Black Arts & Entertainment In Colorado

MAYA & MALIAH HOWARD

THE BALLERINA

SISTERS

MYBLACKCOLORADO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ISSUE

ISSUE 1 | VOLUME 2 | 2020 PHOTO BY DANIELLE TRINA

3/24 FINANCING YOUR The Art of

CREATIVE PROJECTS

9/15

5:30-7:30 pm | Pikes Peak SBDC

5:30-7:30 pm | Pikes Peak SBDC

6/23

5:30-7:30 pm | Cottonwood Center for the Arts

The Art of NAVIGATING THE LAW FOR CREATIVES

12/8

The Art of APPROACHING VENUES OR GALLERIES 5:30-7:30 pm | Kreuser Gallery

T h a n k Yo u To everyone the past 3 years who made this community initiative possible. It has taken many people to bring this together. We are excited to continue growing and expanding and being an enriching resource for our community and for those seeking to work with those in our community. Thank you for believing in us and what we are doing. Teamwork makes dreams work. Brandon & Jini Bornes

Premier Sponsors Colorado Springs Utilities | csu.org Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center | pikespeaksbdc.org Cultural Office Of The Pikes Peak Region | culturaloffice.org Eastern Colorado Bank | yourfriendlybank.com Content Sponsors

Member Sponsors

Blair Caldwell Library

Darvon Godfrey

DeAnna McGrone

Black American West Museum

Marie A Heaton

Elizabeth Lee

Shirley A Stewart | Home Smart Cherrycreek

Mary Goshay

Gwendolyn Handerson

Dr. Kenneth Gilmore

Juannean Young

Gary Smith

kimberly davis

Harrison Hunter

LaDonna Welch

Joseph Williams

Maurice Cox

Cheronda & Albert Wills | Club Tilt & Grill

Kimberly Conner

Michael Mras

Dr. Lauren Penn | Pin Ppint Chiropratic Care

Amy RedCloud

Michael Williams

Makisha Boothe | SistahBiz Global

Analise Harris

Nina Britton

Andre Carbonell

Richelle Gittens

Ardesia Parr

Sabrina Cooks

Basil Williams

Sara Bornes

Chelonda Marshall

Shandra crayton

Danielle trina

Dereck Bell

Gene Henderson | Henderson Consulting Tamara Nisbeth | Reggae Pot Express Lia Nelson | Little Brown Skin Girls Dorothy Bee | Farmers Insurance Michael Arkadie | The Jazz Funk Connection

Jicelyn Johnson | Black Business Initiative Charmas Lee | Building Champions Leonard Anderson Photography Rafaell Thompson | L7 Fragrances Claudine Malcolm | World Of Wellness Dagma Le-Blanc | Realtor Leona M. Abdullah-Ward M.A. | In-Balance Tanisha Bruns | Diamond Bird Rodney & Cashmiyr Scott | Chloe Maddison Skin Studio Shawtina Lane | Brides By Tina Stanley Gbandawa | T. Rowe Price Jacob Pruitt | T. Rowe Price Rodney Gullatte | Firma IT Solutions Kara Varner | A Platinum Resume

Go to MyBlackColorado.com/Sponsors to see updated sponsor list

Our Team Of Talented Professionals Ralph McCoy

Porsha Stuckey

Brandon Bornes

Jini Bornes

Rodney Gullatte, Jr.

Graphic Designer

Assistant Editor

Editor In Chief

Brand Ambassador

Social Media Manager

PHF Design

Write Touch Consulting

BornesPro Media

BornesPro Media

Firma It Solutions

Designatphf.com

WriteTouchConsulting.com

BornesPro.com

BornesPro.com

firmaitss.com

(719) 882-1658

(719) 286-9486

(719) 629-7482

(719) 629-7482

(305) 619-8989

How We Can Help You Ellie RedCloud

Creative Marketing

Business Consultant

We share our content through videos, pictures and

RedCloud Strategic Business Consulting

stories. We utilize events, social media, email,

ChoiceConsultingllc.com

print, text and our website to distribute content.

(719) 301-5599 Comprehensive Database We are developing a one of a kind, online database.

It features black business owners, Professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, community servants and civic & social organizations throughout Colorado.

Shantelle Nix Community Liason African America Youth Leadership Conference aaylc-co.org

Business Consultation Our team of professionals span across multiple industries and are here to help you excel in what you do best.

Community Engagement If you are looking to get engaged in your community, we can refer you to the right organization or person to help you get connected.

Our Mission

To facilitate and cultivate a cohesive ecosystem of the local black community to inspire, innovate and connect local areas

Brandon & Jini Bornes

Founders of My Black Colorado

Motivated by Love

We often worry that we don’t

exceptional people in our community.

delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

have enough resources in our community

We need to do better. But we

It always protects, always trusts, always

to go around. When we see someone in

need to lead by example. Our love for

hopes, always perseveres. Love never

our society that does what we do but

each other needs to be greater than our

fails. When people come in contact with

does it better than us, many times we

fear of failure. If I had to simplify into

our brand, that’s what I want them to

get a little nervous. Instead of using

one word what My Black Colorado is

experience.

competition to spur on our creativity,

about, it would be LOVE! Because love

teamwork, work ethic, and innovation,

is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,

to live up to, but I believe it’s worth

we often are soo overwhelmed with our

and it does not boast, it is not proud, It

fighting for, and it’s what we need as a

fears and insecurities that we lash out.

does not dishonor others, it is not self-

community.

We gossip, we sabotage, we hurt one

seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps

another. This has happened to many

no record of wrongs. Love does not

Photo By Jeanette Falu-Bishop

It’s not an easy aspiration

MY BLACK COLORADO MAGAZINE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Arts & Entertainment Featuring some of the best creatives in Colorado, including musicians, singers, dancers, poets, rappers, painters, writers, photographers & models.

The Ballerina Sisters

Maya & Maliah Howard are amazing, multi-talented young girls who are passionate about expressing themselves through dance, and leaving a positive impact in their community

Golden Ticket Winners

These people & businesses were nominated by their peers for their outstanding customer service and rapport. Over 1,000 people voted in 24 different categories.

Diversity Of Perspective

Our community brings value to industry because we offer a different set of eyes to see the world through. Allowing different perspectives to to influence decision making can help make any industry more relevant.

10 133 136 154

Black In Denver

166

Content From Sponsors

176

Jasmine Narkita Gold is the visionary founder and artist behind Black In Denver – an incredibly poignant portrait and interview series which features Black residents of Denver, CO.

Our sponsors are essential to helping our organization be sustainable and impactful in our community.

City Data

Denver, Aurora, Lakewood

Population

2.92M

Median Age

36.6

Poverty Rate

Median Household Income

Number Of Employees

Median Property Value

3.7% Growth

2.89% Growth

8.75% Growth

1.53% Growth

$79,478

10.2%

1.63M

$420,000

In 2018, Denver-Aurora-Lakewood,

23.2% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.35% Black

degrees).

CO had a population of 2.93M people

or African American Alone. 19.8% of the

with a -median age of 36.6 and a median

people in Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO

Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO is $420,600,

household income of $79,478. Between 2017

speak a non-English language, and 93.5%

and the homeownership rate is 63.1%. Most

and 2018 the population of Denver-Aurora-

are U.S. citizens.

people in Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO

Lakewood, CO grew from 2.89M to 2.93M,

The largest universities in Denver-

commute by Drove Alone, and the average

a 1.53% increase and its median household

Aurora-Lakewood, CO are Front Range

commute time is 25.6 minutes. The average

income grew from $76,643 to $79,478, a

Community

car ownership in Denver-Aurora-Lakewood,

3.7% increase.

awarded in 2017), University of Colorado

The population of Denver-Aurora-

Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (5,272

Lakewood, CO is 63.7% White Alone,

degrees), and University of Denver (4,562

College

(5,545

degrees

The median property value in

CO is 2 cars per household.

Read More!

Compare Data From Other States

DATAUSA.IO

Pg. 8 City Data

City Data

Colorado Springs

Population

465,084

Median Age

34.6

Poverty Rate

Median Household Income

Number Of Employees

Median Property Value

7.54% Growth

3.32% Growth

6.56% Growth

1.87% Growth

$60,308

commute time to work is 20.2 minutes.

a population of 465,084 people with

Colorado Springs, CO speak a non-English

The average car ownership in Colorado

a median age of 34.6 and a median

language, and 96.4% are U.S. citizens.. The

Springs, CO is 2 cars per household.

household income of $60,308. Between

largest universities in Colorado Springs,

2015 and 2016 the population of Colorado

CO are Colorado Technical University-

place located in El Paso County, CO. It

Springs, CO grew from 456,562 to 465,084,

Online, with 5,016 graduates, University

borders Black Forest, CO; Cimarron Hills,

a 1.87% increase and its median household

of Colorado- Colorado Springs, with 2,140

CO; Fort Carson, CO; Fountain, CO;

income grew from $56,079 to $60,308, a

graduates, and Colorado College, with 552

Gleneagle, CO; Manitou Springs, CO;

7.54% increase.

graduates. The median property value in

Security-Widefield, CO; Stratmoor, CO

population

of

CO

$243,600

and 6.31% Black. 13.2% of the people in

The

Springs,

223,158

has

Colorado

13.2%

Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO is $243,600, and the

Springs, CO is 69.2% White, 17.5% Hispanic,

homeownership rate is 57.5%. The average

Colorado Springs, CO is a census

City Data Pg. 9

MUSIC - ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT -

FEATURES Pages 10-43

Pg. 10 | Music Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Contact Information youthonrecord.org

Stephen Brackett

Flobots | Youth On Record

Can you share what your youth record is about?

We are an organization that

seeks to address inequality and lack of access to resources and personal power by using music as a content delivery method for liberation. We take our mission seriously. We see that the young people we serve, particularly black and brown children, historically do not have the same access to resources. Many are unable even to imagine a world in which they can set their stars and determine who they want to be. We use music as our primary channel to address that inequality because that’s where young people are. Young people are engaged in music; they’re either making it or consuming it. That’s why we collaborate with them through the music medium.

How did your organization get started?

Youth On Record became what it

is through a very long process. Good ideas require many hands to make it tangible and effective. We started a band called Flobots, of which I am a member. We were creating our platform as local musicians, and we decided that it wasn’t enough to

is our students because they are brilliant.

just talk about social justice. We felt like

What what are you excited about

They are hungry, and they are talented.

we should do something more to create

moving forward?

What’s also exciting is the staff itself. It’s an

a pathway. We had this desire early on

amazing group of incredible artists. Almost

as a black community. What used to

before we became a national band. We

everyone on our team is a musician, that’s

created our own nonprofit, and out of

who we attract. Our staff is probably the

that came the foundation for Youth On

Can you share what your youth record

most diverse in Colorado. When you’re in

Record.

is about?

alignment with your community, and you’re

In Denver, we are hemorrhaging

We are an organization that

really reaching out, then people from the

seeks to address inequality and lack of

What are you currently excited about?

community will come in and join you. I like

access to resources and personal power

being able to walk up in this place and

[Article Continues on Page 15]

Well, the main thing that I think

everybody who’s on staff is excited about

know that we’re doing something right.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Music Features | Pg. 11

Contact Info youthonrecord.org

Pg. 12 | Music Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

[Article Continued from Page 13]

their stars and determine who they want to

by using music as a content delivery

be. We use music as our primary channel

method for liberation. We take our mission

to address that inequality because that’s

seriously. We see that the young people

where young people are. Young people are

we serve, particularly black and brown

engaged in music; they’re either making it

children, historically do not have the same

or consuming it. That’s why we collaborate

access to resources. Many are unable even

with them through the music medium.

to imagine a world in which they can set

-Written By Brandon Bornes

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/music

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Music Features | Pg. 13

Contact Info evananderis.com

MUSIC BY EVAN & EDRIS

Currently based out of Colorado,

space. They recently have been featured

Evan and Eris is an amazing brother/

on Reach Records Christmas album and

sister duo with powerful worshipful lyrics

have performed with artists such as Mali

immersed in a sonic blend of R&B, trap, and

Music, Andy Mineo, Derek Minor, Gawvi,

gospel music. In 2019, they released their

and others. In 2020, look for new music as

debut album “Seasons� which has amassed

they are geared up to release new music!!

over ___ million streams on Spotify alone.

-Written By DJ Standout

The success of their independent release garnered the attention of major labels and artists in the Gospel and Christian Hip Hop

Pg. 14 | Music Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

MUSIC BY EVAN & EDRIS

Evan & Eris

Soul, R&B, Trap, Gospel

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Music Features | Pg. 15

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

JSon Martin Producer

How did you get started?

I got my start in the church when

I was very young. I was directing my own choir at the age of 15, and I just wanted to bring something different in terms of music.

I moved into the secular realm and noticed how much music was lacking a different perspective, what it means to be black in America.

I feel the hip-hop genre can be a

monolith because it sticks with the same narratives about the hood, gangsters, and hustlers. I wanted to bring a different perspective and narrative to hip-hop, and bring a higher standard in music. Most people who are rappers, all they do is rap. They don’t actually have a music background. What I’ve done is taken my music theory knowledge, my sound engineering experience, my photography, and videography learning and combined it to create a real high-end product.

I’m one of the very few artists in

Colorado that is truly, in all aspects, an independent artist. Everything you hear from the recording to the engineering, mastering, songwriting, to the hook is done by myself.

-Written By Brandon Bornes

Pg. 16 | Music Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Babianna

Reggae Fusion

Bibianna,

formerly

known

as

Viannason is a motivated, talented, and exotic artist. Born and raised on the island of Madagascar, Bibianna started singing & writing at a very early age.

Being from an island, Bibianna

strives to bring an island vibe in her music but she also strives to make music that you can relate to in every situations.

In 2016, Bibianna released her

most personal EP debut titled “Ça C’était Avant”. Describing details of her past as she moves on and hopes for better things in life .

Few months after the release, Bibianna signed to Bentley Records, an international record label that’s based in New York City.

As she continues to grow as an

artist, Bibianna has a worldview on life and a voice with unique highlights. Through her stories, she hopes to continue to make music that bring people together but also make music that people can have fun to.

-Written By Babianna

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Music Features | Pg. 17

Contact Information moniquebrooksroberts.com

Monique Roberts Violinist

How did you get started?

I grew up in the church where my

mother played the piano. I had six siblings, of which five are much much older than me. One of my sisters, who’s 14 years older than me, played the violin, and her talent must have gotten stuck in my subconscience. I don’t even remember that she played, but I was told that I would sit and listen to her. Eventually, I started asking to play too. I don’t remember asking to play until I was seven or eight years old, and my mother was like, “You have to practice, and if you don’t practice, then we’re not going to take this serious.” I just begged and begged and begged, and then finally, my mom got me a violin.

When I got that violin, it just

instantly became my life. I loved it. I would go to sleep thinking about it. I’d wake up thinking about practicing, and I excelled pretty quickly. I started taking private lessons a year later and continued my lessons through elementary and high school. Then I decided to go to college and study it full-time. That’s where I got my start playing classical. I had the unique skill set of playing by ear, so it was easy also to become classically trained.

-Written By Brandon Bornes

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/music

Pg. 18 | Music Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Contact Information rajdulari.com

Radjdulari Jazz Singer

How did you get into music?

I started performing when I was

three. My grandfather was a pastor, and my mother was a choir director. I used to stand on a milk carton and sing in front of the choir. I love gospel music. I grew up listening to Gospel, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan. When I would be alone, I would listen to music.

I felt like the music was more of my best friend than just something to listen to. But I never really thought

I could perform

music professionally until I was about seventeen. One of my teachers heard me singing and asked me to perform. Soon after that, I had my first Jazz gig at just seventeen! I’ve been performing ever since.

-Written By Brandon Bornes

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/music

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Music Features | Pg. 19

Contact Information iamsuch.com

Such

Rhythm & Blues What do you do?

I’m a singer, songwriter, and

actress out of Denver. What I do is give back to humanity through music. Until January of 2012, I was a nurse. People think nursing and singing are two completely different things on opposite ends of the spectrum. But I disagree. Everything that I loved about nursing, which is taking care of people, building rapports, and just loving my patients, I’m able to do with my music.

So I feel like I’ve been able to wrap nursing into what I do, which is really cool.

How did you end up making music?

I’m a pastor’s daughter. I grew

up singing in church with both of my older sisters. I grew up listening to them singing. I was three years old when I joined the children’s choir at church. Once I hit elementary school, I joined every choir possible. So music has always been a steady thing throughout my whole life. I never thought of it as a career, though.

I didn’t know anybody whose parents were entertainers, artists, or musicians, or anything along those lines. The grownups in my life were doctors and teachers.

When I was 15, I played the

flute. My band director encouraged me to audition for a high school Jazz band. I submitted a VHS for my audition, and they selected me. I got a ten days all-expensespaid trip to perform with this group at different jazz clubs in L.A. We even got to record an album and to attend the Grammys. It was an incredible experience.

Pg. 20 | Music Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

“I think a lot of times, as a creative, you find yourself always pouring out, which can be draining. So sometimes you’ve got to stop and just get poured into” -Such

During that trip, I realized that

do and be anything he wants to be, and I

all the kids who were there, all went to

realized at that moment the only way he

to really be present in the journey. In the

performing arts schools. They all just knew

would genuinely get that message is if I

entertainment industry, they try to lump

they were going to be musicians, and that

became what I wanted.

you in a particular category. The reality

was the first time I was like, “Oh my gosh, I

Another piece of advice would be

is, there’s room for everybody and that

could do this too.”

What was the turning point in your

you’re the only one who can do what you

music career?

do. I can’t do what somebody else says; I

When I came home from my trip,

I created a PowerPoint presentation for

for

can only do me. No matter how hard I try

my parents to express why they should let

American Idol when my son was just

to be somebody else. I can’t be. So might

me transfer out of my high school to the

a few months old, and I made it to

as well be the best version of myself. So I

nearest performing arts high school, which

Hollywood week. Then, I made it to the

would say do you, enjoy the journey, and

was about an hour away from our house.

end of Hollywood week. Eventually, I got

be present. There is no exact formula.

I had it all planned out. They told me no,

eliminated. I came back home, and I was

and that they didn’t want me to become

sad for a little bit. But after that, I was

Are

a struggling musician. I think from that

like, okay, it’s time to say goodbye to my

projects?

moment on; I was just was like, “Okay, but

nursing job and jump in headfirst.

music will be my release, and it’ll be like

I think back to that girl so many

Wide Nose Full Lips. If I could summarize

my hobby.” It became my way to get my

years ago who did the bravest thing

the album into phrases, I would say that it

creative juices flowing or whatever.

ever because I had no connections in the

is a love letter from myself, to myself. It’s

I headed down the medical path

entertainment industry. I had no idea what

me falling in love with who I am and being

and became a nurse. I worked in that

the industry was like, but there was just this

more comfortable in my skin. It’s a collection

field for four years. Then, that infamous

overwhelming conviction; I knew that music

of absolute unapologetic love letters to all

earthquake

Haitian

was the path I was supposed to take. I’m

things black and melanin. It took me about

American.) I went to Haiti as a nurse to

so glad that I listened to my heart because

four years to write this album, and I think

help. Seeing the loss of life and devastation

so many amazing things have happened

the reason why is because I just needed

really made me reconsider what I should

since then; things that I couldn’t have even

to live. I think a lot of times, as a creative,

be doing with my time here on Earth.

imagined.

you find yourself always pouring out, which

hit

Haiti.

(I’m

I

ended

up

auditioning

When I came back from Haiti, I started

you

currently

promoting

any

Yes. My latest album is called

can be draining. So sometimes you’ve got

to step back from nursing a little bit and

What are you learning about the

into singing a little more. I didn’t really

business side of music?

know how or if it was going to work out.

Then I had my son, and I would say he was

myself with a good team of people,

the second biggest catalyst. I remember

the right people, which doesn’t happen

looking into his eyes when he was just a

overnight. I’m still building my team. It’s

few days old. I didn’t want to be the kind of

not something that I’m necessarily in a

parent who lived vicariously through their

rush to do because I want a team with the

kid. I wanted him to know that he could

right people.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

I think it’s important to surround

to stop and just get poured into...

-Written By Brandon Bornes Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/music

Music Features | Pg. 21

Contact Information chefietef.com

DJ Cavem

Hip Hop Health Activist

From an early age DJ Cavem has

Becoming vegan at age 14, he said he

had a deep connection to environmental

felt a calling to speak about these issues

activism and food justice. Raised in

in his songs, “especially since most of the

Denver’s Five Points district, often referred

neighborhoods considered food deserts

to as the Harlem of the West, his interest

were people of color.”

for

gardening

and

hip

hop

helped

-Excerpt From chefietef.com

him resist the snares of gang lifestyle.

Pg. 22 | Music Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Contact Information foresightrecords.com

Melvin Shaw | HOTT Hip Hop Artist

Hailing from the bitterly cold surroundings of Syracuse, New York, comes a new emcee whose musical conviction is dedicated both to new and old generations of underground Hip-Hop fans alike. Utilizing a bevy of weapons in a ceaseless lyrical arsenal, HoTT engages his listeners with poignant rhymes that reflect on topics that range from politics to the ever-present struggle presented toward the oppressed in America and abroad.

-Written By Melvin Show

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Music Features | Pg. 23

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Alpha The Musical

Acoustic Singer & Songwriter

I am Alpha the Musical and I am

that I will have forever is singing on the

knew what I know now when I was younger

a singer/songwriter in Colorado Springs,

Gothic theater stage in front of hundreds

because if I did, I’d spend more time

CO. I started singing when I was three years

of people and feeling their energy.

saying to myself “worry less about their

old and when I was 17 I started playing

music

ideas and more about fleshing out yours.”

guitar. I’ve always felt like my life is the

professionally for eight years and if I could

-Written By Alpha The Musical

plot for a musical and the only one who

give anyone a bit of advice it would be

could write the score was me. I love talking

this: No one is going to want it as badly

to people through music because it allows

as you do. You have to push past all the

for us to share a moment. One memory

no’s by always telling yourself “yes.” I wish I

Pg. 24 | Music Features

I’ve

been

doing

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

TerryJosiah

Producer & Singer What advice would you give someone interested in trying to growing in their songwriting skills.

