Denver Urban Spectrum June 2016

Volume 30

Number 3 June 2016

Music Celebrates the History of Freedom...2

True Beauty of the Blues...4

“Funk It Up” Breathes Life Through Sax...6

Recognizing Juneteenth and Black Music Month

Cover Illustration: BB the King by Juliette Hemingway

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR Volume 30 Number 3

June 2016

PUBLISHER Rosalind J. Harris

GENERAL MANAGER Lawrence A. James

MANAGING EDITOR Laurence C. Washington

CONTRIBUTING COPY EDITOR Angelia McGowan Tanya Ishikawa COLUMNISTS Earl Ofari Hutchinson Kim Farmer Sydney M. Odion-Smith FILM CRITIC BlackFlix.Com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Khaleel Herbert Melovy Melvin Laurence Washington ART DIRECTOR Bee Harris

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jody Gilbert - Kolor Graphix

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Melovy Melvin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Lens of Ansar Rita Jones

MARKETING AND SALES CONSULTANT Marie Weatherspoon DISTRIBUTION Glen Barnes Lawrence A. James Ed Lynch

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 2016 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.

Back in 1979, President Jimmy Carter christened June as Black Music Month. President Barack Obama now proclaims the national observance as African-American Music Appreciation Month. But the mission behind the annual celebration hasn't changed: To recognize the rich and influential legacy of Black music.

In the past, we have observed this month featuring local and national recognized entertainers in the music industry.

This month is no different. But we celebrate the industry with three different angles of three features we hope you will enjoy.

Up and coming jazz saxophonist, Harold Rapp III, shared with me the obstacles he had to overcome in order to get to this point of his promising career as musician. Local artist, and music aficionado Juliette Hemingway, talked to Khaleel Herbert about bringing a unique perspective to her craft and why blue is not always blue. Juneteenth organizer Norman Harris told Melovy Melvin where the Juneteenth Musical Festival has been, where it is today and where he would like to see it go in the future.

In addition to the stories featured in this month issue, this is the season of festivals where you can enjoy a plethora of live music – in the parks, in the mountains and in the many entertainment venues around the city.

So get out, get some sun and have some fun!

Laurence C. Washington DUS Managing Editor

"Never ask a man who is his favorite Bond. If it's Connery, he'll tell you. If it isn't, why embarrass him?" - LCW

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Colorado Does Good Deed

because he walks on Civil Rights like they’re cheap rugs. That’s just the ways of country club thugs.

So hear these words and catch reality’s buzz. Donald Trump is a chump, make him president and you’ll be looking for a bridge from which to jump. As soon as he becomes president MERICA IS GONN meet its high noon. That’s because his ego will take up all the room. This is why American needs a new broom.

We need this country to make a clean sweep and to wake up from its too long sleep. Failing to do so will cause trouble for everyone you meet.

That means rioting in the streets. This is what happens if America elects a chump. This is why you shouldn’t vote for a chump named Donald Trump.

Editor: Praise and thanks to our Colorado legislature for respecting the rights of all people in Colorado by not following the lead of some other states (North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi) by passing a so called “religious freedom” law this session. The religious community and its moral values have served as a motivational force to secure the rights of many disenfranchised and marginalized groups in our society. Although there were two such bills introduced this year, faith voices such as the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado stood as a witness for equal treatment of all citizens.

As a Christian pastor, my faith values demand that I do all that I can to protect the rights of others…the same rights that I enjoy. When we stand and place our hand over our hearts, face “Old Glory” and pledge “liberty and justice for all”, here in Colorado, we understand that means ALL. Our actions here in Colorado are good news for people of color in Colorado and everywhere!

By Xinavane Sadiki Denver, CO

Hillary for America’s Presidency

Editor: It sounds like a good idea to me.

I’m talking about America having a president name Hillary. Now she’s become a guiding light for the whole world to see. Setting an example by showing what can be accomplished when dreams are allowed to run free.

Showing women around the world dreams can be more than a mere possibility.

Who would’ve thought America would have a woman in the office of the presidency? That’s what happens when there’s a land that lives in liberty. This too sounds like a good idea to me. I’m talking about doors of equal opportunity being opened by a president name Hilary and shattering those so called glass ceilings allowing

Rev. Dr. James Fouther United Church of Montbello

Donald Trump is a Chump

Editor: Donald Trump is a chump, elect him president and watch America end up in a dump.

Then you’ll be looking for a bridge from which to jump. He says he’s going to make America great again.

What that means if giving more to more underserving white men. He still thinks white skin is a good enough reason to win. I don’t want a president who I’ll grow to resent

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America to mend past hurt feelings.

All while making the world more aware of the way it should be dealing.

Yeah, I know some make fun of the fact Hilary always wears pants suits.

But when the world prefers to ignore her brains; how else is she supposed to stand out from the two crowded political group?

This is just her way of standing out from America’s ordinary political soup. This too sounds like a good idea to me. I’m talking about having Hillary serving in the office of the American presidency. Making no mistake her ascendancy to that office hasn’t come for free, she’s had to play political hard ball while all of y ’all insist she maintains her femininity.

This sounds like global masculinity suffering from abnormal insecurity.

This by the way isn’t the best way for the world to move forward more progressively. Voting against Hillary sounds like a mild form of insanity.

That’s because without her in the office of the presidency presents America with a future without much viability. And that really does sounds like Republican inspired insensitivity.

So if you want to share this good idea with me get up, go vote for that lady named Hillary for America’s presidency.

JAAZZZ Cowboy Bonner Denver, CO

Black Nurses Raise Awareness About Hepatitis C At CBAF

Editor: The Eastern Colorado Council of Black Nurses (ECCBN) was founded in 1973. We help facilitate better patient care in minority communities Continued on page 24

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uneteenth, a festival held annually on June 19, is the oldest known celebration to commemorate African-American’s emancipation from slavery in the U.S. On Sept. 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring on Jan. 1, 1863 that all persons held in slavery within any state, or designated part of a state, shall be forever set free.

Unfortunately, the news reached Galveston, Texas two and a half years later on June 19, 1865, where slavery was still institutionalized. This historic document was greeted with joy and celebration among enslaved AfricanAmericans in the Lone Star State.

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In 1979 a bill, initiated by Albert “Al” Edwards, an AfricanAmerican state lawmaker, passed the Texas State Legislature recognizing Juneteenth Day – which was signed into law. On Jan. 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday through Edwards’ efforts. The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition. Edwards has since actively sought to spread the observance of Juneteenth all across America.

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Otha P. Rice, a Texas native, brought the Juneteenth celebration to Denver during the early ‘50s to 28th and Welton Street at Rice’s Tap Room and Oven. In 1996, another Texan, Al Richardson, picked up the celebration for the Five Points Business Association (FPBA) and community. Two thousand sixteen marks the fifth year that Denver businessman Norman Harris has served as organizer of Denver’s Juneteenth Celebration.

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Over the years, Juneteenth has undergone many changes and because it had pushed its focus on music, along with celebrating freedom and the achievements of the AfricanAmerican community, Juneteenth continues its long historical tradition.

Juneteenth is largely supported by small businesses and community organizations that vend, educate and promote worthy causes. Sponsors and a handful of grants have allowed Harris and the board to enhance the festival experience.

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Juneteenth provides a range of activities to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today. Juneteenth almost always focuses on education and selfimprovement.

“We are always growing and so is our city,” Harris says. “We’ve been able to find some great synergy with the city and the Five Points neighborhood and it continues to get better. The Juneteenth celebration is not only about the great freedom and the great contribution of African-Americans to our nation, but that those contributions can be found throughout all of our neighborhoods and invite any and every one to join in that celebration with us.”

Today, Juneteenth is enjoying a phenomenal growth rate within communities and organizations throughout the country. Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Henry Ford Museum and others have begun spon-

Historically, Denver’s celebration is one the nation’s largest Juneteenth celebration, and after a decline in attendance and participation, a decision was made to re-brand the celebration.

The music and performance portion of the festival has always been a large draw for which it is formerly known as The Juneteenth Music Festival.

This year’s festival will give the stage to up and coming performers and talent.

“We have a great line-up and are in the final stages of locking down some acts coming from outside cities and some of our favorites here from metro Denver,” Harris says. Harris believes in a long-term vision for the festival that includes a music-driven celebration and looks forward to expanding their demographic through music, as a universal language and form of expression.

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soring Juneteenth-centered activities.

In recent years, a number of local and national Juneteenth organizations have arisen to take their place alongside older organizations – all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African-American history and culture.

Juneteenth celebrates AfricanAmerican freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous selfdevelopment and respect for all cultures.

Harris plans on accomplishing new things with Juneteenth. “We have many goals with regards to the festival,” he says. “One is to continue having the largest festival base in AfricanAmerican Culture in Denver and to continue to grow relative programming. We would also like to continue drawing visitors to the historic Five Points neighborhood and adding value to the community.

“Long-term goals include seeing JMF Corp., producers of Juneteenth Music Festival, carry out the type of social responsibility that advocacy groups did in the 60’s, as well as, the positive impact on change and the wider community. The progression of African-Americans has always happened on the backs of community and organization and we strive to be an even larger outlet for progression in the future.”

Editor’s note: Juneteenth will be held on June 18, in the Five Points Community.

For more information and a schedule, visit Juneteenthfestival.com or email contact@juneteenthmusicfestival. com.

Association of Black Cardiologists Announces New President and Board Chairman

New York, NY (BlackNews.com) – The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), an inclusive organization dedicated to eliminating disparities in cardiovascular diseases, has elected Felix Sogade, MD as chairman of the board and Barbara Hutchinson, MD, Ph.D. as president.

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Sogade and Dr. Hutchinson to their new leadership roles,” said Malcolm Taylor, MD, chairman of the nominating committee. “Their outstanding contributions to ABC across many sectors and proven leadership and business experiences will serve our organization well as we embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.”

Dr. Sogade currently serves as the CEO/President of Georgia Arrhythmia Consultants and Research Institute (GACRI). He is ABIM board certified in clinical cardiac electrophysiology and cardiovascular diseases and has provided services to the mid-Georgia area for more than 19 years. In addition, he serves as Associate Professor of Medicine at Mercer University.

“As an organization, ABC and its constituent members have played a tremendous role in my personal career development,” commented Dr. Sogade. “Twenty one years ago I was awarded the very first ABC fellowship to continue my training in Cardiac Electrophysiology at Duke University.

