Denver Urban Spectrum - 2023 September - MVAAFF

MVAAFF: Prestigious film festival held on Martha's Vineyard for the 21st year...4

Ansar El:: Farewell to Farewell to Denver's community lens...9 Denver's community lens...9

BCAARL: Five Points library celebrates 20 years with updates...10

HBCU: Community colleges forge historic partnership with HBCUs...14

Photo by Caroline Price

PUBLISHER

Rosalind J. Harris

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Brittany N. Winkfield

GENERAL MANAGER

Lawrence A. James

MANAGING EDITOR

Angelia D. McGowan

COPY EDITOR

Ruby Jones

COLUMNIST

Kim Farmer

Barry Overton

Kenneth Searles

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ruby Jones

Annette Walker

Brittany Winkfield

SPECIAL PROJECTS ASSISTANT

Tanya Ishikawa

ART DIRECTOR

Bee Harris

PHOTOGRAPER

Cecile Perrin

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jody Gilbert - Kolor Graphix

SOCIAL MEDIA / DIGITAL MARKETING

Melovy Melvin

DISTRIBUTION

Lawrence A. James - Manager

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 2023 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 303292-6543 or visit the Web site at www.denverurbanspectrum.com.

Ever-Present

This issue pays tribute to Brother Ansar El Muhammad, the Smithsonian of Black Denver. He made a point to always be there to document our highs and our lows as a photographer who was passionate about every member of his community. A creative piece from DUS publisher Rosalind Harris and visual artist Helen Littlejohn helps us all to remember the essence of Brother Ansar and his ever-present smile.

In this month’s issue, our publisher also highlights her first trip to Martha’s Vineyard to attend the annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival and more. Contributor Annette Walker and Ruby Jones detail the latest on a legacy project of former Mayor Wellington Webb and First Lady Wilma Webb – the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library, which reopened its doors after a 15-month closure for renovations, just in time for its 20-year anniversary.

In her piece on higher education, Jones reminds college students that they have more choices to advance their academic careers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities through a Colorado Community College System program. Our “Around Town” captures your presence spending time with family and friends, and celebrating worthy events in the city, including the reopening of the Research Library and Cleo Parker Robinson’s Dancing with the Denver Stars. Always a good time.

Enjoy!

Remembering Brandon Cole: A Tragic Encounter Raises Questions About Use of Force

A community mourns the loss of a young life and demands answers in the aftermath of a controversial shooting incident.

By Brittany Winkfield

The city of Denver is grappling with shock and grief after the tragic shooting of Brandon Cole, a 36-year-old father, husband and community member. Cole was shot by a police officer on August 5. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and ongoing discussions about use of force and the need for improved crisis intervention strategies from law enforcement.

Cole, known for his vibrant smile and big heart, was fatally shot in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood, as officers responded to a domestic violence call. Released body-cam footage shows officers approach Cole before drawing their weapons from their belts. One officer drew a Taser; the other drew a gun.

The encounter escalated when Cole appeared to approach the officers with a

LETTERS, OPEDS, OPINIONS

In MemoryLoving of

Brandon Lee Cole

December 7, 1986

August 5, 2023

black marker in his hand after an officer could be heard in the video instructing him to “Stop,” followed by a chain of events that ended in tragedy. Initial reports suggest that officers believed the marker to be a lethal weapon. It is unclear whether Cole was able to hear the officer’s command.

Community members have taken to the streets, organizing peaceful protests and demanding justice for Cole’s death. The incident has ignited discussions about the disproportionate use of force in situations involving unarmed individuals, particularly from marginalized communities. Activists and concerned citizens are urging law enforcement agencies to reevaluate their training protocols and adopt more comprehensive crisis intervention tactics.

Cole’s wife, Ebony, says “He was a hardworking man. All he ever wanted to do was provide

Angelia D. McGowan Managing Editor

for his family. He leaves behind 3 beautiful children Jayden (13) Aaliyah, his only girl (8) and his youngest son Major (7). We are asking for your help to send him home. Any donation big or small would be greatly appreciated.” Donations to the Cole family can be made online at https://gofund.me/b2f24581.

This incident is not an isolated one; it echoes similar events across the nation, which have called police accountability into question and highlighted the need for broader reforms. Advocates are pushing for increased funding for community-based mental health initiatives, de-escalation training for officers, and enhanced communication between law enforcement and local communities.

As the investigation into Cole’s death continues, the city of Denver stands at a crossroads. The tragedy has galvanized citizens, prompting them to demand a more just and equitable approach to policing.

The memory of Cole’s life serves as a powerful reminder that change is both necessary and possible. His legacy will undoubtedly fuel the push for reform in Denver and beyond..

African American Film Festi val on val on Martha’s Vineyard “A Match Made in Heaven”

By Rosalind J. Harris & Ruby Jones

Color of Conversations Film Series, presented the 21st annual film festival on the Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard from August 4-12. The long-awaited bucket list item was well worth the trip.

Martha’s Vineyard 101

“Abucket list is a list of the experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.”

There comes a time in everyone’s life when you reflect on the experiences you’ve had and create a bucket list composed of things and places you would still like to see, places you would still like to go, and goals you would still like to accomplish. Throughout my life, I have had an abundance of unique opportunities to do and see magnificent things, meet wonderful people, and make contributions to the community I love. As is the case for many, the pandemic prompted me to consider my own bucket list and try to complete as many items as possible to add to a lifetime of accomplishment.

This summer, I placed a checkmark on my bucket list by attending the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) after years of admiring stories and footage from the acclaimed event.

Floyd and Stephanie Rance, founders of the MVAAFF and

Known for its natural beauty, the rolling hills and pristine beaches of The Vineyard are only accessible by boat, but that doesn’t stop the droves of visitors each year.

The island’s history dates back to 2270 BC when the indigenous Wamponoag people are documented to have inhabited the land they named “Noepe,” while living primarily under the breathtaking

Over time, the island grew in popularity among tourists. In 1912, Charles Shearer, the son of an enslaved woman, turned one of the cottages in the town of Oak Bluffs into the first inn for Black vacationers. Since then, The Vineyard’s social and economic landscape has changed into one of the most popular travel destinations for prominent Black Americans. Maya Angelou is quoted describing Oak Bluffs as, “A safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”

Inkwell Beach is a wellknown haven for Black beachgoers; its title references the island’s rich literary history along with the sun-kissed skin of its visitors.

A Dream, Realized

As a first-time visitor, I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of riding the Peter Pan bus from the airport to the seaport, then riding a ferry to the island with my friends Caroline and Pattie. The experience was enlightening, educational and enjoyable.

We took an island tour to see the elaborate landmark Gingerbread Houses and the Flying Horses Carousel built in 1876. We visited the stunning Aquinnah Cliffs and climbed to the top of the Gay Head Lighthouse in Vineyard Haven (Tisbury). We even visited the Edgartown location where the movie Jaws was filmed.

Aquinnah Cliffs. In 1602, European colonists pursued the island, ultimately battling for the territory in the King Phillips War of 1675-1676.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, European settlers maintained the industries of farming and fishing with the labor of enslaved West Africans. Subsequently, much of the island was transformed into a seaport to meet the demands of a growing whaling industry.

Rideshare service was limited, but our wait was cut short by Lance, co-owner of Atlantic Taxi, and his brother Kevin, who rescued us from the ferry terminal and brought us to our accommodations.

Over the next nine days, we traveled with our own personal “taxi chauffeurs,” Ryan and O’Shane, throughout Oak Bluffs to the Circuit Avenue shopping district, art galleries, the very popular Linda Jean’s restaurant, a book festival in Chilmark, and of course the famous Inkwell Beach.

Each day, we traveled to the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center, where MVAAFF took place.

With so much to see on the historic island, my friends and I soaked in the sun, the scenery, and the remarkable surroundings filled with film directors, producers, executives and MVAAFF attendees.

Photos by Caroline Price

Floyd and Stephanie Rance with DUS publisher Rosalind “Bee” Harris'

MVAAFF: The Vineyard Lounge

The Vineyard Lounge was a mainstay of the festival, with free events including “Clips and Conversations,” lively panel discussions about the film industry, and documentary screenings each day. The lounge also featured daily brunch gatherings and receptions, meet and greets, and art displays.