It would be like anybody that

wants to do you know that that’s actually serious about doing anything. If You want to be a good basketball player,

you

are going to find a court You’re going to practice.

it’s the exact same thing if

you want to be a songwriter, write every day. Some people think that songwriting is just writing the words down on paper. that’s more like poetry versus songwriting because if you don’t have any if you have a Melody to the words that you’re writing then it’s just words on paper.

In the studio, I have people that

come in with 5 songs written down.. They bring their notepad. It’s great. they’re excited. they come to the studio and they don’t have a melody, chord progression or know how they want to sing the song.

Thats all part of the song writing process, and to grow you need to start learning and practicing how to deliver your content in a way that grabs the listener. Practice your song to music, or a guitar or piano, so when you are ready to record you have an idea of what you want to do. It will make the whole process move forward better.

-Written By Brandon Bornes

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/music Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Music Features | Pg. 25

Contact Information theweswatkins.com

Wes Watkins

Singer, Songwriter & Musician

“I strive to use my music to

encourage

people

to

experience

the

individual. I believe if you can acknowledge and accept the entirety of yourself you will find perspective in your perception of others. No matter housing status, economic status, race, gender, political association, etc. In our quickly changing world I make music to create inclusive neighborhood, because

the

best

change

supports

connection to community.

-Excerpt from theweswatkins.com

Pg. 26 | Music Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Contact Information kaylaraemusic.com

Kayla Rae

Singer & Songwriter

Kayla Rae is a singer, songwriter,

producer and performer from Colorado Springs, CO. She started writing songs since before the age of 10. Kayla has always had a passion for writing whether that be poems, stories and eventually music. Upon realizing music was her calling, she began to pursue that passion and further her education out of state where she learned to produce music. Once that was locked down, there was nothing she couldn’t make happen for herself.

Since then Kayla has recorded over 200 of her own songs, directed & edited her own videos and created a brand solely off of what she loves. Music has been the only option ever since.

You can expect plenty of music

and an unstoppable journey to be a part of. The goal is that you connect with the art, the artist and the movement.

-Excerpt from kaylaraemusic.com

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Music Features | Pg. 27

Contact Information coryard.com

Pg. 28 | Music Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

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are effective ways to connect too. I like to get the crowd to engage with me. There’s a type of relationship you need to build with your audience, something personal that they can relate to. That’s extremely important when it comes to stage presence.

How do you choose what songs to perform during a show?

A

lot

of

times,

I

choose

beforehand. However, I may change the songs I pre-picked after seeing how the crowd responded to other people who performed before me.

You know, if the

audience is a little older, I may do some songs that are better suited for mature crowds. If it’s a younger group of people, I may just perform some of my more fun

Cory Ard

Hip Hop Artist Why do you make music?

I’m an artist. I make music,

specifically Christian hip-hop. I make music for whoever is listening, whatever the flavor, I just want to make music that when people listen to it, they can vibe with its message. There is a purpose behind it.

My goal is just to encourage people and to challenge them to live differently. I want to inspire them to change the world with anything and everything that they’re doing.

I feel like our world is just in a place where negativity is rampant. I want to bring a positive light by swing music, and inspire people to the same as they’re listening.

What is your music-making process?

I’ll start by sometimes praying

or listening to a little bit of worship music before I start writing my music, and then

songs.

I’ll just cut on the beat to start rocking out.

There’s a lot of mumbling at first while

What are some things that you’re

trying to find different cadences, melodies,

learning about the business side?

and rhythms for my verse or chorus.

Another way I create music is through

sometimes things don’t always go the way

writing sessions with friends. I’ve found

you want it to go. And so I think flexibility,

that I make some of my best music when

as well as patience with your craft and

I’m surrounded by people I love who are

with your music, is critical. Other times, you

also making music. It’s one of my favorite

have to take the initiative to make things

ways to write music.

happen. I think oftentimes we wait too long

When working with other people,

and we rely too much on other people. I’m What have you learned about the value

a go-getter. One of my favorite quotes is,

of stage presence?

“Faith without works is dead.” I’ve learned

One thing that I learned is that

that there is value in having a team and

people come to concerts and events to

community of people around you who are

be entertained. So, if you’re going to

doing the same thing you’re doing because

entertain, you have to be entertaining. My

iron sharpens iron.

stage presence is about energy, it’s about

-Written By Brandon bornes

making eye contact and just connecting with the audience in those different ways.

Telling everybody to nod their heads with me, or telling a joke to make them laugh

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/music Music Features | Pg. 29

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Jon Shockness | Kid Astronaut Singer & Songwriter

Kid

Astronaut

is

an

dreamer, visionary and creator.

artist,

hit a portal - sending them hurtling into

He was

an alternate past dimension set back in

recently a featured artist at TedxBoulder,

the year 2015.

his music was featured on 303 Music

Volume 2 a compilation album from 303

Magazine and he’s played stages from

Astronaut’s memory partly destroyed,

music festivals to venues in London,

the

England.

assimilate to the past as well as blend

He’s also from the future... One

into their new reality, keeping the truth

day, while touring with his band (a crew

about their time travels...and themselves

of wise and talented time-travelers,

a secret. Until now.

scientists and musicians) their spaceship

Pg. 30 | Music Features

Their futuristic tech, and Kid band

decided

they

needed

to

-Written By John Shockness

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Contact Information theremindersmusic.com

The Reminders Big Samir & Aja Black Hip Hop/Soul/Acoustic

The Reminders are a rare and

remarkable

seamlessly

demeanor. This is beautifully complimented

blending soulful sounds and roots music

by Aja Black’s confident delivery, diverse

with insightful messages and thoughtful

cadences, and unique vocal stylings.

lyrics. The group consists of Brussels-born

emcee Big Samir and Queens-born emcee/

magical chemistry as they share more

vocalist Aja Black, a collective creative

than lyrical abilities and stages; the couple

force that’s hard to beat.

shares a partnership in both music and life

Big

musical

Samir

duo

credibility in both his lyrics and cool

weaves

intricate

rhythmic patterns with a bilingual French/ English flow, displaying his street-smart Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

The two have an undeniable

as Samir and Aja have been married for almost a decade.

-Excerpt from theremindersmusic.com Music Features | Pg. 31

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Harold Rapp III Saxophonist

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 12. His influence comes from his early years living in Germany as a child of a military family. Later, he moved back to the US and spent several years on bases in Louisiana and California before finally settling on Colorado.

Though he grew up listening to

gospel and performed at the church, his father planted a seed by exposing him to various types jazz, including smooth jazz. His chief influence growing up was gospel performer, Angela Christie.

While attending college at the Lamont School of Music at Denver University and Metro State, he began listening to urban saxophonist like Gerald Albright, who later became his mentor, and David Sanborn.

The road wasn’t always easy for

him as he ran into many bumps, edgy twists and turns on his road to becoming a recording artist and renowned performer.

It was only by his faith in God and a very driven determination that he triumphed gracefully over adversity.

-Written By Harold Rapp III

Pg. 32 | Music Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Contact Information bkgmusic.com

Robert Houston

Black Pegasus Promoter & Performer

Robert Houston II, commonly

known as Black Pegasus throughout the music industry, is a Hip-Hop artist based in Colorado Springs. He is the current president and CEO of Brass Knuckle Entertainment.

Mr.

Houston

considers

himself a pioneer artist after contributing more than nineteen years to his craft.

Having achieved nine Studio albums including Black Pegasus, Black by Popular Demand, and The Black Mexican, the Hip-Hop pioneer shows no sign of slowing down.

After

twenty

years

he

has

accomplished a diverse portfolio inclusive of music production, local and national concert performances, numerous music videos, collaborations, mixed tapes, and even voice-over acting! Mr. Houston owns his own studio, also located in Colorado Springs; a milestone he attributes to his ever-expanding platform.

“I used to make a lot of money

just being an artist, but my platform has grown, and I’ve been able to take advantage of that to make a living.”

- Written By Robert Houston

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/music

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Music Features | Pg. 33

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Phiilo

Electronic Dance Where do you see yourself heading with your musical style?

I

just want to travel the world

playing music for everyone. I’m just keeping my options open for now. At times, plans can be confusing or uncertain.

Everybody’s trying to figure this music life out. I’ve been working with a lot of producers [in Colorado] recently because Nick just moved back to Chicago to finish his master’s degree in Psychology. I’m still definitely making music, just virtually for now. I’m still out here in Denver and collaborating with the producers who send me tracks. I’m incorporating that that hiphop vibe.

What messages are you trying to convey to your music?

I like coming up with some power

chords and melody, something catchy with Nick. He’ll send it to me, and I’ll put the headphones on, and I’ll walk around the block or walk around my apartment and wait to get a vibe from the music, see where it takes me. I consider things like if the music speaks about a girl or a particular situation in my life. I feel that’s what music is, you know — just the way to express life.

- Written By Brandon Bornes

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/music

Pg. 34 | Music Features

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Gingy

Hip Hop & Poetry What is writing to you?

hectic nature of my brain. Just being able

Writing is my therapy. I’m not in

to put a phrase to that and being able

therapy, but I’ve been in it throughout my

to lock in exactly what that is, gives me a

life. So, I know how helpful it could be, and

little more control over everything.

I see that writing is just as beneficial for

-Written By Brandon Bornes

me. It really helps me maintain my sanity by putting words to my emotions and the Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/music

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Music Features | Pg. 35

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Cicely O’Kain Singer

Cicely O’Kain is an artist in every

since of the word. A free spirit who uniquely expresses

her

artistry

through

music,

design, poetry and a sheer appreciation for life. Her infectious sound and style appeals to all when she’s center stage. Inspired by the sounds of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Chaka Kahn, and many other R & B legends. Her style is an eclectic mix of R&B and soul with whimsical twist. She’s vibrant and keeps her audiences entertained with her endearing stage presence.

- Written By Cicely O’kain

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/music

Pg. 36 | Music Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Contact Information adielmitchell.com

Adiel Mitchell Singer

“I wanna make music that makes people bop their heads”

Adiel Mitchell is a singer/song-

writer, dancer, and producer based out of Denver, CO. His musical journey began in 2012 where he started to upload videos of him singing and dancing with his friend on Youtube. As time passed on, Adiel ventured on with his own inspirations and influences and started releasing music of his own.

Adiel has discovered his voice, style, and sound in his original blend of Pop/R&B and production elements of today’s hottest Hip-Hop music.

- Excerpt from Adielmitchell.com

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Music Features | Pg. 37

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J. Carter

Singer, Songwriter, Producer

J. Carter is a musician, singer,

knew the path he wanted to pursue and

outreach in the Colorado Springs area

songwriter, audio engineer, performer,

went on to get his bachelor’s degree in

and beyond spreading the Gospel of Jesus

motion graphics artist, videographer and

Music from the University of Colorado at

Christ. Over the years J. Carter continued

entrepreneur. Born and raised in Colorado,

Colorado Springs.

to write, record, and release his music and

most years in Colorado Springs, right

been

has had the great opportunity to work with

outside Denver, J. Carter discovered his

performing around the United States

some amazing artists such as Andy Mineo,

creative passions early on. With his passion

and recording and releasing music for

Flame, Bizzle, Datin, JSon, Spec, C-Micah,

for God driving him, he began playing and

himself and other aspiring artists as well

and SOCOM to name a few.

singing in church worship teams and his

as leading worship. In 2010, J. Carter

love for music grew. In high school, he was

partnered with ministers and musicians

introduced to the world of recording music

in Colorado Springs to create City Lights

and composing and never looked back. He

Ministries. They held monthly events for

Pg. 38 | Music Features

Since

then

he

has

-Written By J. Carter

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Contact Information tonyexumjr.com

Tony Exum Jr Saxophonist

Thomas “Tony” Exum, Jr. was born

huge fan of Slave, the Jacksons, S.O.S.

later developed a passion for the sounds

in Colorado Springs, CO. He spent much

Band, RUN DMC, LL COOL J, and of

he could create with the saxophone,

of his childhood traveling from Germany,

course, New Edition. He not only could

even being asthmatic; and this is where

to Mississippi, to New Orleans, and back,

recite the words to his favorite tunes, but

his journey began. “I knew I would be a

due to his military upbringing.

could also identify any instrument!

musician of some sort. The saxophone

At the age of 11, Tony picked up

intrigued me and quickly became the

Tony’s interest in “grown up” music was

a saxophone given to him by his uncle

way my heart wanted to express itself

extensive. For Christmas, at the age of

Larry Francis, Jr, a U.S. Army musician

musically.”

6, Tony received Parliament-Funkadelic

stationed at Fort Carson, CO for the first

albums, but by then, he was already a

time and soon developed a love for it. He

As a child, as early as age 3,

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

-Written By Tony Exum Jr.

Music Features | Pg. 39

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Jawai Williams Singer

Some of

LA Fashion Week 2019, New York Fash-

Widefield High School with a 3.0 GPA.

Jawai’s recent achievements include: run-

ion Week 2020 and Miami Fashion Week

Her favorite subject is science due to all

way show with America’s Next Top Model

2020.

the theory and creativity in that field.

contestant Victoria Henley - April 2019;

Jawai is a phenomenal vocalist who has

released video singing “For His Glory”

adult church choir and praise team for

received a multitude of awards for her ac-

by Tasha Cobb - March 2019, which has

the last five years. She also performed at

complishments. She is currently exploring

over 5,900 views on the My Black Colora-

the AAYLC during the opening ceremony

several HBCUs and would like to obtain a

do homepage;

spotlight performance in

in March 2019. While attending the con-

degree in Nursing and minor in music. Her

Sergeant H’s video singing “Your Glory” -

ference, she enjoyed learning more about

ultimate dream is to become a singer.

March 2019; Fox News interview - Febru-

African American History.

Jawai’s mentor is her mother, Na-

ary 2019; and Yes M.A.A.M Pageant Queen

tasha Williams, who has taught her per-

winner - December 2018. She is also sched-

severance and to never give up

on her

uled to walk in the following fashion shows:

Jawai has been extremely busy

Atlanta Fashion Week September 2019,

dreams.

Jawai Williams is a senior at

Pg. 40 | Music Features

making her dreams a reality.

Jawai has volunteered in the

Excerpt from www.aaylc-co.org

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Be A Part Of The Next Magazine

Add Your Listing Today @ MyBlackColorado.com/Directory

Contact Information 303magazine.com

Kori Hazel

Content Contributor

Kori Hazel is a Denver native

who has paved a way in the Mile High City’s music scene on his own terms.

Bianca Mikahn

Beginning his journey in the industry at Tucson’s Rialto Theatre while attending the University of Arizona, Hazel has made it a point to immerse himself in as many facets of the industry as possible working with entities like Z2 Entertainment, Madison House and RED Distribution.

hats

Currently a wearer of many at

involved

303 in

Magazine,

talent

Hazel

buying,

is

writing,

project management and photography amongst other things, but all revolving around music. To date, Hazel has worked with the likes of New Belgium, The Underground Music Showcase, Visit Denver and more on various creative projects and installations.

The core of Hazel’s work,

however, is dealing with local musicians, telling their story and creating creative

Ebenezerm Yebuah

Bianca Mikahn has long been a

Ghana-born

singer

Ebenezer

maverick in Denver’s music scene, pushing

Yebuah, known by his stage name Mawule,

for purposes greater than herself. A singer,

began his musical journey at church.

MC and spoken word poet, Mikahn also

Propelled

leads a mental health organization, Check

empowerment, Yebuah speaks on issues

Your Head, which specifically deals with

like domestic violence and his ability to

mental health in young adults and the

love his own skin. The societal issues he

trials of coming into one’s own through

speaks on are core to his sound and the

art, as well as being a partner artist like

earnest manner in which he delivers his

Watkins is with Youth on Record.

catchy songs and thought-provoking lyrics.

A social-justice advocate and

by

human

connection

and

Last year, Yebuah, as a survivor

with her own TED Talk to boot, Mikahn

and worker in higher education, hosted

is a triple threat diving headfirst into the

a fundraiser concert alongside YaSi and

community, utilizing her artistry to propel

Kayla Marque on behalf of sexual and

her sanctified mission.

domestic violence victims, bring alight the

-Written By Kori Hazel

issues in our community and raising money for SafeHouse, an emergency shelter those dealing with domestic and sexual violence.

-Written By Kori Hazel

opportunities to showcase the city’s immense

talent.

Kori

Hazel

also

manages Denver bands VYNYL and Oxeye Daisy.

Pg. 42 | Music Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Mandy Groves Denver-based

Acuna Black vocalist

Acuna Black formerly known as Ill

Tanya Salih Violinist

and

singer/songwriter

Tanya

Mandy Groves was writing love songs

Se7en, another longtime MC and advocate

Salih, known simply as Zanib, sings

before she even knew what love was. Her

for social progress, is an unrelenting force

with a voice imbued with pride for one’s

wide eyes sparkle when she speaks of the

of message and substance. Born Michael

cultural heritage and the beauty of one’s

emotion, both imagining the whimsical

Acuña, the underground hip-hop artist is

personhood. Salih descends from Nubian

fantasy of Hollywood “rom-coms” and the

also known as a youth advocate, educator

parents

thorny reality of watching love end with

and an activist in the community.

Eastern sounds and Western influences

tears in her eyes or a bitter taste in her

Acuña works to break stereotypes

together in a genre-blending output, but

mouth (“I was writing ‘Tyrone”-esque lyrics

and hold those who are in positions to

with love and optimism at the forefront. In

when I was 10″).

abuse accountable, serving on civilian

a time when immigration is a core topic

Romance is the beating heart of

oversight committees for the Denver police

affecting our nation, Salih is a messenger,

Groves’ music, a reckless driver that informs

and sheriff. Receiving President Obama’s

coming to the table with the simple mission

her story. Even as a little kid, Groves

My Brother’s Keeper Award in 2016.

of uniting people and cultures through

recalls listening to one of her favorite

her music. Also working as co-director of

bands, Lincoln Park, and wondering why

hard-hitting conscious raps and transforms

Colorado Village,

the band she loved shied away from the

the MC into a spokesman of sorts for those

the team to find creative and empowering

emotion. In fact, she remembers not even

who can’t speak for themselves or can’t

solutions to homelessness in the city.

understanding how it was possible.

articulate the struggle of being black in

Nowadays,

Groves

has

been

Acuña’s message supersedes his

of

Muslim

heritage

bringing

Salih works alongside

-Written By Kori Hazel

America as eloquently as he can.

around the block enough times to know

-Written By Kori Hazel

what love is but that hasn’t stopped her from plucking the petals off the daisies just to pick them back up again.

-Written By Kori Hazel

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Music Features | Pg. 43

Contact Information poetry719.com

POETRY 719 - ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT -

CREATIVE CRUSHES Pages 44-59

Poetry 719

Poetry Organization

Poetry719

is

a

community

paying artists and providing performance

masculinity, grief and loss, as well as our

poetry organization in Colorado Springs

opportunities for local artist.

longest-running event, Colorado Black

that fosters and supports the freedom

Our call back is "We do Stuff" and we aim

Voices Matter, which won the “Recurring

of expression through the written and

to do stuff for the whole community. We

Poetry Event” award from the Pikes Peak

spoken word. We focus on uplifting

invite you to join us at our events, meet

Arts Council in 2018. We also put together

and celebrating voices of marginalized

our community, and be inspired by poetry.

an annual poetry festival in October that

communities and people of color. As a black

highlights the amazing artistic talent

run organization, we aim to create safe,

Facebook group in 2009 and became

inclusive, and accessible events for all. We

an event and community engagement

put on 3-4 events a month including open

group in 2018. We believe that everyone’s

mics, discussion panels, movie showings,

voice is valuable, important, and deserves

volunteer opportunities with nonprofits,

to be heard. Our events focus on but

and themed poetry nights. Our tag line is

are not limited too various topics such

"Art Aint Free" and we pride ourselves on

as spirituality, womxn of color, toxic

Pg. 44 | Poetry719’s Creative Crushes

We were founded as a small

Colorado Springs has to offer.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

Contact Information poetry719.com

Ashley Cornelius

Co-Director of Poetry 719

Ashley Cornelius is a spoken

Mercury Cafe and events in Denver and

evoke change. Ashley has a background

word poet in Colorado. She won Gold

Colorado Springs.

in

for the Colorado Springs Independent

Ashley is the Co-Director of

Program Director of an arts nonprofit in

Best of Artist Category 2019. She has

Poetry 719. Ashley was nominated for two

Denver focused on poetry workshop and

won four Hear Here Poetry Slams in

2018 Pikes Peak Art Council (PPAC) awards

curriculum. Ashley is committed to using

Colorado Springs. She was the Women of

and won best recurring poetry event. She

poetry as a platform to speak up and out

the World Poetry Slam Colorado Springs

has also been featured at Tedx Colorado

for marginalized groups and be a voice for

representative and competed in Dallas at

Springs. She graduated with a master’s

those who have been silenced.

Nationals in March 2018. She has been

in International Disaster Psychology from

featured at Keep Colorado Springs Queer

DU. She focuses on providing creative

Oppen Mic, the Black Voices Matter Open

therapy for adolescents. Her poems reflect

Mic, NAACP Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak

her personal struggles and journey as a

Community College, the Colorado Springs

young black woman.

Women’s March, At the Ink Well, The

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

poetry

education

and

was

the

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

She aims to inspire, empower, Poetry719’s Creative Crushes | Pg. 45

Contact Information poetry719.com

Christopher Beasley

Co-Director Of Poetry 719

Christopher “Beas J” Beasley is

Colorado Springs. This event grew and in

an accomplished poet and organizer in

2018 the event received the best recurring

the community. He has been performing

poetry event by the Pikes Peak Arts Council

for about 10 years and got his start

(PPAC). Additionally, Chris also won the

helping create Hear Here Poetry in 2009

Literary leadership award from PPAC.

and forming Word Wednesday Open

Mic. He competed on 4 Hear Hear slam

The Shop Open Mic, and other local

teams and in 2014 was on the team

venues. In 2018, Chris branched out and

that won Group Piece Finals at NPS.

helped transform Poetry719 into an event

and poetry organization and is the Co-

Chris continued to invest in the

He has featured for the NAACP,

poetry community and sat on the board of

Director.