I am honored today to serve as chairman of the board and shall continue to remain appreciative for this opportunity. This depth of gratitude makes commitment and determination to ensure success of this organization unfaltering.”

Dr. Hutchinson is the managing partner of Chesapeake Cardiac Care, P.A., and a cardiology practice in Annapolis, Maryland. She is board certified in cardiovascular disease and sleep medicine as well as a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC). Dr. Hutchinson is an instructor in the Department of Internal Medicine at University of Maryland Hospital and a noted international speaker.

“I am thrilled to accept the board and membership appointment as president,” remarked Dr. Hutchinson.

“The organization is at an exciting place in its 42 year history and I look forward to advancing its mission through the collaborative efforts of our board, our membership and staff. We want to build on the successes we have achieved thus far in education, research and advocacy while cultivating expansive progress in eliminating disparities. As an organization, we are strongly positioned to deliver reliable solutions to achieving health equity and diversity strategies (workforce, clinical trials) through high quality partnerships.”

ABC also elected new board members Aaron Horne, Jr., MD, MBA;

Onyedika Ilonze, MD, MPH; Heather Kinder; Wilma McGee, RN; Cheryl Pegus, MD; and Chima Nwaukwa, MD. Returning members and new officers include Andre Artis, MD, Mahfouz El Shahawy, MD (Secretary), Mark Thompson (Treasurer); and Michael Weamer, CAE. New officers were inducted earlier last month at ABC’s general membership dinner held during the American College of Cardiology’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago.

The ABC Board of Directors comprises a wide range of experience in various fields, including healthcare, organizational management and capacity building.

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About the Association of Black Cardiologists

Founded in 1974, the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc., (ABC) is a nonprofit organization with an international membership of 1,500 health professionals, lay members of the community (community health advocates), corporate members, and institutional members.

The ABC is dedicated to eliminating the disparities related to cardiovascular disease in all people of color and achieving the highest level of health for all individuals and communities. The ABC is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). For more information, visit www.abcardio.org.

Music in the Paint:

Breaking Down the Art of

Juliette Hemingway

By Khaleel Herbert

“ Music is the common

thread that holds all of us together

no matter who we are, where we

live or how we live our lives. Music has set a deep imprint on Juliette Hemingway in her art, and in her

life...”

Denver artist Juliette Hemingway’s artwork focuses on one genre of music – “Jazz.”

Hemingway’s “Moving Through a Mood,” painting depicts a man strumming a bass, while her striking “Blues Hall” captures a man soulfully blowing a saxophone.

“Jazz is a universal language,” explains Hemingway who started listening to jazz and blues with her grandparents. “It’s a set language that everybody can relate to young and old. Even young people who may not relate to it now, they mature into it later. It’s one of those type of music genres that I feel really can pull your emotional heartstrings.”

would sit at the table and draw for hours and read comic books.”

Hemingway says comic books are still a major influence, punctuated by her favorite artists Jean-Michel Basquiat, William H. Johnson, old masters, such as DaVinci and Michelangelo.

“I love the illustrative works of Norman Rockwell, JC Leyendecker and Mucha,” she says.

Even though Hemingway is selftaught, she’s on a knowledge quest – watching videos on various websites including Schoolism.com, WattsAtelier.com, proko.com and oatleyacademy.com.

“I mentored under master sculptor Ed Dwight, and still seek him out for advice even now,” she says. “I have been influenced a lot with concept artists who work in the digital media, such as, Armand Serrano (Zootopia and Big Hero 6), Robert Kondo (Monsters University and Ratatouille) and Dice Tsutsumi (Robots and Horton Hears a Who!).”

Music and Art

Hemingway’s website displays a multitude of drawings and paintings

Early Influences

Hemingway, a former Air Force brat who was born in Belleville, Illinois, says she cannot recall a time when she wasn’t drawing.

“I remember growing up on my grandparent’s farm and me and my cousins

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that she has done. Her prints range from $35 to $100, and originals range from $300 to $750. One series includes pen and ink sketches on law books from the 1800s.

“This bookstore down on Broadway closed,” Hemingway says explaining what inspired her. “We went over there and were looking around and there’s this stack of law books from the 1800s. So I got five of the books which are about two to three inches thick.

“I just thought what an interesting contrast to put a page of law – the boundaries of law – as my foundation for my artwork. Artwork is so creative and free and about going outside the box,” continues Hemingway. “You can look through these pages and see something about this case in 1890 in Colorado, and then you have this image of this conductor or musician on top of it. I just thought it was fun.”

Music not only appears in Hemingway’s artwork, but it also helps her get into the mood of creating art. “I listen to music while I’m painting. A song by Miles Davis might come on and it might inspire me to sketch something out. It’s one of those components that help me do things.”

Hemingway says she can evoke a message through her art if it has a music theme instead of a controversial one. “I’m not a very controversial artist. So instead of being so literal with it, I’ll put a music theme behind it to help get the message across.”

Almost every person that Hemingway has painted is blue. The blue represents autism and also doesn’t set a race for her people.

“I paint blue people because my son is autistic,” Hemingway says.

“The blue represents that part of my life that’s ever-present, so it’s everpresent in my pieces as well. I started experimenting with pulling other colors in. But because blue has such meaning for me, it’ll probably always be a theme in my work.”

A Brighter Outlook

Hemingway’s paintings have been showcased at various events in and out of Colorado, including the 33rd annual Winter Park Jazz Festival in July 2015 and the Fields Foundation’s Annual Courageous Citizens Award Ceremony and Champagne Brunch in 2012 and 2013.

“I do have plans to show in Art Basel, Miami in December 2017,” she says with fingers crossed.

When people look at Hemingway’s art, she wants them to know there are still beautiful things in the world despite its negativity. “I’m hoping my artwork will bring a little bit of joy to patrons and non-patrons alike. I also want people to be aware that autism is not a disease. It’s a way of life.”

Hemingway says when she creates her art she is doing it for Javari, her

12-year-old son who is following in her footsteps. “Hopefully I can pave the way for him and it’ll be easier for him. I think he’s more gifted than I am at his age – he can do a lot more than I could. I’m really proud of him for that.

“My art is about creating a legacy for Javari. When I’m gone, that is all I have to leave him,” Hemingway says. “So it’s not a matter of if I will make it, but when.”

Editor’s note: For more information on Juliette Hemingway’s works of art, visit www.hemingwaystudios.com or email her at jkatdartist@ms.com.

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Harold Rapp III: Expressing Myself Musically and Spiritually

By Laurence Washington

lack Music Month began in 1979 when Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams developed the idea to set aside a month dedicated to celebrating the impact of black music.

Created by music business insiders, the group successfully lobbied President Jimmy Carter to host a reception on June 7, 1979 to formally recognize the cultural and financial contributions of Black music. Since 1979, Black Music Month has grown from a small commemoration to national proportions with events held annually across the country.

In celebration of Black Music Month, Denver Urban Spectrum visited with up and coming saxophone player Harold Rapp III who has been taken under the wings of national recording artist Gerald Albright who he calls his mentor.

Harold Rapp III was born in New Orleans as a second generation PK (Preacher’s Kid) and was raised in the church. His love for the sax came at age 10 and he started his career as a performer by age 12. His influence comes from his early years living in Germany as a child of a military family. Later, he moved back to the U.S. and spent several years on bases in Louisiana and California before finally settling on Colorado.

Denver Urban Spectrum: What attracted you to the saxophone?

Rapp: My Mother was, and still is, a music teacher. Growing up, she would bring instructional videos for me to watch. As a plus, I’m from New Orleans, so choosing the saxophone as a musical expressional came natural to me.

B

DUS: Can you play any other instruments?

Rapp: I sure can. Growing up as a church musician, one tends to experiment in drums and piano. I started playing drums in church and keys at the house, but nothing compared to the saxophone.

DUS: What has been your finest hour as a musician?

Rapp: Spiritually, ministering at church services and seeing souls delivered. I’m able to feel what people go through and playing the saxophone for me allows me to bring relief to today’s troubles. In the secular rely, more of being able to perform in front of mass audiences like the Pepsi Center for the Denver Nuggets games.

Performances are still ministry to me, no matter the location.

DUS: You’ve encountered many bumps a twist in your career. Can you elaborate?

Rapp: Growing up, there are so many obstacles that only God can help us through. Just to be where I am today, I had to endure homelessness,

being told I would be nothing at a young age, because of my race, being told by church folks that I’m going to hell because I play jazz music, bullying, heart break in earlier relationships by raising a child that’s not yours, loosing all my possessions and starting over several times, two car repossessions and losing my first apartment, having your funds stolen from you by greedy people in the industry.

God saw fit to see me through these situations to make me stronger. It sounds like a lot of bad things, but there are pleasant miracles at the end of each of these testimonies.

DUS: What do you want people to know about your album “Funk It Up?” Rapp: The “Funk It Up” single was purely a God given song. You’ve probably heard of the saying of having a tune stuck in your head. Well, I had this song in my head for over two years, but I knew that it was meant to reach the masses. “Funk It Up” is meant to breathe life into your day.

It’s funky, energetic, and has pure grit.

Once I gave it to my friend James

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Roberson to produce it, I sent it off to Gerald Albright to take a listen and the rest is history.

DUS: How long did it take you to record the album?

Rapp: All of my albums usually take a few weeks. For the single it took roughly three days. Gerald Albright took over while I was in Japan.

DUS: What are your favorite tracks on “Funk It Up” and why?

Rapp: “Funk It Up” is just the single, the full album will be released the end of this summer. I want to show people that although I have a saxophone, it does not put me in a box of jazz. I am using a tool to express myself musically, and I hope to take people along with me on my journey.

DUS: Where can Urban Spectrum readers go to see you play?

Rapp: A few places like Soiled Dove and Jazz at Jacks in Denver or Stargazers in Colorado Springs. I’ve been doing mostly private parties for a while, but in the next few weeks expect an explosion of shows. My crew and I have been working feverishly to bring the community an allnew show. This show is meant to engage the audience not just musically, but visually as well. I want my fans to be engaged in the music and feel what an artist feels, in real time. Keep your eyes and ears open because it is going to be epic!

DUS: Final Thoughts?

