualifier in the 220 pound wrestling division from the Montbello region.

This was a huge accomplishment for Jerell and Montbello since only 16 wrestlers in each weight class qualified for the state competition.

Although he was defeated during the second day of competition, Jerell said that his love of sports and his desire to play for Montbello teams keeps him focused academically.

“In order to play sports I have to have good grades and my parents will not let me play if my grades are not acceptable,” he said.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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High School Principal Larry Irvin.

And Cephers admits that some of the concepts were suggested by the students.

“As adults we sometimes mistakenly assume that the students will respond to what we put in place, but we actively sought the student’s input…we are creating teams and opportunities for them, so it is important (to all of us) that we offer activities that will attract them. By giving the students options and using their suggestions the sports essentially market themselves,” he said.

Cephers also said that when the regional teams first began only about 7 to 8 percent of the students were actively involved in the programs, and although initial interest was devastatingly low, participation gradually increased and the teams began to see results.

According to Cephers, about 80

percent of the students are currently involved on the teams. DCISMontbello, Collegiate Prep Academy, Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College High School, Vista Academy, High Tech Early College, Noel Community Arts and Montbello High School are all represented and their students continue to excel on the teams, which include basketball, swimming, and tennis, and softball, volleyball, cross country, track and field, football and soccer.

MLK, Jr. Early College High School Sophomore Tori Powell participates on the Montbello swim team and said hard work helped her not only become a better athlete, but also a better team member.

“It’s a stress reliever. It’s fun and it’s just part of me to swim. I learned a lot about teamwork by joining the team,” Powell said.

In addition to Tori, Cephers said all of the teams feature athletes to continue to watch.

“Samoun Moore from Vista Academy and Shavonne Houge from Noel Community Arts are both on the girls’ basketball team. Samoun transferred from Aurora Public Schools, but shows a lot of leadership for us on the court, and although Shavonne is only a freshman she continues to

show that she is a hard worker,” said Cephers.

To guarantee that the students become well-rounded athletes, Cephers requires weekly progress reports, his staff conducts intervention meetings with teachers, parents and students, and they utilize additional resources to help the students succeed academically.

“We engage students in regular conversations to see how they are performing academically. Our academic requirements are actually more rigorous in the Far Northeast than they are in CHSSA. Our students cannot have more than two failing grades to remain eligible. If a student is failing a class then he or she is most likely going to be benched. They have to learn to be accountable for their actions and realize that their performance in class correlates to their performance in the game,” he said.

Cephers also said that Montbello’s athletes monitor themselves.

“The first year was rough…kids weren’t able to play due to their grades and half of the teams were always benched… today, kids understand the expectations and really try to meet them,” he said.

Montbello’s leaders are also encouraged by the athletes’ academic progresses and successes.

Smith stated, “Last year, 100 percent of our student athletes entered higher education and we fully anticipate and expect the same results this year.”

Montbello High School Senior Jordan Jones-Potts said sports provide support and guidance, in addition to opportunities that he would not have otherwise pursued.

“I used sports to help me overcome some of my personal problems…and having that extra support group is a big motivation for me. It allows me to be more outgoing, to cooperate and work with other people,” he said.

Cephers is pleased that the students fully understand the impact of sports on the Montbello community.

“We’ve seen kids from all of the schools that were struggling academically and displayed little discipline in class and on all of the teams. Coming to practice daily and maintaining grades is a huge commitment, but this year our students are completely devoted,” Cephers said proudly.

Although he hasn’t made a definite selection, Jordan said he plans to attend college after graduation. He has acceptance letters from eight schools around the country and anticipates more college offers in the near future.

Jordan said, “I want something better for my life and I am taking advantage of every opportunity that playing sports has presented to me.”

Soccer: Montbello Varsity Girls match against Arvada High School Wrestling: Montbello wrestler before pin against George Washington

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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Bomber Suspects Guns Big Slap At NRA’s Gun Control Obstinacy

Boston bomber suspects Tamerlan

By Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Tsarnaev and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev reportedly horded a small arsenal of guns. They were automatic weapons.

They did not have to go through a background check or have a permit. Authorities will now be forced to spend countless hours and personnel trying to track down exactly how, when and where they got their guns. They could have easily have gotten them over the internet, at a gun show, or just simply bought them from an individual seller on the street or anywhere else.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev turned up on a government watch list a couple of years before the bombing attack.

Barring would be terrorists from getting guns in the US was supposed to

Jay Phillips

May 9-12

Dominique May 16-19

DL Hughley

May 24-26 Special Event

be one of the gaping loopholes that Congress would have closed if the Senate gun control bill had passed. It would have barred anyone flagged by authorities as a potential terrorist threat from purchasing guns. As it now stands, even if the FBI had tagged Tsarnaev as a threat, federal law bars it from doing anything to stop him from buying guns.

Massachusetts has tough gun laws that make it illegal to own a gun without a permit and to possess a gun clip of more than 10 round capacity manufactured after 1994. But Tsarnaev didn’t need to worry about either of these prohibitions. He could have easily gone to any neighboring state and bought high ammo capacity guns and carted them back into Boston without any worry of being discovered. This is another loophole that the Senate bill would have closed. It too died just as quickly as the expanded background requirement checks and the assault weapons ban.

No wonder that a 2011 video has surfaced and played on cable networks had a known Al Qaeda spokesperson exhorting would be terrorists to take full advantage of the lax federal gun controls that allow just about anyone to openly get guns no matter whether federal officials have fingered them as a domestic danger or not. It didn’t take the Al-Qaeda mouthpiece’s exhortation to fanatics to buy guns in the country for many to exploit the weak gun laws. Many have. During a six year stretch from 2004 through 2010, according to a Government Accounting Office report, individuals on the government’s terrorist watch-list bought more than 1,300 guns. Even though federal laws specifically list nine categories of persons considered dangerous and presumably barred from buying guns, not one of the nine categories deal with anyone on the government’s terror watch list.

The NRA through its awesome financial, lobbying and propaganda machine bullied, harassed, and cajoled the Senate into submission and killed the gun control bill with its anti-terrorist gun closing amendments. No surprise then, that the NRA has been mum on the obvious connection between its kill any and all gun con-

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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trol measures and the Boston terror attack. But the NRA made it clear in 2007 that being on the government’s terrorist watch-list wasn’t going to move it to back off from its drumbeat assault on gun control measures. NRA Executive Vice President, Wayne LaPierre branded the watch-list as “flawed” and “inaccurate” and took a big swipe at the government for allegedly committing “abuses” in even compiling the list. The NRA’s boundless capacity to come up with endless rationales no matter how ludicrous to bolster its attack position against gun controls was that the watch-list was just another ploy by the government to clamp down on gun sales and ownership. The NRA’s answer was simply to keep terrorists off the streets and there won’t be a problem. LaPierre didn’t say how the government could accomplish that feat if its own method of tracking those potential terrorists was judged by the NRA to be “flawed” and presumably useless.

Despite the NRA’s tortured logic the horrific reality is that Tsarnaev’s gun stash was no aberration. Anti-terror experts have repeatedly noted that nearly all of those individuals that have committed terrorist acts or actions have used guns that were purchased legally in the country. This flies squarely in the face of the popular notion that terrorists somehow are supplied by foreign sources or that they smuggle weapons into the country from some sinister foreign group.

The NRA, though, was hardly the only one that was unmoved enough to admit any tie of the carnage in Boston to lax gun laws. The senators that caved to the NRA and helped torpedo the gun control bill and the amendments that might make a difference in keeping guns out of the hands of future terror bent individuals were unrepentant. Not one of them has given any public hint that their vote may have been way off base considering the ever present gun mayhem dangers, and that Boston could and should be a spur to reconsider tougher gun curbs. Even so, the Boston bomb attack still stands as a big slap at their and the NRA’s gun control obstinacy.

Editor’s note: Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. His new ebook is How the NRA Terrorizes Congress— The NRA’s Subversion of the Gun Control Debate (Amazon). He is an associate editor of New America Media. He is a weekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show on American Urban Radio Network. He is the host of the weekly Hutchinson Report on KTYM 1460 AM Radio Los Angeles and KPFK-Radio and the Pacifica Network.

Follow Earl Ofari Hutchinson on Twitter: http://twitter.com/earlhutchinson.

Dozens Protest Pay Gap In Denver

50 years after the Equal Pay Act, activists, legislators, and businesses call for an end to unequal pay

In a sea of red, dozens of people

flooded the State Capitol on April 9 to observe Equal Pay Day. Dressed in red, activists protested the pay gap that continues to shortchange American women and their families. Advocates, businesspeople, legislators, and working women and their families highlighted the pay gap that still exists for women and people of color, and advocated for fair policies like the federal Paycheck Fairness Act to end pay disparities.

It’s been half a century since Congress passed the Equal Pay Act and made wage discrimination based on gender illegal. But a significant pay gap exists – and for the first time in many years is widening – for women and people of color at all levels of education and across all occupations.

Nationally, women earned 77 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2011 annual earnings. For women of color the gap is even wider – AfricanAmerican woman earned only 69 cents and Latinas just 60 cents for every dollar earned by all men in 2011.

“The typical woman loses $431,000 in pay over a 40-year career,” said 9to5 Colorado Organizer Margarita Gomez. “Over their careers, that means less money to make ends meet and achieve economic security for families today.”

In today’s economy, women are particularly vulnerable to economic hardship. Representing nearly twothirds of workers who are paid minimum wage or less, women are most likely to live in poverty and rely on public assistance. Women face the effects of the pay gap from their first job until long after they have stopped working. The wage gap has long-term effects on the economic security of women and families.

Pay equity is good for the economy and working families – it reduces poverty, stimulates the economy and increases women’s economic security.

It reduces stress-related health problems and health care costs. There is a business case for pay equity.

Providing pay equity and offering workplace flexibility helps employers recruit and retain the most qualified employees in their field, and is proven to increase productivity and profits.

Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” all have extensive workplace flexibility policies.

“Closing the pay gap for women is a key component of creating sustainable economic security,” said Louise Atkinson, President and CEO of The

Women’s Foundation of Colorado. “The Women’s Foundation of Colorado remains committed to advancing pay equality for women through our research and public policy work. We look forward to the day when wage discrimination is history.”

