The Uniqueness of Denver The Mile High City Celebrates Its African American Residents
Denver’s Dr. Ryan Ross’ Success Story
Friends of Blair Caldwll reception honor some of Denver’s shining stars. Left: Former Mayor and First Lady of Denver Wellington and Wilma Webb unveil portrait to Big Jon Platt. Center: EWF’s Andrew Woolfolk and Larry Dunn enjoy the festivities. Right: Charlie Burrell enjoying his portrait Photos by Lorenzo Dawkins
D
uring my 12 years as Denver’s mayor the most frequent question I received – especially from people who didn’t live here – is how did I get elected the city’s first African American mayor when the black community makes up only 11 percent of the city’s population? That often was followed by the second most common remark from black people outside of the state: “I didn’t know there were any black people in Denver.” But Denver and the state of Colorado have been quite unique in supporting black residents who have aspirations in politics and the arts and culture. For example, Colorado voters elected two African American lieutenant gover-
nors: Democrat George Brown in 1974 and Republican Joe Rodgers in 1999. My alma mater, Manual High School, graduated four black mayors: Norm Rice, mayor of Seattle, Wash., from 1990-1998; Patsy Jo Hilliard, mayor of East Point, Georgia, from 1993-2006; myself, mayor of Denver, from 1991-2003; and the city’s current Mayor Michael Hancock who was elected in 2011. As mayor I was fortunate enough to get the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library built in the historic black neighborhood of Five Points. Inside, new generations can learn about the significant contributions African Americans have made in our city, state and the West. It is the
THE ENLISTED ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 3
1599 Dayton St - Aurora, CO 80010 303-343-1921 - Chapter3rt@aol.com
THE ENLISTED ASSOCIATION NEEDS YOU The Mission of TREA
The mission of the Enlisted Association is to enhance the quality of life for uniformed services personnel, their families and survivors - including active duty, veterans, reserve and guard components, and all retirees; to stop the erosion of earned benefits through our legislative efforts; to maintain our esprit de corps, dedication and patriotism; and to continue our devotion and allegiance to God and Country.
The Voice of the Enlisted Serving the Total Enlisted Force •••Veterans •••Active Duty •••Retired •••Reserves •••National Guard
UNITED WE STAND!
largest such research library west of the Mississippi. The facility, which includes a library, research area and museum, was named after Omar Blair, the first black president of the Denver Public Schools Board, and Elvin Caldwell, the first black Denver City Council member. Recently, the Friends of the BlairCaldwell Library began spotlighting some of our shining stars. Those recognized grew up in Denver or moved here to make their dreams come true. While no city is colorblind Denver has a climate where hard work and determination can allow anyone to succeed. And I’m sure it will blow some people’s minds to know the majority of these successful people grew up in Denver and graduated from our public schools. Just to name a few who were honored last month: Film/TV - Actress Pam Grier, East High School graduate; actor Don Cheadle, East High School graduate; Academy Award winning actress Hattie McDaniel, East High School graduate; actor and political commentator Joseph Phillips, George Washington High School graduate; and actor Ron Pinkard, Manual High School graduate Dance - Cleo Parker Robinson, George Washington High School graduate Music - Singer Dianne Reeves, George Washington High School graduate, singers and musicians Phillip Bailey, Larry Dunn and Andrew Woolfolk, Earth, Wind and Fire band members and East High School graduates; music producer John Platt, Montbello High School graduate who has worked with Kayne West, Jay Z and Pharrell Williams; and Denver Symphony and jazz musician Charlie Burrell So when people ask me how I got elected with such a small black population my answer has to include that Denver is a unique western city. Black people not only live here but have talents that grow a mile high and beyond.
Wellington E. Webb Mayor of Denver, 1991-2003
Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – November 2014
20
r. Ryan Ross is the Dean of Student Development and Retention at the Community College of Denver, and one of Colorado Biz Magazine’s 2014’s Top 25 Most Influential Young Professionals. Dr. Ryan Ross, will tell you himself - he should not be alive. In fact, as a child, he figured he would be happy just making it to Disney World just once in his lifetime. Today, Ross’s life feels like a fairy tale to him. Ross was the second of six children. At a young age, he had “a pair of bad stepfathers” who brought abuse and violence to the house; he was constantly targeted for recruitment by gang members and witnessed drive-by shootings on a regular basis. “I had an intense and humbling childhood,” he says. “I could not have envisioned the life I have today, back then.” A far cry from the gang warfare, abusive childhood and hopeless outlook of a child growing up in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood during Denver’s notorious “Summer of Violence” in 1993.
D