Chris

plans

and

facilitates

Hear Here for 2 years. He has performed

monthly events, workshops, and discussions

around Colorado Springs and Denver and

through poetry719 and is a large part

leaves a lasting impression wherever he

of the cities increased poetry scene.

goes. In 2017 Chris started Colorado Black

- Excerpt From Poetry719.com

Voices Matter Open Mic, design to give voices to black poets and performers in

Pg. 46 | Poetry719’s Creative Crushes

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

Contact Information midnightpoet00.com

Philip J. Curtis

Founder Of Poetry 719

Writer, spoken word artist, and

mentor Philip J. Curtis is a native of New York with roots in Jamaica West Indies, who arrived on the Colorado Springs poetry scene in 2006 bringing with him a brand of New York City swag along with the sensual sun of Jamaica West Indies. Mr. Curtis established luvsaverb.com in 2007 combining his love for music with his poetic flow.

Philip

aka

Midnight

an avid community steward.

is

also

He has

facilitated poetry workshops at various high schools, and colleges.

He has

supported non-profit organizations such as CASA, LifeWithoutLupos.org, TESSA, Finding Our Voices, and Art from Ashes.

He is a founding member of Hear Here Poetry and in 2009 he established Poetry 719 on Facebook to foster and support the freedom of self-expression in spoken and written word through community connections, education, and poetic unity for all ages.

Mr. Curtis will release two books

in 2020 to celebrate his forty years of performing.

The titles of the book are

Haiku: The Ultimate Short Story which is a collection of haiku’s and poems.

The

second book that he will release is entitled After Midnight which is a collection of his erotic poems.

-Written By Philip J. Curtis

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

Poetry719’s Creative Crushes | Pg. 47

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Tyescha Clark Poet

This woman is doing big things

in our community and standing for the people of color in the city. Tyescha helps run the People of Color in Colorado Springs group that allows people of color to connect and create community in this town. She also organized and executed the People of Color in Solidarity day this year that was absolutely spectacular. There were workshops, poets, keynote speakers, childcare, and general fellowship and networking of people of color in the area.

Originally from New York, we are so glad life has brought her to us and that she is here to help us grow.

She is a leader, a visionary, an

innovator, a mother, and a dope poet.

Tyescha is on the board of ESN and has contributed to multiple organizations and events in the springs.

- Written By Ashley Cornelius

Pg. 48 | Poetry719’s Creative Crushes

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

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Micheal Ferguson

President Of Hot Comb Poets Poetry719 Poet of the Year

Michael “Skillzilla” Ferguson is

a tall, black man, all too aware that his size makes him particularly vulnerable in America. Michael is scared because of his skin color, and he chooses to express that fear in his writing rather than remaining afraid at home.

His poetry focuses on

racial and social injustice, and nerd stuff.

If Michael isn’t writing, then he’s

sitting at home with his wife, Dr. Sandy Ho, and watching trash television, reading comics, or playing video-games.

He is

currently working on obtaining his MA in English at CSU Pueblo and hopes one day to be the black professor for students who look like him that Michael never had.

Michael is always open to talk

about Poetry, Comics, and Naruto.

Feel

free to talk to him about any of these things if you see him at an open mic.

- Written By Ashley Cornelius

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

Poetry719’s Creative Crushes | Pg. 49

Contact Information rosennabakari.com

Dr. Rosenna Bakari Poet, Author, Educator, Motivational Speaker

Dr. Bakari is an author, advocate,

and scholar. She is a role model for those whose life experiences have been steeped in challenges of oppression, including race, gender, and sexual violence, and an expert at building bridges between men and women. She is a visiting assistant professor in the College of Education at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She earned her Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. She is also Cornell University and SUNY alum.

Although much of her scholarship

centers around breaking the silence of sexual violence, she considers herself a “peace worker.” She recognizes personal growth and self-awareness as requirements for improving the human condition.

-Excerpt From Rosennabakari.com

Pg. 50 | Poetry719’s Creative Crushes

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

Be A Part Of The Next Magazine

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E De La

Singer & Songwriter

A Colorado Springs native, has

had a passion for singing and touching the lives of people through her music for as far back as she can remember. It wasn’t until she was 15 yrs old, that E. De La began growing into her own artistry, as a soloist and writing her own songs. Since then, she has enjoyed singing at church, talent shows, sports events, open mic nights, celebrity concerts and karaoke. greatest satisfaction from being able to connect with people on an emotional level.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

Kylee C

Visual Artist

An absolutely incredible Denver

poet. Kylee C. is a Denver based visual and performance artist working with nonprofit organizations to create healing through art. She began writing as a child to tell her story, and it soon became a tool for personal growth. Her poetry is inspired by personal experiences embracing flaws and reframing thoughts to accept oneself.

Through her work, she aims to connect by sharing personal stories of imperfections and empowerment.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

Pg. 52 | Poetry719’s Creative Crushes

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Irina Amouzou Poet

We first met Irina at the youth

open mic at our poetry festival in 2018.

She got on the mic and blew us all way.

Since then it was been so wonderful to see how presence in the poetry community and her time on the mic increase. Her poems are beautiful, sensuous, and powerful. She not afraid of the mic and it shows because everyone line hits and is explosive and truthful. She is currently attending UCCS. She is passionate about social justice and politics and takes the debate stage with grace.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

Deanna McGrone AKA DJ Supreme

She is one of the sickest DJs in

town and is the ONLY yes i said ONLY female black DJ in the Springs. She played our Listen to Black Womxn event during the Poetry719 Festival and blew everyone away. D-Supreme officially started DJing in the fall of 2014 and has set up shop in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She always brings her genre-expanding catalog of dope music & positive attitude.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

Poetry719’s Creative Crushes | Pg. 53

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Chris Jones

Photographer & Graphic Designer

Chris is a portrait, fashion, music

photographer and graphic designer based in Colorado. When he’s not plotting to take over the world, he’s taking pictures out in the world. He loves capturing people and this his my way of doing it. He is an incredible photographer and has a way of capturing powerful and interesting moments. This is a photographer you want to book.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius -

Mike Murphy Comedian

Mike is a dope af comedian in

Colorado Springs. He performs all around the city and helps organize comedy shows to create exposure and recognition for comedy. He is a husband and father! He is a wonderful community member and always down to support and collaborate with others.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

Pg. 54 | Poetry719’s Creative Crushes

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

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Natalie Sharp Poet & Activist

Natalie Sharp is a Black writer,

dancer, and activist hailing from Savannah, GA and based in Denver, CO. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in poetry at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she also taught undergraduate creative writing. She is invested in the power of poetry as a mode of both healing and reckoning.

Her work has previously

appeared or is forthcoming in BOAAT Press, Puerto del Sol, Juked, The Shade Journal, and more.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

Tiffany Howard Poet

Tiffany is an incredible poet who

always seems to take the words right out of the audience’s heart. Tiffany’s poetry is raw and exposes the injustices that often get overlooked. Her support at our events and for community engagement and cohesion is truly inspiring.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

Poetry719’s Creative Crushes | Pg. 55

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Jazz Holmes

Mixed Media Artist

Jazz is an adjunct professor at

CSU in the department of Art and History and her students are incredibly lucky to have her. Her talent knows no bounds. Her art is breathtaking and thought-provoking.

There is no doubt in our minds that she is destined for greatness and fame. Her art is inspiring and captivating. W“Jazz is committed to her art, even when things get hard and it would be easier to choose a different career.

Her work is some of the most

original beauty I’ve ever seen and every piece is different from the next. She’s a fiercely loyal and compassionate friend.”

Jazz is an artist, a teacher, an activist, a community member, and a friend to so many.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

Pg. 56 | Poetry719’s Creative Crushes

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

Contact Information artbyrizzo.com

Jeresneyka Rose Art By Rizzo Visual Artist

A self-taught visual artist who

originates

from

Brooklyn,

New

York.

The first-generation American currently resides in Colorado. She always had a natural knack for art, but never explored her talents. Throughout her flourishing adulthood, she rediscovered her love for art and began painting in May 2014.

Amongst

the

plethora

of

inspiration in this world, she primarily draws inspiration from her Panamanian heritage,

sexuality,

pop-culture,

and

environmental influences. Her mediums of choice is acrylic paint and digital art. She thrives off of allowing her creativity to be incorporated within community.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

Poetry719’s Creative Crushes | Pg. 57

Contact Information patricediechelle.com

Patrice Ravenscroft Patrice Diechelle Poet

A champion for the Colorado

Springs community and an exceptional example of what it means to give back.

Patrice is the executive director of Reach Pikes Peak.

She is one of the most

connected and collaborative leaders in the city!

Patrice is also a wife, a mother, a

friend, and a poet. Her poetry is beautiful and it is always lovely to see the way in which someone can engage a community from various aspects of themselves.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

Pg. 58 | Poetry719’s Creative Crushes

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

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StoneyBertz Poet

They are incredible and everyone

should

know

about

who

they

are.

Stoneybertz is an artist living in Denver Co. They released their first project “fades and green stuff”� in 2011 and have been performing around Colorado springs and beyond while putting out other projects.

In addition to be being passionate

about hip hop they also serve as the queer liaison for the empowerment solidarity network, focusing on advancing the quality of life for marginalized folks.

-Written By Ashley Cornelius

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry719

Poetry719’s Creative Crushes | Pg. 59

Contact Information thelovelyrebel.com

Lovely’s Poetry Corner

The Lovely Rebel Spoken Word Poetess

the lyricist for various events and feature

joy, worries, and fears have all been

appearances: Brown Suga Vibe, Flowetic

validated through performance poetry.

Wednesday, ATL Club Awards, Spoken

More specifically, it is the audience

Chaos, Pass Key Entertainment, Spoken

reactions' to the things I write that serve

Word Mingle, and The Soul Gathering to

as the conduit for that validation. Their

name a few. As well, Lovely released a

responses are tangible reassurances that

5-track EP entitled, "I don't write pretty... I

I am not crazy or alone in my thoughts

just write life." to an enthusiastic response,

or struggles. That kind of validation

which sold over 250 copies in two weeks.

is powerful because it is healing and

Lovely Rebel is a very soulful and

intentionally provocative spoken word poet who believes, "people connect to realness."

Formerly Mz. Skribble, a novice yet formidable poet groomed in Atlanta, GA, the artist has been writing and performing captivating poetry for over a decade.

The Lovely Rebel first appeared

on YouTube in 2008, where she shared her earliest works with a small but diehard supportive audience. It didn't take long for her followership to grow on and offline.

The eventuality of such led her to the heart of downtown Atlanta, where at the iconic Apache Cafe', she nervously lost her "mic virginity" to a packed house. Riotous applause for her candid and beautifully profound expressions erupted as she exited the stage. It was a momentous occasion, indeed, for it takes courage to bare one's soul before a room full of strangers and with the best-of-the-best poets looking on.

Three

minutes

and

twenty-

one seconds was the duration of that remarkable Apache' performance and a stepping stone to a heightened level of notoriety for the Lovely Rebel. YouTube fans, party promoters, event planners, and venues alike began calling to book Pg. 60 | Porsha’s Poetry Corner

Today, Lovely Rebel is based

unifying."

in Colorado Springs, where she recently reentered the spoken word performance

What did you do to hone your skills?

circuit after an extended hiatus. Audience

members who were able to attend her

of what all the other poets were doing. I

intimate, 3-piece, production listened with

noticed very early on, especially in slam

rapt and fascinated attention. It was an

poetry, that nearly all the poets recited

auspicious event, which gave birth to an

their pieces with the same rhythm, same

on-going open mic showcase entitled "Soul

cadence, and often using crazy metaphors

Sunday" that occurs every first Sunday of

which only they understood. I found their

the month at Club Tilt & Grill.

deliveries

"Ha-ha! The complete opposite

boring,

unpredictable,

and

lacking in substance. Honestly, without How did your poetry journey start?

even trying, I just told my own stories in a

`"I believe I was born a writer. I

way that is distinct to my personality, and

remember writing short stories when I

audiences found my delivery captivating.

was in elementary school. My mom found

I think the only critical piece of advice I

one I'd scribbled on a piece of paper and

ever received from a dear friend in Atlanta

discarded. I remember she woke me during

was that I needed to come with "a little mo'

the night after she found it. She told me

attitude." That is when I wrote my signature

how good she thought it was, and she

piece, Disbanded."

talked to me about how I could be anything

-Written By Porsha Stuckey

I wanted when I grew up. But I didn't start to write real poetry until I found myself trapped in an abusive relationship. Poetry, then, became my means to figuratively escape. That is until I escaped literally."

How has poetry impacted your life?

"My experiences with heartbreak,

abandonment, exploitation, shame, anger,

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/Poetry

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Stephanie “Just A Vessel” James Speaker. Poet. Actor. Author. Vocalist

Stephanie James, also known as

Theo Wilson

Speaker. Poet. Actor. Author. Vocalist

Theo

Wilson

is

a

founding

“Just A Vessel,” is a poet, singer, speaker,

member of the Denver Slam Nuba team,

and event host. Originally from Colorado

who won the National Poetry Slam in

Springs, CO, she graduated from Sierra

2011. He began his speaking career in the

High School and was inducted into the

N.A.A.C.P. at the age of 15 and has always

Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.

had a passion for social justice.

In

2008,

Stephanie

attended

Theo

attended

Florida

A&M

Hampton University with a basketball

University, where he obtained his B.A.

scholarship and graduated Summa Cum

in Theater Performance. He returned to

Laude. Her poetry career started at Hamp-

Denver and is now the Executive Director

ton, since then, she has traveled to over 38

of Shop Talk Live, Inc. The organization

countries and counting and has performed

uses the barbershop as a staging ground

poetry and song in almost every country

for community dialogue and healing.

she’s visited. Calling herself a global cit-

izen, her book of poetry and two albums

beginning in 2015, Theo grew his social

have traveled around the globe.

media following to well over 68,000 people.

After

viral

video

success

current-

Due to audience demand, he published his

ly working on her latest project, which is

first book in 2017, “The Law of Action.” The

scheduled to release in 2021. More recent-

book addresses some of the misconceptions

ly, she launched an apparel line, “Same

about the law of attraction, and the role

Shirt Different Country” that is a minimal-

direct action plays into manifestation.

ist movement encouraging others to “pack

less and travel more.”

“A Black Man Goes Undercover in the Alt-

Today,

Stephanie

is

-Written By Stephanie James

In 2017, Theo’s T.E.D. Talk entitled,

Right,” was seen worldwide, amassing a total of over 12 million views. He has been featured on BuzzFeed, CNN, Good Day Canada, and T.V. One. -Written By Theo Wilson

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/poetry

Porsha’s Poetry Corner | Pg. 61

Contact Information thelovelyrebel.com

WRITER - ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT -

FEATURES Pages 64-71

WRITE TOUCH CONSULTING, LLC

Resume Preparation | Professional Editing Business & Technical Writing | Website Design Contact Porsha At WriteTouchConsulting.com 719.286.9489 info@WriteTouchConsulting.com

Porsha Stuckey

Write Touch Consulting, CEO Write Touch Consulting (WTC) is a Black-

a range of services for clients to choose

tained a 100% resume’ success rate, and a

owned process management and techni-

from, depending on their particular needs.

99% positive feedback and endorsement

cal writing firm. It is an esteemed local

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literature, website and menu design, grant

Consulting.com, serves as a proven track

business-oriented pursuits. In turn, WTC

and business writing, real estate property

record.

has entrenched a respectable reputation

descriptions, and much more.

as a competent and capable consulting

As Ms. Stuckey doesn’t believe in

with a professional writer the right move

organization, which produces superior

conducting herself with a corporate rigid-

for you, contact the firm via phone, web,

writing and design material.

ity, so often found in Corporate America,

or email to learn about the consultative

she delivers a comfortable, personable,

process, and to discuss your needs in-

owned and operated by professional writ-

and memorable experience. Clients are

depth at no initial charge. If you’re facing

er, Porsha Stuckey, who attributes twenty

encouraged to be themselves, and they

the unexpected loss of a job, seeking to

years’ experience to the industry. The

are treated as partners with which Ms.

reenter the workforce, change industries,

firm focuses on polishing the professional

Stuckey confers throughout their entire

or expand your business through digital

profiles of career-oriented individuals and

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marketing, Write Touch Consulting will

start-up businesses, preferably in the earli-

er stages of operation.

built an enthusiastic client base through

word of mouth. To date, the firm has sus-

Write Touch Consulting is and

Write Touch Consulting offers Pg. 62 | Authors & Writers

Over the years, WTC has steadily

If you’re wondering if consulting

help you succeed.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Authors

Angela Wharton

Aisha Brackett

Lyza Ingram

Phynyx Ministries, Founder/ CEO

Urban Awakenings, CEO

Xpressions Beauty Salon, CEO

Client Testimonial

Client Testimonial

Client Testimonial

"I

needed

a

public

speaker

“I am a certified Reiki healer and

“The first draft of my biography

resume but had no clue how to create

spiritualist. Additionally, I own an online

was delivered on time and as promised.

one. I was completely blown away by

store that supplies products and literature

It was AMAZING! I was speechless. This

how Porsha took the stack of information

for people who want to lead a spiritual

woman is gifted. I was brought to tears as

I sent and turned it into a crisp and

lifestyle. Write Touch Consulting recently

I read over the story of my life in words

clean resume that I've used for national

revamped the website for my store. I have

that I could not find.

speaking engagements. I even hired her

to say; I am thoroughly pleased with the

again to upgrade my bio, and again, I

result. Porsha Stuckey, CEO, and designer

and patient. She has without a doubt

was thoroughly satisfied with the finished

had keen attention to detail. She was also

exceeded

product!

professional,

thorough, professional, and seemed to

definitely recommend to others seeking her

efficient, and knowledgeable. She takes

have a sixth sense to create a website with

level of expertise. I look forward to working

time to get to know her clients to fully

aesthetics that perfectly aligned with my

with her on my future projects."

understand their needs before she even

vision. My website is beautiful and easy to

starts writing. I highly recommend Write

use. If you want to see for yourself, visit

Touch Consulting for all of your writing

www.UrbanAwakings.org, and while you’re

needs--you will not be disappointed!"

there, feel free to browse our products.

Porsha

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expectations.

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There is something for everyone’s spiritual need, from protective crystal jewelry and healing stones to sage bundles.”

Read More Testimonials At WriteTouchConsulting.com

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Authors

Authors & Writers | Pg. 63

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Kimberly Spencer Author

Explain what your new childresn book is about.

The book is about a little girl

named Kai who has issues with doing things that’s out of her reach and so she always says like I’m too little to do this and so she always has her mom there to like push her to be like no you could do it if I give you a hand and so it just motivates Kai to on to what she wants to do.

Why did you choose to write that book?

I’ve actually worked with children

fora few years.. I’ve been a daycare teacher and a full-time nanny. It’s always been a dream of mine to write a children’s book and like working with kids.

-Written By Brandon Bornes Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/Writer

Pg. 64 | Authors & Writers

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Authors

Contact Information tinaadams.org

Tina Adams Author

Tina Adams is a minister, author,

writer and editor. Her passion for writing began when she was a young girl writing for her high school newspaper. Since then she has authored and co-authored 3 books to include her best-seller Out of Darkness.

Her next project Woman at The Well: Laugh, Love and God will be released soon.

Tell us how you got started writing

I write because I have always

loved writing and sharing the message that God would have me to give through written word. After going through a number of life challenges, I decided to write a book that also doubles as a journal to help others process and overcome difficult moments in their own journey.

Whats One piece of advice you would give your younger self?

To believe in what you are writing.

If you can reach just one person with your work, then you have reason to believe that you have reached a million!

-Written Bt Tina Adams

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/Writer

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Authors

Authors & Writers | Pg. 65

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Porsacha Stokes

Cynthia Camble

Author

CC Ink Publisher

I am an unique visionary to bring your

Upcoming

Author

for

2020.

written project to life.

Her genres include Fantasy, suspense,

With 20 years of Document and

fiction and self help. Her passion for

Information Management experience to

storytelling with her son fostered her

include working in the Government, Non

first publishing creation “Omni�. A book

Profit, and Private sectors, the power of

series for children. Her enjoyment of

the written word has always been my

mystery and the unknown propels the

great passion.

new author to share her stories with the

I am honored to work

with many athors locally and around the

world.

-Written By Cynthia Camble

country.

-Written By Cynthia Camble

Pg. 66 | Authors & Writers

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Authors

Brenda Jones

Mary Webb Kirkpatrick

Author

Author

This extraordinary woman has

A prolific writer. She is also a spiritual

touched many lives with her testimony

entrepreneur/business

who

and transparency to share and help

ministers in the marketplace which helps

many women come to a place of healing.

to establish and host the Presence of

Her relationship with God is the most

God and bring healing to the body, soul

important aspect in her life. She is a

and spirit of the people. She resides in

lover of truth and demands justice for

Colorado Springs with her husband and

those who can’t fend for themselves. She

her four Children.

believes you should live to your greatest

owner

-Written By Cynthia Camble

potential and never settle for second best. She also believes the only way this is possible is to find your identity in God. -Written By Cynthia Camble

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Authors

Authors & Writers | Pg. 67

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Kevin Mitchell Author

A community activist, emcee,

and poet. As Executive Director of the Empowerment Solidarity Network, he works to lift up Families of Color and other marginalized groups throughout Colorado Springs, Colorado.

His first book of poetry, Words

from a Field Negro, is a portrait of an unapologetic black male – a raw perspective of a modern-day “field negro” in American society. His second book, Drowning in Salt Water, documents the process of Mitchell’s recovery as an adult survivor of child sexual assault.

This

amazing writer is authentic and bold and not afraid to address the elephants in the room that we often avoid.

-Written By Kevin Mitchell

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/Writer

Words From A Field Negro

Pg. 68 | Authors & Writers

Drowning In Salt Water

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Authors

Contact Information clarenceshuleronline.com

Dr. Clarence Shuler Author

For over 30 years, Clarence

and his wife, Brenda have conducted marriage, discipleship, men‘s, women’s, and singles’ seminars internationally.

They speak for Family Life’s Weekend Marriage

Getaway

Conferences.

Clarence assisted the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services with its National

African

American

Healthy

Marriage Initiative.

He’s

Education

certified

for

in

Professional

Marriage Training.

He speaks for “Iron Sharpens Iron” and for the “National Football League Chapels.”

As a Life/Relationship Coach,

Clarence helps executives experience fulfillment

in

professional

their lives.

personal He’s

and

authored

numerous books.

-Written By Clarence Shuler

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/Writer

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Authors

Authors & Writers | Pg. 69

Contact Information ChamasLee.Com

Charmas B. Lee

Pg. 70 | Authors & Writers

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Authors

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Charmas B. Lee Author, Speaker

has

For more than 30 years, Charmas been

challenging

transform

their

lives

dynamic

brand

of

individuals

to

through

his

introspection,

motivation and personal development.