The Federal Paycheck Fairness Act (S. 84/H.R. 377) would close loopholes in our existing equal pay laws, prohibit retaliation against workers who ask about or share wage information, and empower women to better negotiate salary and benefit increases. Equal work deserves equal pay.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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About Equal Pay Day: Tuesday April 9, 2013, is Equal Pay Day, the date we recognize and protest the wage gap that exists between working women and men and between workers of color and white workers across the country. Tuesday symbolized how far into a second week a woman must work, on average, to earn as much as a man earned in the previous week. April represents how far into a new year women must work to earn what men earned just in the previous year. Protestors and advocates wear red to show that pay for women and people of color is still in the red.

About 9to5: With forty years’ experience in winning justice for working women, 9to5 leads the way to create a powerful force for change on issues affecting low-wage women and their families. 9to5 organizes women to lead campaigns for familysupporting jobs with decent wages and paid sick days; stronger protections against workplace discrimination; and a strong safety net for lowincome families. As one of the largest, most respected national membership organizations of working women in the U.S., we’ve won real changes since the hit song and movie based on 9to5 hit the charts. To learn more or to get involved, visit 9to5.org and find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Movie Reviews

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REEL ACTION

Jackie Robinson Biopic Recounts Historic Breaking of Baseball’s Color Barrier

F

rom its formation in the late 19th Century until well into the 1940s, Major League Baseball operated in accordance with an unwritten rule that the sport was to remain strictly segregated. The tacit understanding

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among the owners stipulated that no Blacks were to be signed by any clubs, thereby frustrating the aspirations of many African-Americans who dreamed of playing professionally.

In the wake of World War II, however, this untenable state of affairs came to rankle Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), a man who fervently felt that to remain the national pastime, baseball needed to integrate.

After all, thousands upon thousands of African-American soldiers were returning home to widespread discrimination based on skin color despite having been willing to die for their country in the conflict overseas.

So, in 1945, Rickey decided to challenge the status quo by being the first GM to put a Black ballplayer on the field. However, he also suspected that pursuit of that landmark moment might be met with considerable resistance, given the virulent strains of racism still running rampant through much of the nation.

Therefore, he knew that the choice of the person to break the color barrier was critical, because it had to be done by an individual blessed not only with extraordinary athletic talent but with the requisite character, namely, the amalgam of integrity, restraint and resolve that would assure the success of the challenging endeavor. The candidate he settled upon was Jackie Robinson (Chad Boseman), a college-educated, veteran Army officer who just happened to be an All-Star second baseman in the fledgling Negro Leagues.

The two forged an alliance soon after an exchange in which Robinson assured his boss that he wouldn’t respond in kind to any of the racial epithets or vile vitriol about to be hurled in his direction while on the road. As it turned out, even some of his own new teammates initially took issue with his joining the Dodgers in 1947, the year he was brought up to the big leagues.

That historic achievement is painstakingly recreated in 42, a Herman’s House

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Urban Spectrum

poignant cinematic portrait of an American legend directed by Brian Helgeland. The film carefully chronicles a host of humiliations Robinson was forced to endure en route to equality, from “Colored Only” bathrooms to separate accommodations to the relentless ribbing from bigoted fans in the stands and rivals in the opposing dugout.

Fortunately, Jackie managed to maintain his dignity and composure in the face of wearying adversity, thereby opening the door for the full integration of baseball by other African-Americans waiting in the wings. An emotionally-draining biopic featuring Oscar-quality performances from Harrison Ford and Chad Boseman in what is easily Hollywood’s best offering of the year thus far.

Rated: PG-13 for PG-13 for epithets, ethnic slurs and mature themes Running Time: 100 minutes Distributor: Warner Brothers To see a trailer for 42, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9RHqdZDCF0 Herman’s House

Eccentric Artist Lobbies for Inmate’s Freedom in UnlikelyCouple Documentary

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year-old Herman Wallace has been imprisoned at Louisiana’s infamous Angola penitentiary since he was found guilty of committing bank robbery back in 1967. His sentence was later lengthened to life after he was convicted of stabbing a prison guard to death solely on the testimony of a fellow inmate.

Was he a political prisoner who’d been railroaded on account of his membership in the Black Panther Party, or had he actually committed the murder? Unfortunately, that question is not the focus of Herman’s House, an unlikely-couple documentary directed by Angad Singh Bhalia.

Mr. Singh instead devotes his attention to the friendship forged between

REEL ACTION Kon-Tiki

Herman and a woman half his age.

“Jailbirds and the naïve girls who love them” has served as the theme of many a TV talk show, but rarely have any gangsters’ molls had the pedigree, sophistication or undying dedication of Jackie Sumell.

Sumell, an activist who once presented anti-abortion President Bush a quilt woven from hundreds of prochoice feminist’s pubic hair, was a grad student in the Art Department at Stanford when she took an interest in Herman. What really rankled her was the fact that he held the record for solitary confinement in the country, currently at 40+ years and counting.

Over that period, he’s been cooped up in a 6 x 9 foot cell, which Jackie felt was a violation of the 8th Amendment’s sanction against cruel and unusual punishment. So, she struck up a long-distance correspondence with Herman via a combination of letters and phone calls.

And that led to a decision to draw attention to his plight by mounting an art exhibition featuring a full-scale replica of his prison cell. But this is where it gets weird. She also asked Herman what his dream home would look like, prior to then moving down to New Orleans, buying some land, and consulting architects to draw up plans for a place the two would ostensibly share should he ever be paroled.

Listen, this biopic basically revolves around Jackie’s earnest effort to turn Herman into a cause célèbre, but it carefully tiptoes around the more compelling elephant in the tiny cell, namely, whether there’s a romantic aspect to their relationship? A fascinating flick as much about a possible miscarriage of justice as about a case of arrested development who looks like a little girl playing house with an imaginary mate.

Unrated Running Time: 81 minutes Distributor: First Run Features To see a trailer for Herman’s House, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V3ZOk_oyzA

Kon-Tiki

Norwegian Anthropologist Replicates Polynesia Settlers’ Migration in Oscar-Nominated Seafaring Epic

At the beginning of the 20th Century, the conventional wisdom was that Polynesia had been settled by Asians arriving from the Far East. But it’s one thing for a pompous professor to simply sit in an ivory tower and speculate about who might have discovered the island group some 1,500 years ago, and quite another to go about proving a theory correct by attempting to replicate the putative pioneers’ perilous feat.

While doing research in the Marquesas on the Isle of Fatu Hiva in the mid-Thirties, a Norwegian anthropologist named Thor Heyerdahl (Pal Sverre Hagen) came up with a novel idea about the roots of the natives.

After studying the local fauna and flora, watching the flow of the tides, and listening to aborigine folklore about their ancestors’ arduous trek towards the setting sun, he reasoned that the region must have been settled by tribes migrating there from South America.

Then, when his iconoclastic notion was roundly ridiculed by scholarly colleagues back in academia, Thor decided to prove his detractors wrong by mounting a 5,000-mile expedition from Peru to Polynesia. And although he knew nothing about sailing and couldn’t even swim, he did have the sense to assemble a team capable of assisting him in the dangerous endeavor.

The plan was to build a balsa wood raft identical to the type used by indigenous people in pre-Columbian times, painstakingly following their methods of construction down to the smallest detail. And since they would not be able to steer this vessel christened the Kon-Tiki, Thor estimated it would take about three months for the currents and winds to take them to their destination.

His intrepid crew was comprised of four fellow Norwegians and a Swede, including childhood friend, Erik Hesselberg (Odd Magnus Williamson), the navigator; radioman Knut Haugland (Tobias Santelmann), a decorated World War II veteran; Torstein Raaby (Jakob Oftebro), another radio expert; Herman Watzinger (Anders Baasmo Christiansen), an engineer; and Bengt Danielsson (Gustaf Skarsgard), the Swedish steward.

Co-directed by Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg, Kon-Tiki faithfully chronicles their historic, transoceanic voyage. Despite the fact that most of the picture’s dialogue is English, it somehow earned a well-deserved Oscar nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category earlier this year.

The men set sail in the spring of 1947, encountering storms, shark attacks, ship rot, insubordination and a host of other challenges en route.

The deliberately-paced production repeatedly harks back to a bygone era when much of the Earth’s surface was yet to be explored.

Replete with breathtaking Pacific panoramas shot on location, Kon-Tiki is worth watching for the captivating

visuals alone. However, the storytelling is solid, too, with all adding up to a fitting tribute to the enviable exploits of the legendary Thor Heyerdahl.

Rated: PG-13 for violence In English, Norwegian, Swedish and French with subtitles Running Time: 118 minutes Distributor: The Weinstein Company To see a trailer for Kon-Tiki, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgi05h4_oBs Not Today

Spoiled Rich Kid Makes Most of Rare Opportunity for Redemption

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ucky enough to be born into a wealthy family, Caden Welles (Cody Longo) is living the American Dream.

With money to burn at his disposal, the spoiled 20 year-old took off on a whim for a vacation in Hyderabad, India, along with some of his equallyirresponsible friends.

Before Caden left, his mom (Shari Rigby) packed a Bible in his suitcase with a note tucked in the pages asking God to help her son appreciate his blessings while on the subcontinent.

Continued on page 20

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There is no charge to text 43KIX. Message and data rates from your wireless carrier may apply. Check your plan. Late and/or duplicate entries will not be considered. Limit one entry per cell phone. The screening will be held on Tuesday, May 28 at 7:00pm at a local theater. Sponsors and their dependents are not eligible to receive a prize. Supplies are limited.

Passes received through this promotion do not guarantee a seat at the theater. Seating is on a first come, first-served basis. All federal, state and local regulations apply. A recipient of prizes assumes any and all risks related to use of prize, and accepts any restrictions required by prize provider. Summit Entertainment, Allied-THA, 43KIX, Urban Spectrum and their affiliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of prizes. Prizes cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part. Not responsible if, for any reason, winner is unable to use his/her prize in whole or in part. Not responsible for lost, delayed or misdirected entries. All federal, state and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary.

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URBAN SPECTRUM WED: 5/01/13 4 COLOR

REEL ACTION Not Today

Pain & Gain

Pain & Gain

Continued from page 19 Fortunately, it doesn’t take long for that prayer to be answered.

For, upon landing, Caden experiences quite a cultural shock when he finds himself in the midst of abject poverty he never knew existed. And instead of being able to participate in the non-stop partying they’d planned, he ends up feeling guilty about all the suffering he’s surrounded by.