New Orleans & Company, a Nola-based marketing firm, partnered with MVAAFF to promote and encourage tourism to the Crescent City. They extended delightful southern hospitality, providing live jazz, pralines, and an opportunity to win a trip to New Orleans. “New Orleans on the Vineyard at MVAAFF” was one of the highlights of the festival, combining the unique cultures of New Orleans and New England in a dream-like setting.

I enjoyed hearing differing perspectives about each new film during the “Clips & Conversations” sessions. One of the most moving sessions fea-

Fund, the panel discussion centered on the legacy of Blacks in agriculture, the impact of storytelling, and ideas about how we can build the health and wealth of our community together.

Land ownership and agriculture were popular themes of this year’s festival, with additional events centered around the documentary Gaining Ground, and a discussion about Eliminating Inequities in Land Ownership

hosted by John Deere and Al Roker Entertainment.

MVAAFF: Short Films, Feature Films, Documentaries

The films presented at this year’s festival were diverse and multi-dimensional. Viewing all of them would have been impressive, but despite our ambitions we had to pick and choose based on the time of each event and our ability to fit it all in.

The list of films included the following (plus many more): The Space Race (African Americans at NASA), Ladies First: A Story of Women in HipHop, A Real One (friendship, short film finalist), Regret to Inform You (aging, short-film finalist), Sound of the Police (African Americans and the Police), Pretty Boy (homeless Black teen), Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed The World

Continued on page 6

tured Listen to Me, a documentary that weaves the stories of four women on the frontlines of maternal health, walking the tightrope of racism and birth in America. The session, hosted by Robert F. Smith’s Fund II Foundation Black Maternal Health Equity project, centered the voices, joy, healing and spirit of Black women.

Another great session was “Legacy of Black Farmers.”

Presented by the Black Farmer

Continued from page 5 (featuring Chuck D), We Were Meant To Be (rites of passage), 1992 (crime thriller starring Tyrese), The Wallace Prince (abandonment); Speak Up Brotha! (relationship) and Young Love (an animated series of the Young family).

Highly anticipated projects were premiered, including Back on the Strip, an upcoming theatrical release featuring Wesley Snipes and Tiffany Haddish, and Time of Essence (Episode 1). There was also a “Clips and Conversation” session featuring The Color Purple.

Despite not having time to attend every screening, we were fortunate to view all of the documentaries nominated for Best Documentary awards. After seeing them, I understand why! They were all very welldeserved projects.

Each screening was followed by a talk-back session with the directors, actors, and sometimes a moderator who asked insightful questions about the project’s creation and impact. Audiences were also given the opportunity to ask questions about each project during a time set aside for Q&A.

The following are descriptions of several featured films, with quotes and comments from each post-screening conversation:

Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land

•Executive Producer/Moder-ator, Television Personality Al Roker

tating impact of heirs’ property, and how landowners are reclaiming their agriculture rights and their paths to generational wealth.

“There are these notions that these issues are just too tough to tackle, and the forces that are lined up are too powerful. I see it as a demonstration project, that if in this one area, we can affect change, maybe that will change the notions about a host of other issues that also have been perceived as hopeless.”

- Thomas Mitchell, Boston College

“L.E.A.P., as mentioned in this film, is an acronym for Legislation, Education, Advocacy, and Production Systems...Its mission is to improve the livelihood of Black families, landowners, and farmers. Our mission is to help families clear title to their land, and we want to help them close the economic gap, increase the generational wealth that lies within the land, and to help them with the legacy that is tied to the land.”

-

Marilyn Fox, John Deere

Black Barbie: A

Documentary

•Director/Producer Lagueria

Davis, Producer Aaliyah Williams

Through intimate access to a charismatic Mattel insider, Beulah Mae Mitchell, Black Barbie delves into the cross-section of merchandise and representation as Black women strive to elevate their own voices and stories, refusing to be invisible.

“I have to credit the parents, because the parents are really affirming these children in who they are, what they come from, and the best aspects of what Black culture is.”

- Aaliyah Williams

Rustin

•Director George C. Wolfe

give you. All those things are how we grow and become a better version of ourselves. And you see that in the film. That’s why we go to the theater.”

- George C. Wolfe

King of Kings:

Chasing Edward Jones

•Director Harriet Marin Jones

This documentary shines a spotlight on the legacy of Black farming in America, the devas-

“I think it’s important to tell the story of the legacy of all these incredible Black women who are the reason why we have such an inclusive amount and all the different kinds of Barbie dolls that you have now to choose from.”

- Aaliyah Williams

Bayard Rustin was the architect of the 1963 march on Washington. He challenged authority and never apologized for who he was, but was forgotten despite making history. Rustin spotlights the man who, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., dared to imagine a different world and inspired a movement.

“My definition of the ultimate American is somebody who is of service. Someone who has expansive curiosity, because we live in a country of all different kinds of people; so, if you are actually curious about somebody, you will lean in and want to know them as opposed to allowing your fear to dictate your response to them.”

- George C. Wolfe

“Why was it important to show all of Byron Rustin? Well, because... I think all art is there to empower...We have monuments, and they’re very important. We go to them, and we look at them in awe. And then we have art, and art is not a monument. Art, I like to think, is wonderful to see. People dealing and struggling with the awkward, foolish, magnificent, wonderful thing that it means to be a human being. Which means you succeed, you fail, you say stupid stuff, you’ve got to backtrack, figure out how to get somebody to for-

Unable to escape discrimination, and in conflict with the mob and feds, Edward Jones rose to financial heights and political prominence in depression-era Chicago and is forced into a life on the run. The filmmaker uncovers an unparalleled story with repercussions for both her family and Chicago’s south-side.

“Thank you for reminding us that we must tell our story, otherwise it will not be told.”

- Constance Eve

“The money was really reinvested in the community. I mean, there were no saints, they made a lot of money. But they really created lots of jobs, lots of businesses...We couldn’t get any money at the time from banks, et cetera, it was way too racist, so they could go to Policy Kings — my grandfather and others — and they could get money to start their own business for school and things like that.”

- Harriet Marin Jones

Move when the Spirit Says Move: The Legacy of Dorothy Foreman Cotton

•Directors Ry Ferro, Deborah C. Hoard

Dorothy Cotton, the only woman on Dr. King Jr.’s executive staff, was a bold, courageous, highly effective civil rights leader who educated thousands about citizenship rights and inspired generations with powerful songs.

“The Dorothy Cotton Institute really wanted to have this film not only be about Dorothy, but one of the things that Dorothy did very consistently when she spoke in public, was she would name the names of other Sisters of Change... She would have a long list of women who she knew were the backbone of the movement... Black women are incredible, we’ve been holding up a lot of things here, and she just felt that it was so important never to just make her an icon, but to know that there are many other Sisters of Change who did incredible work.”

- Deborah C. Hoard

Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project

•Director Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson

With Giovanni’s guidance, the film reimagines her most iconic work with visual lyricism. She urges us to dream of a better future where equity and justice reign.

“There’s this line in Ego Tripping, ‘I will not be comprehended except by my permission.’ For me, that’s sort of this north star in terms of dealing with

Hazing

people, dealing with systemic injustice, dealing with the everyday on one’s own terms — and being comfortable with that, and that being enough, and being able to dig through that. That can feed the creative spirit.”

- Michèle Stephenson

“She puts the symbolism out there. She puts the text out there for us to take it, to relate to it, to grab what we can, get stronger by what we hear and what we see, and interpret in our own individual ways.”

-

Michèle Stephenson

•Director Byron Hunt Hurt lifts the veil on a variety of underground hazing rituals that are abusive, and sometimes deadly. His introspective journey to understand hazing culture through his own fraternity pledge experience reveals a world of toxic masculinity, violence, humiliation, binge drinking, denial, and institutional cover-ups.

“I think that there’s a lot of work still remains to be done to really change the culture. I really think that it’s going to take a lot of courage and a lot of leadership, and I think it’s going to require a lot more training and education...I hope that this film creates space for leaders who are opposed to hazing culture to stand up and confront it.”

- Byron Hurt

“The amount of people who have been affected is unknown honestly, but I think it was really important to include some of the stories that included some of the psychological and emotional damage in addition to the physical harm and the deaths because that’s probably the majority of people. Most people do survive the process, but how many people are still impacted by what they went through?”

- Byron Hurt

Martha’s Vineyard: Community

In the process of checking this item off my bucket list, I got to attend a festival that was both inspiring and educational. One of the highlights of MVAAFF was the sense of kinship and connectivity that coursed through the affair. There were opening and closing night parties, a white party, and plenty of networking opportunities hosted by partner organizations.