His unique charismatic approach to lifelong positive change is cultivated from extensive professional experience building champion athletes at all levels of competition including: the National Football League, United States Figure Skating Association, United States Boxing Association and USA Track and Field.

As

a

coach

Charmas

has

developed keen insight into what is necessary to foster a true champion both on and off the field. He has adapted these insights into a comprehensive strategy that helps individuals, businesses, teams and corporations reach their full potential.

Charmas

is

the

owner

of

Building

Champions, author of 6 books and has twice been a TEDx speaker. Charmas’ latest ground-breaking book titled “Think Say Do” Disrupting Systemic Cycles of Faulty Thinking. If you are striving to rise to the level of your potential and not live at the level of your disappointment, Think Say Do is for you.

-Written By Charmas Lee

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Authors

Authors & Writers | Pg. 71

- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT -

PHOTOGRAPHERS

& MODELS FEATURES Pages 72-97

Photo By Danielle Trina Maliah Howard | Dancer

Pg. Photographers & Models

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Contact Information danielletrina.com

Daniella Trina Photographer

I’m a photographer. I use various

types of cameras including an iPhone and a GoPro. I’m a photographer because I am eager to show the world a different way of looking at beauty through my point of view.

I’m in love with images and how images can tell the story of a person. Pictures are a universal language; they can speak to anyone. I want my photographs to make you stop, stare, and to experience the same deep emotion I felt possibly.

How did you get started taking pictures?

wasn’t meant to be at my corporate job. So

biggest things I learned about myself;

I’ve been taking pictures forever.

I walked out of my job one day, picked up

how to focus and make things work. I had

I was always the friend with the camera.

my camera, and I haven’t put it down since.

to strive to learn something constantly. I

I graduated back in the film days, twenty years ago. I’ve always loved taking pictures.

People always told me back then that I had a gift, and I was like, huh? Maybe I

tell people that I mentor that you’ve got What are some of your biggest learning experiences?

Oh my gosh, so much! The first

do have this gift. Maybe there’s something

thing that I learned was to stick with a

there, but I didn’t know what I could do

goal. In the past, I always bounced from

with photography as far as a career went.

one thing to another. I wanted to do

Now I am about to celebrate ten

business, then psychology, and then be an

years of being in remission from pancreatic

actress. I was on a 20-year college plan,

cancer. Five years ago, I realized that I was

and I never finished anything. When I took

still here and that I beat the odds. Doctors

a leap of faith and decided to leave my

don’t give you very long to live after you’ve

job, I had to make it work. When you know

been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

that you have to bring in income, it forces

I had the surgery, and five years after, I

you to focus. That’s probably one of the

to focus on learning something every day about your business or craft, even if it’s for five minutes.

-Written By Brandon Bornes

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/Photo

was still here. That’s when I decided that I

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Photographers & Models Pg. 73

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Photo By Danielle Trina Maya Howard | Dancer

Pg. Photographers & Models

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Photo By Danielle Trina Nick | Real Estate

Nick

Real Estate

A Colorado Native.

Nick has

been the talk of the town lately as they are calling him the realtor that looks like

Not only does Nick own a real estate company, he also teaches yoga.

-Written By Danielle Trina

Usher. Nick is a phenomenal role model.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Photographers & Models Pg. 75

Photo By Danielle Trina Brielle Marie-Claudel Trina

Brielle

is my mini me.

Marie-Claudel

Trina

the midst of those dreams. I am leaving

Brielle represents the

her a legacy, showing her proof, daily, she

unexpected, one of the many hues of the African Americans in Our Black Colorado.

can be anything she wants to be.

-Written By Danielle Trina

Brielle is my inspiration, she is the reason I dream and constantly continue to live in Pg. Photographers & Models

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Photo By Danielle Trina Maliah Howard | Dancer

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Photographers & Models Pg. 77

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Jeanette Falu Bishop Portrait Photography

I

winning

Colorado Magazine 2019. I’m extremely

Many people may feel that they are not

photographer and have been in the

grateful for the opportunities given

photogenic but I personally don’t think

industry for 4 years. I have this deep

and learned so much throughout this

that’s true and will guide you through

passion for uncovering the inner light

experience. My biggest takeaway from

the entire process. I want to take the

of

this journey is to keep your authentic voice.

best photo you’ve ever seen of yourself.

others

am

and

an

award

taking

portraits

in

the way my clients want to be seen.

entrusted to create your personal and

I was featured for my very first

feature cover photo in the My Black

Pg. Photographers & Models

It is a great honor to be

professional

-Written By Jeanette Falu-Bishop

photographic memories.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

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Photo By Jeanette Falu-Bishop Rebecca Vanterpool | Dancer

At the age of 8 my son wanted

to learn how to flip. After researching some, we came across Capoeira. After 6 months of training it was time for Batizado or ranking ceremony. Seeing the the beautiful movements performed at a higher level inspired me to join as well. During my 12 years training I was introduced to Samba and other wonderful dances of the Afro Brazilian culture. Intrigued by the quick step, hip movement and percussions, I was hooked.

-Written By Rebecca Vanterpool

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Photographers & Models Pg. 79

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The Beauty of Panama Photo By Jeanette Falu-Bishop

Pg. Photographers & Models

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The Beauty of Panama

Photo By Jeanette Falu-Bishop

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Photographers & Models Pg. 81

Contact Information jangelvisuals.com

Jordan Johnson Photographer

Jordan

Johnson

of

J

Angel

Visuals LLC is a freelance videographer/ photographer

that

has

an

extreme

passion for cinema and the art of photography. It all started back in 2013 when he picked up and saw the GoPro action camera. The idea of shooting and editing was something new and exciting and ever since then he has been able to grow in the art form of photography

Photo By Jordan Johnson Kaeyra Velez | Model “Taken in my in home studio. I strived to create

and grow into a full-time photographer/

something simplistic yet

videographer. Natively from Colorado

eye catching.�

Springs, he now lives in Denver, Co in

-Written By Jordan Johnson

order to grow his business even more!

-Written By Jordan Johnson Pg. Photographers & Models

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

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Photo By Jordan Johnson LuWavy | Model

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Photo By Jordan Johnson Reanne Park | Model

Photographers & Models Pg. 83

Contact Information leonard-anderson.photo

Leonard Anderson Photographer

Can you explain to us what it is that you

I joined the army when I was 18. I bought a

film in the darkroom. Now pictures are

do?

film camera so I could capture some of my

digital, and we can enhance them in a way

I’m a self-taught photographer.

travels. I took pictures everywhere I went:

that I would have never thought possible.

I don’t have a degree in photography. I

Germany, Japan, Korea, Spain, Thailand,

learned on my own. I’m a visual learner,

California, and Maryland. Years later, MY

What advice would you give to your

and anytime I try to shoot something new, I

wife saw that I was getting more serious

younger self?

do some research on it and figure out what

about my photography, and set me up to

I need and then practice it. I primarily focus

take some local photography workshops

actually learning the art of photography

on portraits and headshots, but fashion is

in Denver. In 2015 I decided to start my

instead of just spending so many years

my passion.

photography business.

just taking pictures, hoping to get the right

I would have started sooner with

shot.

How did you get started?

What are you learning about your

industry?

I guess you can say I started at a

young age. My uncle used to take me to the

navy yard every weekend to take pictures. I

of how images are developed. Back in the

watched him develop film in the darkroom.

day, my uncle showed me how to develop

Pg. Photographers & Models

-Written By Brandon Bornes

I have seen the transformation Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

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Photo By Leonard Anderson Black Manifestations

Who are the models?

Where did you shoot?

wanted to do a Wakanda-themed shoot

with some of the models that I had pre-

The models from left-to-right are:

Dominique Bargaineer, D’kilwayte Johnson,

Kymora Jaxson Photography Stu-

dio in Aurora, CO (now closed).

Lesia Michelle, Romain Washington-Duke,

viously only worked with at fashion shows.

The studio shoot gave us an opportuni-

Alicia Myers, and Danielle L. Taylor. The

Why did you choose this theme?

ty to work with a variety of models and

Concept Developer and MUA is Tennisia

Tennisia and I collaborate on

showcase their talents collectively. What

Littleton of TL Professional Services, LLC.

photo shoots either with her as the model

we didn’t know is that these models have

The Project name is: Tribal Manifestations

or one of us comes up with a concept and

been wanting to work with us as well, so it

of Us: Part 1.

then we talk it over then make it happen.

worked out perfectly!

This was one of those shoots where we

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

-Written By Leonard Anderson

Photographers & Models Pg. 85

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Photo By Leonard Anderson Tennisia Littleton-Broberg | Model Native Thoughts Why did you chose to shoot Tennisia?

Tennisia and I always create some

amazing images when we collaborate. This particular shoot was the first one using my (new at the time) Phase One IQ3 100MP Medium Format camera. I told her that I wanted her to be the first model that I shot with the new camera. When I first met Tennisia back in 2017, during the course of our conversations, she mentioned that she was Native.

This particular photo allowed

her to be herself and show a side that is rarely seen. We didn’t really shoot with any particular agenda. She brought multiple outfits but this was one of my favorites and we shot two different sets. I remember that she seemed to be quite at peace during this photo shoot and very relaxed. One of my favorite photos of her even to this day!

What Techniques did you use?

This photo was shot using two

strip boxes with Tennisia sitting perfectly centered between them. I believe that this was one of the first shoots where I started using this particular lighting setup.

-Written By Leonard Anderson

Pg. Photographers & Models

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Why did you choose to shoot Jessca?

Jessica is another model that I’ve

been fortunate enough to work with at various Denver fashion shows in 2017. After taking most of 2018 off from doing fashion shows, I saw Jessica in September of this year at the Colorado Tattoo Convention & Fashion Show. We talked and caught up briefly. I expressed an interest in doing a shoot in the studio and in her football uniform. I had just recently noticed that she played on a woman’s football team and wanted to do a different kind of fitness shoot. Our schedules finally aligned late in October for the shoot.

What Techniques did you use?

I

had

recently

bought

some

high-end LED lights to do headshots and fashion shoots in studio. This shoot was one of the first shoots that I could use my RGBW LEDs for something other than headshots. I used 2 x color LEDs and a Profoto B1X strobe with a medium Octobox and grid. The LEDs were turned toward the white Cync wall and set to the team’s orange and blue colors. The subtle pop from the gridded strobe was enough to light Jessica without blowing out the

Photo By Leonard Anderson

backdrop and washing out the colored background. I also shot tethered with my Phase One IQ3 100MP Medium Format camera and Wacom Cintiq LCD tablet to

Jessica Baumann | Denver Dream, Tight End, #9

ensure the images were sharp.

-Written By Leonard Anderson

Model:

Legends Kaeyra

Football League

Velez

This image was taken in my in home studio. I strived to create something simplistic yet eye catching. I pride my photography on the details and fell like everything came together so nicely .

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Photographers & Models Pg. 87

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Charlie Billingsly

Charlie B Photography

I’m a digital content creator

and learn from it and try again and do it

What would you tell yourself?

based

in

better.

Denver.

I

create

sets

for

photography backdrops. Additionally, I

care anyone thinks...

am a photographer and event planner.

What’s your style of photography?

I’m literally a doer of all things. If the

task involves anything creative, I do it. I’ve

My style is very vibrant. I like rich, bold

learned that if you have an idea, go for

colors. My pictures stand out if you see

it.do it. The worst thing you can do is fail

them because they really draw you in.

Pg. Photographers & Models

I would tell my younger self not to -Written By Brandon Bornes

I’m still trying to figure that out.

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

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Photo By Charlie Billingsly Tasha | Model A beautiful, world traveling yogi. She is one of my Kaeyra absolute favoriteVelez people.

This image was taken in my in home In this photo she modeled Model:

studio. I strived to create something for my Melanin Calendar I simplistic yet eye released catching.last I pride year. my

photography on the details andby fell like B. -Written Charlie everything came together so nicely .

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Photographers & Models Pg. 89

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Photo By Charlie Billingsly Omo | Model A Denver model/Owner of 247 in the mix boutique. She is also a brand ambassador for Fenty and was also featured

in

the

Fenty

Fashion show documentary.

She was featured in my Musuem for Black Girls in Denver.

-Written By Charlie B.

Pg. Photographers & Models

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

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Photo By Charlie Billingsly Irma | Model Model:

Kaeyra

Velez

A young, beautiful up and

This image was taken in my in home

coming

studio. I strived to create something

model

and

an

amazing artist.

-Written By Charlie B.

simplistic yet eye catching. I pride my photography on the details and fell like everything came together so nicely .

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Photographers & Models Pg. 91

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Dre Lamar

Photographer

My name is Andre’ and I am a

photographer located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I enjoy photography because I like to bring out the best in each and every person that I photograph, from all range of ages. What makes me different from others is my passion for encompassing my clients vision, and really collaborating on concepts for the shoot. I expertise in various types of photography such as: Wedding, Portraits, Children, Fashion, and

Photo By Dre Lamar Teejan | Model

Headshots.

Pg. Photographers & Models

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Photo By Dre Lamar

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Photo By Dre Lamar

Photographers & Models Pg. 93

Contact Information tendophotography.com

Juliet Miles Photographer

I am a portrait artist. My passion

for photography ignited about 20 years ago while traveling around the world.

I

went on to earn my college degree as a photographer. A few years later I earned my certification with Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

I

am currently an adjunct instructor at Pikes Peak Community College teaching fundamentals of photography classes.

My

I was born and raised in Uganda. childhood

there

was

during

the

turbulent times of President Idi Amin.

When I was a teenager, my family fled to the United States where we began a new life. We arrived here with nothing but a

Photo By Juliet Miles Nia Renee | Model African pride in the western frontier, Steampunk with an African twist.

suitcase each and our faith in God. Pg. Photographers & Models

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Photo By Juliet Miles

Photo By Juliet Miles

Cidney Moore | Model

Janaè Sims | Model

Africa may be called the

Beautiful even when feeling

Dark Continent but the people make it shine.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

blue.

Photographers & Models Pg. 95

Contact Information BornesPro.com

Brandon& Jini Bornes Multimedia

BornesPro Media is a multimedia

business located in Colorado Springs. They have established a dependable reputation as an incredibly professional and creatively competent

brand

amid

the

Colorado

Springs community.

Bornes

Pro

Media

offers

videography, photography, and multimedia production services for a broad and diverse

clientele.

Targeted

markets

include television, small business, large corporations, various forms of artistry, individual and family portraits, and social media marketing and promotion.

The company utilizes the latest technology to create captivating video and picture production that is both affordable and of high quality.

Photo By BornesPro Media Emerald Taylor | Financial Advisor

Pg. Photographers & Models

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Photo By BornesPro Media Regina Guy-English

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Photographers

Photo By BornesPro Dr. Clarence & Dr. Brenda Shuler Marriage Counselors

Photographers & Models Pg. 97

Caste Of

The Raisin In The Sun Theatreworks at The ENT Center For The Arts

Pg. 98 Theatre

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- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT -

THEATRE

ACTORS & DIRECTORS

FEATURES Pages 99-107

Lynne Hastings Actress & Director

As Interim Artists Director of Theatreworks, until late 2019, and with over 20 years of experience in theatre, Lynne Hastings has impacted many around her with her enthusiasm for the arts.

How did you get to where you are today?

be interested in joining Theatreworks

rent and bills, which left little or no time

I have been acting since high

as Artistic Producer while the search

to audition. It was difficult to find paying

school and lived in New York for a few

continued for an Artistic Director. It was

work as an actor that would allow me to

years after college, where I attended

perfect timing and an opportunity to

not work one of my other jobs for a period

the American Musical and Dramatic

start a new career in a field that I love. I

of time. I came to the realization that

Academy’s

I

had an opportunity to use my corporate

being a working actor was a job, and that

returned to Colorado Springs in 1995 and

experience in a new environment and help

wasn’t what I wanted acting to be in my

was able to find work as an actor. It was

out an organization that was very dear to

life at that time. I felt I had failed, but my

not enough to make a living at the time,

me.

mom wisely told me that it wasn’t a failure

so I also worked for an audio and web

but more of a coming of age, a part of

conferencing company. I spent 20 years

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the

figuring out what I wanted in life...

working there and acting when possible

story – has it been an easy path overall

in town. I was laid off by the company

and if not, what were the challenges

in October 2017. I was approached by

you’ve had to overcome?

Drew Martorella, Executive Director of

UCCS Presents, and he asked if I would

was real. I was working three jobs to pay

Conservatory

program.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Theatre

-Excerpt By voyagedenver.com

As an actor in NYC, the struggle

Theatre Pg. 99

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Abner Grenece Actor

I am Abner Genesee and am a

What motivated you to get into the

local actor, director, teacher, artist, father,

theater industry?

and storyteller here in the Denver area. I am

a member of the Actors Equity Association.

and

I’m also a member of Sag-Aftra; both of

representation. I’m of Haitian descent.

which are trade unions. I also serve as a

Both of my parents are from Haiti, so I’m

board member of the Colorado Theater

seeking to expand the understanding of

Guild. I tell stories at different theaters

our culture and reaching out to younger

here in the Colorado area. I started out

folks that can see themselves in these roles

doing that in New York, where I got my

as well.

For me, it’s all about connecting storytelling

and

particularly

So what have you been recently excited about in your career?

I’m

excited

about

basically

seeing more people who look like me in the audience, and I’m excited to see more culturally diverse audiences who can see themselves represented on stage.

-Written By Brandon Bornes

training. I moved to the West Coast during the 90’s and eventually made my home in Denver.

Pg. 100 Theatre

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donnie l. betts Actor & Director

An

Emmy

Award

winner

filmmaker, 4 time CABJ award winning radio journalist and Broadway performer.

He is a founding member of two theatre companies in Denver, City Stage Ensemble and Denver Black Arts Company.

He attended Yale School of

Drama. donnie is an artist in residence for the State of Colorado. His theatre performance credits include “The Gospel at Colonus” on Broadway, “The Warrior Ant” at BAM as well as many regional performances including “Spunk”, “Driving Miss Daisy”, “Home”, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”, and many more. Theatre directing includes “Crumbs From the Table of Joy”, “K2”, “Emperor Jones” “Zora” and “Slut Energy Theory” and over 30 other productions.

His film credits include “Switchback” and “Honeydripper” both written and directed

by John Sayles.

His

production

company,

No

Credits Productions produces the award winning radio drama “Destination Freedom, Black Radio Days”, and documentary films including “Music is My Life, Politics My Mistress: The Story of Oscar Brown Jr.” screened at over 25 film festivals worldwide... winner of eleven “Best Documentary”...

-Written By donnie l. betts

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Theatre Pg. 101

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Betty Hart

Actress & Director What do you do in the theater industry?

My name is Betty Heart, and I

am an equity actress and theatre director.

Actors Equity Association is a union for professional actors. It’s a union that guarantees the fees that we’re paid when we accept a role. Payment is arranged in advance and based on the size of the theater and the cost of the tickets. We’re also paid health benefits, and we get a pension. So you’re paid to be a part of the union, and you have to meet other criteria to get in, but it’s a big deal in the sense that it separates you from people who pursue theater as a hobby. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

As a professional director, when

you go see a show, everything that you see happened in part because of the director’s vision. The director is responsible for casting, set design, playwright, and cast development and composers.

How long have you been in the theater industry?

In our business age is a big thing.

People try to typecast you to play roles based on your age, which limits what you can do. I always knew that I wanted to be a part of the theater. My mom says that she knew when I was young too. So, she allowed me to pursue theater and to audition for shows and to get trained. I had family support, which everyone doesn’t have. I went to college for theater...

Model:

-Written Bornes Kaeyra By Brandon Velez

This image was taken in my in home Read Article At studio. I strived toFull create something MyBlackColorado.com/Theatre simplistic yet eye catching. I pride my photography on the details and fell like everything came together so nicely .

Pg. 102 Theatre

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Cherish Evans

Actress & Director

I went to school at the University

personality. So my parents just kind of

voice lessons, and staying hydrated. You’re

of Northern Colorado and Greeley for

threw me into voice lessons. I had a vocal

always looking up or working on new

musical theater. So I’ve been doing theater

teacher who also taught drama, and then I

music...

for a really really long time. The theater is

just knew after that. That was something I

my absolute passion. I would die without

really wanted to do.

it, and I always say how amazing I feel to have this opportunity. There’s nothing like

What are the things you’ve been learning

it in this world.

on the business side?

a lot of hard work that goes into it from

theater?

physically taking care of yourself, making I’ve always had such a bright

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/Theatre

You have to be yourself. There’s

How did you get connected to the

-Written By Brandon Bornes

sure you go to the gym regularly, taking

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Theatre

Theatre Pg. 103

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Marisa Herbert Actress

A Colorado Springs native who

the Colorado Springs theatre community.

studied Theatre and Women’s Studies

She has worked with the Fine Art Center,

at the University of Northern Colorado.

Millibo Art Theatre, TheatreWorks, Springs

Marisa

Arts Ensemble, and StarBar.

is

an

actor,

director,

and

playwright, as well as an active member of

Pg. 104 Theatre

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Rakeem Lawrence Actor & Educator

I’m an actor and a teaching

could have a career in it until I went to

know if they even want to study theater.

artist in theater. I love the theater

college. I made some friends who took

I give them a foundation, and their

because I think it speaks to the masses.

acting very seriously. Then, I start taking

understanding grows. Theater helps

We heal people, we entertain people,

a couple of musical theater classes, and

people with communication skills, such

and we teach people about the human

I fell in love with it. I went to graduate

as speaking with confidence in front of

condition. That’s what I love about it. The

school, and then I started working

other people. Young minds understand

theater is therapeutic even, it connects

professionally.

the worth in their point of view and how

with some of our deepest emotions,

important it is to articulate and speak

from pain to joy, and it shines a light on

Tell us about the theatre from an

their mind on certain issues. I think that’s

topical issues that need to be addressed.

educational perspective:

lovely.

I teach at the Community

How did you get involved in theatre?