He specifically regrets having cynically refused to help a beggar with a little girl claiming to be starving. In fact, he becomes so haunted that he goes back to look for them, only to learn that Kiran (Walid Amini) had reluctantly sold Annika (Persis Karen) into slavery to survive.

Determined to reunite father and daughter, Caden decides to try to track down the 7 year-old, a search which leads to the ugly underworld of sex trafficking. There, he discovers that Annika’s freedom will come at considerable cost, since the pimp who had purchased her expects to make a tidy profit to part with her.

Thanks to cell phone technology, Caden can both cry on the shoulder of his empathetic girlfriend (Cassie Scerbo) back home and ask his dad (John Schneider) to wire him $20,000 fast. There’s no hesitation, when the request is for such a worthy cause, as opposed to underwriting another one of the reformed slacker’s trademark self-indulgences.

Thus unfolds Not Today, a compelling, modern morality play marking the noteworthy directorial debut of Jon Van Dyke. Without getting too heavyhanded, the faith-based cautionary tale does a decent job of delivering its sobering message about a widespread form of exploitation of millions which no one ever talks about.

A searing indictment of India’s shameful caste system as a means of enslaving females based on the color of their skin.

Rated: PG-13 for mature themes Running Time: 103 minutes Distributor: Lionsgate Films To see a trailer for Not Today, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i35qzfIJYQw

Crime Caper Recreates RealLife Kidnapping Plot

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ichael Bay is a director whose name has mostly come to be associated with mindless, stunt-driven action flicks such as Armageddon, Bad Boys and the Transformers franchise. His latest offering, however, Pain & Gain represents a relatively-cerebral departure in that it tones down the special effects and pyrotechnics in favor of credible plot and character development.

Based on a true tale that transpired in Florida back in the Nineties, the alternately comical and gruesome crime caper revolves around the felonious exploits of a trio of bodybuilders who hatched a kidnap for ransom plot that went terribly awry. The mastermind of the ill-fated scheme was Daniel Lugo (Mark Wahlberg), an excon employed as a personal trainer at Sun Gym in Miami.

A regular there was Victor Kershaw (Tony Shalhoub), an arrogant businessman from Colombia with an oversized ego and a temper to match. That condescending attitude makes it easy for Daniel to consider extorting cash from his client, especially given how rich the guy is.

So, he enlists the assistance of couple of equally-buff cronies, recentlyparoled Paul (Dwayne Johnson) and steroid-addicted Adrian (Anthony Mackie).

But the seat-of-the-pants plan has little chance of success, despite the pea brains of the operation’s assurances that “I know what I’m doing” because “I’ve watched a lot of movies.”

One complication is Born Again Paul’s reservations, since he’s turned his life over to Jesus. Meanwhile, Adrian himself is very distracted himself by a case of juice-induced erectile dysfunction.

Nevertheless, the three still proceed with the conspiracy, abducting Victor and taking him to an abandoned warehouse where they torture him mercilessly to figure out where his fortune is hidden. The grisly goings-on are repeatedly presented as humorous onscreen, effectively masking the fact that the participants in truth landed stiff prison sentences for their evil deeds.

Credit the convincing performances by the leads, especially Dwayne Johnson (cast against type here as a fairly sensitive soul), for actually inducing the audience to empathize and laugh at the wacky antics of some despicable miscreants. Ditto Tony Shalhoub who plays such a dislikable victim that he makes it easy to roots for his captors.

A reminder ripped right out of the tabloids that while crime does not pay, it sometimes serves as fodder for lurid headlines and hilarious hijinks.

Rated: R for graphic nudity, bloody violence, crude sexuality, drug use and pervasive profanity Running Time: 129 minutes Distributor: Paramount Pictures To see a trailer for Pain & Gain, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEQ8jyvmYtw

box office appeal of reality show sensation Kim Kardashian who holds her own here in a quite comical supporting role as an opinionated fashionista.

Loosely based on Perry’s 2008 stage production “The Marriage Counselor,” Temptation is a flashback flick revolving around 26 year-old Judith (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), a naïve country bumpkin employed in Washington, D.C. by Janice (Vanessa Williams), a crafty love guru with a bad French accent but a thriving matchmaking service.

Judith’s been married for six long years to loyal but boring Brice (Lance Gross), her childhood sweetheart and the only man she’s ever slept with. He runs a modest pharmacy in the city that never seems to have any customers. Nevertheless, the place’s atmosphere is kept pretty lively between comic relief coming courtesy of his gossipy, sticky-fingered cashier (Renee Taylor) and the ominous air created by a new employee (Brandy) hiding a big (and I mean BIG!) secret.

College educated Judith dreams of opening her own psychotherapy practice someday, but doesn’t have suffi-

Temptation

Temptation

Adulteress Wife Shamelessly Violates Vows in Latest Tyler Perry Morality Play

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’ll be honest, when I heard that Lionsgate wasn’t screening Temptation for critics, I really expected it to be a dreadful mess. But after entering the theater with very low expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by the latest morality play from Tyler Perry.

No advance peek meant I had to wait until opening day to see the melodramatic soap opera, which in my case was in a sold-out house with a crowd that was about 90 percent Black and female. As far as what the sisters thought of the picture, all I needed to hear was the chorus of Amen’s and the robust round of applause during the closing credits.

Still, it’s debatable whether the Christian-themed cautionary tale’s simplistic sermonizing will attract a broader audience beyond that loyal demographic, but I’d guess that it very well might resonate with Evangelicals in general. Plus, don’t discount the

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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cient funds to do so, presently. That predicament makes her all the more vulnerable to Harley (Robbie Jones), an unscrupulous, dot.com billionaire with money to burn and sexual conquests to make.

The predatory home wrecker zeroes in on Judith while deciding whether to acquire her boss’ business.

And before you can say “Mark Zuckerberg” she’s got dollar signs in her eyes and decides to leave her husband for a life of drugs and debauchery with suave Mr. Moneybags.

Brice offers to pay more attention to his wife and to spice up their love life, but is it too late? Can this marriage be saved? A present-day parable preaching to the choir with sobering warnings about the love of money and taking your mate for granted.

The Gospel according to Tyler Perry!

Rated: PG-13 for violence, sexuality and drug use Running Time: 112 minutes Distributor: Lionsgate Films To see a trailer for Temptation, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDfTwu2CgDY

Art And Artifacts Benefit Support Schools In South Sudan

“The Arts and Artifacts benefit of McCain said, “What an honor to be Project Education South Sudan is part of such a spectacular event. It always a beautiful event. And it was was a rewarding experience both perparticularly special sonally and profesMama Aboul ( Ayor, Bol and this year with celebratDaniel’s mama) sionally to be ing the completion of Photos by involved with PESS. the final four classJoe Rogers From a personal rooms and, also, the standpoint, it was birth of Daniel Majok gratifying to see the Gai’s son, the Lost Boy outpouring of support South Sudan Director. and generosity of the The leadership of PESS hundreds of people and especially the assembled to assist South Sudanese PESS. Professionally

Bol Abair, Lost Boy and PESS board member, and brother of Gai, Daniel, shared the following comment during the program. “It has been so wonderful to come together with our American friends to make four more classrooms in my village of Pagook.

PESS is now happy to celebrate with the 450 children who will now come out from under the trees into permaroject Education South Sudan’s nent classrooms to continue their edu(PESS) annual benefit was celebrated cation. These children are the future of with verve and a culturally rich the newest country in the world: The atmosphere.

Republic of South Sudan. We could Hosted by ArtHaus Art not do this without the artists Gallery co-owners Michael who have donated their time Gadlin and Aliki McCain, the and talent to help us.”

Lost Boys and Girls of South “We have been on this Sudan were the honorary glorious journey together for guests on April 13 where the past 12 years. I answered their Nile Mud sculptures a call to deliver a bicycle to a were sold among 40 repreLost Boy, and here I am senting artists’ pieces. blessed to serve 3,000 chilDarrell Anderson, Tamara Banks, Ayor Abiar Lost Girl and Dancing set the tone and dren in the most war torn Michael Gadlin Rosalind “Bee” Harris reminded guests the reason interior area of South Sudan they were there: to raise funds for four should be it was espebuilding in the villages of the Lost classrooms at Pagook Primary School proud of their cially reward- Boys of Denver. Life is so very prein South Sudan. work. In spite Panther Kuol, Lost Boy/PESS Board ; Tamara Banks, ing to provide cious and I am blessed to have met Art donated by Michael Gadlin, of the conflict these young men and become one of Emcee; Bee Harris ; Carol Rinhart, PESS Founder US a venue for Ron Hicks, Darrell Anderson, Ella and unrest in their mamas,” said Carol Rinehart, Director; Tyrone Braxton Bronco Alumni Association this gathering Maria Ray, Michelle Torrez, and Photos by Joe Rogers to take place.

Celebrity Bartender South Sudan, founder and US Director.

Judith Babcock represented the live an educated One of the Editor’s note: For more information on auction pieces along with 40 other people can look forward to a bright goals of ArtHaus is to provide a place PESS or to get involved, visit 303-316artists making the evening’s final profuture,“ commented Tamara Banks where community and art can come 4528 or visit ceeds exceeding expectations. who served as the event’s emcee. together in RiNo.” www.projecteducationsouthsudan.org.

P

10TH ANNUAL

18 WWW.ARTSANDVENUES.COM/FIVEPOINTSJAZZ WWW.AR WWW .ARTSANDVENUES .COM/FIVEPOINTSJ AZZ Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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Use Your Words “U

By Cassandra Johnson, Sena Harjo, Dorothy Shapland se your words” is a common phrase parents and teachers say to encourage children to express their thoughts, needs, and/or feelings through language. Language learning begins as soon as infants hear language. Research shows the way parents speak to their children plays an important role in their child’s language development. Providing rich learning environments filled with lots of word use fosters children’s ability to process and respond to communication, build a larger vocabulary, and develop academically and socially.

Language Modeling and Literacy

It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Start while he or she is still in the womb. Many studies strongly indicate that babies remember patterns, rhythms, and beats heard from inside the womb. Recent research shows that babies hear and remember specific sounds, especially speech sounds of the mother. Read to your child to get them use to the rhythm of your language and the tones in your voice.

Babies Learn Language…

Face-To-Face

gest the use of “Motherese” grabs the attention of infants quicker than regular speech and helps babies learn words faster and easier. Babies exposed to lots of language and faceto-face time will be more responsive to communication. If you want to give your child a foundation to learn multiple languages, expose them to environments full of natural speakers of the specific languages you are interested in your child learning.