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Continued from page 7

We connected with people from across the country and made friends with artist and actor Jaleeca Yancy and filmmaker Philip Musey who were our housemates at the Masonic House during our stay on Martha’s Vineyard, along with Jeanne and Carly. We extended our friendship circle further when Jaleeca and Philip invited producer Salma Qarnain,

gathering. The trip was rich with opportunities to expand and diversify our social networks.

spent strolling through the community with shopping bags in hand, admiring the colorful landscape. It reminded me of visiting my grandmother in Mississippi as a little girl –people sat on their porches talking, eating, reading, playing cards, and passing time as they greeted and waved to the passerbyes.

I remember watching the gentle ocean waves and devouring a fresh lobster roll when another attendee proudly showed off his autographed book from the R&B singer, Kem, who had just performed at the historic Trinity Park Tabernacle venue. During a trip to the Barn Bowl, we snapped a photo in front of a displayed photograph of Martha’s Vineyard resident, Barack Obama, bowling.

the West Harlem

Rahsan King, and actor Roderick Lawrence – who plays Ike Turner in The Tina Turner Musical – to the house for a small

We even connected with a few Denverites, including the Vineyard Lounge guest artist Thomas Lockhart III, and Dwayne Glapion. Being on such a small island and meeting people from all over made me feel appreciative of the connectedness of Black people.

As we traveled back from The Vineyard on the ferry, I reflected on the last ten days

The last night of our trip was spent in Falmouth, Massachusetts at a quaint hotel called The Red Horse. The owner, Cindy, was funny, kind, and very accommodating. It was the perfect send off to finish off an idyllic stay.

Martha’s Vineyard is everything everyone said it would be – beautiful, alluring and yes, expensive! I checked it off my bucket list, but I look forward to checking it off again next year..

Nicole Jones

G.

Trailblazer

BruceMarsha NelsonRoman Hollowell

Dr. Dedrick Sims Rich Lewis

the West Harlem

Looking Through the Lens of Brother Ansar

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

-Maya Angelou

I don’t remember the year, month, day or time that I first met Brother Ansar but one thing is for sure, I will never forget him, or how he made me feel. Since my first encounter with Brother Ansar, he was always there for Denver Urban Spectrum -- if he was not out of town shooting photos for Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam. But, in addition to that famous quote by Maya Angelou, I DO remember what he said and how. “Hey BeeBee!” he would always say when I called him, reminding me of my childhood nickname. I could feel his smile from his voice through the phone. He would always answer my calls. And I DO remember what he did when taking my photo. With a quick nod or a gentle touch and with that infectious smile, he would suggest how to position my head, move my hair out of my face, arrange my clothes and most importantly, take a drink out of my hand. He strived for perfection with his craft as a photographer. I am grateful that he was member of the DUS team and for the photos he provided over the years, including his most recent cover story photo of Mayor Mike Johnston for our August issue.

Ansar is a Muslim male name meaning "The One Who Helps." That could be an understatement for our dear Brother Ansar. He helped everyone – from providing transportation, to taking little ones to the rodeo, to supporting community events, organizations and businesses with his photography expertise. Lens of Ansar captured the essence of the community and there will be a void in the Denver community and beyond from his absence .

Brother Jeff held a vigil and first libation ceremony in his honor on August 14. The community looked at Brother Ansar through his lens and was captured by visual artist Helen Littlejohn. This is what she said: “As-Salamu Alaikum. The reason I know those words are Brother Ansar. He taught me that some years ago walking down Welton Street. I will always be thankful, and always remember when I say those words.”

And this is what she said they said about him - from the Lens of Ansar:

• Victorious helper of helper.

• Brother, friend, believer, elder, helper.

• We are a circle with no end and no beginning.

• Ringing of the bowl. Love that man.

• Laughter maker.

• (Sis this body is temporary, stop crying)

• Let my light shine, the street lady told us.

• Strawberry lemonade, seven dollars.

• Helper, servant, photographer, cook, exemplar.

• What we can be?

• Cool, free, jazz.

• God bless the child.

• Black power is not dead.

• Put us first.

• Rest in power

• Gotta work on that one)

• Those shoes.

• Three sons in the alley.

• How do I tell my momma?

• He held space for the wilding girl. He loved me. He mattered. He hugged.

• In the background, always, so nobody forgets us.

• Oh, that smile.

• Preserving other people’s stories. He did not judge.

• Hey, I’m 13. I’m Usher. I’m 50 Cent. I’m Nat King Cole.

• Whoa! Attack of the Mac.

• Intergenerational impact is what he had.

• We rode solo. We rode humble.

• Nobody questioned him. He walked in authority. He didn’t tell his nickname.

• Take those shoes off.

• A brother to everybody – Grandpa showed up.

• He taught me how to trust myself. He saw me. He was a hustler, a fisherman.

• I’m the lucky one. He chose me.

• Do not cry for your dead; the place they are is better than this.

• Love them again with purity.

• Don’t die with your dead. Circle of life. We got it.

• Thank you for being my friend.

• Held up by the Most High. Oneness.

• Asè.

• Yeah homie, water is life.

• Our ancestors will never die. They are on our lips.

• AAFANTE.

• Ansar. Ansar. Ansar.

“Love life. Engage in it. Give it all you’ve got. Love it with a passion because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it.”

— Maya Angelou

Brother Ansar was the epitome of this quote. Rest well my friend and brother in Peace, Power and Paradise. Rosalind “Bee” Harris and the Denver Urban Spectrum family

The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library Reopens After Renovations

By Annette Walker & Ruby Jones

Positioned at the gateway to the historic Five Points neighborhood, the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library is one of only five public libraries in the United States whose mission is the collection and preservation of Black history. The legacy project, envisioned during the leadership of Denver’s first Black mayor, archives an abundance of cultural contributions to Colorado and the West.

On Monday, August 7, the treasured institution reopened

its doors after a 15-month closure for renovations, just in time for its 20-year anniversary.

When it first opened in 2003, Blair-Caldwell was a muchneeded hub for education and leisure. A reception, hosted by The Honorable Mayor Wellington Webb, was held outside the front entrance to inaugurate and celebrate the facility. Pride and excitement buzzed in the air as musical talents and poets ordained its presence. The new library would honor the past and pave the way to the future, with opportunities to learn from the rich history behind its walls.

On Saturday, August 12, days after the long-awaited reopening, representatives of Denver’s Library Commission and city officials gathered with members of the community to commemorate the 20 years that have since passed. Once again, Webb spoke at the reception; but this time, he challenged attendees with a bit of historical trivia to reemphasize the importance of the research library’s use.

“Who can name the first Black principal in Denver?” he asked the crowd.

With only a few members of the crowd timidly raising their hands, Webb pointed out that every hand should have been raised, with a reminder that if history is not shared with the next generation, it may become lost forever.

“We cannot let our history be destroyed, lost, stolen, stray or forgotten,” he warned.

A Lasting Legacy

The city of Denver elected Webb to its highest office in

1991, as mounting tensions over the growing crime rate demanded an innovative, powerful response. His first term was marred by events culminating in the 1993 “Summer of Violence,” but his commitment to transformative justice and economic advancement positioned him as the frontrunner for reelection in 1995.

Efforts to restore safety and rebuild from the egregious culture of violence that had plagued the city’s streets were successful, leading to his reelection to a third and final term in 1999.

For Webb, who taught Black Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, and his wife Wilma, who served 13 years in Colorado’s state legislature and carried the bill to make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a state holiday, history was an important focus area which informed their work and service to the community.

The Webbs were concerned that the written history of Black people in Denver and Colorado

The Honorables Wilma J. and Wellington E. Webb

Photo by A’ Star Media

was not being adequately maintained at any local museums or historical sites. They discovered that much of the remaining artifacts and documents were in the private possession of political leaders, churches, community-based nonprofit organizations, and individuals.

“There’s so much history and we need to capture that for young people,” the former mayor said. “So much of it is in boxes, or basements, or in our heads.”

Together, the pair dreamed up a vision for an institution that would preserve and showcase the many incredible contributions made by members of the Black community from early settlement to the present.

“Wilma and I came up with the idea of building a library that could speak to the contributions made by African Americans in Denver, Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain West,” Webb stated. “When we conceptually came up with the idea, there were no blueprints, there was no money, there was nothing.”