College of Aurora. I love it. I get to work

I did a couple of plays in high

with a lot of kids that probably don’t

school, but I didn’t really know that you

know as much about theater. They don’t

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Theatre

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Kennedy Pugh Actor & Educator

An esteemed member of the

vocal music and theatrical community in Pueblo, Kennedy is a Pueblo County High graduate with degrees in music, theatre and speech and has toured the country as a professional performing in musical theatre Broadway runs. Kennedy’s professional career spans years of performing on such significant stages as the Virginia Stage Company, Lyric Stage and New Rep in Boston, Waterfront Playhouse in Key West, and the Denver Center and Arvada Center to name a few. Nominated for the Denver Post Ovation Award, his talents are vast and varied as a ‘triple threat.’

-Written By Kennedy Pugh

Pg. 106 Theatre

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Maya Hastings Actress

Maya

Hastings

been

is a freshman in Palmer High School’s

performing as an actor since she was

International Baccalaureate Program. She

in

in-school

also participates in Speech and Debate.

educational arts programs. She played

She loves Musical Theatre and hopes to

multiple

pursue a career in either Performing Arts

elementary

Cratchit,

school

characters, in

has via

including

Theatreworks’

of A Christmas Carol in 2018.

Belinda

production She also

or History.

-Written By Maya Hastings

draws and plays violin and ukulele. She Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Theatre

Theatre Pg. 107

Contact Information iamdetour.com

- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT -

CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR FEATURES Pages 108-131

Pg. 108 Creative Entrepreneurs

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

Thomas Evans | Detour Mixed Media Artist

Thomas

Evans,

a.k.a.

Detour,

is an all-around creative specializing in large scale public art, interactive visuals, portraiture, immersive spaces, and creative directing. His focus is to create work where art and innovation meet. A born collaborator and “military brat,” Detour pulls from every conceivable experience that shapes his landscapes and perspectives. Explaining Detour’s work is no easy task, as ongoing experimentations in visual art, music, and interactive technologies have his practice continually expanding. With his everevolving approach to art, Detour’s focus is on expanding customary views of creativity and challenging fine-art paradigms by mixing traditional mediums with new approaches—all the while opening up the creative process from that of a singular artist, to one that thrives on multi-layered collaboration and viewer participation.

-Excerpt from.iamdetour.com

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

Creative Entrepreneurs Pg. 109

Contact Information latishahardy.com

Latisha Hardy

Dance & Company

“I am a professional dancer, and

school. I even earned a scholarship to

But maybe you‘re just going through

I own a studio. I teach anywhere from

play basketball in college, but I still had

something that is hard in your life. I‘m

beginner level to pre-professional adult

a passion for dance. I didn‘t start seriously

here to inspire people to go after what

dancers in various styles of Latin dances.

dancing until I was in my early 20s. I

they want in life, and I do that through

We are getting more into pop and more

stuck with it, worked hard and became a

the medium of dance because that‘s my

traditional dances like ballet, modern,

professional. Now l get invited to places

passion.

Brazilian and break dancing. The overall

all over the nation. That is exciting, and

goal is to diversify the curriculum to give

I want to inspire and empower people to

How do you help new people feel

people a wide range of body movement.

keep dancing no matter what.

welcomed?

I also host social events around town so

people can have fun, practice what they're

or any of those things that we think are

or interested in dance; we offer preview

learning and also be social, hanging out

inhibitors, we can still be successful and

sessions to show people what it is that

and making new friends.”

happy in our lives. I used dance to get

we do. We try to make things safe and

out of an abusive relationship. So for me,

welcoming as possible to get people to

How did you get started?

dancing gave me my life back and my

start overcoming their fear of dancing.

I did ballet and gymnastics when

passion. I want to be able to do that for

I was young, but I focused on basketball

anybody. It doesn‘t mean that you have to

from about six all the way through high

be coming out of an abusive relationship.

Pg. 110 Creative Entrepreneurs

No matter your age, color, size

We get people who are curious

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

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As

an

entrepreneur

and

dancing

based on what it means to run a business,

dancer. Everyone seems to think that

professional, what advice would you

you're not going to be very successful. One

about artists, which is true. It’s because

give to people who want to be in your

of the main reasons why most artists fail

of the ignorance and not understanding

industry?

is because they don’t know how to sell

what it means to run a business. It's not

themselves. I have a master's degree in

just about being a dynamic artist, but a

business.

dynamic individual as well. -Written By

I would encourage them heavily

to pursue and understand business. You can be very talented but dont forget that

As I was studying, i knew I need to

your talent is your service and it is your

figure out how to make this work because I

business. If you don't have any knowledge

refuse to be a starving artist or the broke

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

Brandon Bornes Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz Creative Entrepreneurs Pg. 111

Contact Informationn aceent1.com

Ace Entertainment Promoters

Ace Entertainment was founded

in 1979 in Detroit, Michigan, also known as The Motor City, the home of Motown Music, and the Automotive Capital of the World! We have promoted some of the best entertainment events in the United States.

When the opportunity presented

itself in 2007, we found a new base and relocated to Colorado. Since then we have provided continued support and entertainment for the community. Ace Entertainment is proud to be the promoter of the First Saturday’s Car Show and Summer Concert Series at First & Main. As well as taking the helm of the Old Colorado City Customs & Classics Car Show (formally known as The Good Times Car Show).

Pg. 112 Creative Entrepreneurs

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Contact Information rionevans.com

Rion Evans

Comedian & Actor

Rion Evans has been making

people laugh for fifteen years. Initially, he did not pursue comedy, it found him when he accepted a job as a D.J., at a comedy club in Los Angeles. His position afforded him the opportunity to rub shoulders

with

numerous

comedians

who headlined at the club; and to his enjoyment, made them laugh! It was then, Evans realized he had a gift. Even as an amateur, his talent was formidable.

“I started to realize I could obtain that same power they possessed on stage.”

Since this realization, Evans has

steadily climbed his way to headlining and appearing at some of the nation’s top comedy clubs, networks, and festivals: BET’s One Mic Stand, Laugh Out Loud Network, Bill Bellemy’s Who’s Got Jokes?, and the Mo’Nique Show to name a few.

“Being undeniable” and “making laughter the only option” are two philosophies Evans

lives

by.

Evans

continues

to

entertain, inspire, and delight audiences around the world.

-Excerpt from Rionevans.com

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Creative Entrepreneurs Pg. 113

Contact Information afrotriangledesigns.com

Adri Smith

Afro Triangle

What do you do?

The core of what I do is create

artwork about women in history, and I use that artwork as an educational tool. My work enables me to go into schools and teach students. I try to make the sessions as informal as possible about women in history, the time frames in which they lived, why we must look backward, and I try to encourage them to seek diversity.

I also urge them to do research projects of their own, which they can then turn into an art project. I’ve noticed for myself that having to find a way to describe an image, solidifies information about the image more. Every product that I create is educational in some way, shape, or form from the original paintings, which are mixed media and watercolor, all the way to the trading cards and coloring books. I do not create art for art’s sake. I create art for education.

How long did it take before you progressed from just being creative to making creativity a business?

I’ve

always

been

creative.

I

announced when I was seven years old that I was going to be an artist when I grew up.

I was in the military, and my mom used to send my sketchbook to boot camp like it was that serious. So I’ve always known in some way that I would use my art to make money. I moved out to Denver to attend art school. I went to the Art Institute of Pg. 114 Creative Entrepreneurs

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Colorado, and I studied animation. When you go to art school, they try to push you into jobs. They were trying to usher me into the film industry and the video game industry, but I didn’t feel like either of those were the realms for me. I’ve always been more interested in classical art and showings of traditional paintings.

I got into freelance graphic

design, designing logos, and that kind of thing. But I got to a point where I was creating portraitures, kids’ paintings, and the like. People loved them. I’ve always been a bit of an information junkie. I’ve always loved watching documentaries and listening to podcasts and reading books about all kinds of different topics.

So I came up with the idea of showcasing women in history. It was the perfect marriage of my creative aspects, as well as my intellectual perspective.

What are some of your core values?

I believe that the job of an artist

is to either record culture, create culture or both. If you look at ancient formations, it shows you what people were doing and thinking at the time. At the same time, you’ve got things like propaganda, media, and film poetry that changes people’s mind because it gives them the ability to dream. A vast majority of our scientific advances came from the works of Science Fiction. Writing is a testament to our ability to change the culture as well.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self

to pay more attention to what’s going on outside and simultaneously be more

faithful to what’s happening inside. I had

things and don’t listen to the naysayers.

a lot of insecurities growing up, and even

I’m not the first person to make money

recently just trying to make it as an artist.

with my artwork, and I won’t be the last.

Historically, the narrative has been that

Yes, it would have been wonderful if it

artists are “starving,” that you can’t make

didn’t take me so long to figure it out. But

money off this, that you’re going to Ramen

I learned everything I was supposed to,

Noodles for the rest of your life, or that

exactly when I was supposed to.

you’re going to get stuck being a teacher.

I think that narrative is entirely false and is being fed by the fact that we don’t teach businesses in grade or trade schools. So, I would tell my younger self to pay attention to how other people are successfully doing

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz Creative Entrepreneurs Pg. 115

Contact Information afrotriangledesigns.com

Pg. 116 Creative Entrepreneurs

Afro Triangle | Playing Cards

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

Afro Triangle | Playing Cards

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

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Creative Entrepreneurs Pg. 117

Contact Information afrotriangledesigns.com

Afro Triangle | History Boards

Audre Lorde Audre Lorde was a poet, educator and activist for Women’s Rights, Civil Rights and Gay Rights. She called out the ways in which each movement alienated those who belonged to more than one of these groups at the same time.

Josephine Baker Josephine Baker was a dancer, singer, French Spy and eccentric rich lady who came from the gutter. She refused to play for segregated audiences and adopted 12 children of different races to show the world what racial harmony looks like.

Pg. 118 Creative Entrepreneurs

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Afro Triangle | History Boards

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Katherine Johnson Katherine Johnson was a mathematical genius, and at a time when few Black women had opportunities, she got to work for NASA. She used her skills to help send the first American off this planet and return him safely to Earth.

Billie Holiday Billie Holiday was a jazz and blues singer who pioneered the ways in which artists use the microphone. She used her popularity to further the cause of Civil Rights, singing Strange Fruit at every show to raise awareness of the lynching of Black men in the South.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

Creative Entrepreneurs Pg. 119

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the warmth of his memory, and as though they knew him too:

“My father was a blue-collar,

manly man. He liked working with his hands and would make art for our home out of practical, everyday things. My sister was artistically gifted from the beginning; I wasn’t. When my father passed, my artistic talents suddenly blossomed. My father was the bedrock of our family; his death left a huge hole. Exploring my gifts allowed me to capture fond memories of my family and grieve his loss.”

Although

whimsical,

Lia’s

art

also has a cathartic bent, which awakens fond memories and facilitates healing in the hearts of admirers of her work.

Having been thrice commissioned by Judge Kristopher Colley – City of Aurora, Tracey Lovett—Vice President of Daniels Foundation, and Ryan Ross— Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs for Colorado College Systems, demonstrates her aesthetic breadth.

Lia Nelson

Little Brown Skin Girls

Lia Nelson is a uniquely talented

artist. For the past six years, she’s been creating beautifully delicate, Black-centric Paper Art, using a distinctive mix of the Decoupage

and

Kirigami

technique.

The result is a strikingly accurate, and wonderfully imaginative depiction of Black culture in motion.

Lia attributes her flair for art

and design to her beloved father, who has since passed away. She speaks of him so lovingly that a listener could readily feel Pg. 120 Creative Entrepreneurs

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Evermore impressive is Lia’s creations are

Nelson hosts an annual exhibition at the

It’s important to know these things take

one-of-a-kind, custom art pieces. People

Blair Caldwell African American Library,

time. So, do you, do your thing; however

have tried to replicate her originals, but

also located in Denver. The next showing is

you do it.”

the distinctiveness of the prototypes

scheduled for April 2020. Members of the

was lost in the process. The inability to

community happily anticipate her yearly

Collier once related: “vision reaches beyond

reproduce her artwork has increased its

show and in particular, ambitious youths.

the thing that is, into the conception of

reverence and value. Though esteemed

To aspiring artists, Lia humbly advises

what can be. Imagination gives you the

for its facets of exclusivity and originality,

confidence in their individualism:

picture. Vision gives you the impulse to

interested buyers shouldn’t expect to pay

“In my youth up through when I

make the picture your own.” Lia’s creations

extravagant pricing as Lia’s pieces range

first began college, I would discard what I

are reigning illustrations of what we may

from $30 – $50.

created because I didn’t think it looked as

pull in from the abyss of imagination if we

Today, a gallery of her work can

good as whoever’s. I got over my insecurity

dare only to reach.

be found at Bella Luna Gifts & Gallery, an

when I realized what I was creating was

astonishing gathering house for the designs

unlike anything I’d ever seen. Eventually, I

of local artists and handcrafted jewelry

would go on to find my own thing through

from international locations. As well, Ms.

Little Brown Skin Girls in my early fifties.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

On the topic of vision, Robert

-Written By Porsha Stuckey

Creative Entrepreneurs Pg. 121

Contact Information designatphf.com (719 822-1658

Ralph MCcoy

Owner of PHF Design

Ralph McCoy of PHF Design

me chills, those chills soon would turn

is a freelance Graphic Designer and

into my passion! Natively from Kansas

photographer

extreme

City, Mo , he now lives in Fountian, Co.

passion for helping small business brand

Networking and attending MBC events

themselves. It all started back in 2006

has allow him to connect with small

when he design his first logo for a billiards

business and grow his business even more!

company. The idea of desiging something

-Written By Ralph McCoy

that

has

an

from notes taking from client and a blanks sheet of paper. I felt designing was something new and exciting, it gave

Pg. 122 Creative Entrepreneurs

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Model:

Kaeyra

Velez

This image was taken in my in home studio. I strived to create something simplistic yet eye catching. I pride my photography on the details and fell like everything came together so nicely .

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

Creative Entrepreneurs Pg. 123

Contact Contact Information Information aaylc-co.org designatphf.com

Brother Jeff Fard

Multimedia Journalist

Jeff S. Fard, Colorado native,

known as Brother Jeff, is a multimedia journalist,

historian,

and

community

organizer. Fard is a national speaker to youth, students, social organizations, and professionals. There are a vast amount of topics Fard speaks on like cultural identity and history, diversity, self-empowerment, community

building,

economic

development, health disparities, and the uniting power or art. Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center, founded in 1994, is located in the historic Five Points District of Northeast Denver. It was a space established for nurturing growth, strength, and develop the voice of the community. Brother Jeff is also a publisher and editor of the awardwinning monthly publication 5 Points News. Tell me the story behind launching Brother Jeff's Cultural Center.

Back in the day, I was one of the

early pioneers of Colorado Hip-Hop. I was the Dj for a group called, The Legion of Doom. In the early 90s, black communities had an increase in gangs, drugs, and violence. This started in Los Angeles.

Colorado began emulating and taking on more of the violent culture of Los Angeles. We moved from conscious HipHop to aggressive gangster rap. At this point, I decided to leave the music industry and create what is now called Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center. I wanted to build a community that utilizes art and culture as a way to reach our youth, and get them positively involved in the community. If used right, music and culture have always been a way to reduce violence.

Pg. 124 Creative Entrepreneurs

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Kailani Dobson Dance

Kailani

Dobson

is

a

local

installation artist with a background in movement-based works and a love for film and textiles. She is passionate about making dance more accessible by taking performances off the stage and exclusively performing in galleries and public spaces.

Kailani believes that art is a communitydriven endeavor that benefits from the conglomeration of multiple artforms.

As the creator and artistic director

of Merikai Studio, she aims to create a space in which various artists can come together and create new bodies of work that not only elevate their own practice but shine a light on the various art forms present.

Her inspiration comes primarily

from two sources: a local dance professor, Stephanie

Kobes-Newcomb

and

the

artistic director of the professional dance company Ormao, Jan Johnson. Working under Jan, Kailani became well versed with social media management and what it takes to run a studio. She uses her knowledge to help other creatives with website development, grant application, and creative consultation. Thanks to Kate Perdoni, she was introduced to installation art through ArtPOP 2017. This showed that gallery space was the ideal venue for presenting her work.

visual

The ability to incorporate other media

stabilized

the

transient

nature of dance, and made the work more accessible beyond a single performance.

Since then she has applied for multiple local grants and continues to present her collaborative work in the community under Merikai Studio.

-Written By Kailani Dobson Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

Creative Entrepreneurs Pg. 125

Contact Information shinenation.org

Victoria Lipscomb

Founder of Shine Nation

We

are

a

non-profit

that

provides life changing, character building opportunities for under served youth in our community, through participation in the arts.

Why did you start shine nation?

My mother and grandmother

raised my siblings and I. They worked hard to make sure we understood that our life didn't end at the end of our block. They worked even harder to make sure we had every opportunity they thought might be good for us. We want to do the same for the kids in our community. We both grew up in the Harrison School District, and when it came time to give back, we decided that we wanted to go back to where we started. We were excited about creating opportunities in

the

community

we

came

from.

We started working with Fox

Middle School and it was great. So we decided to create an after-school program.

We decided to offer musical theater because it encompasses so many different artistic avenues from the visual arts to audio tech to acting, singing and dancing.

We work with an average of 50 youth per production and have had a lot of success in inspiring the youth to be creative and express their creative sides.

-Written By Brandon Bornes

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz Pg. 126 Creative Entrepreneurs

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Shine Nation Student Testimonials

Daijah Lovett

I like how Shine Nation lets me

Nemiah Thompson

Shine Nation is a really fun com-

Anime Moussa

I like Shine Nation because it

be by myself and express how I feel about

munity that you can easily make friends

makes me feel good and makes me want

something and they take it into consid-

in, and they are really helpful when you

to sing and dance. I feel good because it

eration. For example, when I am playing

need them. Shine Nation helps a lot and

helps me with my anger issues. When I’m

the character I was placed as, they let me

takes a big role in our musicals that we

mad at something, Shine Nation helps me

have my own twist towards what I believe

do annually. Ms. Victoria always pushes us

relax by dancing and singing and having

the character should act like or sound like.

to our limits, when it comes to singing for

fun with my friends. They also make sure

While participating I have learned not to

our musicals. She will do whatever it takes

that I’m healthy, and they check in with me

fear what others might think and to step

in order for us to succeed and sound good

if something is wrong. They want me to be

outside the box. They have taught me to

singing. Also, she is just a great person in

there. The teachers of Shine Nation helped

never give up on the dreams that I have

general. Ms. Alana is a really great person,

me learn to be a better performer and I

and what I want to be, or how I think I will

and always gives us pointers on things that

feel more confident in school, too. Every-

turn out. Shine Nation has helped me be

we wouldn't have been able to do without

one should join Shine Nation because it’s a

successful by building my confidence and

her help. Everyone is just very helpful and

great place to be.

making sure that I do well in school in or-

Shine Nation is a great community. I'm so

der to participant.

glad to be a team with Shine Nation. Last year I wasn't sure if I wanted to be apart of the musical we did, but with the help of Shine Nation I realized how fun it would be to do. This year I got a lead role, The Beast, in our musical Beauty and the Beast Jr. I know they don't judge when it comes to who gets what, and that is one of my favorite things about them. Overall my experience with Shine Nation is amazing.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

Creative Entrepreneurs Pg. 127

Contact Information thesocial719.com

Kristina Wright Business Owner

Kristina Wright is the owner of

The Social, The Gallery Below and the award-winning Pen & Needles Tattoo shop in Colorado Springs.

Kristina won the

"woman of influence" award in 2018. She is an army veteran and cares deeply about her community.

The Social

The

boasts

beautiful

is available in-house and is operated

mezzanine overlooking the main stage;

and

functional

by attentive technicians dedicated to

accompanied by an outdoor patio to enjoy

interiors that can be uniquely customized

executing your vision.

a beautifully furnished, expansive outdoor

by clients. You can enjoy glamorous

roof with stunning open-air views of the

interiors while taking advantage of a

VIP club seating section is accompanied

functional DJ booth, wireless microphones,

by a four-sectioned private VIP seating

in-house keyboard, stage and full lighting

lounge with plush onyx crocodile seating.

system. Our state-of-the-art A/V system

Venture up one flight to a split level

industrial

Social

character

A lavish center floor four-tiered

city looking to Pikes Peak.

-Excerpt from thesocial719.com

The Gallery Below Pg. 128 Creative Entrepreneurs

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Contact Information jazzfunkconnection.com

Michael Arkadie

Jazz Funk Connection

Michael Arkadie is a business

Together, he and Mrs. Arkadie, BSN,

mogul, mentor, and proprietor of the

founded one of ten, Black-owned Home

Jazz Funk Connection, a live music venue

Care agencies in the Denver Metropolitan

"created by musicians, for musicians, and

area. For twenty years, Mr. Arkadie

the fans who love to hear them!" The

effectively

establishment is a cultural jewel nestled

manager, but upon retiring envisioned

at the cross-section of Platte and Platte

attaining a new proprietorship relative to

Place, and gaining high esteem for its

his first love:

homey atmosphere, delicious menu, and

succeeded

as

a

corporate

"I wanted to open a place for

fantastic live music.

older Black people, or young Black people

and multiple upgrades, including sound-

Mr. Arkadie was Born in Denver

with old souls to come chill. I wanted an

proofing the 12' x 24" stage and a swanky

and raised in Park Hill, one of Denver's

all-Black house band and to provide the

VIP area.

oldest Black neighborhoods. His childhood

quality of entertainment worthy of my

locale meant he would almost inevitably

personal taste, as well as customers and

want people to know this is a good place

find his church home at Union Missionary

audiences."

to come, hear good music, eat good food,

Baptist, where at just nine years old,

"This is a grown-folks venue. I

Thus, Mr. Arkadie began scouting

and enjoy being Black! If you get on my

vocalist

potential sites and businesses for sale in

stage, you have to be good at what you

and talented drummer. Yet, the young

Colorado Springs. He'd long-since observed

do. You don't have to be a national title,

performer had years before exhibited a

the absence of "down-home" BBQ and soul

but you must be one of the best jazz/R&B

knack for musicianship:

food establishments throughout the city.

musicians out there."

he

emerged

a

strong

choir

"Music has always been my

As a mogul with a keen business mind,

first passion. I began playing stringed

he seized the opportunity to capitalize on

mogul include expansion to a chain and

instruments like the electric bass and

the scarcity of entertainment and cuisine

a mentorship program for hopeful high

acoustic guitar and was good. After

specific to Black culture.

school musicians. To aspiring Black business

an hour or so with any instrument, I

He discovered the Platte Place

Future

aspirations

for

the

professionals, Mr. Arkadie strongly advises

could master it enough to play a song.

location and was impressed with the layout

Eventually, I advanced to more complex

and built-in sound system. The existing

instruments like keyboards."

structure was also suitable for an eatery

mentors growing up. But I've learned the

After serving in the U.S. Military,

but needed work to become a proper live

Black man has everything he needs to be

Mr. Arkadie entrenched successful careers

music venue. After procuring the location,

successful. [Nevertheless], patience is one

in I.T., commercial aviation, and healthcare.