When your child is an infant read to them to lay a foundation of words.

Use picture books and connect the words you are saying to actual pictures of the items. Show and describe how to hold and use a book, how to move pages, which way the words read on the page, and follow their lead when they become interested in something.

Toddlers Learn Language...

By Growing Their Word Bank

Parents naturally transition their speaking patterns from “Motherese” to regular speech as children grow.

Toddlers have an impressive understanding of words and even though their vocabulary is still fairly limited, it is growing rapidly. The more you involve language in your everyday activities the greater chances for the child to develop strong healthy communication and it will make a difference throughout a child’s life.

As they grow into toddlers read everything that you can; cereal boxes, food boxes, magazines, pamphlets and books you are interested in, children’s book, and signs on the streets. Avoid TV time for very young children (especially children under three years of age) and replace it with TR time (talking and reading) with older children and adults.

Use Self- and Parallel Talk

Infants watch the face of the person talking to them. They focus on the eyes and mouth movements to learn how to form words. Parents often use a style of speech known as “Motherese”, better known to the world as baby talk. Researchers sug-

Self-Talk: the adult describes what he or she is doing. The adult provides the words to describe her actions, without expecting the child to respond.

Example: “I am going to the refrigerator to take out some carrots. Now I am going to wash the carrots. We can share the carrots during our snack

time.”

Parallel Talk: the adult describes what the child is doing or seeing.

When an adult uses Parallel Talk, he or she is acting like a broadcaster. She watches the action and describes it to the child, without expecting a response. The adult does not ask the child questions during parallel talk.

Example: “Looks like you made a really tall tower. First you took the red block and then you added a blue block. Your tower is starting to shake the higher you go. Oh, no your tower fell over. That’s ok!”

you’re in the car, cooking dinner, getting them dressed for school, etc.

When the child is able to respond allow enough time for them to reply before you move on.

Model Problem Solving – Use descriptive words, and stringing complex words together into longer sentences.

Incorporate Written Letters and Symbols – Have your child write shopping lists or letters to mail to friends and family.

As your child enters school expose them to lots of fun language use.

Challenge them to word games, spelling contests, books or written materials that catch their interests.

Help your children with their school work. Read with or to your child 20 minutes or more daily. Let your child witness you reading the Denver Urban Spectrum and other reading materials. Collect new words and look them up together.

Make sure to engage your child by building on their strengths and interests.

For older children, bump up the language acquisition by using language that can motivate the child to investigate new words themselves.

Start by expanding an area that your child already feels comfortable in. If your child is into animals, try introducing new animals, describing them, learning about their habits, traits, natural environments, etc. Then go a step further and connect that interest to other subject matters. Connecting animals to science, medical terms, art, theatre, math, etc. will help your child expand their ever growing word bank.

Whatever your teen is interested in – music, fashion, dance, sports – explore it with them and help them to push the language they use for description.

Everything isn’t defined by the word “awesome!” help them to find the words that precisely describe what they love about things that interest them. Play language games, use puns, rhymes, and words that sound alike to challenge their vocabulary.

The most significant thing you can do to help your child succeed in school and beyond, is to help them to build a strong vocabulary for use outside of their social circles.

For more information, check out TheNestMatters.blogspot.com. If you have a question or want to share, send an email to thenestmatters@gmail.com.

Editor’s note: The Nest Matters (TNM) is advice from “egg to flight” from early childhood educators and leaders. TNM focuses on early child development from prenatal (the egg phase) through the stages of tweens when children prepare to leave the nest (the flight phase).

Kindergarten and Elementary Kids Learn Language... Through Exposure to Literacy

For example, if your child is interested in cars, read car books, point out different car parts, colors, sounds, movements, and types of cars. Use descriptive words that can help them identify the similarities and differences. Make the book interactive, incorporate math by counting images.

Ask Open Ended Questions – Use why and how in daily conversations that will require them to think, not just recall information. “Why do you think we never see the sun at night?’ or “How should we prepare dinner tonight?”

Frequent Conversations – Constantly talk to your child, when

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Middle & High Scholars Learn Language...

Through Expanded Learning

Cross-Cultural Achievements

Cultures.’� The students are learning visual arts, musical concepts and Japanese animation and theater from instructors Judith Dillard, Taketo Kobayashi, Kenny Passarelli, Clark

By Heather O’Mara and Hagan and Guadalupe Zarate.

Educational research indicates a Ruth MĂĄrquez West correlation between academic achievement and the arts. The President’s he “Arts Across Culturesâ€? proCommittee on the Arts and gram offers HOPE’s blended learning Humanities published findings that students access to dance, music and there are “strong and consistent links visual arts curriculum. Led by Denver between high-quality art education instructor Janelle Ayon, the program and a wide range of impressive educaculminated in a “Circles of the Worldâ€? tional outcomes.â€?i HOPE’s I Am Academy Learning performance at the Denver Art Center Director Anthony Watson, Museum for the “Dia del Ninoâ€? (Day whose students were among “Circles of the Child) celebration in downtown of the Worldâ€? performers, shares that Denver. HOPE students from I AM the dance, music and Academy, art compoVictory nents Academy encouraged and Hillcrest exploration Academy of new concepts in art performed and selfonstage. expression.

Throughout Watson the afterexplains the noon, other significance of learning HOPE stuabout cirdents sang cles in and danced HOPE students perform a Circles of the World dance nature, Photo by Barry Bortnik at Denver architecture cultural venand comTania participates in the Arts Across Cultures munication, sayues, which offered program offered at HOPE ing, “We use cirfree admission durcles for commuing the celebration. nity groups in “Arts Across the classrooms, Cultures,� is offered which has

by HOPE through a helped students network of collabotalk to one rating artists who another and inspire local elemenwork through tary, middle and conflict.â€? high school students “Through to reach for achieveexposure to art, ment. Artistic dance and Director Janelle music, students develop a greater senAyon, a former principal dancer and sitivity to each, and they begin to soloist with Ballet FolkĂłrico de Mexico understand how one element can de Amalia Hernandez, is in her third complement another,â€? Ayon explains, year working with HOPE’s k-12 stuadding that what began as an emphadents. Their learning is enriched by sis on folk dance of Mexico has grown the cultures of the world, such as into a program celebrating the culMexico, Africa, Japan and Spain, as tures of the world. “‘Arts Across well as Aztecan and Native-American Cultures’ fosters appreciation of the traditions. Ayon says, “The arts dissimilarities and differences among culsolve borders and build bridges in our tures, which distinguish individuals communities.â€? and, at the same time, can be a tool to Designed to complement lessons in unite communities.â€? social studies, geography, math, fori Presidents Committee on the Arts and the eign language and physical education Humanities. “PCAH Launches the through the arts, “Arts Across Turnaround: Arts Initiative to Help Culturesâ€? has multiple benefits Improve Low-Performing Schools.â€? beyond artistic expression. Ayon says, President’s Committee on the Arts and the “I see students improve their grades Humanities. United States Government, and in their confidence because of n.d. Web. 12 Aug 2012. their involvement in ‘Arts Across

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Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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Time to Get Smart on Crime T

By Benjamin Todd Jealous

he United States has five percent of the world’s people but twentyfive percent of the world’s prisoners.

For the sake of our families and future we must do better.

Our nation leads the world in the incarceration of our own citizens, both

on a per capita basis and in terms of total prison population. The problem stems from the decades-old “tough on crime” policies from the Nixon/Reagan era. We are stuck in a failed “tough on crime” mind state that is characterized by converting low-level drug addicts into hardened criminals by repeatedly locking them up when they should be sent to rehab for drug treatment.

More than 500,000 of the 2.3 million people behind bars in the U.S. are incarcerated for nothing more than a non-violent drug offense. And over 40 percent of them are people of color.

Although rates of drug use and selling are comparable across racial and ethnic lines, Blacks and Latinos are far more likely to be criminalized for drug law violations than whites. One in nine Black children has an incarcerated parent, compared to one in 28 Latino children and one in 57 white children.

This failed approach to criminal justice has both a direct and indirect impact on our children. Immediately, many children are faced with foster care as their parent is locked away for a non-violent drug offense. In our report, “Misplaced Priorities: Over Incarcerate, Under Educate,” we found that situations like this lead to achievement gaps as early as grade school in communities that have high incarceration rates. The report also shows that mass incarceration siphons funds from our schools, leading to skyrocketing public education costs for students hoping to attend college.

There is no question that violent criminals must be locked up.

Unfortunately, the “tough on crime” strategy of the last four decades has become a dangerous distraction for law enforcement, diverting attention and resources away from violent offenders and onto non-violent acts that require counseling, not incarceration.

The fact is that so called “tough on crime” policies have failed our nation and its families. It is time to move to “smart on crime” policies that reduce sentences for drug offenses – most

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notably mandatory minimum sentences – and focus on rehabilitation and prevention rather than punishment. Encouragingly, this kind of reform is being sought on the state, local and national levels.

In the United States Senate, Chairman of Judiciary Committee, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) have introduced the “Justice Safety Valve Act of 2013.” The bill would allow federal judges to bypass federal mandatory minimum sentences when the sentence does not fit the crime. It is encouraging to see a bipartisan effort on criminal justice reform, based on the notion that mass incarceration is draining state budgets and national prison capacities.

Meanwhile, President Obama released his budget proposal last month and called for the largest increase in drug treatment and prevention funding in at least a decade.

This is a promising sign that key players in the White House are looking at drug addiction as a public health issue, instead of an issue of crime and punishment.

Progress is also being made in statehouses, where rising prison costs are straining state budgets. In Georgia, South Carolina and Texas, the NAACP and progressive groups have teamed up Republican legislatures to reduce mandatory minimum sentences and increase options for parole.

In Texas, the NAACP worked with Tea Party leaders and a coalition of activists to pass 12 “smart on crime” reforms that resulted in Texas scheduling its first prison closure in state history.

Support for criminal justice reform is not just limited to civil rights activists. This month, the NAACP, hip-hop pioneer Russell Simmons, Dr. Boyce Watkins and coalition of over 175 artists, actors, athletes, elected officials and advocates brought national attention to this issue by presenting an open letter to President Obama, urging him to double down on his efforts to move to a criminal justice model based on prevention and rehabilitation. With signers like Will Smith, Scarlet Johansen and Richard Branson, the letter has expanded the movement to bring an end to the failed “tough on crime” policies.