In 1997, Webb met with Rick Ashton, chair of the Denver Library Commission, along with Charleszine “Terri” Nelson and Gwendolyn Crenshaw, who worked as staff members at the Central Library, to discuss the unprecedented project. He endeavored to move the existing Five Points library

location from the historic Glenarm YMCA, and build a museum above it.

Within two years, plans for a library dedicated to the collection of local and national Black history and culture were approved by the Denver Library Commission. It would be the country’s fifth and most recent library dedicated to the preservation of Black history, preceded by the Broward County African American Research Library which opened six months prior to BlairCaldwell in 2002.

Nelson and Crenshaw got right to work, devoting themselves to the complex task of creating materials for the library.

“Much of our collection has come from individuals and organizations,” Nelson pointed out. “Among our early commitments was videotaping oral histories of senior citizens who had made important contributions, as well as those individuals who were the first African Americans in their careers and other endeavors.”

The library project was shaped into a repository for written and visual documents –a trailblazing establishment that Webb envisioned as a community stronghold in an area that would likely be subject to gentrification years after completion. He insisted that its location be perfectly situated on Welton

Street, just north of Park Avenue and at the well-known entry of Five Points.

A Gateway to the Past

Blair-Caldwell shares a plaza with Sonny Lawson Park – the first ballfield in the city to host the Negro League games and the first park in Denver to be named after a Black person in 1972. Lawson, a district executive for the Democratic Party in

East Denver, owned and operated Radio Pharmacy on Welton Street for 50 years. The library’s location is pivotal to acknowledging Five Points’ remarkable history.

Once known as “The Harlem of the West,” many of Denver’s Black residents were corralled in the area due to discriminatory redlining practices, yet the strength of the community

Continued on page 12

Denver’s Library Commission

Photo by A’ Star Media

Charleszine “Terri” Nelson

Photo by A’ Star Media

NEWMAN CENTER PRESENTS

2023–2024 SEASON

Continued from page 11 was profound. In addition to being an economic corridor, with plenty of Black-owned businesses, the area was home to historic churches and a plethora of bars and clubs.

Renowned jazz musicians traveled to the Mile High City to perform and were relegated to lodging at the Rossonian Hotel due to segregation from the city’s other hotels.

Webb forecasted the impending gentrification of Five Points due to its proximity to Downtown Denver and knew that the preservation of history belonged in the exact spot where history had occurred. At the anniversary celebration, he recognized that his predictions turned out to be true. The area has undergone drastic development within the last decade, and despite efforts to revitalize some of the historically significant buildings and businesses, very few traces of the past remain.

Gone are the days of the pig ear sandwiches at Zona’s, the twangy hot sauce of Kapre Lounge and Fried Chicken, and the juicy barbeque at the original Burgers & Bones, but the library is a constant reminder of yesteryear, and a location where memories are kept safe.

A New Era

The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library is named for Omar Blair, the Denver School Board’s first Black president who played an instrumental role in ending segregation within the Denver Public School District, and Elvin Caldwell, the city’s first Black city council member.

Webb pointed out that there could have been a different name for the library altogether. “Denver City Councilman Ed Thomas wanted to name the library after Wilma Webb,” he revealed. “She chose not to have it named after her, and said it should be elders from the community.”

While the main floor of the institution operates a full-ser-

vice library, the top two levels are reserved for the preservation of Black history for which the building is purposed.

Level two features the Collection Archives and Research Library, along with a reading room where visitors can explore an array of photographs, manuscript collections, letters and diaries that are not available for checkout.

Level three houses the Western Legacies Museum, with artifacts and memorabilia detailing the settlement of Black pioneers and contributions made by modern heroes. The 7,000-square-foot exhibition space includes an African American Legacy corridor and a leadership hall.

Having worked hand in hand to bring their vision to life, the Webbs are both memorialized for their critical role in the inception of the library, with the Wilma Webb Research Archives Room on the second level, and an endearing replica and exhibition detailing Webb’s mayoral campaign trail.

The Charles R. Cousins Gallery, named for a man who moved to Denver as a Union Pacific Railroad dining car waiter and rose to fame as an investor and philanthropist, shares the third level and features exhibits from local artists.

After its first renovation since the building’s completion in 2003, Blair-Caldwell contains an updated HVAC system and revamped main level. However, the exterior and top two floors remain unchanged. Dexter Nelson II, the new museum and archives supervisor, has plans to update the museum with additions from the last 20 years of history. Nelson II, who previously worked as the Curator of Black History and Cultural Heritage at History Colorado, will utilize community feedback to determine what inclusions are needed.

Blair-Caldwell offers tours of its second and third levels to library visitors and individuals

Martha

Company

who wish to learn the history of the historic neighborhood.

First-Floor Transformation

With the majority of renovations being done to the library’s main level, Blair-Caldwell has a fresh new appearance that blends modernized touches with aesthetics that reflect the third-level museum.

The beloved arch and oilpainted mural titled “Freedom’s Legacy” by Kenyan artist Yvonne Munde, remains unchanged at the library’s entrance. The artwork features images of prominent local and national Black leaders and a stunning Western landscape.

Upon the mural’s completion in 2003, Munde made the following statement: “The people in the painting are displaying the figures from the civil rights movement who fought and died for our right to be free. The true power in the piece is not only the visual imagery of some of the greatest African Americans to fight for civil rights, but also in the individuals who carry those images. It is also in the hope to re-ignite the fire that is the legacy called freedom that African Americans struggled their entire existence for.”

On the other side of the arch, a comfortable seating area has been created, overlooking the new open floorplan. The circulation desk, previously situated near the front doors, has been relocated to another area. The bookcases have been updated with enlarged artwork displays of Colorado’s Black history and culture.

One of the new features on the first floor is the African American Circulating Collection, which contains some of the books that were previously maintained as non-circulating in the second-level archives. This new collection makes more fiction and nonfiction titles accessible to the public.

The children’s area has received updates, including a “Public Art” piece created by local artist Sam McNeil. The installment contains several tables decorated with artwork portraying children’s outside activities and pages from children’s books. To go along with the renovation, the library has created a new activity schedule for children.

“Storytime will become a weekly activity. We also will arrange occasional visits by authors of children’s books,” said newly-appointed branch supervisor, Jameka Lewis.

A space for young adults has been added to the main floor, which Lewis says will also be used for gaming, reading, and discussions.

Finally, the library is hoping to meet the needs of the community with new study rooms and updated community rooms that are available for public events.

Celebrating the Past, Looking to the Future

Funding for the renovation project was made possible by the Elevate Denver Bond, which was passed by Denver voters in 2017 for the Central Library and

10 branch libraries throughout the city. Additional funding was made available from the Denver Public Library Fund’s “Strong Library, Strong Denver” program.

The emcee of the anniversary celebration, James Davis Jr., who works as branch supervisor of the Bear Valley Branch Library, greeted the audience with a strong message. “This is a time to reflect on the past and the future,” he said.

Recognized for her role in Blair-Caldwell’s early organiza-

tion, Nelson, affectionately referred to as a “Founding Librarian,” by Lewis, was honored at the event, and received a plaque commemorating her efforts. She recently retired after 45 years with the Denver Public Library system, with 25 years spent nurturing Blair-Caldwell and the Five Points community.

“The 20th anniversary is a fulfillment of the dream of 1997,” Webb declared, adding, “There is still work to be done. There are still stories that need to be told, and written.”.

Photo by MR @ Denver Weekly News

Photo by MR @ Denver Weekly News

CCCS Bridge to HBCU Program: A New Pathway to Academic Advancement

By Ruby Jones

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) recently unveiled a new transfer opportunity for Colorado students, offering guaranteed enrollment at two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The monumental partnerships forged by the Bridge to HBCU program will enhance educational experiences and transform the next generation of leaders.

Community colleges play a critical role in workforce development. They offer technical training, certificate programs and two-year associate degrees for students at all stages of life. Unlike the restrictive, meritbased admissions process at most traditional four-year educational institutions, almost all community colleges boast openenrollment policies. These policies allow every applicant an opportunity to advance their skill set and professional career.

For students looking to pursue bachelor’s and graduate degrees, attending a community college can be hugely beneficial. The experience can provide a strong foundation for

academic success as students prepare to transfer to a traditional university with the first half of their coursework already completed. Having received an introduction to their field of study, students can move forward with more confidence and pay significantly less, potentially cutting the cost of a fouryear institution’s tuition and fees in half.