Mr. Arkadie set to work with renovations

of the hardest things for the Black man to

patience and an executable plan:

"I didn't have a lot of Black

exercise because so many of us grow up seeking the instant gratification provided by the 'street game.' I recommend they apply their street tenacity and hustle mentality to conquer the business world successfully. That's a 'game' truly worth winning!"

-Written By Porsha Stuckey

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/ArtBiz

Creative Entrepreneurs Pg. 129

Contact Information clubtiltgrill.com

finger and soul foods that can be ordered

the owners endeavor to keep it that way.

in or cooked to go. Menu items include

Every kind of entertainment from Karaoke

chicken wings, fried okra, pork chops, deep-

night, amateur comedy, live bands, special

fried zucchini, sea food, and much more.

guest performances, and open mic poetry

Additionally, patrons are sure to relish

is hosted each day of the week, so patrons

their colorful, top shelf, bar famous for the

are sure to find an activity that appeals to

club's signature cocktails, The Tilt, and the

them.

Blue MF.

Yet, many have raved that the

event every day of the week because

atmosphere is Club Tilt's most exceptional

different people like to do different things

attraction. The warm, low, lighting, mixed

on different days. We also try not to put

with old school R&B, comfortable seating,

a cover charge on the front door unless

and the aroma of seasoned cooking wafting

there is a special event or concert. People

through the air, genuinely appeals to souls

also love that we promptly greet them. We

of Black folks. These are the elements that,

say, "Welcome to Club Tilt!" so much, that

when combined, create a culturally familiar

even customers say it to other customers."

ambiance that is rare and refreshing.

Albert & Cheronda Wills Club Tilt & Grill

Club Tilt & GrillSpring's newest

ritzy nightclub with a lounge-type feel.

It's located in the shopping plaza at 3744 Astrozon Boulevard, and its popularity is soaring. The gracious and personable owners,

Albert

and

Charonda

Wills,

joined the Colorado community by way of Indianapolis. "Club Tilt" was a dream that the Will's spoke into existence while joking amongst themselves one night:

"We used to sometimes kick it in

"We have a different type of

toward

new favorite hangout, so too do the owner's

operating a sophisticated establishment.

future aspirations. The power couple plans

We're not into the half-naked dress or

to strengthen their social media presence,

drunken conduct. We also have a zero-

expand the size of the club, and further

tolerance policy regarding rude, illicit, and

develop Pattie's menu. To aspiring club

violent behavior of any kind. You only get

owners, Mrs. Wills advises, "Make sure the

one chance, and if you violate our policy,

club business is something you really want

you may never come back. When we say

to do. Get ready to give up a lot of your

zero tolerance, we mean zero tolerance!"

free time. You want to be able to run your

business, not have your business run you."

"We're

more

geared

As Club Tilt spreads as the city’s

There is always something fun

and engaging going on at Club Tilt, and

-Written By Porsha Stuckey

our basement, drink, and chill. We had a little bar, lights, and music set up down there. It was really nice. My little sister came up with the name Club Tilt because every time she left our basement, she'd say she was "tilted." So, we said one day we'd make it come true. Five years later, we opened Club Tilt in the summer of 2019."

Club Tilt features Pattie's Kitchen,

affectionately named for the owners' mothers, both of whom are named Patricia and share a love of cooking. The menu comprises hot and delicious made-to-order Pg. 130 Creative Entrepreneurs

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Enjoy food & friends at local eateries

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

COLORADO SPRINGS AREA Reggae Pot Xpress Jamaican Food reggaepotxpress.com

Club Tilt & Grill soul food clubtiltgrill.com

Jazz Funk Connection soul food & Live Music

Four By Brother luck Gourmet fourbybrotherluck.com

Bonefish Grill Seafood bonefishgrill.com

Billy Sims BBQ billysimsbbq.com

jazzfunkconnection.com

English Dockside Seafood

Lil' howards Barbecue lilhowardsbbq.com

Englishdockside.com

Spice Island Grill jamaican food SpiceIslandGrill.com

Caffeinated Cow

DENVER AREA Buddah’s BBQ & soul food buddahsbbq.com

ice cream 719-308-2769

Pikes Perk Coffee

Welton street cafe (303) 296-6602

coffee cafe pikesperk.com

Luchal Catering gourmet catering

Hungry Wolf Catfish & BBQ hungry-wolf-bbq.com/

(310) 864-0092

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Creative Entrepreneurs Pg. 131

MALIAH & MAYA HOWARD | SISTER BALLARINAS

- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT -

THE

BALLERINA

SISTERS Pages 133-135

Pg. 132 | Music Features

Article by: ipsum dolor si

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Music

Maliah & Maya Howard The Sister Ballerinas

because nobody is telling me what to do; I

my biggest inspiration is Misty Copeland

can just let go.

because she showed the world that women of color could do great things.

How often do you practice & what does

Maya Howard

Young women receive a lot of messages

I train Monday through Thursday

about what beauty is through the media.

for 6 hours each night every week, and I

In your own words, how do you define

also go to conventions and competitions

beauty?

over the weekend. I am a very competitive

person, and so is my team. When we get

everything; beauty is everywhere; beauty

closer to a competition season, we train

isn’t based on looks, but who you are as

harder, we have more rehearsals, and we

a person. When I see confidence, I see

dance for more extended amounts of time.

beauty. When I see self-love, I see beauty.

It is hard work, but it’s all worth it at the

When I see women bringing other women

end of the day.

up, I see beauty. I think I am beautiful, as

came home and did nothing. I didn’t have any passions before dance came along, but once it did, I fell in love with it. Before I started dancing, I was shy, but dance took away my shyness. And now, I can model, act, and dance without being scared to be me.

What are your strengths as a dancer?

My strongest style of dance is

contemporary. Contemporary is a mix of so many different styles; I can do whatever I want with it. I can choose certain forms that I want to incorporate into my movement, and I just dance. This is my strength

In

my

opinion,

beauty

is

well as everyone else around me.

Before I started dancing, I was

just a normal girl, that went to school, then

practice consist of?

What advice would you give to other

How do you define success & do you see

young dancers trying to excel?

yourself as successful?

That you should never be afraid

I define success as a source of

to be yourself, dance is the perfect way

accomplishment. You don’t have to be a

to show who you are. And also, don’t be

grown woman with all the college degrees

scared to try new things, push yourself.

one could think of that has tons of money and a giant house to be successful. Success

Where do you want to head in the

could be as little as getting a good grade

future?

on a test or getting a new belt in karate.

In the future, I want to be a

It’s the little things that count. You don’t

choreographer and teach at conventions.

have to have it all to be successful. I think

Some of the biggest inspirations are

everyone is successful in some way. The

all of my peers because they all are so

best thing to do is try.

different and talented, and I can improve by watching them be themselves. And

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/dance

Dance Features | Pg. 133

The Maliah Howard

I started dancing when I was four

as a gift for cleaning my room and my sister, and I fell in love with it. I do ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, tap, and ballroom.

What do your practices look like?

I practice almost every day. When

I practice, I’m either working on a move I really want to get, or stretching my feet, legs, and back or doing strengthening.

I practice in tons of different ways, but I always try to practice something. Practice can be really difficult, but I always feel some type of satisfaction later. When I practice with others, it will be in class.

When I practice by myself, I am usually at home with my tools, and I also work out at the gym on Sundays, so I stay fit for dance.

What are some things you are proud of in your dance career so far?

I have won at the conventions

mutliple times and I have made top 20 at The Dance Awards.

Can you explain what a convention is and what happens there?

A convention is a weekend for

learning from amazing choreographers and growing with other amazing dancers around the country and competing for the winner or a scholarship. What happens is you take a class from a lot of different teachers, then you have an audition for the best dancer of the weekend. You also have competition, and you compete for first place in a category.

Pg. 134 | Dance Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/dance

Ballerina Sisters What Are The Dance Awards?

Who are some dancers you look up to?

get everything out. I also look up to Ella

I look up to my sister. I’ve learned

Horan, Bella Klassen, all Break The Floor

for BTF. You have a series of auditions,

so much from her. But she always inspires

teachers, and all of my amazing teachers

including a solo round that you compete

me to dig deeper into my own personality

at my studio, Michelle Latimer Dance

for best dancer or studio of the year.

in dance and in my technique. And to

Academy.

They’re important to me because it gives

always put myself out there even when

you a chance to show your talent and

I’m scared, she also teaches me how to

to tour the next year with the amazing

cook! It definitely has made me a more

faculty.

confident person, and it helps me really

The dance awards are nationals

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/dance

Dance Features | Pg. 135

- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT -

GOLDEN TICKET

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WINNERS Pages 137-153

Pg. 136 Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners

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Rafaell Thompson

L7 Premium fragrances

What is your business?

My brand consists of mainly

custom made oil based fragrances, I’ve added hand made Jew and customs paintings and high end glass pendants!

What are you excited about in your business?

I’m excited to keep people fresh

world wide, I’d like to keep building my client base I’ve been designing for celebrities and smaller businesses as well!

Why Do You Do What You Do?

I do what I do first and foremost

For my kids, it’s critical to be there for them especially growing up with no father it’s important for me use them as motivation to build security.

How did you start your business?

I started out as a recording

artist just trying to promote my music and happen to meet some guys that were in the fragrance industry. From there I learned how to create my own fragrance.

This was in 2012 est. I then just kept going now I currently have over 50 clients that I customized fragrances for and two store locations one being in Colorado Springs

What are learning in business?

and a kiosk in the Colorado mills mall

save and invest into your own brand.

I’m learning that not everyone

understands business, so i need to make

What values to do live by?

sure i connect with like minded individuals.

capitalize and give back to the community

Set backs will only slow down the process.

is my goal!!!

I’d say just be who you are, Be

Just being able to financially

-Written By Rafaell Thompson

passionate about your product, try to have good intentions with every move you

What advice would you tell your younger

make!, Never limit or doubt yourself, love

self?

unconditionally.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Winners

I would’ve told my younger self to Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners Pg. 137

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Jamesha La’shon A Taste Of Georgia

Why do you do what you do, how did you start?

I love cooking. When I transferred

from Alaska to Colorado, I wanted to work for myself. It wasn’t easy in the beginning.

I didn’t know anything about running a business or being an entrepreneur. I started from the bottom. In the beginning, I made a lot of money, then I made no money, but I didn’t quit. I kept pushing, and I always kept God first and taught myself everything. I didn’t have anyone I could go to ask how it’s done. So I promoted myself daily, I got the clientele and established a following.

Do you have a background in cooking?

My mother and both of my

grandmothers are cooks. But what really got me cooking a lot was being in Alaska with my husband. I was not too fond of the [local] food, so I started cooking a lot more and trying new recipes and getting better. I’m from a small country town called Coffee County. It’s located at the bottom of Georgia. I just knew I wanted to cook things that represent me and from where I’m from.

What are you learning this in the season of your business?

I’m learning that every customer

thinks they’re right. You have to stand up for your business, be firm with your prices, but at the same time, take constructive criticism. But never let people bully you into going down on your costs. You always have to promote, even if you have to get out on hand and foot. Getting the word out there never stops.

Pg. 138 Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners

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“Colorado Springs will always be home for A Taste of Georgia because its where my company was founded.”

What is some advice you’d give to your

What are you excited about now?

younger self?

Stop believing everyone is your

clients. I get excited every time I’m cooking,

friend. I have stopped trying to get

and I have a whole lot of new clientele. In

everyone to see life the way I see it. There

2020 I plan to open my first storefront in

are so many people who are content

Georgia. Colorado Springs will always be

working a 9 to 5. I’m an entrepreneur. So I

home for A Taste of Georgia because its

would tell my younger self, you can’t make

where my company was founded.

everyone an entrepreneur. It’s okay to lose

I’m always excited about new

-Written By Brandon Brones

people on the way. Everybody can’t go to the top with you. I learned that trying to help everybody sometimes ends up hurting myself in the end. So I would tell my younger self, do what you can for people, but don’t hurt your business trying to help them.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Winners

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Bruce Simon

Owner Of A Head Of Class Barbershop Why do you think your customers like

community. We were a part of a

coming to your shop?

to school event where we cut over 300

We are professional and provide

children’s hair for free and pass out a

a great service. We always try to provide

lot of school supplies. We also do the

a client with the best customer service

Thanksgiving

experience that they can receive.

dinner at our shop.

We

customer

back

appreciation

We give people a

actually have relationships with our clients

chance to relax, enjoy each other and have

so that they feel comfortable to come back

a good time.

or tell someone about us.. The atmosphere is welcoming. We’re a family oriented

What is an important quality you look

Barbershop that has women and children

for in employees

come in also

As far as customer service, being

able to hold a conversation with their client What do you do to impact your local

and being professional.

community

We do a lot of things within the

Pg. 140 Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners

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Contact Information xpressionsbeautystudio.com

Charonda Wills

Lyza Ingram

Owner of Xpressions Beauty Studio

With over 20 years of experience

Owner of Xpressions Beauty Studio

An experienced business owner

in the beauty industry and 10 years spent

and investor, Charonda Wills directs the

owning a salon, passion and talent are

behind the scenes magic at Xpressions

not a question when it comes to Lyza

Beauty & Barber Studio. With other local

Ingram. Specializing in a wide variety

companies including Club Tilt Grill, a

of services, Lyza is prepared to utilize

Real Estate venture, and a Construction

skill and hard to come by technique

company, Charonda is reachable for

to

business!

accelerate

your

beauty

journey

Other Xpressions Beauty Studio Service Providers

Ms. Nikki

Jay-Z

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Winners

Maisha

D’Lacia

Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners Pg. 141

Contact Information firmaitss.com

Rodney Gullatte Jr.

Cybersecurity Professional

As a leading expert in Managed

IT Services and Cybersecurity for business, Firma IT Solutions offers a comprehensive solution to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of your business data. With operations in Key West, FL and Colorado Springs, CO, we are able to create jobs and provide opportunities to the new cyber workforce to better protect local businesses and consumer data.

Firma IT Solutions was started

by community leader and US Air Force Veteran, Rodney Gullatte, Jr. With a background in Information Technology and Cybersecurity that includes Department of Defense, retail, healthcare, casinos, utility

companies

and

more,

Rodney

has developed a company that brings enterprise technology solutions to small businesses. Law firms, accounting firms, architect firms, museums, and marinas are just a few of the clients that Firma IT

Solutions

has

transformed.

From

workstations and servers to cybersecurity and enterprise wireless networks, Firma IT Solutions has a wide scope of services to create data integrity and system security that all small businesses desperately need.

Pg. 142 Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners

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Contact Information reginaspeaking.com

Regina Lewis

College Professor What got you into education and why do you do it?

As far as what got me into

education, it was all by accident. I had no idea that I would ever teach. I got my associates in General Studies. And then I did a combination degree in Psychology and in Communication and I was in a classroom and we had to present a project.

A 10-minute presentation.

Afterwards I

got a standing ovation which I thought was strange. A couple weeks later, I got a phone call from Pikes Peak Community College, even before I finished my degree, asking me if I wanted to teach. I didn’t think they paid enough money, so I talked to my mother about it and she said, “well how much money are you making now, honey?” I said “none”. She said “then take the job”.

It was all by accident that I went

into teaching, but once I got there, I found out that many of the students carry the same story that I had, struggling through education, fearful of Education because of not knowing people who have gone before you and not knowing the hidden rules and behaviors. So this is when I felt like this is where my heart is. I love the Community College because it’s a place where all types of people come. I like to spark the genius of our students.

- Written By Brandon Bornes

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Winners

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Terra Smith Real Estate

do if they want to buy a home?

operate, and I can almost tell the client

Springs. I help people who don’t necessarily

like clockwork what’s going to happen

know that they can purchase a home. I

if you’re thinking about buying a home

work with anyone, but I like to focus on

is get in touch with a realtor. We have a

people whose rent is about the same

team of lenders and vendors that we can

What advice would you give your

amount as a monthly mortgage payment. I

put you touch with, while you’re making

younger self?

focus on educating them to make sure that

your transaction. And to be honest with

they’re able to make informed decisions.

you, if you’re working with an agent who

you can because there is a lot of wealth

More often than not, I turn renters into

already has those referrals, this means

and benefits for your family economically,

buyers. In the long run, they’re going to

they also have a relationship with them.

financially, and emotionally.

save a lot of money and generate wealth.

So the likelihood of successfully closing on

It’s not just about you owning a home; It’s

a home is much higher than if you found

about building for your family.

a separate agent and lender who don’t

What is the first thing someone should

know each other. I know how my lenders

I am a realtor here in Colorado

The first thing you should do

Pg. 144 Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners

when they work together.

Get into real estate as soon as

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Winners

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Jenna Kempton

Owner, House of Hounds Grooming Why you do what you do?

that I could do more low volume quality

desk representative at the first place that

I’ve been grooming dogs for

work. So I could give the dogs the time

I groomed at, and one of the groomers just

about seven years. I started at a place

they needed, especially if they’re nervous

quit on Christmas Eve during the holiday

that was pretty similar to PetSmart. It was

or have special needs.

rush. They needed someone to step in,

vast and corporate, and they wanted us to

so they kind of threw me in, and I got to

groom a ridiculous amount of dogs every

What got you into work with animals?

get on the job training. I just stuck with it

day, which didn’t really give anybody

because I really liked doing it.

time to be compassionate or creative. So

the house, and I was always bringing stray

I decided to go into business for myself so

animals home. I started working as a front

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Winners

I grew up always with a dog in

Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners Pg. 145

Contact Information amcmbirth.com

Demetra Seriki

A Mothers Choice | Midwifery Tell us a little bit about yourself and

do a career change. I started going to

makes women vulnerable. I made a

how you became a midwife?

school and clinical training to become

decision that here, in my city, I will do

a midwife. I am a certified professional

all that I can to help. I strive to make

I was also

Midwife. I attend births that are done

a difference not only in the birthing

a teenage mom. I was 16 when I had

at home or the hospital and walk

process but also working hand in hand

my first child. I loved being around

alongside the families. These families

with different agencies to decrease

babies and would take opportunities to

are looking for somebody who is a good

black infant mortality.

be with my friends at their child’s birth,

listener, who will spend time with them

for support. Fast forward 15 years later,

and can clearly articulate the common

I still had a passion for being around

terms of the risks and benefits of the

young, soon to be mothers. I decided to

choices they are making. Giving birth

I was born and raised right

here in Colorado Springs.

Pg. 146 Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners

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"Know your rights as a pregnant woman and have someone who will advocate for you."

What are the top five things women

women dont express their concerns to their

communicate efficiently or think clearly.

should focus on during pregnancy?

providers for fear of being judged. Another

fear is not being heard. It’s insane, but it’s

health worker. This is why they are here.

comfortable with and is sensitive to your

also a hard truth we deal with.

There is a handful of us in El Paso County,

needs. It's essential that your voice is heard,

It’s essential that women recognize

including workers of color. With finding a

and that your medical provider connects

some of their habits need to change. Small

community health worker, they can help

with you. We have some providers that still

modifications in lifestyle could ultimately

you navigate the system; believe me, it

believe that black women's pain tolerance

save their baby’s life, including their own.

is a system. The system is structurally

is higher. Those doctors might not be so

oppressive.

quick to give us pain medication during

woman and have someone who will

the first stage of labor. It’s barbaric when

advocate for you. Plan ahead because

you think about it.

once you are in active labor, the right and

Express your concerns. One of the

left side of the brain don’t communicate

biggest worries documented is pregnant

well. It becomes increasingly difficult to

Find a provider that you are

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Winners

Know your rights as a pregnant

Find

you

a

community-based

-Written By Brandon Bornes

Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners Pg. 147

Contact Information truespiritbaptistchurch.com

Anthony Grier | Pastor True Spirit Baptist Church

My name is Reverend Anthony

Greer. I am from Rockford, Illinois. Im the new pastor of true Spirit Baptist Church.

I’ve been here since November 2018. At the true Spirit Baptist Church, we embrace God’s word and we try to equip the Saints with scripture and Empower them through the word of God. The Church been existing since for 25 years now What are some things that you’ve been excited about?

Embracing the new faces, the

multi-cultural atmosphere and the people’s desire to worship and learn and being excited about the teachings and seeing lives changed.

watching families grow,

families join and seeing a lot of young men coming to the family, joining the church What do you think the church needs

discussion and seek to understand each

Where you’re headed with this church?

to speak up more when it comes to our

other. We can agree to disagree, but we

culture?

still need to focus on trying to establish

One of the things, we’re trying

One is same-sex civil unions.

what is right. As Christians, we learn to

surrounding churches of all denominations.

That is one of the main issues that the

love one another and not judge, but we still

The other thing is being a true resource for

church needs to speak up about and have

need to teach what the Bible says about

the community and continuing to educate

discussions with a respectful dialogue.

same sex unions. We teach, we love them

people with the Bible and strengthening

Another issue we need to speak up about

and let the word do the rest.

the minds of the people.

and stand for is equality.

to

rebuild

is

relationships

with

the

We’re a church that that seeks

What do you think the people need to

How do you think the church can help

the betterment of our community and the

hear right now?

with the facilitation of marriage and

advancement of Christ.

equality?

What they need to hear now is

that God loves them despite whatever

We can be quick to listen and

it is that they’re going through, most

slow to speak. Be willing to talk and have

importantly, God could use them to help

open dialogue. The Bible tells us to reason

others. God has entrusted special gifts to

together with fellow believers. That means

all of us so that we could bless others.

that we need to sit down and have a

Pg. 148 Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners

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Tivoni Brundage Artist | Painter

What do you do and why you do it?

My passion is art. I’ve been an

artist since I was seven, which is when I started drawing. I’m currently active duty in the Army, but I’m getting out to pursue my passion. I do it because, in a way, art has a kind of healing aspect. My goal is to make a bunch of Black art that caters to people of diverse cities and basically to create amazing Renaissance art. I want to make art that’s Black so that people like me can see themselves in the artwork.