If we allow the current trends continue, one in three Black males born today can expect to spend time in prison during his life. The time has come for all of us to do all that we can. The future of our families, states, and nation demand it. If we are going to find our way back to first in education and job creation, we must first decide to stop leading the world in incarceration.

Baker Historic Neighborhood Association Hosts 2013 Home Tour

he Baker Historic Neighborhood Association (BHNA) opens the doors to some of its treasured homes for the public to experience the elegance and charm of the late 1800s - early 1900s on June 1. Visit century-old homes whose character and architectural detail remain very much alive. Stroll from home to home and imagine riding down the tree-line streets in horse and buggy - but look out for the bicycles and the occasional RTD bus. Stop and awe at the colorful Victorian facades, the bountiful flowers and mature landscapes that neighbors till fondly. Make way for proud parents and infant in a baby stroller or the neighbors walking their fourlegged family members.

Queen Anne architecture pre-dominates the type of homes in the Baker Historic District – an eclectic community. Included among homes, churches and schools are Denver Square, Dutch Colonial Revival, Classical Revival, Italianate and a few new-fangled Craftsman Bungalows. Homes bear unique ornamentation and front stoops for visiting with each other.

Some of the more well-known edifices are the landmark Mayan Theater, the magnificent Gothic Fairmont (Elementary) School, the statuesque soaring ramparts of the First Avenue Presbyterian Church, the stone St. Peter and St. Mary Episcopalian Church topped with a Celtic-esque High Cross, the former First Free Methodist Church (1910) and the Venetian-inspired former Byers School (1902); the latter two buildings having been converted into residences.

The Baker Historic District offers a vibrant spectrum of urban life. The

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eastern border, South Broadway, hosts a wide array of Denver’s eclectic and exquisite restaurants and libation stops, from a bakery, hearty comfort food, bistro fare, Asian to high dining, one-of-a-kind shops, an ice cream shoppe with an ever-changing sort of flavors, coffee shops serving their own roasts, yoga and Pilates studios, tattoo artisans, the Mayan Theatre, and much more. Immediately to the neighborhood’s western border is Santa Fe Drive, where one can visit a farmers’ market, more shops, restaurants and art galleries in the Santa Fe Arts District. Outdoor enthusiasts relish the easy access to the Cherry Creek trail to the east and the South Platte River trail to the west.

Amidst all of this urban appeal, the visitor can glimpse the remnants of former farms displayed by renovated two-story barns and carriage houses updated to residences. The BHNA indeed has something for everyone.

Within an easy walking distance, six neighbors’ homes are participating in the 2013 Home Tour.

The Home Tour, on Saturday, June 1, will commence at 11 a.m. Tickets may be purchased up until 3 p.m.

Editor’s note: For more information or tickets, visit www.bakerhometour.com. Tickets purchased before May 17 are $8 for Baker Historic Neighborhood residents and $13 for non-residents of the neighborhood (the Tour Home are open to adults and children 12 years old or older). On and after May 17, tickets will be sold at $10 for BHNA residents and $150 for non-residents. The BHNA is a non-profit organization. Net proceeds will contribute to the support of both Baker Historic District schools and to the BHNA for preservation efforts for the neighborhood.

In business since 1995

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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The “Beav” Is Special Guest At Salute To Seniors Resource Fair

“You know, working isn’t as much fun as I thought it would be. I wonder why older people do it so much?” says Beaver Cleaver who has endeared himself to hundreds of individuals, young and old, since the age of 2.

Simmons Foundation for Youth and Change

6 th Annual Life Skills/Basketball Camp East High School - 1545 Detroit St. June 11-13, 2013 (Tuesday-Thursday) 10 AM to 3 PM

The Basketball Camp will be directed by Hall of Fame Coach Rudy Carey of East High School. Life Skills Workshop will be conducted by Alvertis Simmons.

Free lunch served daily.

This is a FREE community event.

For more information, call:

303-521-7211 or 303-249-2196

Gold Sponsors: Nike, Walmart, Dr. Pepper/Snapple, Silver Sponsors: Webb International, Safeway Stores, King Soopers, Denver Safe City Bronze: Hensel Phelps, Denver Sheriffs Dept (Fraternal Order of Police), Tom Martino Supporting Sponsors: Johnson and Wales University, Lu Vason Presents, Moses Brewer/Miller Coors, Tish Maes, Coca Cola, Geta Asfaw/McDonalds, Billy Scott/ReMax, Colorado Rockies, Kroenke Sports (Denver Nuggets), National Western Stockshow, East High School, North Aurora Chiropractic (25th & Peoria), Sawaya Law Firm, Mayfair Cleaners, Herman Malone/RMES, Maaco/East Colfax, O.C. Brown/Metropolitan Services, UFCW Local 7, Professor Richard Jackson, Metro State; Robin Gordon/VIP Productions, Coach Rudy Carey, Joy Walker/Sista Love Inc., Simmons & Associates Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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The “Beav” is turning 65 this year and making a debut at the Salute to Seniors on May 15 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Mark Koebrich of Channel 9 will be the host for the day joined by Mayor Michael Hancock who has proclaimed May 15, Salute to Seniors Day. Jerry Mathers, the Beav, began his career when he did a Pet Condensed Milk commercial with Ed Wynn on the “Colgate Comedy Hour” in 1950.

He had numerous roles until 1957 when Jerry entered the hearts and homes of millions of Americans in the series “Leave It to Beaver.” A total of 234 episodes were recorded. In 1957, “Leave It to Beaver” became the longest running scripted show in television history making Jerry an American icon.

In the mid-90s Jerry was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Being an individual who is in control, Jerry lost 55 pounds and is a leading lecturer on living with diabetes. He has been the national spokesman for Johnson & Johnson and for PhRMA in their Partnership for Prescription Assistance program. This program helps uninsured and financially-struggling patients to obtain prescription medicines for free or nearly free, a program widely promoted by the Colorado Gerontological Society in all of our work.

In addition to sharing his life as the Beaver and some information on diabetes, Jerry will sign autographs and take against the backdrop of the Cleaver living room and a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500.

The Convention Center ball room will be transformed into five themed rooms including Games Shows, singers and sing-a-longs, variety shows, and live television fun.

The Senior Resource Fair will be complete with more than 75 exhibits and 200 aging experts to answer questions for Baby Boomers and older adults on making decisions for the future. Individuals who dress in their favorite television character of the 50s and 60s can enter a contest for prizes.

The Salute will feature baseball exhibits, classic cars of the 50s and 60s, bingo and prizes for everyone.

Tickets are $9 for the first ticket and $4.50 for the second ticket. Groups of 10 or more are $6 each. Free parking is available at the Pepsi Center with free shuttle service to the front door of the Colorado Convention Center. For information and tickets call 303-3333482 or visit senioranswers.org.

Editor’s note: Eileen Doherty, M.S. is the Executive Director of the Colorado Gerontological Society. She has more than 35 years of experience in gerontology in administration, research, training and education, and clinical practice. She can be doherty001@att.net.

Leadership Coach Examines Black Women’s Attitudes About Race And Social Activism

Carolyn Love has been awarded a PhD in Leadership and Change from Antioch University.

Dr. Love’s dissertation, entitled Generations Apart: A Mixed Methods Study of Black Women’s Attitudes About Race and Social Activism, examines how race influences the activities of Black women in search of political, social, and economic justice.

Dr. Love is currently the principal of Kebaya Coaching – Consulting Inc., a leadership and organizational development company founded in 2004.

To learn more about Dr. Love and her practitioner work, visit: kebayaconsulting.com/about.html. To view the full text of Dr. Love’s dissertation, visit: aura.antioch.edu/etds/15/

Talia McCray Receives Fulbright-Scotland Visiting Professor Award

Denverite Dr. Talia McCray has received a FulbrightScotland Visiting Professor Award to enable her to do research at Glasgow School of Art Urban Lab from January through July, 2013.

She will explore techniques that accurately represent what people do in urban public spaces and their travel behavior.

After finishing Thomas Jefferson High School in 1985, she attended and graduated from Bennett College and North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C., majoring in mathematics and electrical engineering. Continuing with her education at Northwestern University, she received a MS degree in electrical engineering.

She earned a Ph.D. degree in Urban Technological and Environmental Planning at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Her Ph.D. training led her to rural South Africa to study prenatal care utilization patterns, and to Quebec City, Canada, as a Ford Foundation Post-doctoral Fellow to study lowincome women’s travel patterns.

Currently, she is on the faculty at the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture Community and Regional Planning Program.

She is the daughter of Pensal and the late Dr. Christophe J. McCray.

The Denver Post Editor Greg Moore Gets NABJ’s Lifetime Achievement

HATS OFF TO...

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) announced that Gregory L. Moore, editor of The Denver Post, is to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, the organization’s highest honor. NABJ’s Board of Directors selected Moore for the award.

Moore is one of several honorees who will be recognized at the association’s Salute to Excellence Gala on August 3 during NABJ’s 38th Annual Convention and Career Fair in Orlando.

State Representative Beth McCann Received 2013 Legislative Excellence Award

Beth McCann State Rep. House District 8 was honored to receive the 2013 Legislative Excellence Award from the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault for her work on behalf of victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking.

McCann also received the 2013 Distinguished Legislator of the Year Award from the National Association of Social Workers – Colorado Chapter – for her work in the area of mental health.

Toastmasters International Salutes Dr. Annette Sills-Brown at Scholarship Awards Gala

Annette Sills-Brown, VP of Education for the Absolutely Articulate Toastmasters Club #1272692 was honored at the 4th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship Awards Gala on March 1. Having served as a skilled and passionate educator for more than 18 years, SillsBrown, an Adjunct Professor at the Community College of Denver was recognized before an audience of 400+

guests at the Renaissance Hotel in Denver and presented an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy Degree from the Denver Institute of Urban Studies and Adult College.

Based on her exceptional efforts and unselfish, humble generosity in giving time and energy to encourage other Coloradoans in the education arena, Dr. Sills-Brown has been recognized as a true template of determination and embodiment of encouragement to other African American teachers, students, parents and educators while promoting fairness and equality for teachers everywhere.

Dr. Sills-Brown is the executive director for TheEduCtr, a non-profit organization that advocates for excellence in education. Othe educational honors and professional certifications include a Master of Arts in EducationCurriculum and Instruction; Colorado Approved Program for Principal License - Type D; a dual Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Administration; and Professional Teacher License-Secondary Marketing Education.