Rapp: Support live music – especially in Colorado. If people would like to follow me, you can on all social media platforms, under the name of Harold Rapp III. My website is haroldrappiii.com. You can download the new single for only $0.99 cents on iTunes, CD Baby, or just about any music-streaming platform. For physical CDs visit my website, and don’t forget to sign up for my email list on the website. I love to give away great gifts.

F i e r c e l y Incendiary Show about R A C E Plays at Curious Theatre Company

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urious Theatre Company is mission-bound to “engage the community in important contemporary issues through provocative modern theatre.” With their final production of the 15-16 season, they do just that and more.

White Guy on the Bus by Bruce Graham highlights the racial disparities we see every day – in the news, on our streets, in our jails. The show doesn’t shy away from incendiary language and actions that are sure to spark deep (and often emotional) conversations in the talkbacks following each performance.

At the helm of this production is Director Chip Walton, who has been Curious’ Producing Artistic Director since its founding 18 years ago.

“When we chose this play last year, I lamented not being able to produce it right away,” Walton said. “With the events of Cleveland, Ferguson, and Charleston in the foreground of our national consciousness, it seemed the right time to push the conversation forward through theatre as well.

Sadly, the play feels even more resonant today, with the national dialogue on race taking turns that none of us could have imagined a mere 12 months ago.”

This timely piece grapples with themes many would like to push aside and ignore.

“Isn’t that what theatre is all about?” remarked Katie Maltais, Curious’ Director of Patron and

Audience Development. “We’re here to explore our world – to talk about the things that no one knows how to talk about. Curious is uniquely positioned to start a conversation we so desperately need to be having.”

The “white guy” in question is played by Denver-favorite Sam Gregory. Week after week, this wealthy man rides the same bus, befriending a single Black mother, played by Curious Artistic Company Sam Gregory and Jada Suzanne Dixon

Member Jada Suzanne Dixon. They get to know each other and their paths begin to merge and, ultimately, intertwine. Rather than showcase our world as it could be, White Guy on the Bus holds a mirror up to our society in an unflinchingly candid examination of race in America today. The show also features performances by Rachel Bouchard and Andy Waldschmidt as well as Artistic Company Member Dee Covington.

Editor’s note: Performances are Thursdays through Sunday through closing night performance on June 24. Curious Theatre Company is located at 1080 Acoma St. in Denver (Near 11th Avenue and Acoma Street). Tickets start at $18 at the theater box office. For more information or tickets, call 303-623-0524 or purchase online at www.curioustheatre.org.

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Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

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Mingle and Sip

Norman Brown

with the stars at

Genuine Jazz & Wine

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By Luciana

elax in the beautiful backdrop of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, as stars from Smooth Jazz, Fusion and Mainstream Jazz, delight your senses.

Known for its scenic splendor, internationally renowned talent and diverse wine selection, Genuine Jazz & Wine delivers a one of a kind, fan-based experience that attendees talk about throughout the year. All ticketed performances with national acts are held in the beautiful and intimate ballroom...there is never a rain out. In addition to amazing live jazz music, sample some of the country’s best wines.

The 32nd annual Genuine Jazz & Wine event on Aug. 19-21 at Copper Mountain Resort will feature internationally renowned talent including Norman Brown, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Marion Meadows, Generation NeXt and Tizer featuring Chieli Minucci.

In addition to the performers, Genuine Jazz host, Al Your Pal brings his compelling personality and talent for connecting fans to the music. One of the most sought-after DJs on the music circuit, he has delivered high energy party tunes to Playboy Jazz and all the major jazz cruise ships.

Grammy Award-winner Norman Brown, performing on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., is on close intimate terms with his audience. For almost two decades, it has been an engaging, mutually rewarding relationship, with the multitalented guitarist, composer and singer offering tasty sonic tidbits of classic R&B and contemporary jazz and his fans melting into satisfied aural bliss with every succulent, jazz inflected note. It’s a veritable “love fest” – and Brown keeps the good vibes going on his long–awaited new release, Sending My Love, arriving this June on Peak Records. “I’m a loving guy – I hear that a lot. I started reading my emails and the fans were sending me so much love that I wanted to send them love back,” explains the artist, who wrote nine of the 10 tunes on this offering. “The CD is about pure love, love in all its many aspects: a personal relationship Richard Elliot and a general love for the planet and for people. We should be kind to each other,” he adds.

Brown’s show will be followed by Saxophonist Richard Elliot at 6:30 p.m.

Elliot arrived at a very special anniversary for blow-

DEMOCRAT LESLIE HEROD FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

“You can count on me to fight for our schools and our families. I’d appreciate your vote in the June Democratic primary.”

Leslie has spent the time getting to know the issues that affect the people of House District 8. Her commitment to community is unsurpassed. We support her because we know she'll truly represent all of our voices in the State House.

- Hon. Wilma and Wellington Webb

Learn More at www.LeslieHerodforColorado.com

Paid for by Leslie Herod for Colorado. Linda Drake, Treasurer.

Endorsed By Community Leaders We Trust

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Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

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ing audiences away with his soulfully robust playing. Twenty-fouteen marked 30 years since the release of his debut solo album, Initial Approach (ITI – 1984), on which he stepped out showcasing his tenor sax, soprano sax, Lyricon and writing skills. What does a red-blooded Scottish sax man raised in Los Angeles – now with a wife and five children – do for a 30-year encore?

Well, this one-time member of the classic soul band Tower of Power proves he’s “not a young man” and dropped the most overtly sensual, romantic and intimate album of his career in collaboration with contemporary jazz production/guitar giant Paul Brown. The title of this 17th solo project is Lip Service (the artist’s first for Heads Up/Concord Music Group).

Brown and Elliott will be joined with other Genuine Wine and Jazz festival for an all-star jam on Saturday evening.

An All-Shows Weekend Pass may be purchased for $195 or a Saturday Only Concert Pass for $160. The wine tasting portion of the festival will feature nearly 15 wines for guests to sample. Tasting packages, in which guests receive tickets redeemable for a sample of the wine of their choosing, may be purchased on-site.

Editor’s note: For more information visit GenuineJazz.com.

For tickets call 970-4442202 and lodging specials call 866-837-2996.

Board of Education President Selected as New Board Member

In her statements to community members during the selection process, Espiritu emphasized her focus on serving the emotional, mental and social needs of children – the “whole child.”

“As a professional with my Ph.D. in clinical psychology, I’m excited to bring my focus on the whole child to the board,” she said. “I know children learn and succeed when they are supported and engaged, when they’re healthy and safe, and when their emotional needs are being met.”

Espiritu also discussed her desire, as the mother of two boys in DPS schools, one a traditional neighborhood school and one a charter school, to ensure all families have access to great educational opportunities.

“We all want our children to have the best possible experiences and opportunities in school,” she said.

“And these options should be available for all Denver families in their own neighborhoods. When our children thrive, our community thrives.”

As a person of color, Espiritu said, she will represent the diverse constituents in Northeast Denver and strive to authentically engage families and communities.

“Celebrating the diversity of our district fosters equity and creates a cli-

Rachele Espiritu is new Board Member for Northeast Denver

B

oard of Education President Anne Rowe announced the selection of Rachele Espiritu as the new board member representing Northeast Denver, the largest and most diverse region in Denver Public Schools.

Espiritu, a DPS parent, will complete a four-year term vacated by Board Member, Landri Taylor that is to expire in 2017. During the selection process, she told the Board that she is eager to become involved with the Board of Education and plans to run for the seat in November 2017 to provide continuity and a voice for Northeast Denver, also known as District 4.

“I applied for the District 4 position because, like many of you, I care about

success for all Denver students,” she said at a meeting Monday of the Denver Student Board of Education. “I am honored by this selection and will work hard on behalf of our diverse constituents.”

Espiritu earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and is a founding partner of Change Matrix LLC, a minority- and woman-owned small business, where she provides training and technical assistance at the local, state and national level to build capacity for child, youth and young adult behavioral health services.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

9

mate of belonging for all,” she said. “I will listen carefully to the voices of our community and look forward to learning even more about our neighborhoods’ strengths and challenges so we can support ALL children.”

Espiritu, 46, also serves as the project director for the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health, a federally-funded network of over 2,100 members, including ethnicand community-based organizations that are addressing disparities in behavioral health care. In addition, she was appointed by Denver Mayor Hancock to serve as a commissioner on the Denver Asian Pacific American Commission, serving as a support liaison and facilitator between the Asian Pacific American community in Denver, the Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships, and the office of the Mayor of Denver.

Initially, more than 20 candidates applied for the unpaid position representing Northeast Denver. Board President Rowe praised Espiritu’s commitment to engaging with all communities in Northeast Denver and her emphasis on the whole child.

Espiritu was sworn in at the Board of Education Focus on Achievement session on May 12.

Saying No to Hillary is Saying Yes to Three More Thomas’s on the Supreme Court

By Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Presumptive

GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump made it almost official. He now has in his hip pocket the names of 11 hardline conservative judges and legal luminaries who he deems fit SCOTUS judges. The names supplied by the equally hardline conservative Heritage Foundation weren’t much a surprise. At a town hall in last December, the month before the South Carolina primary, Trump didn’t hesitate when asked who his favorite High Court justice was. He named Clarence Thomas. Thomas was his guy on the court because he is “very strong and consistent.” Trump’s 11 names, then, are in keeping with his Thomas swoon.

Naming a High Court judge is the one issue that has ignited the greatest debate, furor and public warfare. The legal bloodbath would be even messier if “President” Trump plucked any one of the 11 names from the list as his SCOTUS choice. So the repeated question then is why would anyone play with fire with Trump and bulk at backing Clinton, the likely Democratic nominee? The possibility of one, not to mention, the possibility of two or even three more Thomas clones on the High Court given the ages of the three court liberals should be more than enough incentive to insure that Trump never gets a chance to pull that list of names out of his pocket.

Yet polls repeatedly show that a troubling percentage of left-leaning Democrats and progressive leaning independents say they won’t back Clinton no matter what.

One of the two stock retorts to shunning Clinton is to spit out the by now familiar epithets at her, Wall Street shill, corporate sell-out, war hawk, and untrustworthy. The Hillary bashers convince themselves that there wouldn’t be a dime’s worth of difference between a Trump White House and a Clinton White House.