CCCS provides accessible and affordable educational opportunities to over 100,000 students per year at 13 schools across Colorado. Led by Chancellor Joe Garcia, CCCS’s vice-chancellors and executive staff coordinate system-wide efforts to fulfill its mission of expanding opportunities available to students. In addition to training programs in construction, education, healthcare, forestry, law enforcement and more, CCCS schools provide concurrent enrollment, online learning, and programs to simplify the post-graduation transition.

Colorado’s Community College History

The role of community colleges (also known as junior colleges) has long been acknowledged as an asset to Colorado’s

workforce development and economic systems. In 1937, the state legislature passed the Junior College Reorganization Act, creating a pathway for the addition of new junior colleges with funding from public school districts.

The Community College and Occupational Act of 1967 separated the community colleges and vocational training institutions from the school districts, establishing the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). In 1985, The SBCCOE was established as a governing body, comprised of 12 members tasked with the creation of advisory councils that provide oversight and strategic planning for community college programs.

In 1986, the SBCCOE established the Colorado Community College and Occupational Education System (CCCOES) as a regulated collection of community colleges and vocational programs throughout the state. In 2002, CCCOES was renamed to its current CCCS moniker.

Bridge to Success 2020, CCCS created an exciting and innovative opportunity, guaranteeing a pathway from any of its 13 colleges to a fouryear degree at a partner university. In three years, the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree program expanded partnerships to 13 four-year colleges and universities throughout Colorado.

In April 2023, CCCS announced the Bridge to HBCU program, a thrilling new addition to the original Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree program that will have a remarkable impact on Colorado’s communities of color. CCCS partnered with its first out-of-state institutions, adding two HBCUs to the list of schools that will guarantee admission for CCCS students.

Starting in Fall 2023, students can select Saint

Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, or Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. They will be guaranteed enrollment and financial assistance to complete a four-year degree.

There are 107 institutions throughout the United States of America identified as HBCUs by the US Department of Education. Many of the institutions were founded during the Reconstruction Era, though all of them must have been established prior to 1964. HBCUs traditionally operate with the primary intention of providing education to Black students who would otherwise be limited by systemic inequity. With most of the institutions being situated in the South and along the East Coast, students of any race and ethnicity can attend.

Dr. Ryan Ross, Ph.D. serves as the CCCS Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Equity and Inclusion in addition to working closely with communities of color as the president and CEO of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado. He proudly discusses the benefits of the new Bridge to HBCU program, with emphasis on CCCS’s intentional commitment to equity.

“We looked at transfer outcomes and the needs of students, and where we are geographically. One of the things we didn’t have was access to HBCUs – for all students, but obviously for Black and African American students,” he says. “Part of that is based on our demographics being under five percent. A lot of the HBCUs either don’t know to come here,

or don’t think it’s valuable to come here, or don’t want to spend the resources to come here because the numbers are so low.”

Ross says the process of identifying partner universities included being selective and finding the right fit.

“We looked for HBCUs that have faculty and staff who have a real familiarity with community college students,” he reveals. “In the instance of Saint Augustine, the new president, Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, has been a community college president and a member of the American Association of Community Colleges. She really gets who community college students are, and she has a strong commitment to equity. The Senior Vice President of Student Experience, Dr. Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon, actually worked at the Community College of Denver as the vice president.”

Removing Financial Barriers

Another selection criterion for the Bridge to HBCU partnership was for the colleges to commit scholarships to CCCS students. Transfer students to Saint Augustine University will receive scholarships from $7,500 to $9,000, and students transferring to Texas Southern University will receive $2,500. This financial assistance, in addition to other grants and scholarships students pursue independently, will significantly reduce the cost of higher education.

In a press release announcing the new partnerships, Dr. Rodriguez-McClellon states, “Our Partnership with CCCS will provide students with financial resources to complete their bachelor’s degree, leadership opportunities, and global exposure to ensure career preparation.”

CCCS is proud to offer cost savings to Colorado students.

“Not only are you going to get a high-quality education, but you’re going to save yourself thousands of dollars,” Ross exclaims.

Overall, Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree participants save an average of $10,000 on the total cost of their degrees.

Making the Choice

The Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree program is limited to new, first-time students. To participate, students must indicate their desire to join the program during the application process, when they will also select two of their top transfer choices. Next, students will be assigned an advisor at their CCCS school and a transfer advisor at their choice university, who will work with them throughout the course of their two-year education.

After graduating with an associate of art or science degree in any discipline, admission to the four-year school of choice is streamlined, with guaranteed

acceptance and assistance with the transfer process.

For Ross, who attended the predominantly white Nebraska Wesleyan University, this program creates an important opportunity for Black students to see themselves in every aspect of a college campus –from the administration to the student body.

“It gives them hope. It gives them courage. It provides a safe environment where students can not only get their education but be in a place that’s psychologically safe,” he says. “Being able to have that place to grow is really important.”

CCCS is working to expand its HBCU partnership to additional schools while supporting students every step of the way..

Editor’s Note: For more information about CCCS and its Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree program, visit www.cccs.edu.

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• HUD-subsidized housing available for individuals 62 & older or persons with disabilities. Additional household members welcome.

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• Call, email, visit or download an application. Submit by email, in person, or fax. Drop o昀 box in lobby open 24/7: 22 S. Adams St., Denver CO 80209

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• Apartments are waitlisted. Contact Leasing department for current wait time.

Kavod Senior Life is a non-pro昀t, non-sectarian organization providing housing & services to older adults & people with disabilities that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or familial status.

Becoming a Real Estate Boss with Airbnbs

Exploring the concept of investment property ownership in tourist cities

By Barry Overton

In recent years, the landscape of real estate investing has evolved to encompass novel opportunities that extend beyond traditional long-term rental properties. The rise of the sharing economy and the ever-growing popularity of short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb have given rise to a new frontier in real estate investing. Investors are now tapping into the potential of Airbnb properties in tourist cities across the United States and even internationally. Destin, Florida, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Dallas, Texas, Tulum, Mexico, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic are just a few examples of the many locations that have piqued the interest of astute investors.

Owning an Airbnb property in a popular tourist city presents a highly lucrative investment opportunity for savvy individuals seeking to capitalize on the booming travel industry. The allure of such an endeavor lies in the ever-increasing demand for unique and personalized accommodation experiences. Travelers today are not merely looking for a place to rest their heads; they crave authentic, local experiences that traditional hotels often cannot provide. By owning an Airbnb property, investors can tap into this trend by curating spaces that reflect the city’s culture, architecture, and lifestyle, offering vis-

itors a genuine and immersive stay. The flexibility of short-term rentals allows property owners to adjust pricing in response to market trends, enabling them to maximize profits during peak seasons and events, further adding to the investment’s lucrativeness.

Furthermore, the financial gains from owning an Airbnb property extend beyond increased nightly rates. Property owners can benefit from the potential to achieve higher occupancy rates compared to traditional long-term rentals, as the dynamic nature of tourism often guarantees a consistent flow of guests throughout the year. With the rise of online platforms and easy booking processes, managing an Airbnb property has become increasingly streamlined, allowing owners to efficiently market their listings and manage reservations remotely. But, before embarking on an endeavor like this there are a few things that should be learned about the market and the industry.

Researching Short-Term Rental Laws

One of the foremost steps in venturing into Airbnb real estate investments is conducting comprehensive research on the shortterm rental laws and regulations in the chosen cities. Each location may have distinct rules governing the permissible duration of stays, taxation, licensing, and zoning requirements for short-term rentals. Ignoring these regulations can lead to legal repercussions and financial losses. Investors must invest time in thoroughly understanding and adhering to these laws to ensure a smooth and profitable Airbnb venture.

Setting Up an Airbnb Property

Setting up an Airbnb property involves multiple stages, each demanding careful planning and execution. After securing a property in a prime tourist location, investors need to consider essential steps such as:

1. Property Renovation and Furnishing: To attract guests and command higher rental rates, the property must be aesthetically pleasing and equipped with modern amenities. Furnishing an Airbnb property differs from a traditional rental property, as it often requires a higher level of interior design and attention to detail.

2. Listing Creation: Crafting an attractive listing with high-quality photographs, detailed descriptions, and competitive pricing is crucial to attracting potential guests.