Montbello High School Seniors Awarded $1 Million In Scholarships

To date Montbello High School’s seniors have been awarded nearly one million dollars in scholarships. The current award total of $995,436 is expected to increase throughout the remainder of the semester as the seniors continue to receive notification letters.

Last year Montbello High School implemented its GradYOUate program.

The program’s administrators work to ensure that 100 percent of Montbello’s seniors graduate from high school and also seek higher education.

The scholarships, which are primarily academic, include offers from instate, as well as out-of-state, colleges and universities. Additionally, most of the seniors awarded scholarships are entertaining proposals from multiple schools around the country.

“It’s overwhelming,” said Senior Jordan Jones-Potts, who has received over $294,000 in scholarships. “I have received several substantial offers from some really great schools, but deciding where I’m going to go to school is the fun part.”

Montbello High School provides 11th and 12th-grade students with a rigorous academic curriculum and assessments program aligned to the Colorado Common Core Standards and ACT College Readiness Standards. Montbello High

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School provides a positive and supportive environment that encourages the development of the whole student.

CABJ Officer Kevin Hartfield Completes 20th Year As NPPA Instructor CBS4

Investigative photojournalist Kevin Hartfield was the only African American photojournalist instructor at the News Video Workshop presented by the National Press Photographers Association last month, in Norman Oklahoma. The workshop, which has been ongoing for 53 years attracts students from all over the world. In addition to the core skill sets added to the assignments, critique sessions included teachers who instructed students on how to work with data-driven journalism, the art of mobile reporting, social media, and news writing for photojournalists.

News Video Workshop participants shot with DSLRs, HD video cameras, and in some cases video on smart phones. Students also wrote, edited, built code, and at the end of the week left Oklahoma with the skills to be a better journalist, a stronger storyteller, and with a renewed commitment to journalism.

Bonds Named New Principal For Collegiate Prep Academy

Dr. Darryl Bonds was selected as the principal of Collegiate Prep Academy due to his proven track record of raising student achievement as a school leader. In his current role as the principal of Wasson High School in Colorado Springs, Dr. Bonds increased graduation rates from 58 to 72 percent over a two-year period.

Dr. Bonds’ experience includes seven years as a teacher and 23 years as a principal. In addition to improving Wasson’s graduation rate, his leadership at North Elementary School in Widefield School District 3 yielded a 32 percent growth rate in 6th grade reading, the highest single year CSAP gains in district history. In 2012, Dr. Bonds was named the Family Nation Youth Empowerment Outstanding Educator of the Year.

He has a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. from Capella University.

A year has passed... but their timeless stories have not.

NEWS VIEWS

Chauncey Billups 15 U Elite Ranked #5 In The United States

The Chauncey Billups Elite Basketball Academy’s 15U Team is ranked #5 in the country by Five Star Basketball, the preeminent club basketball ranking service in America.

This achievement marks the first time in history that a Colorado youth basketball team has been ranked among the top 10 teams in America. The 15U Team’s ranking follows a historical Summer 2012 in which the team competed against some of the top teams in the country and won the prestigious Adidas Super 64 National Tournament in Las Vegas.

The 15U Team’s roster includes Ronnie Barfield, Jared Smith, Justin Bassey, Jack Buckmelter, Jared Casey, Ellis Jones, Deron Harrell, Luke Neff, Dallas Walton, and Ladarius Thomas.

For more information, call 303-6279604 or visit billupselite.com.

DMNS Partners With Juneteenth Music Festival, One Of Denver’s Largest Summer Festivals

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has joined forces with the Juneteenth Music Festival this year as part of the Corporate Partner Program. This partnership brings an enormous amount of cultural visibility for the Museum and economic and city support for Juneteenth. The Museum will be heavily involved and have a physical presence at the Juneteenth Music Festival on Saturday, June 15.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebrations commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous selfdevelopment and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national,

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symbolic and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten. All roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing.

After achieving major success and national attention last year, the Juneteenth Music Festival of Denver continues to grow and is striving to achieve perfection. This year, the celebration will be held in the heart of Five Points, located on Welton Street.

The festival carries numerous events throughout the weekend such as the Juneteenth Parade, the Miss Juneteenth Pageant and the Juneteenth Music Festival itself.

For more information about the Juneteenth Music Festival, call Sabrina Coleman at 303-378-2218 or E-mail Sabrina@PansophyPR.com.

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Sponsors Evening With Wil Haygood

Pictured left to right: Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Complex Manager, Kirby Kuklenski; Delta Eta Boule President, Scott Mitchell; Wil Haygood; Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Complex Manager, Clarke Octigan; Denver Post Editor, Greg Moore.

In partnership with the Delta Eta Boule Foundation, Morgan Stanley’s Denver office sponsored a presentation with keynote speaker Wil Haygood held on March 14 at DU’s Cable Center. The event featured an evening with the noted author, journalist and associate producer of the upcoming motion picture, “The Butler,” starring Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey. Haygood talked about his journey of writing the story and screenplay, which traces the life and times of White House butler Eugene Allen, who started at the White House under President Truman and lived long enough to cast a vote for President Barack Obama in 2008.

Following Haygood’s address, Denver Post Editor Greg Moore sat down with Haygood for a Q&A. Haygood has distinguished himself as a journalist at the Boston Globe, where he worked for 16 years, and now at the Washington Post, where he has covered the national scene since 2002. Haygood has written biographies of Sammy Davis Jr., Adam Clayton Powell and Sugar Ray Robinson.

NEWS VIEWS

Web Site Lists The Top Summer Internship Programs For 2013

FindInternships.com is a 100 percent free online resource for students looking for summer and year-round internships. The web site posts new opportunities daily from major corporations, non-profit organizations, and local and federal government agencies. Some of the opportunities include students looking to go abroad.

There are many opportunities available, and FindInternships.com filters through each one to ensure that they are 100 percent legitimate. For more details or to find an internship program, visit, FindInternships.com

Grants Provided By The U.S. Department Of Labor Help Veterans Receive Job Training

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of up to $5 million to fund 16 or more Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program

Severe Drought Calls For Mandatory Watering Restrictions

(HVRP) grants. Approximately 2,600 veterans will receive job training and related services to help them succeed in civilian careers.

Funds for the grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and faithbased and community organizations.

These groups can offer occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services.

Awards will range from $100,000 to $300,000 each.

HVRP is recognized as extraordinarily efficient and effective, and is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on the employment of homeless veterans.

For more information and applications, visit http://www.grants.gov , http://www.dol.gov/vets, or call 202693-4570.

th thru th Friday, Friday, July12 July12th thru Sunday, Sunday, July July 14 14th 10:00 10:00 am am - 8:00 8:00 pm pm Friday, Friday, Saturday Saturday and and Sunday Sunday Denver Denver City City Park Park West West

This This green, green, affordable affo aff ordable and and family family oriented oriented event event is FREE FR F REE and and open open to to the the public. public. ÌThree ÌT Three performance performance StagesÌ StagesÌ

Featuring Featuring Colorado Colorado Black Black Arts Arts Festival Festival All-Star All-Star Revue, Revue, African African drum drum and and dance, dance, Apollo Apollo Night Night

ÌArt ÌArt GardenÌ GardenÌ

Sculptures, Sculptures, mural mural paintings, paintings, and and interactive interactive art art projects projects

ÌAfrican ÌAfrican American American Visual Visual Arts Arts GalleryÌ GalleryÌ Sponsored Sponsored by

by Comcast Comcast

Noted Noted elite elite African African American American Visual Visual Artists Artists will will exhibit exhibit their their finest finest original original works works

ÌMarketplaceÌ ÌMarketplaceÌ

Featuring Featuring artists artists and and craftsmen craftsmen from from Kenya, Kenya, East East Africa Africa

ÌOpalanga ÌOpalanga Pugh Pugh Children’s Children’s Pavilion Pavilion for for Art Art and and LearningÌ LearningÌ Sponsored Sponsored by

by McDonald’s McDonald’s of of the the Greater Greater Denver Denver Metro Metro Area Area

Highlighting Highlighting Ndebele Ndebele artistry, artistry, celebrity celebrity storytelling storytelling and and native native South South African African plants plants

ÌBoogaloo ÌBoogaloo Celebration Celebration ParadeÌ ParadeÌ

Sat., Sat., July July 13 13th at at 10:00 10:00 am, am, parade parade starts starts 22 22nd and and Downing, Downing, east east to to York York Street Street ending ending at at 20 20st and and Gaylord Gaylord Streets Streets

ÌMuch ÌMuch MoreÌ MoreÌ

D O W N I N G

nd

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City City Park Park

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McDonald’s McDon ald’s of o f the the Greater Greater Denver Denver Metro Metro Area Are a

This is the second year of a severe drought that’s not getting better. If conditions don’t improve, this could be the worst drought on record. Denver Water declared a Stage 2 drought, effective April 1, which means customers may water no more than two days a week per this mandatory schedule: • Single-family residential properties with addresses ending in even numbers: Sunday, Thursday.

• Single-family residential properties with addresses ending in odd numbers: Saturday, Wednesday.

• All others (multifamily, HOAs, commercial, industrial, government): Tuesday, Friday.

In addition, customers must follow these watering rules: • Do not water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

• Do not waste water by allowing it to pool in gutters, streets and alleys.

• Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt.

• Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.

• Do not water while it is raining or during high winds.

Annuals and vegetables can be watered any day using hand-held devices.

Spray irrigation is only allowed on assigned watering days.

Trees and shrubs may be watered only on assigned watering days.

We need everyone’s help to reduce water use and keep as much water as possible in storage as we move through this year and into the next to help avoid a Stage 3 drought, which would ban outdoor lawn watering.

Tips to save even more water:

• Change over to high-efficiency rotary nozzles (and get a rebate from Denver Water for doing so). Visit www.denverwater.org/rebates.

• Toilets are 25 percent of your indoor water use. Get a rebate from Denver Water for installing a WaterSense toilet: www.denverwater.org/rebates.

• Use the cycle and soak irrigation method to ensure your grass absorbs the water you apply to it. Visit www.denverwater.org/lawn for more information.

• Aerate your lawn. By poking holes in the ground with an aerator, water and fertilizer can more easily move into the root zone.