The other comeback is that “President” Trump would propel legions of protesters into the streets at every Trump turn. He would be relentlessly challenged every step of the way by Congressional Democrats, civil rights, liberties, environmental, and women groups. They would stop him dead in his tracks when he tries to shove his agenda through, and that first and foremost would mean an epic war against his effort to put another Thomas on the High Court.

The first rationale is, of course, patently absurd. Trump has made it perfectly clear that he would try to repeal the Affordable Care Act, totally scrap the Dodd-Frank financial industry regulations, do nothing to stop the further evisceration of the Voting Rights Act, cheer lead the NRA and avoid comprehensive gun control like the plague, wreak new miseries on undocumented workers and their children, and give a wink and nod license to ramp up anti-Muslim hysteria in the country. Clinton is the diametric opposite of this and trying to make the case against her as a Trump policy look alike is beyond laughable.

The other problem with the assumption that Trump can be easily stopped is there is no guarantee that Senate Democrats and progressive House Democrats would not still be in the minority in Congress. If that is the case, they would be at the mercy of a White House now in the hands of a fickle reactionary, and a Congress that would giddily aid and abet his most rightwing draconian initiatives and legislation. That wouldn’t be all.

Protest groups would have leverage only in the forces they could muster in the streets. But Trump and a Republican Majority Congress would be virtually immune to those protests since they did not rely on them to win or stay in office.

This makes the case for Clinton even more urgent even without Trump in the White House, but with Congress in the GOP’s grip. She is the only one who could then stand deflect, derail, or at the least minimize the irreparable political carnage that the GOP would wreak if it kept the Senate and the House.

Now back to Trump and the Supreme Court. In decades past, many Democratic and Republican appointed justices scrapped party loyalties and based their legal decisions solely on the merit of the law, constitutional principles and the public good.

Trump’s favorite judge, Thomas, has gone full steam in the other direction.

He has blatantly rammed his strictest of strict constructionist ideology into every opinion he’s written and vote he’s cast on civil rights, police powers, corporate financial dealings, the death penalty, abortion, and voting rights.

He has firmly carved out a granite like niche as one of the most reflexive, knee jerk, reactionary jurists to grace the court in decades.

Thomas punctuates that by being the court’s first openly public recluse, and with rare exceptions refusing to utter a peep during any of the oral arguments before the court. But then there’s not much need since his votes are already guaranteed.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

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Saying no to Clinton is the most dangerous od dangerous propositions.

It would say yes to the possibility of three more Thomas’s on the High Court.

Editor’s note: Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. His latest book is How “President” Trump will Govern (Amazon Kindle) He is an associate editor of New America Media. He is a weekly cohost of the Al Sharpton Show on Radio One. He is the host of the weekly Hutchinson Report on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles and the Pacifica Network.

How “President” Trump Will Govern Examines a Trump Supreme Court

By Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Presumptive GOP Presidential nominee, Donald Trump named 11 strict constructionist legal advocates who he said would get prime consideration from him for a High Court spot. In his forthcoming eBook, How “President” Trump will Govern (Amazon Kindle) May 23 release, political analyst Earl Ofari Hutchinson, warns that the Supreme Court will be a prime target of a Trump administration. His favorite judge he says is Clarence Thomas.

Here’s a blurb from How “President” Trump will Govern: Chapter 3, The Supreme Court Wars, “There are three numbers that tell the colossal danger that a would-be President Trump poses to the Supreme Court. The numbers are the ages of the three justices, Justice Anthony Kennedy, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Justice Stephen Breyer. They are all near or over age 80, and they are the liberals,” says Hutchinson, “A Thomas or Scalia clone nominee would ignite the titanic battles.

Library’s Summer of Reading Kicks Off on June 1 Kids win prizes, avoid learning loss

As winter starts to recede, youngsters’ thoughts turn to sunny summer days, swimming pools, vacations and playing outside. But with a two- to three-month break from school, it’s important to keep kids actively engaged with intellectually-stimulating activities to avoid what is commonly known as the “summer slide.”

Studies show that children can lose up to two full months of learning over the summer. Without a concerted effort to keep children reading and learning during non-school months, kids can return to school in the fall farther behind their peers, which can affect future academic success.

That’s where the Denver Public Library’s Summer of Reading program comes into play. Beginning June 1, children from birth through 12th grade can register for their signature summer learning program and enjoy activities, summer camps, reading challenges and playtimes that keep them actively engaged and learning.

There are three age-appropriate programs in the Summer of Reading program: •Birth-preschool kids and parents can participate in “Read With Me.” Parents/caregivers and kids complete a variety of early literacy activities together to earn prizes including books and the signature rubber duck.

These activities are designed to stimulate literacy and learning skills and prepare children for future reading success.

•Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade can join “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read.” Students must read six books or up to three hours of reading to win prizes including a book or jour-

nal, a ticket to Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park and a free kid’s meal at Chipotle Mexican Grill.

•Teens in grades 6-12 can register for “Get in the Game: Read” and must complete four hours of reading to earn each prize which also includes a book or journal, Elitch ticket, a Chipotle burrito or wallet.

Program dates and registration

Summer of Reading kicks off Wednesday, June 1, and continues through Saturday, Aug. 13.To register, head into any of our 26 branch locations and pick up an age-appropriate booklet and get signed up in just a few moments. Don’t have a Denver Public

Library card? No worries! They’ll get you started so you and your children can begin reading.

Share your success

Next fall, have your child bring his or her completed activity book back to school to share with teachers and classmates. Teachers love knowing that students are reading and learning over the summer can use those experiences in the classroom. Kids love showing off their completed booklets and can share what they learned over the break.

Editor’s note: For more information visit the Summer of Reading website www.summerofreading.org.

303-819-7784

Simmons Foundation

for Youth and Change

To register by June 4, visit www.simmonsfoundationfyc.org

9 th Annual Life Skills/Basketball Camp East High School - 1545 Detroit St. June 6-16, 2016 - From 10 AM to 3 PM

The Basketball Camp will be directed by Hall of Fame 2014 State Champion Coach Rudy Carey of East High School. Life Skills Workshop will be conducted

by Civil Rights Activist 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: GRID (Gang Reduction Initiative of Denver), Walmart Silver Sponsors: Webb International, Nike, Denver Safe City Bronze: Hensel Phelps, UFCW Local 7, Dave Logan, Buffalo Wild Wings

Supporting Sponsors: Geta Asfaw/McDonalds, ,King Soopers, Safeway, Black Denver Sheriffs, Black Police Officers, Fraternal Order of Police, Moses Brewer/Miller Coors, Tish Maes, Maria Garcia Berry, David Cole & Associates, Coca Cola, Colorado Rockies, Kroenke Sports (Denver Nuggets), Hyatt Regency Hotel (at the Convention Center), Colorado Convention Center, National Western Stockshow, East High School, North Aurora Chiropractic, Sam’s Club, Sawaya Law Firm, VIP Productions, Herman Malone/RMES, Maaco/East Colfax, Cheba Hut, All In 1 Hosting, Prof. Richard Jackson(Metro State College), A Private Guide, Innercity Health Center, JA Walker Construction Company, Denver Urban Spectrum, Coach Rudy Carey, Joy Walker/Sista Love Inc., City Councilman Albus Brooks and Simmons & Associates Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

11

‘D’ is for Deficiency Signs you’re not getting enough Vitamin D

By Sydney M. Odion-Smith, MSUD Nutrition Major

There is a

reason why people feel more energized and active during the summer months, and yes – it has everything to do with the fact that there is more sunlight.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the body. According to medicalnewstoday.com, “Vitamin D has multiple roles in the body, helping to: maintain the health of bones and teeth; support the health of the immune system, brain and nervous system; regulate insulin levels and aid in diabetes management; support lung

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function and cardiovascular health; and influence the expression of genes involved in cancer development.” Our system is able to produce this vitamin when the body’s skin gets adequate exposure to the sun.

However, any Colorado resident knows that this state’s unpredictable weather can often inhibit how much sun time we get. Although, a person with a vitamin D deficiency may experience little to no symptoms, this is still an extremely serious health concern. A severe vitamin D deficiency has been linked to illnesses such as depression, cognitive impairment in adults, certain cancers, and asthma in children.

You may be able to tell you have a vitamin D deficiency if you experience chronic muscle or bone pain, as well as, an overall feeling of fatigue or muscle weakness.

As stated by prevention.com, possible symptoms of low vitamin D levels, may also include: sweating excessively when you are doing light to moderate activity, or having a sweaty forehead.

Along with this, people may experience an earlier prevalence of osteoporosis symptoms which could also be more severe; like broken bones. But the best way to tell what your vitamin D levels are is by requesting a blood test from your doctor or dietitian.

It has been estimated by the Harvard School of Public Health, that globally one billion people face a vitamin D deficiency. This is because there are a variety of factors that can affect a person’s body from producing the right amount of vitamin D. Based on information from vitamindcouncil.org; you may not be getting enough of the vitamin, if you are not getting enough sunlight.

For example, many people who spend the majority of their time indoors, wear sunscreen, or cover their skin with clothing; and people who live in areas where the weather is

Return your ballot by 7:00pm on June 28th to vote in the Democratic Primary Election!

Paid for by McCann for Denver DA Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

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constantly cloudy, or live further from the equator, fall under this category.

In addition to this, darker hued people may have a harder time synthesizing sunlight compared to lighter skin people. This could result in many Black and brown people having lower vitamin D levels.

The website vitamindcouncil.org, also mentions that older people with thinning skin, pregnant women, and infants, people who follow vegan diets, and people who are obese all run a higher risk of being deficient in vitamin D. If you have already been diagnosed with this type of deficiency, bringing up your vitamin D levels takes a 3part solution.

According to prevention.com, Doctor Michael Holick, author of The Vitamin D Solution, says that “it’s nearly impossible for anyone to satisfy vitamin D needs through diet. It really requires a threepronged attack: sun exposure, supplements, and food.” Though sunlight is the best option for getting more vitamin D, people should not solely depend on this, because of the threat of skin cancer. That is why, supplementation and diet are also important.

There are numerous recommendations for how many IUs of vitamin D, the average adult should take.

However, because no two people are alike, it is better to consult with a healthcare provider to find out what is right for you. Along with this, many foods only contain small amounts of vitamin D but every little bit helps. To get more vitamin D in your diet, it is best to consume eggs, fatty fishes like salmon or mackerel, or cod liver oil.

Furthermore, dairy products and cereals that have been fortified with vitamin D also help.