3. Managing Bookings: Managing guest inquiries, reservations, and scheduling efficiently is essential. Utilizing an Airbnb property management company can simplify this process and ensure a seamless guest experience.

4. Guest Experience: Providing excellent guest experiences through amenities, cleanliness, and responsive communication is vital to receiving positive reviews and repeat bookings.

Purchasing an Airbnb Property

Purchasing an Airbnb property involves strategic considerations beyond those of traditional real estate investments. Factors to consider include:

1. Location: The property’s proximity to attractions, transportation, and entertainment options significantly influences its rental potential.

2. Market Analysis:

Understanding demand, competition, and pricing trends in the local Airbnb market is essential for setting realistic revenue expectations.

3. Property Size and Layout: The property’s size and layout should align with the preferences of the target guest demographic.

4. Investment Financing: Investors must evaluate financing

options, taking into account potential rental income, expenses, and mortgage payments.

Projected Annual Income

The potential annual income from an Airbnb property varies depending on factors such as location, property type, occupancy rates, and pricing strategy. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, some prime tourist cities like Destin, Myrtle Beach, and Dallas have demonstrated strong shortterm rental demand, allowing investors to potentially earn competitive returns on their investment. International locations such as Tulum and Punta Cana also offer promising prospects, given their allure as tourist hotspots.

Consulting with Real Estate Professionals

Navigating the intricate world of Airbnb real estate investing requires a deep understanding of local markets, regulations, and industry trends. Aspiring investors are advised to seek guidance from seasoned real estate professionals who possess a wealth of experience in short-term rental investments. These professionals can provide insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of Airbnb investments, helping investors make informed decisions that align with their financial goals.

In conclusion, the realm of real estate investing has expanded to encompass the dynamic opportunities presented by Airbnb properties in prime tourist cities.With careful research, meticulous planning, and strategic partnerships, investors can tap into a lucrative market that offers both financial rewards and the chance to provide unforgettable experiences for travelers. As with any investment, prudent decisionmaking and consultation with experts remain key to achieving success in this exciting arena..

Editor’s note: Barry Overton is a licensed real estate agent with New Era Group at Your Castle Real Estate. He has been an agent since 2001, and started investing in real estate in 1996. For more information, email: barrysellsdenver@msn.com or call 303-6685433.

City’s Homelessness Initiative Moves from Planning to Action

Mayor Mike Johnston provided an update on the City and County of Denver’s efforts to bring 1,000 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness indoors by the end of the year.

While the city is working to build the housing people need, proactive outreach to individuals living in encampments is working to connect those people to services. In the past two weeks, city outreach teams have helped connect more than 26 individuals to services, including connecting an individual to permanent, stable housing for the first time in his adult life, as well as helping a pregnant woman move from a tent to a hotel unit.

Most of these positive outcomes came from encampments where the city offered services like trash collection, health services outreach, and portalet access – showing that access to dignified services supports positive outcomes for unhoused Denverites.

The city has put several strategies into action, including launching a pilot program to provide portalet access and trash services at several encampment locations around the city. The city is working with community partners, advocates, and the persons living in encampments to keep the portalets clean and safe. This is an important first step to provide the sanitation and support services as the city works to source permanent supportive housing.

The city also closed last week on the Stay Inn in Northeast Denver at 38th Ave. and Peoria St. This property will bring nearly 100 units online to help deliver on our goal.

Finally, the city released a Request for Proposals seeking partners to provide site management and wraparound serv-

ices for micro-communities. Through this effort, the city aims to partner with a wide variety of providers, including local organizations who have been doing this type of work in Denver for years.

Mayor Johnston Continues to Build Team of Vibrant Leaders to Serve Denver

Mayor Mike Johnston has appointed three new members of his senior leadership team. Esther Lee Leach will serve as Senior Advisor for Community Partnerships, acting as a liaison between the Mayor’s Office and key business, arts, non-profit, political, and cultural stakeholders, as well as overseeing Denver’s Boards and Commissions. Angela Casias will join the team as Legislative Director, managing all aspects of the legislative process, including City Council engagement and collaboration with city officials and department heads to ensure successful implementation of the mayor’s key initiatives. Adam Burg will serve as Federal and State Affairs Director and will advocate for policies and resources that benefit the City and County of Denver, strengthening the City’s partnerships with leaders at the state and federal levels of government.

“These three individuals bring so much to the table to support our legislative and community efforts,” Mayor Mike Johnston said. “Adam, Angela and Esther will hit the ground running as they arrive at our office equipped with the strong relationships they’ve built throughout Denver.”

Esther Lee Leach is currently

the Vice President of Development & Fundraising at the Downtown Denver Partnership where she leads their corporate sponsor program, membership department and fundraising efforts. Leach leads the Partnership’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility committee. Previously, she served as Director of Membership Development, Events & Partnerships at Clayton Hotel & Members Club. Leach was recently appointed by Governor Jared Polis to serve as a Commissioner on the Colorado Economic Development Commission.

She is a board member of Biennial of the Americas, Cherry Arts and the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce. She was awarded the Gervasini Community Leader of the Year Award for Cherry Creek by the Chamber of Commerce in 2022. Leach also serves on the 5280

Air Society supporting the fundraising efforts of National Jewish Health, is the co-chair of the Design Track at Denver Startup Week and a Member of the Community Building Council at CiviCO. Leach grew up on the Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia and has now settled in Denver after living in San Francisco, New York and London.

Metro Denver where she leads Federal, State and Municipal advocacy for affordable home ownership and manages Habitat’s government grants division which brings in over $4 million annually. Casias spent 18 years working for the City & County of Denver, including legislative roles in three of the largest departments, Denver Parks & Recreation, Denver’s Department of Transportation & Infrastructure, and Denver International Airport.

Angela Casias’ breadth of experience spans over 30 years working for cities and nonprofit organizations. In her current role, she serves as Senior Vice President of Community and Government Partnerships for Habitat for Humanity of

Throughout her career, she has fostered relationships with Denver City Council members and delivered policy and strategy recommendations to elevate departments, initiatives and programs. Casias was born and raised in Denver and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Colorado at Denver.

Adam Burg currently serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce where he oversees the Chamber’s policy team. His experience also includes his role as the Legislative and Government Affairs Senior Advisor for Adams County, one of the largest counties in Colorado, where he managed the county’s government affairs and legislative programs. Burg has also worked on numerous campaigns across the state of Colorado. Burg is a Colorado local and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Denver..

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Breaks Record for Arts-In-Education Programs

Sold-Out Dancing with the Denver Stars Gala Raises $150,000

Sold-Out Dancing with the Denver Stars Gala Raises $150,000

he 13th Annual Dancing with the Denver Stars (DWTDS) gala was held on August 12, at the Denver Hilton City Center ballroom. The event, along with a paddle-raise fundraiser hosted by professional broadcaster and former Denver Broncos running back, Reggie Rivers, raised $150,000 to support Cleo Parker Robinson Dance’s (CPRD) dance and cultural arts outreach in schools.

This year’s event featured 13 stars, selected for their professional and philanthropic contributions to Denver. Colorado Special Olympics medalist, Cody Fields, and former Denver Broncos running back, Terrell Davis, headlined the event.

They were joined by Laura Nieto (Southwest Airlines), Naquetta Ricks (Colorado HD40), Meredith Leighty (BelArts & Mayor of Northglenn), Michelle Griego (CBS Colorado), Kelly Flenniken (Xcel Energy), Dakeana Jones-Bishop (All Health Network), Brian Holland (Mortenson Construction), Brian Vogt (Denver Botanic Gardens), Chris Ross (US Bank), Maisha Fields (Dayton Street Clinic), and Lauren Guthrie (VF Corporation).

Paired with professional dancers from CPRD Ensemble and its apprentice company, the teams performed an array of brilliant choreography to the amazement of the audience. Thunderous standing ovations followed a diverse range of songs from Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, and Missy Elliott, musi-

cal selections that matched the gala’s Celebrating the Divas of Music theme.

The joyous evening was kicked off by video greetings from former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and his newly elected successor, Mayor Mike Johnston. Hancock, who previously participated as a DWTDS headliner, challenged Johnston to dance in the event.

“Black Mike and white Mike!” joked comedian Shed G as the diverse audience of over 700 guests laughed and cheered.