What do you mean when you say you paint to heal?

The series I’m currently working

on tells a story about things that bother me, have affected me, or have otherwise contributed to who I am. When I put these things out there, I realize other people can relate to it in a way they didn’t think of before. It helps them heal because they get to see their thoughts and feelings validated in the work I produce. My art is not just art; it’s an experience. It’s something that I get to really dive into. By the end, it tells a story or has a song that goes with it.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Winners

Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners Pg. 149

Contact Information aeonikthreads.com

in the right direction. Collaboration is a significant value.

What are you learning as you're doing business?

Don't be afraid to jump, I mean

never. The opportunities are going to come and go, but there's never going to be a perfect time. So if you have an idea, if you have thoughts, write them down and go through with them. Don't hesitate. Don't hold your ideas in your head. If you have a good idea and you tell some people about it, they may be able to help you with either getting started or putting you in places to be successful.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Be more confident. I don't have a

college degree, so when it came to working for someone else, I didn't always put my best foot forward. I never thought that I

Nate Sheppard

would be in those positions. I understand

Aeonik Threads

now that I can be an asset to whatever

What is your brand about?

I was in a car accident in 2016. I got out

Our clothing brand is designed to

of that accident, pretty much unscathed.

inspire. We've committed to making clothes

I told myself, you only live once. And I

to inspire and encourage people forever.

started a clothing brand. I just jumped on

That's my motto, no matter what you know,

it and ran with it. No more being afraid.

your story is your story. So be proud and

What is an important value you have in

tell it.

business?

I was always taught not to

How did you get started?

compete but collaborate more. There are

I had an idea of starting a

so many other clothing brands out there.

clothing brand years ago when I graduated

It's always good practice to try to work with

high school back in 1999, but life happened.

people who are willing to help you head

Pg. 150 Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners

company that employs me.

Where do you see your business heading?

I currently have everything on

online websites, and an e-commerce peso business, but eventually, I want to diversify by getting into outlet markets, local stores, boutiques, or even having my own little kiosk would be great.

-Written By Brandon Bornes

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Winners

Contact Information santiagosboxingclub719.

Jose Santiago Founder

It was through his love of boxing

that his passion for children was solidified.

Colorado State Golden Gloves Hall of Fame Coach Jose Santiago was the founder of Santiago’s Boxing Club (SBC). SBC was established in January 2016, but the heart of it was established decades prior. Jose was a prolific coach with over 40 years of coaching and officiating experience.

He groomed many young individuals into National and World Champions, to include the

first

female

National

Champion.

His ferocity and unmatched intensity in coaching allowed him to train boxing teams that would be feared whenever they stepped foot into the building. Such as the widely known “Body Snatchers” that made their presence known Nationally and Internationally to the likes of Andrew Maynard, Riddick Bowe, Shannon Briggs, etc. With over 40 years of coaching and officiating invested, Jose helped thousands of youth in the community

Coach Jose passed away February

25, 2019 and since that time, the coaches of SBC, have committed to strengthening its presence in the community.

- Written By Jerome Penrose

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Winners

Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners Pg. 151

Contact Information aaylc-co.org

On January 16, 1993, the first

to include females in grades 6 – 12. At

and has given over $140,000 in student

Leadership

that time, Colorado College became the

scholarships. The AAYLC has a sustained

Conference (AAYLC) was held at the

first major partner of the Conference by

and rich history that instills high standards

Hillside

Colorado

providing both funding and its facilities.

and positive moral values in our youth.

Springs. It was sponsored by the Alpha Phi

Colorado College, notably, has remained

Alpha Fraternity, INC.

as a major partner since 1994. The AAYLC

​The AAYLC was limited to young African

is now host to approximately 600 students

American males in grades 6 - 12 and was

of all ethnicities annually in March on the

presented from a male minority point of

campus of Colorado College.

view. The AAYLC was the first of its kind

in Colorado Springs and the focus was

development and community outreach

on: social problems affecting black youth,

focus, the AAYLC has grown in magnitude

the importance of an education along

since its inception and serves as a program

with various educational programs and

supported by corporate, civic, academic,

initiatives and the examination of Black

religious, fraternal, social organizations

History. There were approximately 175

and individuals in the community. It is

male students in attendance.

totally organized and implemented by

This AAYLC was so successful

community volunteers. To date, the AAYLC

and well received by the community that

has hosted over 13,000 students in the

is was expanded the following year, 1994,

Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Denver area

African

American Community

Youth Center,

Because

Pg. 152 Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners

of

the

educational

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Winners

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Testimonial

Testimonial

Shantell Nix

Executive Director of AAYLC

The

Leadership

African

American

Ashley McNeely

Zakarayah Scruggs

Student Attendee at AAYLC

Conference Volunteer of AAYLC

“The moment that you see all of

“My name is Zakaryah Scruggs,

(AAYLC)

the students you are suddenly hit with a

I am 17 years old and in my senior year

continues to embark on an amazing

realization of the importance of this event.

of high school approaching my very last

journey to uphold our purpose of providing

There are students from all walks of life

African

and supporting educational, personal and

but they all have one thing in common;

Conference prior to leaving the state to

leadership development for youth. This

they want to learn.

attend college. This will be my third year.

year’s conference theme, 2020 VISION

#SeeBeyondNow, is especially important

choice to attend this conference because

the AAYLC is the environment of black

to me. It is crucial for students to see past

they want to grow and they want to

excellence that is created when intelligent

the here and now of today and focus on

succeed further than anyone can imagine.

young black men and women come together

their vision of tomorrow.

In one moment all of that hits you and it

for the greater good of our community.

Personally, after over 15 years

makes you proud to be part of such an

of involvement with the AAYLC; from

amazing event. It also strengthens your

is not very often that I see other people

being a parent bringing my own children,

resolve to fight for these young people.”

that look like me and share the same trials

an

educator

Conference

Youth

Testimonial

accompanying

students,

These students have made the

American

Youth

Leadership

My favorite part about attending

Living in Colorado Springs, it

and tribulations that come with living in

a volunteer ushering students, to now

America.

have the privilege of being the Executive

Director of the organization, I can honestly

I’d say I've learned from AAYLC is that

say we are in our greatest season and I am

I shouldn't limit myself or my abilities to

honored to be a part this legacy supporting

what other people expect of me. As an

the current and future youth leaders in the

underclassman in high school, I didn't really

Pikes Peak Region.

know what I wanted to do. AAYLC taught

The most valuable thing that

me that I am greater than my expectations and that I am capable of what I set my mind to and accomplish. I speak on behalf Read Full Testimonial At MyBlackColorado.com/Winners

of my ancestors by saying that Black IS power!

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Golden Ticket | Peoples Choice Award Winners Pg. 153

Contact Information csu.org

- BUSINESS FEATURES -

DIVERSITY

OF PERSPECTIVES Pages 154 - 165

At Colorado Springs Utilities, it’s

That’s why diversity and inclusion are

a privilege to contribute to the vitality and

central to our work.

quality of life in the Pikes Peak Region.

The utilities industry is changing

Diversity Team plays a vital role in

rapidly. To stay ahead, we’re leveraging

ensuring we maintain an inclusive culture

technology, along with staff thinking

to facilitate leadership and employee

and experience, to meet our customers’

engagement.

evolving needs.

Serving a population of nearly

employees from across the organization

450,000, the community-owned utility

- encourages every employee to embrace

provides electricity, natural gas, water and

the unique skills and differences of our

wastewater services.

workforce.

A not-for-profit enterprise of the

Formed in 1996, our DELTA

This

team

-

composed

of

We also develop and sustain

city, we focus on providing exceptional

relationships

service at the lowest rates possible. Our

capable of providing products and services

customers are at the center of everything

at competitive prices. These relationships

we do.

help to strengthen the economy and

Inherent to our mission is a strong

increase

with

business

commitment to community. We actively

everyone.

support local economic development and

civic projects. In addition, our employees

future.

to help others We

strive

to

reflect

suppliers

opportunities

for

Together, we will shape a bright

generously volunteer their time and talents

diverse

the

Aram Benyamin

Chief Executive Officer

increasingly diverse community we serve.

Pg. 154 | Diversity of Perspectives | Colorado Springs Utilities

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Contact Information csu.org

Jasmine Pierson

Operations Controller

I am a water operations controller

at Colorado Springs Utilities. I have worked here for seven years. I operate our water distribution, raw water, nonpotable and wastewater systems through our

Supervisory

Control

And

Data

Acquisition system—otherwise known as SCADA. This is a computer system that monitors and controls our equipment and technology in the field. Part of my

responsibilities

include

forecasting

day to day water usage and keeping the water system operating efficiently to deliver water safely and reliably.

Diversity of thought is valuable to

Colorado Springs Utilities because it allows our company to be innovative and forwardthinking. Since we are such a diverse company it allows different perspectives on ideas and unique insight into problems.

Springs Utilities is an inclusive employer because we value all individuals, which is a key aspect to how we are all connected.

My favorite part about working at

Colorado Springs Utilities is knowing how vital our impact is to this community, and how hard we all work to bring our customers the best services. I also love working at Springs Utilities because there are unlimited opportunities to succeed and so many resources to help you reach your goals.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Diversity of Perspectives | Colorado Springs Utilities | Pg. 155

Contact Information csu.org

Andrew Johnson

Workforce Development Specialist

I was first hired as a Utility Worker 1

in 2009 for Wastewater Collections. Within a year I was promoted into the Wastewater Collections apprenticeship program where I became a Master Journeyman. In 2016 I was promoted to my current role with the University of Springs Utilities as a Workforce Development Specialist. I help make sure our employees are properly trained and able to perform the tasks necessary to keep the city running. The training we provided is not only mandatory, but it’s necessary to bring mothers and fathers home safely to their families.

Colorado Springs Utilities has

given me an opportunity to better myself and grow into a career field I can be proud of. I was a construction worker who worked his way up from the bottom. The leadership in this company embraced, encouraged and challenged me to be more. My favorite part about working here is the people. I love to get out and network and meet new people. Colorado Springs Utilities has made me feel important and valued.

Diversity of thought is not only

valuable to Colorado Springs Utilities, but to every organization in the country.

Without

diversity

of

thought

and

experience we shackle ourselves to a Univision workforce unable to progress and compete in a society becoming more diverse every second. Although Springs Utilities is not at the finish line, our veterans’ programs, disabilities programs, diversity programs and our work in the community shows we are on the right track.

Pg. 156 | Diversity of Perspectives | Colorado Springs Utilities

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Contact Information csu.org

Michelle Willis-Hill

Environmental Specialist For the last 17 years, I have been working as an Environmental Specialist in the Environmental Services Division at

Colorado

Springs

Utilities.

responsibilities

include

environmental

compliance

audits

of

our

My

facilities,

operations and off-site waste disposal sites, management of hazardous materials and wastes, training on environmental regulations,

performing

environmental

assessments of real property transactions, and providing technical guidance on projects

to

ensure

compliance

with

environmental regulations in support of our environmental stewardship initiatives.

When diversity of thought is

absent, the tunnel vision of like-mindedness becomes

perilous

creativity.

Our

to

best

innovation is

and

demonstrated

when we embrace and harness the ideas, viewpoints and perspectives of people from various ages, experiences, and backgrounds as an essential component of the way we must do business to stay relevant not only today, but also as we prepare for the future.

Diversity of thought is also a strategy for

the larger community include participation

which Springs Utilities positions itself in

on the Harrison School District Two’s

the community as an inclusive employer

Bond Construction Oversight Committee

by attracting, developing and retaining

to provide input on construction capital

a skilled and diverse workforce that is

projects; serving as a Peak Education

representative of the community we serve.

mentor to high school seniors to assist

them through successful navigation of the

My

ongoing

efforts

to

help

college funding process; and contributing as a Very Involved Parent on Positive Behavior

Interventions

and

Supports

(PBIS) initiatives at Harrison High School.

Colorado Springs Utilities be more relevant in Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Diversity of Perspectives | Colorado Springs Utilities | Pg. 157

Contact Information csu.org

Ebony De La Torre Business Application Administrator

I

have

worked

for

Colorado

Springs Utilities for 3½ years as a Business

Application

Administrator

II.

My primary responsibility is the phone system and support of our Customer Contact Handling Platform used by our Customer Services Division. This includes 65 phone numbers including the main phone

number,

outbound

campaigns,

and chat customer channels of choice.

One of the values that our

organization is centered on is “People.”

Through

leveraging

the

different

perspectives, strengths and point of views from a diverse workforce, we make better decisions in support of those we serve.

We are a community-owned, four service utility, so our customers also are our citizen owners. That’s why it’s so important that we value continuous improvement and being able to identify ways to better deliver against

our

customers’

expectations.

I plan on continuing to share

my skillset, experience, and learnings from

a

technology-centric

customer

experience background to identify ways we can continue to improve best practices.

Helping to translate customer wants into technological

requirements,

onboard

and support the platforms identified to meet those needs will be crucial as our rate payer base continues to grow.

My favorite part about working for Colorado Springs Utilities is being able to help our community members. It is important to know that I have an impact on the lives of others with the work that I do. Knowing that my contributions add value and support our organization being viewed as a community asset plays a big part in my professional fulfillment.

Pg. 158 | Diversity of Perspectives | Colorado Springs Utilities

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Contact Information csu.org

Stephen Chandler

North District Energy Supply Maintenance Superintendent

As

a

15-year

employee

of

Colorado

Springs Utilities, currently I’m the North District

Energy

Supply

Maintenance

Superintendent. My responsibilities include oversight

of

maintenance

activities,

budgeting and the continuous improvement of plant maintenance practices for all North District Energy Supply Assets.

The Energy Supply Maintenance

Department is comprised of individuals from

very

diverse

backgrounds

and

experiences. This diversity leads to creative problem-solving, resulting in improved work processes and procedures. Throughout my career, I have attempted to maintain a focus on team cohesion. This stems from the belief that a strong team gives all members a voice and differences of opinion do not discourage outside-the-box thinking.

My personal experience is an

example of how Springs Utilities is an inclusive employer. Entering the workforce after college, I quickly began to question my career path. I missed working with my hands and the satisfaction it brought.

After several years of trying to find my way in the office environment, I decided to seek out career alternatives. Through employment research and a few chance meetings with Springs Utilities employees, I was convinced Springs Utilities was the organization I wanted to be part of.

They spoke of an environment that

apprenticeship programs and a personal

was open to internal mobility. Having no

commitment to continuous improvement,

power generation experience at the time,

I’m now in a position where I’m able to

fifteen years ago I was offered an entry-

provide similar opportunities for others.

level position within the Energy Supply Department. Through the strength of the

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Diversity of Perspectives | Colorado Springs Utilities | Pg. 159

Contact Information troweprice.com

Jacob Pruitt

Vice President & General Manager What is your role within T. Rowe Price?

As vice president and general

manager, I’m responsible for executing T. Rowe Price’s local strategy, including brand awareness, growth strategy, corporate sponsorships, facilities

grant

management,

administration, and

local

government relations for our nearly 1,000 associates in Colorado Springs.

We focus our efforts on a multi-

year strategy to make sure that the environment we’re building today will be sustainable and relevant for associates in the future. As we identify new trends, we monitor them and their meaning with the view of developing data-driven roadmaps to achieve success in an ever-evolving workplace.

How did you get into the financial services industry?

This is my sixth year with T. Rowe

Price, and prior to this, I held several executive-level positions at leading asset management firms in the industry. In total, I’ve been in financial services for more than twenty years.

I received my formal education

from Tennessee State University and Stanford University. While in college, I served in the US Marine Corps and was deployed to Kuwait for Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Upon the completion of

my undergraduate degree, I was given a

What do you think the keys to success

chance to join an investment firm in New

are?

York City, called Bankers Trust Company, as

part of a management training program.

keys to success is ensuring that you are

That’s where I obtained foundational skills

“always prepared and ready” to take on

within the financial services industry. The

a new challenge. Being the youngest of 13

military and the corporate world honed my

children, I was taught by my parents that

leadership skills and gave me many unique

education was the key to success and will

opportunities to lead people and projects

prepare you for any challenge life places

early in my career.

in front of you.

Pg. 160 | Diversity of Perspectives | Trowe Price

I think that one of the primary

Over the years, many people

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Contact Information troweprice.com

have opened doors for me and assisted

you have and ensure your voice is heard

decided on an issue, I move forward and

me in advancing my career. The consistent

in making a positive impact within your

don’t look back. You can’t be afraid to

question that I was asked was, “Are you

organization and community. To those

take a risk or make big decisions as these

willing to step out of your comfort zone and

whom much is given, much is expected!

propel you forward in your career.

seize the moment?” I have always prided

So, it is imperative that you are reaching

myself on being prepared and willing to

back and developing the next generation

How do you handle conflict?

take on new challenges in my career.

of leaders for your organizations and the

world.

there should be a healthy amount of

Building

strong

relationships

In any business or organization,

throughout my career has yielded solid

returns in my professional and personal

going at it alone. It takes a village, wise

viewpoints to avoid watered-down decision

life. The reason I joined T. Rowe Price

counsel, and God’s grace to make it. My

making. If everybody thinks the same way,

and moved to Colorado Springs was

approach has always been to establish

you will get mediocre outcomes to complex

due to a friend and colleague of mine

a board of directors around me to help

business issues. As a leader, you have to

recommending me as a candidate for the

guide me in my career and key personal

understand that sometimes you may be

job. I think my natural ability to identify

decisions. My board is composed of good

the one causing the conflict. So, you must

and connect with people has been key to

friends, colleagues, and family who I

be vulnerable enough to say, “Well, I heard

my success.

trust and respect. When a tough decision

all the feedback. It’s not the group; it’s me.”

As a person of color in Corporate

is required, I reach out to them and say,

Then you have to be willing to adjust your

America, there are minimal opportunities

“Hey, here’s what I’ve got going on. Tell

style to bring about the resolution...

to get a seat at the table, so it’s essential

me your thoughts or best advice.” I weigh

to make the most of your seat at the table.

their opinions and then make an informed

Make sure you leverage the power that

decision. As a matter of principle, having

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Lastly, no one achieves success by

debate.

It’s

critical

to

have

varying

Read Full Interview At MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Diversity of Perspectives | Trowe Price | Pg. 161

Contact Information troweprice.com

Tekarah Harding

Personal Investor Acquisition Manager What do you do?

I

am

a

Personal

Investors

Acquisition Manager in Client Engagement.

I primarily manage a team of associates whose sole purpose is to share information about

T.

Rowe

Price’s

products

and

services with prospects and hopefully earn additional business for the firm.

What do you love about your job?

The art of sales is something

that has always fascinated me, and I have always been a natural born leader, so I love that I have the opportunity to combine both of my passions. Also, I really love when I am able to help an associate be better in their role and achieve their career aspirations. I feel energized and even more motivated when I can be a part of someone else’s success story.

What’s the biggest positive lesson you’ve learned in your career field?

I believe the biggest lesson I’ve

learned so far is to really understand, know, and stay fully committed to my values, who I am as a person, who I am as a leader, and to own my story. Sometimes when you are trying to climb up and make moves in your career, it is easy to lose sight of who you are because you are trying to conform to what the norm or culture is for an individual that is a key decision maker.

I’ve learned that regardless of where I am aspiring to go that I need to stay grounded and committed to my values, and to always share make sure that I share my story.

Pg. 162 | Diversity of Perspectives | Trowe Price

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Contact Information troweprice.com

What do you do?

I am currently a Lead Manager in

our Client Engagement Workplace group.

My teams are responsible for partnering with our retirement plan participants as they leave their employers and, in some cases, enter retirement. This is a critical stage of the retirement planning process as clients must decide what to what to do with their former employer sponsored retirement plan.

What do you love about your job?

My favorite part of the job

is getting to help coach and develop people and watch them improve.

I’ve

been in different people leadership roles since 2007, and there is always a new challenge since every individual has a unique

background,

perspective,

and

goals. Being able to develop relationships built on trust and provide clear and direct feedback are crucial to helping people overcome their deficiencies and advance in their careers.

Whether personally or

professionally, it’s rare to find people in our lives who are willing to provide us unbiased critical feedback. Being able to do this for someone and watch them grow has been one of them most rewarding parts of my career.

What’s the biggest positive lesson you’ve learned in your career field?

Learning

never

ends.

The

financial industry, like many others, has been experiencing ever increasing change.

Whether it be going back to get my MBA, taking on stretch assignments, or pursuing professional licenses and designations, ongoing learning has been crucial to progressing in my career.

Remaining

flexible and seeking out new opportunities for growth is now an intentional focus for

Charles Johnson Lead Manager Client Engagement Workplace Group

me.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Diversity of Perspectives | Trowe Price | Pg. 163

Contact Information troweprice.com

From

a

skillset

standpoint,

being able to connect with people and build relationships. When I walk into a boardroom, one of the first things that our Prospects or clients ask themselves is, “is this someone that I can work with, that’s likeable?”. It’s really important in my field to be able to connect and build relationships.

You also have to be knowledgeable about your product and the finance industry so you are able to effectively communicate the benefits as to why a client might want to use the services we offer. Presentation skills are also important to have. A lot of people in general, get a little frightenedm, or scared when they’re asked to get up in front of a group and present on the topic.

It took time for me to craft my presentation and become comfortable in my delivery.

Can you talk more about the value of building relationships?

There’s not too many African

Americans, in a lot of the boardrooms that

Stanley Gbandawa Client Acquisition

I’m

a

pre-implementation

manager with T Rowe Price. I’m responsible for assisting our sales team with presenting our service offering to institutional clients ranging in assets anywhere from 25 million on upwards two to three billion dollars in assets.

Tell me a little bit how you got to where you are today?

I have been with TRowe Price

for over 17 years. I started out as a data entry processor right out of college. I was referred to T Rowe Price through a friend that said it would be a good company to

Over the years, I continued to

that looks like me.

Being able to build

progress through the organization, got

relationships with people from various

into management and leadership positions

backgrounds,

and then that opened the door for other

statuses and understand where people are

opportunities and different departments in

coming from in general, has really helped

the organization.

me excel in my career.

What do you find exciting about what

Why is having a diversity of perspectives

you do?

important?

I’m in. 90% of the time, there’s no one else start at.