For more information, visit www.denverwater.org/drought

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

29

MAYOR’S CORNER Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Denver Human Services Manager Penny May and staff from Denver Public Works unveil the “Be the One Blvd.” sign in front of the City and County Building, which will be on display throughout April for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“Be The One Boulevard” Spotlights Individuals Dedicated To Preventing Child Abuse

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention month, Mayor Michael B. Hancock renamed Bannock St. between Colfax Ave. to 14th Ave. to “Be the One Boulevard” for the month of April. The unveiling marks the city’s commitment to joining organizations around the state for the “Be The One Colorado” campaign, which encourages people in the community to Be the One person who is important in a child’s life.

During the unveiling, Hancock honored five community leaders that have dedicated their lives to helping children; Brother Jeff, Tahana McClinton, Ginny Etzel, Howard Haenal, and Rebecca Ball. He associated each honoree with the five protective factors that can prevent child abuse. Those protective factors include being a bounce back family; making parent growth a priority; learning more about child growth; having a network of family and friends; and calling a professional.

For more information, visit www.denvergov.org/BeTheOne.

Mayor Hancock Honors 30 Students At The 2013 Mayor’s Youth Awards

Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the Director of Children’s Affairs, Lindsay Neil honored 30 Denver youth who have overcome adversity to achieve success at the 2013 Mayor’s Youth Awards ceremony.

Sponsored by the Office of Children’s Affairs, the Mayor’s Youth Awards began 25 years ago as a way to recognize young people for showing fortitude, making positive choices and turning their lives around. The students are nominated by adults who work with them in school or through local youth serving organizations. Award recipients are selected by a committee of community leaders.

The Community College of Denver (CCD) will present scholarships to senior award recipients who would like to attend CCD as part of their ongoing partnership with the Office of Children’s Affairs.

Students who received the award include: Eloy Arguello, a senior at Urban Peak GED; Rosolen Barrero, a junior at South High School; Jahanna Brunson, a freshman at South High School; Presiliana Casillas, a senior at North High School; Alexus Castaneda, a sophomore at South High School; Thomas

DaCunha, a senior at Overland High School; Leonard Davis, a senior at East High School; Johnnie Duran, a junior at North High School; CJ Manning, a senior at Grandview High School; Teray Esquibel, a student at the University of Denver; Alan Gamez, a senior at CEC Middle College; Yolanda Gonzales, a junior at North High School; Brea Harris, a junior at CEC Middle College; Hamdi Hassan, a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson; Ruby Hernandez, a senior at North High School; Hawi Kuse, a senior at South High School; Alexis Martinez, a senior at Abraham Lincoln High School; Audriana Martinez, a senior at Denver School of Science and Technology; Lucero Martinez, a junior at North High School; Patrick Meyangandu, an eighth grader at Place Bridge Academy; Jae’Zhanay Miles, a senior at Denver School of Science and Technology; Georgina Nwoke, a freshman at Martin Luther King Early College; Selena Ordonez, a freshman at North High school; Kenny Ortiz, a senior at North High School; Jaquelin Rodriguez-Portillo, a sophomore at Lincoln High School; Jacqueline Ruiz, a junior at Montbello High School; Angeline Sanchez, a senior at Lincoln High School; Prinjastin “PJ” Skyes, a student at Metro State College; Andrew Trader-Bankston a senior at East High School; and Margarita Vasquez, a senior at North High School.

African Heritage Celebration

6th Annual Dinner & Silent Auction

An evening of charity and cultural engagement Friday, June 28, 2013 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center 650 15th Street, Denver Ҋ

$40 in advance ; $50 at the door Table reservations available Performance by The Griot Masters Ensemble of Colorado & guest artists

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education projects in Senegal.

RSVP Mohamadou Cisse @ 720 732 4638 or Vance Johnson @ 303 321 2470 Dinner generously provided by the Hyatt Regency Denver and supported in part by Mizel Museum’s Bridges of Understanding program.

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Book a 2 or 3 bedroom condo for the Winterpark Jazz Festival and receive as $15 Gift Card!

3119 Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

30

MAYOR’S CORNER

Mayor Hancock Honors 635 Students As Mile High Scholars

Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the Office of Children’s Affairs honored 635 Denver Public Schools students, as Mile High Scholars. The award is given to students who exemplify leadership, respect and peer support.

The Mile High Scholars program is administered by Denver’s Office of Children’s Affairs. This year students representing all grades from 143 Denver Public Schools, were selected for the award. Students are nominated by the principals and faculty of their schools.

Each school will honor their students at a variety of different ceremonies throughout the week.

Recognized students will receive a certificate and a bumper sticker to acknowledge their achievement, along with tickets for free admission to various cultural venues and sporting events.

For a complete list of honorees, visit: http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/ 713/documents/2013%20Mile%20High%20Scho lars.pdf.

Mayor Hancock Announces Goals To Ensure All Denver Kids Can Compete And Succeed

WHO’S WHO “AROUND TOWN� SEE MORE @

The First Ladies of Jazz performed by Mary Louise Lee at Boettcher Concert Hall

children and youth, strengthen community partnerships and provide a focal point to measure successes.

The City and County of Denver Kid’s Goals are to: 1. Increase the number of children served by early childhood education programs by aligning publicly funded programs; 2. Increase the number of Denver third grade students who can read at grade level; 3. Reduce the number of disconnected youth; 4. Increase the number of first generation students who complete a postsecondary pathway and obtain employment; and 5. Reduce the number of overweight and obese children.

The coordination of resources and services will be spearheaded by the Office of Children’s Affairs. Through initiatives such as the 5 By 5 Program, the MY Denver Card and forthcoming after school programs funded through the passage of Measure 2A, the office will work with city agencies and community service providers to ensure that Denver children have the opportunity to live up to their fullest potential.

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Mayor Michael B. Hancock and Director of Children’s Affairs Lindsay Neil announced five fundamental goals for the City and County of Denver to help ensure all Denver kids have their basic needs met, are prepared for kindergarten and prepared for academic and professional success.

The goals were developed by the Mayor’s Denver Education Compact and Denver Children’s Cabinet and will be implemented through meaningful partnerships with civic, philanthropic and business leaders and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, these five goals will drive the alignment of all city services dedicated to

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Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

31

Reflections on Violence: Lethal Means or Lethal Minds?

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An Op-Ed by Hakim Hazim

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iolence is the ultimate arbitrator of disagreement, the settler of disputes. It creates a canon of “might makes right” and it has its own addictive appeal for those who persist in it.

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This commentary raises a question about priority.

It is an attempt to better frame the discussion on curbing the violence currently taking place in our country. We must proceed with facts.

According to the FBI’s most recent report, violent crime rates continue to decrease, a pattern that has continued for five consecutive years. However, recent massacres and target killings have shocked our senses. The Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy repulsed and captivated the public as we meditated on the blend of evil and mental instability we have unfortunately become accustomed to witnessing.

Images of a weeping president moved us as Barack Obama vowed to reform gun laws, giving rise to a debate that will rage far into the foreseeable future. The primary debate positions are framed below: Gun control proponents seek a balance on who should be allowed to purchase specific types of weapons.

The logic behind their reasoning: minimize lethality when crimes occur.

Gun advocates ask, “How can gun control solve anything?” Their view: if you disarm good citizens, the predatory, criminal element will not abide by these rules and people will be left defenseless, relying on a police force that primarily responds to crime, but inept in terms of prevention.

We do need robust debate that is purposeful, but I am convinced a focus on lethal minds should take priority over lethal means. This nation must develop relevant, scientific research that seeks to answer this question. What are the precipitating factors and causes that produce violent offenders and how can we mitigate them?

I’ve spoken with hit men, gangsters and young adults who have killed their parents. The majority of them retain an attitude of detachment from the act, but some are quite emotional.

Most equated killing in terms of justification, vocation or desperation. A few described it as an extreme, emotional purging they participated in.

According to some observers, it was similar to a dream or out of body experience. More than 20 years ago, I spoke with a young man who described his experience of shooting both of his parents in such terms.

We ask “why,” and by looking at human behavior via the lenses of ABA or Applied Behavioral Analysis, we may arrive at some answers.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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ABA states that all conscious behavior seeks three outcomes: 1. To get or obtain 2. Escape or avoid 3. To meet a sensory need or desire Violence, like all behavior, should be viewed in terms of what it provides for those who engage in it. As we gain a better understanding of violence, we can seek prevention.

Attention-seeking killers primarily want to obtain an audience. Their distorted reasons propel them to act and they are on the rise – and unfortunately, here to stay. Target Killings by the late Chris Dorner, former LAPD officer, and the deceased Evan Ebel, former inmate, teach us this lesson – killing is worth the risk for some. Free societies have produced criminals who now compete with one another for body counts and/or notoriety in the media. To date, we have not produced the death toll of an Anders Breivik of Norway, but be assured – the twisted ideology found in his manifesto has infested unstable minds. We must shield people from this poison through proper mentoring and education. Once a young person experiences violence and develops a taste for it; it’s difficult to turn them around.

The military has had issues of its own. A lieutenant colonel stated, “Blood lust is something you have to deal with. Some can’t handle it.”

If this applies to respected, trained, service men and women, what about the youth of our day, the mentally unstable, and those brought up in dysfunctional, violent homes? Violence creates a sound and fury that causes a reactionary response. We must be solution-oriented, and never simply appalled or fascinated by it. Now is not the time to follow the crowd or the loudest voices on this issue; we need to figure this out and take a scientific, spiritual, and logical approach. If we do not, I fear my nightmare may come to pass.

An excerpt from my unpublished poem, “Roar of Lions”: I followed the direction of the roar and tumult, like so many others. I found myself in the fog. A shadowy figure emerged and to my amazement, I was greeted by the devil.

Editor’s note: Hakim Hazim is the founder of Relevant Now Consultancy and has been immersed in research for at-risk populations since 1993. Hazim is a certified Crisis Prevention Institute Senior Trainer and Behavior Intervention Specialist with expertise in counterterrorism, radical religious sects, gangs, juvenile delinquency and law enforcement approaches for mentally ill or challenged individuals. He is the author of American Realism Revisited: Lethal Minds or Latent Threats (Iuniverse, 2005).

Billups Basketball Academy Summer Camp In June

The 2013 Chauncey Billups Basketball Academy Summer Basketball Camp with special guests Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers will be June 24 to 27 with two sessions, separating campers by age. Campers will receive a camp T-shirt, a basketball, and one autographed item from Chauncey Billups, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan. The price for the camp is $250.