Joined on stage by Cleo Parker Robinson herself, Shed G officiated the evening, inviting Shorter AME Church’s Reverend Timothy Tyler, to bless the event with his invocation. A grand entrance of stars

was followed by an opening performance by the CPRD youth and apprentice ensembles. The evening was a success, with masterful choreography that superseded expectations and left the audience in awe.

The sold-out DWTDS event was hosted by Co-Chairs Holly Velasquez-Horvath of Xcel Energy and Jerome Davis of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Davis joked “I’ve been wanting to dance in this event for years. Since I’ve cochaired the event, does this mean I’m a step closer?”

Velasquez-Horvath and Davis were joined by Honorary Chairs Jane and Skip Netzorg, who have been instrumental to CPRD’s efforts to expand their facilities and location. The Netzorgs have made significant contributions to the CPRD Capital Campaign, which is raising funds to complete an expansion. The physical expansion, designed by architect Curt Fentress, will support CPRD programs, including the ArtsIn-Education initiative, which is primarily funded by ticket sales and donations from the DWTDS gala.

In addition to their love and appreciation for CPRD’s dance programs, the Netzorg’s support the mission of the organization’s role in the community, and serve as CPRD Capital Campaign committee members.

“Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is the intersection of social justice and the performing arts,” Skip shared.

Since 2018, CPRD Arts-InEducation programs have provided 3,574 engagements to 732 schools – serving over 250,000 students in Colorado and throughout the country as the ensemble tours. The organiza-

Top to bottom (L to R): Holly Velasquez, Cleo Parker Robinson, Jerome Davis; Cleo, Shedrick Garrett (Shed G); Chris Ross, Malik Robinson, Dr. Dwinita Mosby Tylor, Gwen Brewer; Jane and Skip Herzog; Terrell Davis, Joanne Davidson, Moses Brewer Photos by Bernard Grant

tion provides stipends up to 47% for school partners, ensuring that all students have access to dance and cultural education.

CPRD’s Arts-In-Education initiative resulted in the launch of a dance and cultural arts curriculum in addition to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance at Metropolitan State University of Denver. In total, it has created 7 new school-age programs focused on movement and engaging conversations on equity and social justice.

Statewide supporters of CPRD Arts-In-Education programs acknowledge the considerable benefit of arts education and its impact on student health and achievement. Karen McNeil Miller, CEO of the Colorado Health Foundation, praised the program, saying, “Dance is movement and movement is health, so every time CPRD engages a student in their classes or in the many schools served, they are focusing on health.”

One of this year’s DWTDS participants, Meredith Leighty, works as principal of JeffCo’s Belmar School of Integrated Arts (BelArts), in addition to serving as the mayor of Northglenn, Colorado. BelArts hosted its back-to-school event on August 14, just days after Leighty’s gala appearance. She incorporated group dance sessions led by members of the Cleo II apprentice ensemble and spoke to CBS Colorado about the growing partnership between CPRD and her beloved school.

“My kids benefitted from CPRD AIE in the Adams County Studio School, and I want to share with everyone how amazing this program is for students at BelArts and all schools,” she said.

With Arts-In-Education dance and cultural arts outreach prominently featured as the gala’s fundraising mission, the paddleraise portion of the evening garnered $141,500. Four days later, donations increased total proceeds to $150,000, ensuring that CPRD can continue to expand its efforts for an even larger impact.

Malik Robinson, CPRD Executive Director noted, “This 13th year of the gala includes more than 50 decades of commitment by a village of community leaders and artists.”

Having provided distinguished dance programs and outreach in Denver and around the world, CPRD is a pillar of the community whose contributions have educated and inspired dance enthusiasts since 1970. The DWTDS gala is an opportunity for leaders to give back, even if just for one mesmerizing night of movement.

“Who would have thought this event would become what it is today?” CPRD Board Chair Gwen Brewer mused, with an invitation, “If you’re inspired to dance, come see me—soon. I’m taking names!”.

Editor’s Note: For information about CPRD Arts-In-Education programs, contact Shelby Jarosz at shelby@cleoparkerdance.org.

Self-Care: Embracing the Seven Pillars and How to Practice Them

By Kim Farmer and Kennah Searles

In the relentless hustle and bustle of today’s world, the art of self-care often finds itself buried beneath mountains of deadlines, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. Yet, within the very heart of this fast-paced existence, lies the absolute necessity to care for the most pivotal entity in your life: yourself. Self-care is not a mere luxury; it’s the cornerstone where your well-being stands. It’s a dedication to preserving your mental, emotional, and physical health, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving.

In this article, we will discuss the intricacies of each pillar. From cultivating a resilient mind to fostering connections that enrich your soul, every aspect of these pillars contributes to the masterpiece of selfcare.

1. Mental Self-Care

Mindful Meditation: Dedicate a few minutes each day to meditation. Focus on your breathing and observing your thoughts without judgment. By grounding yourself in the present moment, you can alleviate stress and gain clarity.

Learning New Skills: Challenge yourself to acquire a skill you’ve always been curious about, be it coding, painting, or cooking a new recipe. Whether you learn through online courses or engaging with thought-provoking literature, this will stimulate your intellect and broaden your horizons.

Affirmation Practices: Start your day off with positive selfaffirmations that counter neg-

ative thoughts, fostering a resilient and confident mindset. These empowering statements can transform your mindset by replacing self-doubt with selfassurance.

2. Emotional Self-Care Journaling: Dedicate a set time each day to write down your thoughts and feelings. This practice can help you untangle complex emotions and find solutions to your challenges. A practice like journaling can serve as a safe haven for your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to process them and gain deeper insights into your inner world.

Creative Expression: Engage in artistic activities that resonate with you, such as painting, playing a musical instrument, or writing poetry, to channel and release pent-up emotions. This acts as a cathartic release, enabling you to channel emotions in a healthy manner.

Emotional Check-Ins: Regularly pause to assess your emotions. Ask yourself how you’re feeling, why you might be feeling that way, and what steps you can take to support your emotional well-being. Assess your feelings without judgment, allowing yourself the space to feel and heal.

3. Physical Self-Care Healthy Eating Habits:

310-491-4633 • candoo13@msn.com

Prioritize healthy nutrition by choosing a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables. Fill your plate with nutrient-dense foods, focusing on a variety of colors and food groups to nourish your body from the inside out.

Regular Exercise: This is a non-negotiable aspect of physical self-care, so find activities that bring you joy and make them apart of your routine. Whether it’s brisk walking, swimming, or practicing yoga, aim for 30 minutes most days.

Adequate Rest: Establish a calming bedtime routine and create a sleep-conducive environment to ensure you get a restful sleep each night. Ensure you get the recommended 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to rejuvenate your body and mind.

4. Environmental Self-Care

Decluttering: Regularly assess and organize your living and work spaces. Donate or discard items you no longer need to create an environment that fosters a sense of peace, providing mental clarity.

Nature Connection: Dedicate time to outdoor activities, such as hiking, gardening, or simply strolling through a park, to refresh your senses and restore your energy.

Aesthetic Pleasure: Surround yourself with elements that promote positive emotions, such as soothing colors, inspiring artwork, and plants that bring life to your spaces. Incorporate smells and objects that resonate with your spirit.

5. Spiritual Self-Care

Meditation and Reflection: Set aside moments each day for meditation or quiet reflection. This practice can help you center your thoughts, connect with your inner self and find moments of stillness and tranquility.

Exploring Beliefs: Engage in activities that align with your spiritual beliefs, whether it’s

attending a religious service, reading spiritual texts, or engaging in philosophical discussions.

Acts of Kindness: Spread positivity through small acts of kindness, whether it’s volunteering, helping a friend in need, or expressing gratitude. These actions can create a sense of purpose and connection with others, and also nourish your spirit.

6. Practical Self-Care

Decluttering: Organize your physical space, as this can have a profound impact on your organization and productivity. Donate or dispose of items that have no purpose or place.

Time Management: Create a structured daily schedule that allots time for work, relaxation, self-care, and social activities. This balanced approach helps prevent overwhelming stress. This allows you to allocate your time for work, leisure, and selfcare-preventing burnout.

Financial Management: Develop a budget and savings plan that aligns with your financial goals. Taking control of your finances can alleviate a lot of stress and provide a sense of security. It enables you to make informed decisions that contribute to your long-term stability.