So remember, a combination of sun, supplements, and the right foods can dramatically increase your vitamin D levels, and your zeal for life.

Don’t Let Joint Pain Get in the Way of your Fitness Routine

By Kim Farmer

A

chy joints have a way of slowing people down and for some, provide an excuse to not exercise.

However, inactivity can actually be worse for aging (achy) joints as movement of any type is better than no movement. Joints contain fluid and movement actually helps to lubricate the joints, making them function more smoothly and helping to counter joint stiffness. In addition, resistance training will help build muscle, which in turns helps with movement of the joints. Here are some guidelines to follow to get and stay on that fitness

track, no matter what your joints say.

No need to stop exercising. Instead, stick to low impact exercises.

Walking, hiking, stair climbing, biking, swimming and dancing are all good low impact choices. There are also lots of cardio machines at the gym to choose from that will give you a low impact workout, including striders, ellipticals and stationary bikes.

Group exercise classes like yoga or Tai Chi are also great choices. Exercises to avoid: running, basketball, tennis, racquet ball or hand ball.

Don’t forget to include resistance training in your routine. Regular resistance training builds the muscles around the joints, taking some of the pressure off of the joint itself. No need for heavy weights – that might result in increased joint pain. Low weights with higher repetitions do the trick.

Remember, resistance training is not only lifting weights. Other ways to incorporate resistance training include doing body weight exercises or using a fitness band for resistance.

Another form of exercise that is easy on the joints is isometric exercises. The word isometric means same length, and literally means performing an exercise where your muscle length does not change. One example of an isometric exercise is holding your arms at your sides and flexing then relaxing your biceps without bending your arm. Contracting a muscle without movement takes practice, but can be done for any muscle.

Stretching is also important to alleviate stiffness in joints and improve flexibility. Include daily stretching for best results.

Not sure how to incorporate resistance training into your routine? Need help setting up a fitness program or learning what exercises are best for you? Let Mile High Fitness & Wellness personal trainers help teach you some exercises, including proper form. Contact us for a free consultation. No matter what your health limitations are, Mile High Fitness & Wellness trainers can help you develop a fitness routine that will benefit your health and fitness lifestyle.

Editor’s note: Kim Farmer of Mile High Fitness & Wellness offers in-home personal training and corporate fitness solutions.

For more information, visit www.milehighfitness.com or email inquiries@milehighfitness.com.

720-320-4666 Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

13

Ground Rules

Must See............

It’s Worth A Look.....

See At Your Own Risk.

Don’t Bother.....................

REEL ACTION - WWW.BLACKFLIX.COM

Captain America: Civil War

Editor’s note: Samantha Ofole-Prince is an award-winning writer and contributor to many national publications and is Blackflix.com’s Senior Critic-at-Large.

Khaleel Herbert is a journalism student at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Laurence Washington is the creator of BlackFlix.com. Like Blackflix.com On Facebook, Follow Blackflix.com On Twitter

Captain America: Civil War 1/2

By Laurence Washington

W

ith all the world’s super villains supposedly dispatched, I guess there’s nothing left for superheroes to do – except beat the hell out of each other.

That’s the case with Batman v Superman, and pretty much the premise of Captain America: Civil War. In fact, like Batman v Superman, the warning is on the label. But I shouldn’t be so cynical, obviously there’s more to Captain America: Civil War than superheroes crackin’ open a can of whup-ass on one another.

So here’s the plot: After considerable collateral damage sustained in – Battling Loki’s army of killer robots in New York City (The Avengers ‘12) Blowing up a fleet of Hydra airships over Washington D.C. (Captain America: The Winter Soldier ‘14) Vaporizing a sizable chunk of real estate (a city in fact) in the country of Sokovia. (Avenger Age of Ultron ’15).

The United Nations ratifies a charter requiring enhanced individuals, such as the Avengers, to register and

be under the supervision of the United Nations which causes dissention in the Avengers ranks.

Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), thinks the Avengers should be accountable to the government, and Captain America (Chris Evans) believes the avengers power should be kept in the Avengers’ hands – not controlled by the United Nations. The usual suspects Black Widow, Scarlett Witch, Hawkeye, Falcon and Vision begin to choose sides.

To the film’s credit, if there were a real Captain America or Iron Man, the Republicans and Democrats would probably demand they register their shield and helmet ASAP at the nearest Homeland Security office, or be deported to some black-ops rendition prison.

Actually there is a villain whose is fueling the riff amongst the Avengers, but he’s so weak that 20 minutes of his role could have been safely cut from the movie’s 2 hour and 26 minutes running time and moviegoers would have gotten to go home 20 minutes earlier.

The fighting sequences are fast moving and spectacular, but we’re getting a little numb to them, because they have lost the original razzle-dazzle of the first Avengers movie.

However, the introduction of two new characters Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Spider-Man (Tom Holland), and a cameo by Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) adds a little fresh blood to the franchise.

Captain America: Civil War is not the best Avengers movie, probably because Disney cranks one out every year, so audiences don’t have a chance to properly digest the last one. But anyone who hasn’t seen an Avengers movie will be awe struck.

A gentle reminder: There are two after credit scenes foreshadowing a possible Spider-Man and Black Panther stand alone movies. You know the rules: “Stay through the credits until the houselights come on.”

M

Keanu 1/2

By Laurence Washington

inus the swearing, the overuse of the “N-word” and gratuitous violence, Keanu would have made an endearing Disney classic.

Luckily sensible minds prevailed.

Instead, Keanu is an endearing adult movie about a cute kitten who wins the hearts of drug dealers, street gangs and couple of nerds. Did I mention that the movie is damn funny?

It is.

After Keanu’s drug-dealing owner

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

14

Keanu

is gunned down “Matrix-style” by out-of-town hit men, the adorable kitty is on the lam and ends up on Rell’s (Jordan Peele) doorstep. Rell, a lovable nerd suffering from a recent heartbreak, immediately adopts the kitten and names him Keanu, because it’s the coolest cat name – ever.

Rell and Keanu get along famously until Keanu is catnapped by the 17th Street Blips, whose member are so menacing they were kicked out of the Bloods and the Crips. Thus the name Blips. Rell enlist the help of his close friend Clarence (Key) to rescue Keanu from the Blips’ leader Cheddar (Method Man), who has renamed the kitten “New Jack,” and has outfitted him with a tiny do-rag and a mini gold medallion. Rell and Clarence pose as ridicules gangstas Tectonic and Shark Tank – which doesn’t fool anybody, especially Hi-C (Tiffany Haddish), a sexy Blip gang member.

The running joke in the movie is everybody from assassins to drug dealers wants to keep the cute furry bundle as a pet. If there is one legitimate complaint about the film – it it drags a little too long in the kitten-free middle when Rell and Hi-C are involved in a drug deal gone bad.

I should mention that there is a wink and a nod to former Wham! singer George Michael, which if Keanu is a box office success, should boost Michael’s sale of “Father Figure” on iTunes and views on YouTube as a new generation discovers the song.

Keanu is funny when the kitten is on the screen. After all, the movie is named Keanu for a reason. Key and Peele are hilarious taking their Comedy Central shtick to the big screen. However, the seven kittens who play Keanu steal the show.

Eight Things to Know About ‘The Hateful Eight’

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

Win a free copy of The Hateful Eight, compliments of Blackflix.com. (See details below).

REEL ACTION - WWW.BLACKFLIX.COM Isaiah Washington

Quentin Tarantino

Nominated for three Oscars, the eight films by Quentin Tarantino is currently out on Bluray/DVD. Here’s what to know about its origins, its cast and its path to the big screen.

1. The movie was filmed in Ultra Panavision 70. This format uses anamorphic lenses (as opposed to traditional spherical lenses) to create a wide aspect ratio. It’s been used on only a handful of films that include Mutiny on the Bounty, Stanley Kramer‘s It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, The Greatest Story Ever Told and Battle of the Bulge. Khartoum was the last movie to use this format back in 1966.

2. The Hateful Eight made its debut in 2014 as a staged reading benefitting the non-profit organization Film Independent. Although Tarantino intended for the reading to be a standalone event, the overwhelming response inspired him to make the movie.

3. Ennio Morricone who composed the score initially turned Tarantino down. He was later inspired to weave together the haunting score after reading the script. He went on to earn an Oscar for Best Original Score.

4. Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Walton Goggins, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, Tim Roth, James Parks and Zoë Bell have all worked on other Tarantino films. Only Channing Tatum, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Demian Bichir have not worked with Tarantino before.

5. Tarantino made a small adjustment to his script just prior to production that required Leigh to play the guitar and sing a song. She had only a few weeks to learn the instrument and took lessons from a classically trained guitar teacher.

6. A mild winter threatened to hamper production during the film’s shooting in Colorado and the cast remained on call till the weather changed.

7. The film was nominated for three Oscars. Best Cinematography for Robert Richardson, Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Jennifer Jason Leigh and a Best Original Score which Ennio Morricone took home in February.

8. The Hateful Eight marks a contin-

Samuel Jackson

uation of the long-standing relationship between Tarantino and the Weinsteins (The Weinstein Company), who have collaborated on all of his films from Reservoir Dogs through Django Unchained.

Name your favorite Tarantino movie and your favorite scene from that film and win a copy of The Hateful Eight. Send your entry to blackflix@blackflix.com. A winner will be chosen at random on June 30.

Isaiah Washington:

Headed Down the Right Track

By Samantha Ofole Photos courtesy of RLJ Entertainment & Royalty Images

A taut script with a slow-build

also stars Richard Brooks, C. Thomas Howell, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Gregory Alan Williams and Michael Ironside.

For the actor, writer, producer and philanthropist who has appeared in numerous films that include Love Jones, Crooklyn, Bulworth, Girl 6 and Get on the Bus, this thriller marks his next feature as producer having produced the engaging dramas Blackbird and Blue Caprice.

and a surprisingly nasty finale is the best way to sum up Isaiah Washington’s latest project The Sin Seer.

Directed and written by Paul D. Hannah (The Marriage Chronicles), Washington, who doubles as producer and star, plays an ex-con-turned-private eye who solves cases with the help of a psychic played by Lisa Arrindell Anderson.

“The story intrigued me and I thought it was a very clever concept,” says the actor who previously worked with Anderson on the Spike Lee film Clockers. “I haven’t really seen a lot of people of color doing these types of films. I knew the execution would be challenging and I was excited to work with Lisa again.”