To register, visit www.ParkerRec.com or call 303-8056300. Up to 100 scholarships will be awarded through a scholarship essay contest; submitted by May 25.

For more information and scholarship questions, visit www.nbncoaching.com or call Marcus Mason at 303-921-5302.

Friends Of Manual Breakfast Honors Alum, Mayor Hancock

Join alumni, community members, parents, and students as The Friends of Manual honor Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the revolutionary scholars and supporters of Manual High School.

This free annual breakfast will feature student experiential learning trips, testimonials, alumni and community networking, and student performances.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, to RSVP, or sign up to be a table captain, E-mail FOM@FriendsOfManual.org; visit www.FriendsOfManual.org/events; or call 720-336-9387.

2013 Founders’ Day Celebration

On Saturday, May 11 from noon to 2 p.m., the organizations of The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) will come together for the 2013 Founders’ Day celebration at the Blossoms Restaurant at Heather Gardens, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way in Aurora.

NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.

Tickets are $20 per person. For more information, call Chair Kathy R Jackson, at 303-399-6183 or E-mail sigma1976@hotmail.com.

COMMUNITY NOTES

DanceAfrica Denver 2013

Cleo Parker Robinson will present the third annual Dance Africa Denver, in collaboration with legendary Artistic Director Dr. Charles “Baba Chuck” Davis.

DanceAfrica will feature the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble in performances of Cleo Parker Robinson’s “In the Valley of the Nile.”

The event will be May 10 to 19 at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, 119 Park Ave. West in Denver. There will be African dance, music workshops, and an African Market. Special guests are Umkhati Theatre Works of Zimbabwe and Bandan Koro.

Tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for children, students, and seniors (62 and over).

For more information and tickets, visit www.CleoParkerDance.org or call 303-295-1759, ext. 13.

Aurora Fox Presents A Play, The Color Purple

The Color Purple, The Musical About Love is a family saga based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Alice Walker. It is the story of a downtrodden woman who, motivated by the free-thinking women she encounter, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, this is a story of hope, inspiration and triumph.

Tickets are $14 child, $24 senior/student, $28 adult. The Color Purple plays through May 12, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at, 2 p.m. at The Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., in Aurora.

For more information, call 303-7391970 or visit aurorafox.org

Mother’s Day Solidarity Dinner Honors Mothers And Fathers

The annual Denver NAACP Youth Council and Battleground Christian Outreach Mother’s Day Solidarity Dinner, honoring Mothers (and Fathers) of murdered children will be held on May 11, at 4 p.m. at Church in the City.

This fourth annual event honors deceased victims of violence and their parents. Representative Rhonda Fields will be the keynote speaker.

This event is free to the public.

Reservations are required.

For more information, call 303-5887296 or 720-296-2620.

Preschool One Book, One Denver To Launch In May

Preschoolers are invited to participate in the citywide book club – Preschool One Book, One Denver. The launch event with Colorado Governor

John Hickenlooper, Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia and Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock is set for Monday, May 6, at 11 a.m. at the Denver Central Library at 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway (at Broadway). This year’s featured book, “Duck on a Bike” by David Shannon, will be announced along with the schedule of activities that will take place May 6 to 20.

Returning in 2013 will be “Drop Everything and Read,” a FREE family event from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 8 at the Children’s Museum.

For a complete list of Denver Public Library Preschool One Book, One Denver and story times visit: kids.denverlibrary.org

Change Minds One Step At A Time At NAMIWalk 2013

Join NAMI Colorado to raise awareness and fight stigma about mental illness at NAMI Walk 2013 on Saturday, May 18 at 10 a.m. in Central Park at Stapleton. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

To register for NAMIWalk 2013, go to www.namiwalk.org/colorado. For more information on NAMI Colorado go to www.namicolorado.org

EarthLinks Presents Mother’s Day Plant And Garden Sale

EarthLinks will hold a Mother’s Day Plant and Garden Sale where guests are invited to shop for organically grown flower, herb, and vegetable seedlings, as well as hand-crafted gifts including cards, candles, planters, vases, skin care packs, and more. Free hands-on transplanting classes will be held half past every hour.

The event will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 2828 Larimer St., in Denver from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For information, visit www.earthlinks-colorado.org

11th Annual Denver Chalk Art Festival

Over the course of two days, more than 200 professional, amateur and student artists will recreate major masterpieces or share original works of art made from pastel chalks spread out across four downtown blocks in and around Larimer Square.

The event will be held Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Larimer St. between 15th and Speer and 14th St.between Market and Lawrence.

For more information, visit denverchalkart.org.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

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KGNU Turns 35, Celebrates With Anniversary Events

Thanks to some visionary Boulderites, KGNU Community Radio took to the airwaves on May 22, 1978.

KGNU will celebrate its 35th anniversary on May 22 by hosting three events: A talk by Noam Chomsky on Tuesday, May 7, at 7 p.m. in Central Presbyterian Church (1660 Sherman St., Denver); a special broadcast of KGNU’s Friday night blues show – Blues Legacy – live from Café Sole on Friday, May 10, 6 to 9 p.m.; and a birthday open house at the Boulder studios (4700 Walnut St.) on Wednesday, May 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.kgnu.org.

1500 Runners Wanted For Run For Recess

Hallett Fundamental Academy, is looking for 1500 runners to participate in the second annual Playworks 5k/10k Run for Recess event to be held on Sunday, May 5, 8:30 a.m., at Sloan’s Lake Park in Denver. This event will raise money to secure Playworks at Hallett for the 2013/2014 school year.

Runners can register directly by going straight to the following link: www.playworks.org/make-recesscount/play/denver/playworks-denver-run-recess-2013 To directly support Hallet, please use Hallett Coupon Code: HALLTEN. For more information, call Charmaine Keeton at 720-424-6070.

Sam Williams Memorial Golf Classic Slated In May

The Sam Williams Memorial Golf Classic will be held on Thursday, May 30 at Saddle Rock Golf Course in Aurora. Various sponsorship levels are available, beginning at $250 to sponsor a hole. Tournament gifts, prizes, and a ticket to the scholarship/awards luncheon following the tournament will be included in the $100 registration fee for participants in the shotgun scramble. Proceeds will benefit scholarships to Johnson & Wales University for selected African American students, prostate cancer awareness and screening through the Center for African American Health, and youth mentoring. Luncheon only tickets are available for the 1 p.m. memorial and awards lunch for $25 each or $80 for a table of four.

For more information, to become a sponsor or player, or to donate a silent auction item, call Misti Aas, tournament coordinator, at 970-396-4266, or E-mail samclassic1@aol.com.

Letters, continued from page 3 young people to help them stay on the right path. This topic is so important to me that it is one of my platform issues as I run for the Ward II Aurora City Council this fall. I would love to meet and speak with you about my campaign.

Bernard Celestin Aurora Civil Service Commission

Reader Encourages DUS To Keep On Keepin’ On

Editor: Congratulations. Your publication just keeps getting better. This month’s edition is an example – Black infant mortality, preschool, the death penalty and the op-ed by Theo Wilson, with which I don’t exactly agree, but an essay which is incredibly well-written.

Montaigne, the inventor of the essay, would agree. (As an English teacher, I do have to say you have too many misspellings and misplaced apostrophes in your magazine, but that is not a huge issue, even for me.)

In general, your magazine often has more articles of substance than Westword, which has more articles and ads about Colorado’s famous “substance” than anything else.

I’ve been working (full time) for DPS for 26 years, the first 10 years at Montbello, the last 16 at Denver School of the Arts, a school which has been trying for years to attract more people of color. It’s hard, though, when DPS doesn’t have much of an art/music program in place for younger kids.

I’m sure you realize that some of your readers aren’t African-American.

But we white people have plenty to read about other white people. The Urban Spectrum has always had a special place in my life for that reason.

(As a musician who has usually played in soul/jazz bands, I have often been the only white person in the room. I don’t think many white people have had that experience.

White people need to think about white privilege: we are the ones who need to fight racism. Our nation is based on genocide and slavery. And things are not getting better.)

This is not a letter to the editor, it is a letter to you and your staff, a thank you note for your hard work. In these especially frightening times for print publications, I cannot imagine how you have continued to keep on keepin’ on. Don’t stop! Education is a passion we all share. Americans are encouraged to remain ignorant and in front of their television sets. We all want to see that change, and I know it seems like an uphill battle sometimes.

Good luck in the years ahead.

Gregg Painter Denver

Taking The Alzheimer’s Message From To D.C.

Editor: Alzheimer’s Can’t Wait and that’s the message hundreds of local Alzheimer’s Association Ambassadors like me are taking to Washington, D.C. April 22-24, 2013. We will be calling on members of Congress to raise awareness and solicit support in the battle against this horrible disease.

Today there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 72,000 here in Colorado.

And, African Americans and Latinos are twice as likely to be diagnosed due to higher incidences of heart disease and diabetes. This disease doesn’t simply impact the person with the disease, however, there are more than 15 million friends and family members caring for these individuals, 227,000 in our state.

The human cost of Alzheimer’s disease is devastating. It is the only disease where people lose their loved ones twice – first to the ravages of the disease and then ultimately to death.

The Alzheimer’s community has been encouraged to see the beginning of meaningful steps because of the first National Alzheimer’s Plan.

As families each and every day shoulder the tremendous emotional, physical and financial toll of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s – they are anxiously awaiting strong implementation of the plan.

In order to fulfill the potential of the plan, Congress must see to it that the necessary resources are committed to accelerate and prioritize the government’s efforts on Alzheimer’s.

This effort comes too late for many of the families we serve at the Alzheimer’s Association. As a staff we also feel deeply the toll this disease takes on all those who are primary care partners during their 8-10 year journey with the disease. With the aging of the baby-boomers, the number of Alzheimer’s cases will explode in the coming years and the costs will rapidly accelerate. Today Alzheimer’s cost $200 billion a year of which the U.S. government spends $140 million, primarily through Medicaid and Medicare.

There are thousands of Coloradoans affected by Alzheimer’s and we can’t wait for help, for support and for research to find new treatments to stop this disease in its tracks.

I urge our Colorado Congressmen and women to support the Obama administration’s proposed $100 million in funding necessary to continue the implementation of the National Alzheimer’s Plan in fiscal year 2013.

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Rosalyn Reese, Multicultural Initiatives Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – May 2013

34

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