7. Pleasure Self-Care

Hobbies: Rediscover or engage in activities you love, whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, cooking, or engaging in a craft. These hobbies can provide a creative outlet and a break from your routine, bringing you genuine delight.

Indulge in Treats: Occasionally allow yourself to indulge in treats that bring you happiness. Be it enjoying a decadent dessert, taking a long bath, or treating yourself to a favorite book, allow yourself to savor life’s pleasures guilt-free.

Leisure Time: Dedicate moments to leisure without any specific goal in mind. Whether

it’s watching a movie, going for a leisurely stroll, or having a picnic, these activities are meant to rejuvenate and refresh your spirit, helping you unwind.

Remember, self-care isn’t just a fleeting moment of indulgence, it’s an enduring commitment to honor yourself, to thrive, and to shine brightly. May you find the balance and inner harmony that you deserve. With each pillar you embrace, you move closer to a life that’s rich with purpose, meaning, and unbounded joy. So, take a step today towards a life steeped in self-care and illuminated by your own vibrant life.

Thanks for reading!

Editor’s note: Kim Farmer and Kennah Searles of Mile High Fitness & Wellness offer in home/virtual personal training, nutrition coaching and corporate wellness solutions. For more information, visit www.milehighfitness.com or email thrive@milehighfitness.com

Making transmissions well since 1983.

Colorado School District Leaders Sue State Over Free Preschool Program Rollout

By Ann Schimke, Chalkbeat Colorado

Six Colorado school districts and two statewide education groups sued the state last month, claiming Colorado’s universal preschool program is harming children with disabilities and breaking financial promises to families and school districts.

The Colorado Association of School Executives, the Consortium of Directors of Special Education, and six districts filed the lawsuit against Gov. Jared Polis, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, and the Colorado Department of Education in Denver district court. The districts include Brighton-based 27J, Cherry Creek, Harrison, Mapleton, Platte Valley, and Westminster.

The groups allege that children will miss out on vital special education services, full-day preschool classes, or any preschool at all because the state’s online matching system is rife with problems. In several of the plaintiff districts, the first day of preschool was this week, but lots of children were missing from class rosters.

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood is running the new preschool program, but the Department of Education is in charge of ensuring that preschoolers with disabilities are served according to special education laws. Launching universal preschool has been one of Polis’ signature priorities since he hit the campaign trail in 2018.

The lawsuit marks the latest and probably most significant bump in the rocky rollout of the

preschool program, which offers 10 to 30 hours of tuitionfree preschool a week to all 4year-olds in Colorado and 10 hours to some 3-year-olds. Technology problems, poor communication, and lastminute changes have left many preschool providers and parents confused and frustrated in the run-up to the program’s launch this month. The lawsuit touches on many of the same issues, with one of the school districts’ most pressing concerns being how the matching system functions — or doesn’t.

Mat Aubuchon, executive director of learning services for the Westminster district north of Denver, described a mother who showed up to preschool Thursday with a three- and a four-year-old — and the school had to turn away the threeyear-old because they couldn’t verify the child was correctly placed. These problems could have been avoided, superintendents said at a press conference, if district administrators had been included years earlier in the preschool planning process.

“I’m saddened that we’re here today,” said Cherry Creek Superintendent Christopher Smith. “All we’re asking is to be part of the solution.”

The lawsuit is the third one the state has faced over universal preschool. In June, a Christian preschool in Chaffee County sued the Department of Early Childhood, alleging that a non-discrimination agreement the state requires from universal preschool providers would prevent it from operating in accordance with its religious beliefs.

Editor’s note: This article is powered by COLab, the Colorado News Collaborative

Two Catholic parishes that operate preschools filed a similar lawsuit last month.

The school districts’ lawsuit touches more directly on one of universal preschool’s stated purposes: to help children who need it most get a strong foundation for school.

A spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood said the department would not comment on pending litigation. In an emailed statement, Polis spokesman Conor Cahill lamented that the plaintiffs were distracting from the successes of universal preschool and pledged to defend the program “vigorously” in court.

“While it’s unfortunate to see different groups of adults attempting to co-opt preschool for themselves, perhaps because they want to not allow gay parents to send their kids to preschool, or they want to favor school district programs over community-based early childhood centers, the voters were clear on their support for parent choice and a universal, mixed delivery system that is independently run, that doesn’t discriminate against anyone and offers free preschool to every child no matter who their parents are,” Cahill said.

Jeremy Meyer, a spokesman for the Colorado Department of Education, said officials there are still reviewing the complaint. “It is important to us to emphasize that CDE fundamentally values serving all students, and we are absolutely committed to ensuring preschool students with disabilities receive all the services they are entitled to under federal law to prepare them for success in school,” he said in an email.

A Glitchy Preschool Algorithm Creates District Headaches

The state’s online preschool matching system — called BridgeCare — is at the center of the latest lawsuit. Starting last

winter, preschools listed their offerings on the platform and families used it to apply for a spot. A computer algorithm then matched kids to seats.

The system doesn’t always work, leading to long waits for parents on the state’s helpline, time-consuming manual fixes by regional groups tasked with helping run the new program, and preschool spots that go unfilled despite high local demand, according to the lawsuit.

In addition, district officials’ access to the platform is so limited they sometimes can’t properly place children with disabilities or even contact their families, according to the lawsuit. As a result, public schools can’t fulfill their legal obligation to such students and their parents, the plaintiffs said.

The lawsuit describes a lastminute effort in late July to give districts additional access to BridgeCare. In the Harrison district, it yielded days of fruitless back-and-forth between state and district staff about erroneous or missing sign-ups. Although district officials expected 124 students with disabilities to be matched with their classrooms, zero showed up on the list. State officials suggested the district “do some family outreach,” according to the lawsuit.

“We have failed students and we have failed their families,” Harrison Superintendent Wendy Birhanzel said during the press conference. “They will continue to lose instruction until changes are made.”

Bret Miles, executive director of the Colorado Association of School Executives, said part of the reason for problems with BridgeCare is that the state didn’t spend the money needed to get a system with more capabilities. “They bought a cheaper version of it,” he said.

Besides the matching system, the lawsuit alleges several instances in which state officials rolled back funding pledges,

inappropriately diverted money for students with disabilities to the general education preschool fund, or are delaying payments.

The suit cites a promise by the state to pay for full-day preschool for students from lowincome families, or who have one of four other risk factors. State officials announced in late July that only a fraction of those students — those from lowincome families who also have a second risk factor — are eligible for tuition-free full-day classes.

The Westminster district north of Denver, where many students come from low-income families, will spend $2 million this year to ensure more than 170 4-year-olds whose families expected full-day classes will get them at no cost, according to the lawsuit. The Harrison district, which also has many students from low-income families, estimated it will have to spend several million dollars to cover full-day preschool for children the state now won’t cover.

The suit also claims the state re-appropriated $38 million that was supposed to be used for preschoolers with disabilities into a pot of general education preschool dollars. In addition, it alleges the state plans to hold back some money until next June that districts need this year.

Scott Smith, Cherry Creek’s chief financial and operating officer, said when he and other district leaders raised concerns to state officials more than a year ago that there wouldn’t be enough money to fully fund the new preschool program, “We were continually disregarded. That funding isn’t there and wasn’t there,” he said.

About 39,000 Colorado 4year-olds have been matched with a preschool through the universal program so far. Most families were able to choose from a variety of preschool settings, including schools, childcare centers, or state-licensed

homes, but parents of students with disabilities were not. Such students — about 12% of the total — will generally be served in public schools, which have a legal responsibility to provide services spelled out in each child’s federally mandated special education plan.

The new $322 million preschool program is funded with proceeds from a voterapproved nicotine tax and dollars from the state’s previous, smaller preschool program, which was only for students from low-income families or who had other risk factors.

Through last school year, Colorado preschoolers who had diagnosed disabilities were served through the state’s “early childhood special education” program. School district teams placed the vast majority of those children in classrooms where at least half of students were typically developing kids.

This year, under the universal preschool program, integrating students with disabilities and their typical peers is still the goal, but the state’s electronic platform has taken over the role district officials used to play. That’s led to some children being matched to settings that don’t make sense or classrooms that don’t have the right balance of children, requiring convoluted change requests that have often further frustrated parents..

Editor’s note: Ann Schimke is a senior reporter at Chalkbeat, covering early childhood issues and early literacy. Contact Ann at aschimke@chalkbeat.org.

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