The film follows Anderson, whose character Rose Ricard has the ability to see into people’s souls and detect lies.

With this ability, she works as a private investigator, solving “cold” cases the police can’t unravel. Along with her partner, ex-con Grant Summit (Washington), she takes on a case that tracks a murderer. This threatens to reveal long-buried secrets from her own past and despite her psychic abilities, she’s unable to see the danger ahead.

A suspenseful thriller, which builds to a tremendous crescendo, the film

“As a producer I am starting off small,” Washington continues. “You have to crawl before you walk and I am trying to be a part of content that is interesting to me. If you enjoy Blackbird Blue Caprice and The Sin Seer, then that means I am on the right track.”

A dark and twisted gem of a thriller with a gut-punch of an ending, The Sin Seer is currently out on DVD and digital video.

Running through June 24

curioustheatre.org / 303.623.0524 1080 Acoma Denver, Colorado 80204

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

15

Deputy Mayor Joins Manual High School Students to Kick Off PJ Day

Helping you create wealth... protect wealth...

More than 40 schools participated in 11th Annual PJ Day Event

and leave a legacy!

Denver Deputy Mayor and Executive Director of Denver Human Services Don Mares at Manual High School during the annual PJ Day.

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Denver Deputy Mayor and executive director of Denver Human Services Don Mares addressed student leaders at Manual High School during the 11th annual PJ Day event on May 3. For more than a decade, businesses, schools and the City and County of Denver have come together every year to proudly don their pajamas, raise funds for the homeless and raise awareness about the challenges many face throughout the Mile High City.

It’s estimated one in 36 Denver Public School students will experience homelessness at some point this school year. Today, Deputy Mayor Don Mares joined Denver’s Road Home Executive Director Bennie Milliner, Denver Public School (DPS) Board Members and student leaders at Manual High School to commemorated Denver’s eleventh annual PJ Day, talk about homelessness in our community and discuss ways in which teens in Denver can get involved in helping those experiencing homelessness.

“We must continue to work smarter and harder to achieve solutions to homelessness,” said Mares.

“Seeing the way the youth have come together at Manual High and schools across Denver should serve as a call to action to the rest Mile High City to join them in helping those in need.”

More than 40 schools in the metroDenver region participated in PJ Day this year. The event is intended to raise awareness about homelessness in our community and to raise funds and food to support those experiencing homelessness and at risk of homelessness. Funds raised during the event allow Denver’s Road Home, the city’s

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

16

program to coordinate and fund assistance for those experiencing homelessness, to fund job training and other services in Denver.

“One of the five Denver Plan 2020 goals is support for the whole child, which means making sure our students feel safe and have resources,” said DPS At-Large Board of Education Member Happy Haynes. “Whether it’s your parents or teachers, there are people to support you, because at this school, we are all family.

Thunderbolts are family.”

According to the annual point in time survey, 3,737 people in Denver were considered homeless in 2015, with 84 percent of them staying in a shelter, transitional housing or a safe haven. The remaining 16 percent of people reported sleeping outdoors, underscoring the fact that many in our community don’t have a warm place to put on their PJ’s and sleep at night.

Students at participating schools made cash or canned food donations, wore their pajamas and discussed the realities of homelessness in the community. PJ Day is also an opportunity for schools to teach students about homelessness, while giving kids an opportunity to join organizations across metro-Denver to change lives for the better.

Editor’s note: For more information on Denver’s biggest PJ party and details on the city’s progress in taking on homelessness in Denver, log onto www.pjday.org.

For the latest updates, visit www.PJDay.org or follow #PJDayDen, www.facebook.com/DenversRoadHome or www.twitter.com/DenversRoadHome.You can also give by texting “HOMELESSHELP” to 41444.

City Year Denver Hosts 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Breakfast

Keynote Speaker Vernice ‘FlyGirl’ Armour, First African-American Female Combat Pilot and author of ‘Zero to Breakthrough’

UNC Center for Urban Education Offering programs that lead to Colorado licensure in Elementary Education with ESL Concentration, Early Childhood Education or Special Education.

First African American Female Combat Pilot Vernice ‘FlyGirl’ Armour. Below: Neyeska Mut and Morris Price, Executive Director and Vice President of City Year Denver

City Year Denver, an educationfocused, nonprofit whose teams of diverse young adults commit to a year of fulltime service in schools, hosted its fifth annual Women’s Leadership Breakfast on May 12 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Denver Center for Performing Arts in Downtown Denver.

The Women’s Leadership Breakfast is a celebration of City Year Denver AmeriCorps members who work tirelessly on a daily basis to keep students in school and on track to graduate and the City Year Women’s Initiative which oversees over 70 women and men who mentor this group one-onone in their career growth during their 10 months of service. This year’s event featured Vernice ‘FlyGirl’ Armour as the Keynote Speaker and author of the book Zero to Breakthrough: The 7Step, Battle-Tested Method for Accomplishing Goals.

Lockheed Martin sponsored the event and keynote speaker. It attracted nearly 700 attendees that included a distinguished list of guests from the private and public sector. The Women’s Leadership Breakfast is organized by the City Year Denver Women’s Initiative which is chaired

by Neyeska Mut, managing director of Cynosure Energy and includes several prominent women in the Denver community. This event has raised over $1 million to support City Year Denver and its work in Denver Public Schools since it began in 2012.

• Take one five-week course at a time • Gain your bachelor’s degree and work in a paid teacher apprenticeship at the same time • Visit our website for more information

“City Year’s ability to tap into the idealism of youth who work alongside students and act as nearpeer mentors, tutors and role models is extraordinary,” said Neyeska Mut, chair of the event. “Corps members bring an energy and enthusiasm to our schools that both inspire and deliver promising results in the lives of the students they serve every day.”

“We are honored that Denver Public Schools has recognized the significant impact our AmeriCorps members can have on student success and they have fully embraced our work in Denver schools,” said Morris Price, executive director and vice president of City Year Denver.

City Year Denver deployed 70 young adults this year to nine highneed schools throughout Denver. This is City Year Denver’s fifth year working to keep students in school and on track to graduate. City Year Denver depends on the support of the community. To make a donation, text ‘idealism’ to 41444. Contributions are being matched by the Salah Foundation and the Morgridge Family Foundation.

About City Year: City Year is an education-focused, nonprofit organization founded in 1988 that partners with public schools to provide full-time targeted intervention for students most at risk of dropping out.

In 25 communities across the United States and through three international affiliates, our teams of young AmeriCorps leaders support students by focusing on attendance, behavior, and course performance through in-class tutoring, mentoring, and after school programs that keep kids in school and on track to graduate.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

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City Year Announces Partnerships with Department Of Education and White House

Boston, MA (BlackNews.com) Representing 3,000 AmeriCorps members who currently support nearly 200,000 students in 292 of our country’s highest need schools, City Year announced its partnership in the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Success Mentors Initiative which is aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism and improving outcomes for young people, particularly in high need communities.

The MBK Success Mentors Initiative is a partnership of the United States Education Department, the White House, The Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University, the Corporation for National and Community Service, MENTOR, Attendance Works, United Way, the Ad Council, Mott Foundation, Diplomas Now and City Year. The Initiative seeks to promote school-based mentorship as a solution to chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing at least 10 percent of school per year, or the equivalent of a month of school. “We are proud to be part of this groundbreaking effort to ensure that

City Year joins My Brother’s Keeper Success Mentors Initiative to address chronic absenteeism.

all students are engaged in school and ready to learn,� said Jim Balfanz, City Year President. “Our AmeriCorps members show up for students every day, partnering with teachers so that all students can meet their potential.�

Chronic absenteeism is an early warning sign for students that are likely to drop out of high school – a devastating outcome for young people and communities. City Year’s data driven approach is designed to ensure that students at risk of falling off-track and not making it to graduation have additional academic and social-emotional supports, anchored in a productive relationship with a caring near peer mentor.

City Year AmeriCorps members currently are in school every day to help students feel empowered and committed to their academic goals, celebrate successes and provide research-based academic and behavioral supports to help students. City Year’s efforts have been found to help improve a number of critical metrics including reducing chronic absenteeism and helping schools improve performance on state standardized tests. “Reducing chronic absenteeism is one of my top priorities. We are mobilizing our partners to help us get our students in school, on time, for the entire day,� said Chris Maher, Interim Superintendent of Providence Public Schools. “As a national leader in this work, City Year has been a critical partner in this effort.�

“The White House and the Department of Education are bringing more resources and attention to a critical national issue. We are grateful to be part of this innovative partnership that recognizes the unique role that national service can play in helping students and schools succeed,� said City Year CEO and co-founder Michael Brown.

City Year partners with schools in 27 cities nationwide, including nine of the 10 cities participating in the My Brother’s Keeper Success Mentors Initiative (Boston, Columbus, Denver, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Providence, San Antonio and Seattle).

City Year is dedicated to helping students and schools succeed. Diverse teams of City Year AmeriCorps members provide high-impact students classroom and school-wide support, to help students stay in school and on track to graduate from high school, and to prepare for college and career success. A recent third party study shows that schools that partner with City Year were up to two to three times more likely to improve on math and English assessments.

Editor’s note: As a member of the AmeriCorps national service network, City Year is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, local school districts, and private philanthropy from corporations, foundations and individuals. For more information, visit http://info.cityyear.org/CY_Interest_Form _div.html.

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Mayor Michael B. Hancock Announces Recipients of Inaugural MBK25

Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the Office of Children’s Affairs announced the inaugural class of the MBK25 as part of the city’s local work on the national My Brother’s Keeper Initiative. The 20 individuals and five organizations were honored during a luncheon at the Denver Center for Performing Arts.

“From educators to community activists, these individuals and organizations are on the front line helping our city change the arc of success for the vulnerable young men and boys of color in our community,” Mayor Hancock said. “It is my great pleasure to present this first class of the MBK25, and an absolute privilege to help shine a light on them and the great work they’re doing in our community.”

The event concluded a weekend of activities that included at the luncheon and an all-day summit at the Community College of Denver. The MBK25 is a list of Metro Denver’s most exciting, innovative, creative and passionate community leaders and organizations supporting the work of Denver’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative. Nominations were received from the general public and then trimmed down to the final list of 25 by city staff and program advisors.

The 25 recipients were Benzel Jimmerson, Brian Tarver, Brother Jeff Fard, Delta Eta Boule, Dexter Korto, Friends First, George Nelson, Jason Shankle, Jim Chavez, Jonathan McMillan, Kenneth Crowley, Lealon Sherrod, Reverend Leon Kelly, Madeline Velez, Michael Acuna (Ill Seven), Narcy Jackson, Nick Dawkins, Dr. Ryan Ross, Sean White, Shelli Brown, Street Fraternity, Wendell Smith, Yess Institute, Young Men of Alpha, Youth On Record.

About the MBK Initiative

The My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Initiative is a national program put forward by U.S. President Barack Obama. The initiative was born out of an understanding about the issues facing both boys and young men of color and their surrounding ecosystem. The national initiative is coordinated by the MBK Alliance. Their vision is to make the American Dream available to all boys and young men of color by eliminating gaps in their opportunities and outcomes. The MBK Alliance is comprised of leaders from various industries and sectors. The Denver MBK Initiative is led by Mayor Michael B. Hancock and is housed in the city’s Office of Children’s Affairs.

MAYOR’S CORNER

Mayor Hancock Announces Winners of Race & Justice Design Challenge Mini-Grants

Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the Office of Human Rights and Community Partnerships (HRCP) announced the winners of the first Race & Justice Design Challenge.

Mayor Hancock established the 2016 Race and Justice mini-grants to enlist the community’s support in finding creative ways to close divides that exist in our city and to build bridges particularly between our young people and law enforcement.

In all, HRCP received a total of 31 applications, and following an internal review process, chose 12 projects for funding. The Mayor held a luncheon with the awardees at Blair Caldwell Library where he heard more about their plans to connect Denver’s communities.

Those selected were RedLine; STRIVE Prep; Sun Valley Youth Center; Asian Pacific Development Center; Somali American Community Center of Colorado; Partners in Literacy; HOPE Center, Inc.; CSU Extension - Denver County; LVH, LLC; Denver Alumnaie Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Four Corner Coalition; and DC-21 - Girl Troup.

“I’m so proud that our community has stepped up to help close the gaps that exist in our communities,” Mayor Hancock said. “The issues of race and justice are long standing and won’t be solved overnight. But together, we can find ways to make positive change in Denver.”

The Challenge was developed as a result of recommendations gathered from young people, community advocates and residents during dozens of race and justice meetings held across the city during 2014 and 2015.

Winning applicants’ were eligible to receive up to $3,000, which will be matched with in-kind support, volunteer hours or other grants or funding sources coordinated by the applicant.

The total mini-grant program totaled $20,000.

Winning projects include plans to bring Manual High School students and safety officials together to address

issues related to the “school-to-prison” pipeline through theater, music, spoken word and visual arts.

STRIVE Prep-RISE High School students will come together for a “teach-in” about individual rights and the role of authority in a democracy with the ACLU and DPD that will result in a new curriculum for middle school students.

Officers will help Sun Valley Youth Center participants convert a storage shed into a bike repair shop, and then ride together to Elitch’s for a picnic.

Other grants will fund a soccer tournament with the Asian Pacific Development Center, community programs with Somali youth, mentoring, literacy programs and more.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

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Martinez to Step Down as City Attorney; DeHerrera to be Tapped as Interim

Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced today that Scott Martinez is stepping down as City Attorney.

Martinez has served as the city’s attorney for longer than 2 ½ years, following two years as Deputy City Attorney. He will transition out of the office on May 31.

In his role as City Attorney, Martinez led a department of more than 200 attorneys and staff, one of the largest public law offices in the West, that provides legal representation to all city officials, agencies, departments, boards and commissions.

Martinez played a critical role in the creation of the taxpayer protection unit, implementation of the nation’s first retail sales of marijuana, challenging the legal framework prohibiting marriage equality, and tackling the legal issues for increasing public safety.

Deputy City Attorney Cristal DeHerrera will serve as Interim City Attorney, and while she is out on maternity leave through July, Director of Municipal Operations Shaun Sullivan will manage the day-to-day operations of the department.

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Many Congratulations to the Class of 2016, the newest fellows of Chamber Connect. This impressive group of African American leaders recently embarked on a 10-month journey in order to best serve in business, politics, and community organizations. To be selected for the Chamber Connect Program, these leaders have already demonstrated remarkable prowess in their given interest area. They now have an opportunity to glean from public figures and work together on a meaningful community project.

The Colorado Chamber Connect Program is directed and facilitated by

Dr. Ryan Ross, whom was recently selected as 9News Leader of the Year.

The Urban Leadership Foundation hosts bi-monthly classes that will develop the following 29 prepared individuals to walk out their own visions: Elizabeth Adair, Terelya Coneal, Terra Horton, Jessica Newton, Alicia Sewell, Joshua Adams, Sade Cooper, Christina Johnson, Edith Okupa, Sheila Thomas, Kojo Asamoa-Caesar, Codi Cox, Danielle Johnson, Yarkenda Payne, Corey Thurman, Dom Barrera, Ini Edet, Marques Johnson, Tiffany Pearson, Tiffany Wedgeworth, Kandi Brown, Marlena Grant, Michelyn Johnson, Casell Randle, Triston Young, Carla Coburn, Betty Hart, Michelle Majors, Brenda Sears.

Developing well rounded leaders requires that the Colorado Chamber Connect participants will have a comprehensive understanding of opportunities that impact their communities.

The participants must learn from one another’s field of interest, listen attentively to the panels, conduct in-depth reading on successful leadership techniques, and attend social events. The desire is that they will be able to integrate their incredible skills and become bridges between the various environments that they interact with Editor’s note: For more information on the Chamber Connect, email info@ulfcolorado. org.

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Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

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The lucky June winner will be selected on Friday, June 17 and announced in the July issue.

HATS OFF TO

Langley Foundation Presents Seven Scholarships

The Drs. Joseph and Alice Langley Scholarship Foundation hosted awards reception at New Hope Baptist Church on Saturday, May 14.

Daniel Brown Jr. (not pictured), Janae’ Hancock, Taylor Finley-Ponds (not pictured), Chibueze Agwu, De’Janae’ Guillory-Williams, Sarah Akuei, and Janaye Matthews each received $1,000 scholarships to be used for the university of their choice. Speakers included, Tanaka Shipp, Goodwill Industries, Tracey Peters, Director, Multicultural Excellence, University of Denver, and Terry Manns, Urban League Guild President. Recipients are pictured with their parents.

Urban League Guild Presents Scholarship To Awardees

On April 7, the Urban League Guild of Metropolitan Denver presented book scholarships to students at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSUD) Center for Advanced STEM (Science-TechnologyEngineering-Math) Education. These scholarships were under MSUD’s The Louis Stokes Colorado Alliance For Minority Participation (LS CO-AMP) Program and presented at their Spring 2016 LS CO-AMP Celebration of Academic Success Dinner on the Auraria Campus.

Although this is the first year for Urban League Guild scholarship

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Left to Right: Terry Manns, (UL Guild President), Delores Manns-Martin, (UL Guild member), Alicia Payne (scholarship recipient), Jared Wilson (scholarship recipient) and Sean Bradley (UL of Metropolitan Denver President/CEO).

awards for STEM studies students at MSUD, the Urban League Guild presented scholarship awards to MSUD students majoring in Africana Studies February 17, 2016 at MSUD’s 33rd Annual Black World Conference at the Tivoli Student Union.

The Urban League Guild presents annual awards to students selected by the faculty of the respective MSUD departments. This is the fourth year of awarding scholarships to students at MSUD. The Urban League Guild of Metropolitan Denver raises the funds to make these scholarships available through community events and fundraisers.

The Urban League Guild of Metropolitan Denver is an auxiliary to the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver and support programs of the Urban League through volunteer activities and community relations.

Left to Right: Terry Manns, (UL Guild President), Delores MannsMartin, (UL Guild member), Alicia Payne (scholarship recipient), Jared Wilson (scholarship recipient) and Sean Bradley (UL of Metropolitan Denver President/CEO).

Scholarship recipients with Urban League Guild members and the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver President/CEO who attended The Spring 2016 LS CO-AMP Celebration of Academic Success Dinner

Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce Announces New Executive Director

The Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) announced Lee Kathryn Gash-Maxey has joined the Chamber as Executive Director. A graduate of Denver Public

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

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Schools’ East High, Gash-Maxey has strong roots in our African American Community.

A Denver native with more than 30 years of corporate, business and nonprofit organization experience, GashMaxey is an award-winning television, cable and film producer. Her experience includes cable, film and television production, production management, marketing, business management and small business ownership. She is a founding partner of Three Sistahs, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

She has served on the Education Advisory Council for Denver Public Schools, the Task Force for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the Five Points Media Center Board of Directors and is currently a member of the Denver County Cultural Council.

Most recently, she was Producer of the 2010 Census Road Tour for the Denver region. Gash-Maxey is also the owner of Maxey Media Production Group.

Gash-Maxey graduated from Colorado State University, where she studied Speech and Theater Arts/Radio and Television Production. She resides in Denver, CO with her husband, Thomas Maxey.

About the CBCC

The CBCC’s mission is to support the initiatives of African American business owners and create an enterprise that focuses on success and viability. We endeavor to create awareness and visibility of our efforts at local, state and federal levels through lobbying and advocacy. We want to provide education and training that keeps African American business owners in step with the ever-changing requirements of Colorado’s economic playing field.

Local Actors Seek Support for Independent Feature Film about James Beckwourth and the Sand Creek Massacre

Denver theater actors Don Randle and Martell Harding have announced that the Colorado based independent feature film A Beckwourth Spirit is in pre-production.

The drama A Beckwourth Spirit will shed light on the historical yet little known relationship between Native American and African American peoples, exploring why, despite their past bonds, the current relationship between African Americans and Native Americans is virtually nonexistent. When exactly did they break all ties with each other? This story, A Beckwourth Spirit will take you to the very moment, ground zero of that fracture.

A Beckwourth Spirit is not a documentary. “Though these historical elements will be shown in flashbacks and storytelling, the bulk of this film takes place in modern day Denver,” says writer and producer Don Randle.

“The core of the story revolves around an unsolved hate crime in North Denver, racial tensions, ancient spirits and even some off-color humor, but the arc of the story lies in the unsavory events of The Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 where more than 150 Arapaho and Cheyenne natives were killed by a Colorado territory militia.”

In conjunction with the production company Randle Media Properties, LLC are embarking on a fundraising campaign for resources to complete the independent feature film.

With 50 percent of the film’s budget currently financed by private donors, the team is now reaching out to public officials, local businesses, film schools, and theater companies for resources and or funds to complete the project.

“I think the story is going to appeal to a lot of people, but it’s going to be of special interest to Native American history buffs, people interested in some of the lesser known African American historical figures and people interested in Colorado history as a whole,” Randle says. That said, the team is offering production credits, internships, acting credits, product placement, and other opportunities, to people who want to be a part of it.

“Obviously money is the cure all, but we’d like to give people the opportunity to donate things first like set locations, volunteer extras, costumes, filming equipment, even horses,” Randle says. Harding adds that they hope to “use this film as a way to collaborate with the art scene in

L to R. Cipriano Ortega, Lorena Perez, Don Randle, Sarah Ortegon and Jared Rains portraying members of the 1860’s Crow Nation in the Colorado based independent feature film A Beckwourth Spirit. Photo by Jaelin M. Randle

Colorado to create its first big budget independent African-American film.”

Numerous local actors are already onboard. Former Miss Native

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

23

American USA Sarah Ortegon is slated to play Crow warrior Pine Leaf.

Randle and Harding first met as cast members of the critically acclaimed stage play, Tell Martha Not to Moan, in 2013. Harding went off to Florida International’s film school and has most recently directed several projects in L.A. Randle sent him the script and after reading the story, Harding concluded, “Colorado has many stories that have yet to be told. It’s been long overdue but we’ve finally found one that’s really worth telling.”

Editor’s note: For more information, call Don Randle at 720-499-7262 or email drandle1910@gmail.com.

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Continued from page 1 and work collaboratively with community organizations to improve access and care for all regardless of race or social-economic status. We also mentor and recruit minority nurses as well raise awareness on healthcare disparities that affect minorities.

Last month was National Minority Health Month, during which healthcare professionals and the community raise awareness about the health disparities that continue to affect minority groups. One devastating disease that disproportionately affects people of color is Hepatitis C which can remain undetected for years while damaging the liver and often leading to cirrhosis and cancer.

According to a study from the Hepatitis C Support Group, entitled “African-Americans and Hepatitis C,” African-Americans are more than twice as likely to contract Hepatitis C and are more likely to die from the virus. African-American patients have also historically responded more poorly to previous treatments compared to other racial groups. But thanks to medical innovation, there is now a drug available that can cure this disease in a matter of weeks.

However, insurance companies are standing between sick patients and

e Urban Spectrum — April 2006

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Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

24

effective drug treatments so they can protect their own bottom line. The only consideration for a patient ought to be: does their doctor think doing something will make them healthier? Whether a drug is expensive, or other financial matters, ought to not matter when a patient’s health and wellbeing are at stake.

We can’t idly stand by while the healthcare system withholds treatment for a disease that affects AfricanAmericans so profoundly. Everyone struggling with this disease should have equal access to treatment and an equal opportunity to live a healthy and productive life. Please join the ECCBN by raising awareness on Hepatitis C and other health care disparities.

To help raise awareness about healthcare disparities and promote healthcare awareness in the African American community, the Eastern Colorado Council of Black Nurses is hosting the Health Highways in partnership with Colorado Black Art Fest on from July 8 to July 10.

Elerie Archer, President Eastern Colorado Council of Black Nurses Chris Griswold, Associate

Editor’s note: For more information, visit https://www.colbaf.org/festival.html or email cgriswold@hilltoppublicsolutions. com.

THANK YOU DENVER!

LEST WE FORGET...REST IN PEACE

:H;7C7A;H FHE:K9J?EDI

Reverend Dr. Paul M. Martin

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September 1, 1938 – March 23, 2016

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Family, Friends, Students, faculty, staff, trustees, and graduates mourned the sudden death of Dr. Paul M. Martin, President and Professor of Pastoral Theology at American Baptist Seminary of the West (ABSW) in Berkeley since 2009. He died on March 23 at the age of 77 while in Denver with his wife, Dr. Agnes Martin. A former ABSW trustee, Dr. Martin was the first African-American president of ABSW. Dr. Martin came to Berkeley with sound credentials. He earned his B.A. degree from Pepperdine University, his Master of Divinity degree from Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology in Richmond, VA, and his Doctor of Philosophy from the California Graduate School of Theology. His dissertation was entitled, "A Critical Analysis of Black Theology from Slavery to Civil Rights." Dr. Martin was a life member of the Urban League, the NAACP, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Honoring his homiletical skills, Morehouse College named him to its Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Hall of Preachers.

During nearly six decades as an ordained minister, he served as senior pastor for 27 years at the Redeemer Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles, 17 years at Macedonia Baptist Church in Denver, and later was the interim pastor for two years at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Los Angeles.

Dr. Martin believed in serving the community. During his tenure in Denver, Colorado, he served on the development committees for the Denver International Airport and the Stapleton International Airport. Starting in 1959, Dr. Martin hosted radio ministries on eight stations in Los Angeles and Denver. At the time of his death, he had once again returned to radio by hosting a Saturday morning show from Los Angeles.

Dr. Martin is survived by his wife, Agnes, and their children Anthony Martin, Robert Williams, Rosalyn Thomas, Arlene Sharp, and beloved grandchildren.

A few months ago, Denver did something special by supporting an independently produced Broadway style new h3:D3813; LQ c ÆBDÆ13; MS LbMP :<;B4-h3 =Æ<; D5B73Dh 9Æj -D BA3Æ:-;73;2-9B3 Æ;f musical by Kenneth Grimes, David Wohl and Susan Einhorn. Starring in the production was Denver’s First Lady Mary Louise-Lee along with choreographer Cleo-Parker Robinson and musical director Michael Williams. &/(2 3$5.(5 52%,1621 '$1&( 7+($7(5

THANK YOU! Co-Creators • Funders • Organizations • Sororities • Fraternities • Crews Civic Groups • Churches • Media • Universities • Schools • Artists Musicians • Individuals • Audiences • Friends • and FAMILY

Merriella Sharné Crowell November 26, 1957 – May 1, 2016

Merriella Sharné Crowell was born in Denver to her parents MariPatricia Mimms and William Jackson.She graduated from Adams City High School in 1975 and furthered her education at the University Of Colorado, Community College of Denver and Phillips Junior College in California.

Merriella married Ronald Martin Crowell on September 19, 1981 and they had her only child, Geoffrey Sean Crowell. Years later, she met Webb Harvell, III, and together, they developed a long-term relationship for 27 years.

Merriella was very active and a hard worker. She always demonstrated leadership, influence, compassion, focus, and performed her duties with a spirit of excellence. Her professional career was varied and diverse.

Denver Urban Spectrum remembers her from her many years at Denver Center for the Performing Arts working as the Marketing Production Manager. She worked hard to increase the involvement and participation of the African American community with theatre and the DCPA. She later became the Administrator and Program Director for the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce under the leadership of former Denver Mayor and family member, Wellington E. Webb. After her time at the CBCC, she started her own consulting company called Brainiantics, which she worked for the remainder of her life.

Outside of her regular jobs, she served on community boards, worked as a freelance writer, and volunteered her time organizing community events. Merriella was an active member of Cleaves Memorial CME church for many years.

Merriella loved so many things including music, dancing, decorating, thrift stores, plants, gardening, football, the Denver Broncos, movies, slot machines, poker, sewing, painting, ceramics, and playing games on her phone and computer.

The ultimate thing she loved more than anything in this world was her son, Geoffrey. She always referred to him as “her world” or “her crowning achievement,” and she made sure she was a part of everything he had going on, no matter how busy she was with work or anything else.

In her last years, Merriella developed numerous amounts of health complications. Despite her health issues, she continued to be herself, stay active and live life like she wanted.

Merriella Sharné Crowell departed this life with her son by her side. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her son, Geoffrey S. Crowell, of Commerce City, CO; three brothers, Audwin J. Mosby of Orange County, CA, Jon E. Rhodes and Kevin T. Rhodes, both of Commerce City, CO; and a large extended family.

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OVERNIGHT C CAMP AMP IN ESTES PARK PARK

JULY 25-30 • AGES 7-12 JULY

Saturday,, June 1 Saturday 11, 1, 2016 3:00 p.m.

Park Hill United Methodist Church 5209 East Montview Blvd., Denver, Denver, CO 80207

$30/CAMPER $30/CAMPER

Join choirs from all over the nation as we celebrate the music of the African American Spirituals The Ambassadors’ Concert Choir Choir,, Oklahoma City, City, OK The Celebration Multicultural Ensemble, Colorado Springs The Ebony Chorale, West West Palm Beach, FL First Universalist Church Choir, Choir, Denver The Heritage Chorale, Baton Rouge, LA The United Voices Voices of Detroit, Detroit, MI The Bennie L. Williams Spiritual Voices, Voices, Denver Tickets: T ickets: Adults - $30 y Students with ID - $15 y Children under 10 - Free To To purchase tickets go to www.blwspiritualvoices.org www.blwspiritualvoices.org (fees apply) or call 720-460-8219

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

26

includes inc ludes food, lodging, and transportation to & from camp

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May Winner!

Regina Jones wins two tickets to the Winter Park Jazz Festival with

Anthony Hamilton!

Photos by Rita Jones RJ Photography

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Get On The Bus!

Tickets on Sale Now!

Ride To The Winter Park Jazz Festival

July 16, 2016

Enjoy a relaxful luxury ride to the Winter Park Jazz Festival

Pick Up Location: 4800 N. Chambers Road in Denver (Former Safeway Parking Lot) For tickets: Visit Mail Box Express - 4860 Chambers Road or call 303-375-1683 Cost: $60 – Day Trip Only - Price does not include concert tickets Get your tickets early. Bus will fill up fast!

Cedric Pride Entertainment Presents Derby 16 With

Celebrity Host Morris Chestnutt

Deadline - July 1, 2015 For more information, call 303-375-1683

Congratulations Donald Tyrell James for getting it done!

Class of 2016 - Chaparral High School

Photos by Dionne Bell

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

27

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Prices and participation may vary. A la carte only. ©2016 McDonald’s. M 55401.21

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$ 49 Medium Iced Coffee Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2016

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