It’s the people, interacting with

various

socio-economic

I think that’s important, especially

my clients and helping them prepare for

today, in this climate that we’re in, you

retirement. I get to travel and work with

need to have a diverse team. I think

clients from Atlanta, Georgia to San Diego,

it helps an organization make better

California.

decisions because your accounting for the various types of clients that you may be

What are the skills that you feel are important to have in your current job

addressing.

-Written By Brandon Bornes

role?

Pg. 164 | Diversity of Perspectives | Trowe Price

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Contact Information troweprice.com

What do you do?

I’m a Technical Analyst (TA) in

our Retirement Plan Services department – focusing specifically on nonqualified plans.

As a TA, I am responsible for processing a variety of client requests, managing online enrollment processes for several plans, and periodically reviewing policies, procedures, and training materials to ensure we are operating efficiently and in compliance with all IRS regulations.

What do you love about your job?

I like the sense of community on

our team.

As a hybrid team comprised

of members in varying roles and located in two sites, we do a great job of building camaraderie and banding together to take care of our clients. I also like that there are continual opportunities to learn different aspects of my job.

What’s the biggest positive lesson you’ve learned in your career field?

I’ve

learned

that

a

formal

education may open doors to opportunities; but a zest for lifelong learning and, more importantly, recognizing the need to connect with people from various backgrounds will give one the courage to walk through those doors.

I’ve also learned that it’s ok for

one’s career to appear more like a “jungle gym than a ladder.” As one who started out as an individual contributor, had a brief stint as an acting supervisor, and then moved back to individual contributor roles, I was tempted to think that I’d “gone backwards in my career.” However, I had to realize that I can lead from a cubicle as well as I can from an office. If I’m moving the business forward while encouraging and helping others to do the same, I’m

Stephane Wallace Technical Analyst Retirement Plan Services Department

leading.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/Perspectives

Diversity of Perspectives | Trowe Price | Pg. 165

Contact Information blackindenver.com

BLACK IN DENVER

BY JASMINE NARKITA GOLD

Pg. 166 | Black In Denver

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/BlackInDenver

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

W h at y o u to d o e s it m ea be bla c k i n n to D e n ve r?

Michael Hancock Denver Mayor

To be black in Denver and black

as a people have seen worse and we have

anywhere is to recognize the power of our

to persevere through it, I have to perse-

history and the greatness from which we

vere through it. If my ancestors can come

come. As the Mayor of Denver, that’s al-

through what they endured, I can certain-

ways remained at the forefront. When

ly meet the challenges that I have here,

things get difficult, I remind myself that we

which don’t even compare.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/BlackInDenver

Black In Denver | Pg. 167

Contact Information blackindenver.com

W h at y o u to d o e s it m ea be bla c k i n n to D e n ve r?

Erica Cobb

Television Host & Comeback Kid

When I moved to Denver from

landscape. I feel today being black in

Chicago a decade ago to host a morning

Denver means helping to carve out a

radio show, being black in Denver meant

narrative of inclusivity and representation,

being a prominent voice in a minority

so we have our piece of the history pie

position. Today, I continue to strive to find

during this Great Denver Migration.

a unique way to be a voice and a face of representation in an ever-changing Pg. 168 | Black In Denver

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/BlackInDenver

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

W h at y o u to d o e s it m ea be bla c k i n n to D e n ve r?

W h at y o u to d o e s it m ea be bla c k i n n to D e n ve r?

Keyonna & John

Co-Owners, Lawrence & Larimer Keyonna | For me, being black

themselves. Unapologetic. Free. For me, it

in Denver is about building and sharing

was permission to go off into this world

the city’s history while creating new

and be the best version of myself. They

experiences and memories. It’s about

were my black in Denver experience and

sharing our journey as entrepreneurs with

where I first witnessed #blackgirlmagic.

our community to push the culture forward.

As the co-owner of Lawrence

John | As a kid, I’d invite my peers

& Larimer, being black in Denver is also

home after school to play or for a party –

about educating the world through style,

parents unaware – so I’ve always enjoyed

which I attribute to my family circle, which

connecting with people. For me, being

is full of strong, beautiful, and talented

black in Denver is about taking advantage

black women from Denver. To see them

of the opportunities this city has to offer

together was an event itself. Not only did

and building a community of people of all

they dress to the nines – big hats, fancy

races who can support one another in their

shoes, swag rags – but they also had a

endeavors.

poise about them. They were cultured. Full of love. Laughter. Life. Naturally living in Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/BlackInDenver

Black In Denver | Pg. 169

Contact Information blackindenver.com

W h at y o u to d o e s it m ea be bla c k i n n to D e n ve r?

Briana

Doula & Founding Director, Unearthing Tradition

Black and woman. Black and

W h at y o u to d o e s it m ea be bla c k i n n to D e n ve r?

Curt

Owner, Smith & Canon Ice Cream

I can only be black like me, so I

queer. Black and educated. Black and

can’t be black like anybody else. I didn’t

doula. Black and creative. Black and…

realize I’d only been black like me until

To me, being black in Denver means to

I became an adult. For me, being black

be positioned where all parts of your

comes with all of its beauty, depth, history,

blackness can receive affirmation. Don’t

and context, and I’ve always been acutely

get me wrong – it doesn’t happen without

aware of that wherever I’ve been. The only

challenges, but I’ve always won this tug of

difference in being black in Denver as

war. For me, Denver is a place that has

opposed to being black anywhere to me is

offered me the chance to become the most

that I get to be black like me in the most

beautiful version of myself. Black and all

beautiful place in the world.

that I am.

Pg. 170 | Black In Denver

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/BlackInDenver

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

W h at y o u to d o e s it m ea be bla c k i n n to D e n ve r?

Asia

Founder, five points fermentation

W h at y o u to d o e s it m ea be bla c k i n n to D e n ve r?

Alan

Graphic Novelist & Comic Writer

What To be black in Denver is to

be a mermaid living in the mountains. I am a being who has adapted to breathing without oxygen. I can find a home in the dark depths of the ocean and at the top of Pikes Peak. Being black in Denver is holding down my own frequency, no matter the temperature, pressure, and atmosphere.

It’s sending out my light beam and calling forth my people. Being black in Denver is building a flotilla and learning to become my own safe space.

That’s a complicated question, of

course. I’m from Atlanta, where I hardly knew anyone but black people, so it’s definitely different being here. I think if I were searching for cultural validation in Denver, I’d be deprived. But since I was raised with it, I can enjoy so much of what this city has to offer, without the shackles of such heavy, overt racism and hate as I found in the South. So I think being black in Denver means paying attention to your own cultural identity, working hard not to let the bullshit outside of you define your blackness, and being determined to shine your brightest within the gift of your blackness.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/BlackInDenver

Black In Denver | Pg. 171

Contact Information blackindenver.com

W h at y o u to d o e s it m ea be bla c k i n n to D e n ve r?

Chantel

Co-Owner, Novel Strand Brewing Co.

One of the first things that struck

W h at y o u to d o e s it m ea be bla c k i n n to D e n ve r?

Devin

Rapper, Producer, Musician, Educator

To me, it means pride, culture,

me on our way to Colorado was the lack

safety, knowledge, and diversity. There are

of diversity. Where I’m from, I was one in

so many different types of us black people.

a mass of people who looked like me. In

The culture and roots push me to do what

Denver, I’m usually the odd one out. Also,

I do.

being in the craft beer industry, there are not many people who look like me. When we opened our brewery, there was a lot of conversation around what it looks like to be Afro-Latina in beer. It’s been an interesting experience to figure out who I am here. I haven’t quite figured that out yet, but I feel like I’ve allowed myself to be more comfortable in my skin. Denver is so laid back and judgment-free. There’s a certain level of freedom here.

Pg. 172 | Black In Denver

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/BlackInDenver

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

W h at y o u to d o e s it m ea be bla c k i n n to D e n ve r?

W h at y o u to d o e s it m ea be bla c k i n n to D e n ve r?

Joel

Kriste

Executive Chef & Owner, May-I Personal Chef

Co-Founder, Black Women’s Alliance of Denver

For me, being black in Denver

To be black in Denver is an

is about a creating community, and that

opportunity. It’s the chance to be bigger in

community, to me, is a safe space where

a city where you’re outnumbered. Leading

we can bear witness to one another. The

each day as an example for yourself and

weight of being the only one in a place is

your family. Taking each task, job and

heavy here, that’s why there’s a real need

direction to the fullest. The entrepreneurs,

to have spaces to connect. However, being

9-5ers, and developers, it’s your time to do

black in Denver also provides a unique op-

something.

portunity to remove the mask, show up as ourselves, and evolve into the people we want to be.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/BlackInDenver

Black In Denver | Pg. 173

Contact Information blackindenver.com

Jasmine Natkita Gold Author of Black In Denver

Jasmine Narkita Gold is the visionary founder

and

artist

behind

Black

In

Denver – an incredibly poignant portrait and interview series which features Black residents of Denver, CO.

Jasmine was born in Maryland and

raised in Nashville where she entrenched a successful career in Public Relations.

Notwithstanding

her

professional

successes, Jasmine found herself observing an

unfulfilling

routine

of

work

and

combatting ostracization for her inability to connect with others of open mind. A compelling desire for change propelled Jasmine to embark on an exploratory journey in which she sought a new place to call home, and meaningfulness in newness.

Together with her fiancé’ they traveled to several capitals that paled in comparison to The Mile High City. Thus, the couple

brown faces obliged Jasmine to seek

there hides the distinct grotesquery of

relocated and became official “transplants”

a community of open-minded people,

racism. It thrives because it is camouflaged

of Denver in 2015.

who were not necessarily Black, but with

by the city’s rapidly expanding populous,

Denver afforded the couple a hip

whom she could share other fulfilling

and because it is often undeclared by those

and refreshing landscape they found rich

commonalties. Her pursuit to find peers

who are on the receiving end. Jasmine

in art, diversity, entertainment, and history.

unearthed individuals of all races who

recalls her bouts with micro-aggressive

They delighted in the full acceptance

were extraordinary conversationalists and

racism within her workplace(s), as well as

they received as newcomers. Conversely,

offered a wide breadth of knowledge

the feelings of uncertainty and loneliness

Jasmine soon realized the assortment

concerning time, space, and the universe.

for having no one to discuss the matter.

of residents which make up the Denver

As well, she discovered yoga, meditation,

Deciding the problem was too damaging

population includes a deficient percentage

dance, wellness, and hiking groups in which

to ignore, Jasmine was motivated to find

of Black people. And that where one race

she found genuine acceptance of herself in

more members of the Black community

is predominant, there is an inevitable

raw form.

and to devise a means to unify them.

absence of cultural and developmental

Further observations of Denver

She began sharing Black-centric events

propriety.

revealed that amid the rich and vibrant

such as “Hip-Hop Yoga” and Spoken Word

culture Denver offers at a surface level,

gatherings on her social media platforms

The

disparity

of

Pg. 174 | Black In Denver

black

and

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/BlackInDenver

Let Us Connect You

“I want to pay homage to people who are diverse in their diversity. I want to express gratitude to a community, which I felt I belonged to.”

MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

to bring people of color together. This

Black in Denver?”, to which Jalisa responded:

community. I want the people in my series

enterprise was the onset of Black In

“To me, to be Black in Denver means to be

to speak for themselves.” My work is

Denver, though the extent of its potential

constantly discovering oneself. Finding out

inspired by humans and our purpose here.

wasn’t yet realized. Through this initiative,

where you fit in between assimilation and

I envision a world where all people can

however, she began meeting other Black

ancestry while understanding who you are

be authentic expressions of themselves. I

people with whom she connected, and that

authentically. And it’s dope because we get

believe that photography has the power to

also graciously accepted her, which she

the ability to choose where we want to fall.”

capture the soul of a person.

found prevailing and empowering:

“I want to pay homage to people

published to Jasmine’s Instagram page,

look at identity. The portraits are of unique

who are diverse in their diversity. I want to

which rapidly garnered more than 100

individuals, both locals and transplants.

express gratitude to a community, which I

likes. The admiration for Jalisa’s photo

The background colors are as vibrant

felt I belonged to. I experienced a euphoric

and story, as well as the many supportive

and varied as the community. Each color

moment when I realized I was peaceful

comments, revealed that the simplicity of a

repeats intentionally, representing our

with self and with being me. Back home,

photo could serve as a powerful means of

unity and connectedness.

I was judged for being different. Being

connection and validation.

here [in Denver] and being able to exist

Jasmine describes the evolvement

poetic, and revealing accounts of life in

authentically as I am is powerful.”

of her Black In Denver series as humbly

Denver, ranging from the importance of

new

“coming together like a holy trinity.” A

community building to taking up space in

associates unearthed the revelation that

friend’s endorsement to develop the first

an ever-evolving city. As a whole, this series

Jasmine was not alone in feeling culturally

photo into a series of photographs and

shows that Denver’s diverse community

unacknowledged and eager to abridge the

personal accounts was all the confirmation

fosters a culture of authenticity. My work

cultural gap. Additionally, she’d discovered

Jasmine would need to set to work. Today,

supports

something unique in Denver and wanted

Jasmine has brilliantly assembled of over

community insights, that identity is not

to have a conversation about how [Black]

forty pictures of radiant and beautiful

a monolith. In a world where stereotypes

representation was lacking within an

Black faces, and their wonderfully telling

have made black people out to be copies of

otherwise rich and vibrant culture. “It’s a

responses about what it means to be Black,

each other, I hope to change the narrative

powerful thing to be here.”, she remarked.

in Denver.

and raise awareness about the power of

Connecting

with

her

Subsequently, she began to contemplate

Jalisa’s photo and response were

“I take all the pictures, and I write

Black in Denver takes a critical

Participants

and

offer

demonstrates,

poignant,

through

being oneself.

what it means to be Black in Denver for

all the articles. I select my subjects through

others.

referrals, direct message requests, or I

uncertain of Black in Denver’s continuance.

Black In Denver was unofficially

may reach out to people in the community

Like so many exceedingly talented artisans,

established in 2018 when Jasmine took

who represent a connection point, i.e.,

she is a visionary with big plans for her

a candid photo of “Jalisa;” who would

community event planners, artists, etc.

future and the betterment of humankind.

become the very first subject in her 2018

Sometimes, they’re just regular people who

The world awaits her future creations with

Black In Denver series. Jalisa is a regal

are locals of Denver or transplants like me

bated breath as she is sure to leave a trail

Black woman, Mental Health educator,

who are just living life.

of awakened, enlightened, and inspired

and the owner of Soulflower Experiences.

To her, Jasmine posed the groundbreaking

intentionally removed my voice because I

question: “What does it mean to you to be

don’t want to be the voice of the [Black]

Artist

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/BlackInDenver

Statement:

I

have

Beyond 2020, Jasmine is yet

individuals in her wake.

-Written By Porsha Stuckey

Black In Denver | Pg. 175

Contact Information denverurbanspectrum.com

Rosalind “Bee� Harris Publisher

Pg. 176 | Business Features

Since

1987,

Denver

Urban

entrepreneurship and leadership. With

Spectrum has been spreading the news

a distribution of 25,000 monthly printed

about people of color. For over 30 years

copies, Denver Urban Spectrum is one

this publication has been sharing content

of

about the community, youth, progress,

publications in the Denver metro area.

the

most

sought-after

community

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Let Us Connect You - CONTENT SPONSORS -

PEOPLE & BUSINESSES

MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

THAT ARE AMAZING Pages 176-197

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Business Features | Pg. 177

Contact Information denverblackpages.com

Carla Ladd

Owner | Denver Black Pages Explain what you do?

by providing a comprehensive tool by

which to market their products and

Internet

I am the CEO of Innovative Marketing

Solutions

(IIMS,

services to a targeted audience.

L.L.C.), a black, woman-owned company

•to be the Internet marketing tool of

established in 2002. We are the publisher

choice for Colorado’s County, City and

of the DenverBlackPages.com, the Denver

State Organizations and Corporations

Little Black Book (print publication),

that desire to connect with Colorado’s

Strictly Bizness Nite, and the Mountain

Black residents, visitors, and businesses.

Region Black Economic Summit (Success Summit).

Why do you do what you do?

Entrepreneurship is my passion!

Our mission is to

My father was an entrepreneur and so

•to provide a simple, easy to use, and user-

was his father. My maternal grandmother

friendly place for users to discover places

was an entrepreneur and so was her

to visit, play, and eat, black business, and

grandmother so, it's truly in my blood.

night life in the Metro Denver

-Written By Brandon Bornes

•to empower Colorado’s Black businesses

Pg. 178 | Business Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Contact Information bbiprofessional.com

Jice Johnston

Owner | Black Business Initiative

What is BBI About?

Founded

Business

in

Initiative,

2014, a

The

Public

Black Benefit

Corporation, aims to change the narrative by

creating

and

supporting

holistic

solutions by working with community members, government, private partners, and organizations to deliver strong business acumen training, mentorship programs, cooperative and traditional pathways to access capital, increased patronage in Black-owned businesses, and sound policy that closes the economic chasm known as the “wealth gap.�

What are some things that you are excited about?

Recently we have received a ot of

recognition. Ie Denver Business Journal have 40 under 40. We got the Urban Leadership Foundation Legacy and Leadership award.

We were awarded the Denver Urban Spectrum African Americans who make a difference. We were awarded the Colorado black women for political action emerging leader award. We are out here. We are

What piece of advice would you give

working for the community and people are

your younger self?

recognizing the work that's being done..

that means that we are probably right on

Discerning. I think it's always a tightrope

track, a lot of businesses struggles to make

walk. When you have a vision and a

it into their fifth year. So the fact that we're

passion and you are about doing the work

here and we're strong and we're growing

and you are about your community and

has been great.

one of the things that is has been pretty

Discernment. be a little bit more

painful for me is sometimes if there are Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

people in the community that want to take advantage of Your good will that want to take advantage of your time that want to take advantage of your desire to be a help and you have to be able to find how to maintain yourself and your mission and your vision and still love the community that you're here to serve.

-Written By Brandon Bornes Business Features | Pg. 179

Contact Information sistah.biz

Makisha Boothe

Owner & Consultant

Honored by the Colorado Black

also served as the Senior Adviser to the

Chamber of Commerce with the Clara

Colorado State Senate President. She

Brown

Award,

U.S.

owned and operated Ya Ya Spa, LLC in

Small

Business

Young

Denver, Colorado, while working in the

Entrepreneur of the Year Award for

political world. Ya Ya Spa was featured

Region and State of Colorado, Makisha

in Black Enterprise and was known for

Boothe, “Queen of the Quickstart�, teaches

its nostalgic atmosphere and specialty

entrepreneurs how to build systems and

pedicures.

rapid improvement structures that grow

their businesses and foster smooth daily

Makisha helps small businesses re-think

operations.

their brands, systems, resource allocation,

and human capital strategies.

Recipient

of

the

Administration

Before founding Sistahpreneurs,

As a rapid improvement coach,

the business haven for Black female entrepreneurs, Makisha co-founded and

Makisha’s expertise spans a wide range

led the Denver Public Schools Innovation

of strategic consulting solutions:

Lab, Imaginarium. The lab was the first

1.

district-run lab of its kind in the nation, and was designed to help principals re-

and turnaround 2. Innovation and design thinking pro-

design their school models and test new

Pg. 180 | Business Features

Business and organizational startup

gramming

instructional strategies in the classroom.

3.

Graphic facilitation

Makisha has worked in politics

4.

Strategic planning and visioning

and education reform on the national,

5.

Systems analysis and design

state and local levels, to pass landmark

6. Community and family engagement

innovation and choice legislation. She

7.

Policy and political strategy

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

Candice

Danielle

Life Coach

Digital Marketing Director

Danielle, serial entrepreneur and

mom of four, is the Digital Marketing Director and Online Community Manager for

Sistahpreneurs.

She

began

her

entrepreneurial journey by running her own in home daycare for 8 years as a way to be home with her children and still make an income. She later co-founded a local media company for pop culture where she had daily podcasts featuring everything from comic books to movies. Her latest endeavor is her role as owner and photographer for Lotus & Lily Photography, a lifestyle and portrait photography company based in

Candice was born in Jackson, TN

and raised in Denver, CO. With nearly 15 years experience in education, she has had various roles in career such as founding school director, as well as providing district wide trainings for Denver Public Schools. With a deep commitment to providing culturally relevant experiences to school age students, she is currently developing a K12 curriculum focused on entrepreneurship. As Founder and CEO of Platinum Life LLC she is excited to partner with other women to unleash their inner life boss.

Denver. As Digital Marketing Manager for Team SPR, Danielle manages the online village and sales funnel.

Through

her

work

at

Sistahpreneurs, she has combined her love for seeing small businesses succeed and passion for helping black female entrepreneurs like her fulfill their dreams.

Coming from a matriarchal Caribbean family, she follows in the footsteps of her grandmother, mother, and many others, paving a way for coming generations by creating and supporting local businesses.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Business Features | Pg. 181

Contact Information history.denverlibrary.org/blair

BLAIR CALDWELL RESEARCH LIBRARY

A Tourist Perspective

By Porsha Stuckey

Nestled in the heart of Denver’s

historic and ethnically vibrant Five Points district, the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library has, for seventeen years, been serving the community as a reserve of Black history archives.

The 40,000 square foot library

contains three impressive floors, each dedicated

to

collections

of

showcasing the

considerable

achievements

of

African-Americans in Denver, and their contributions

to

revolutionizing

the

American West.

The library was conceived by the

honorable Wellington Web, the first Black Mayor of Denver, and First Lady Wilma

Denver’s City Council. I was permitted the

migrated to the West as early as 1860,

honor to meet with Ms. Terry Nelson, the

settled, and developed the land, further

library’s Special Collection and Community

advancements by well-known civil and

Resource Manager, who granted me the

equal rights leaders could not have been

privilege of a private tour. Upon entry, I

made. This provocative work of art begs

was immediately enveloped by a sense

us to contemplate the enormity that we

of a sacred welcoming and belonging.

abounded after a liberation that was never

Artist Yvonne Muinde’s outstanding mural,

intended to occur, and have prevailed in a

which surrounds the front desk, shone

country in which we used to be enslaved.

down on me like a melanated sun and

Upon entry, this stunning painting chides

seemed to beckon me nearer. Entitled,

that we are stronger together and that our

The Spirit of Togetherness, the acrylic wall

successes are primarily due to the courage

painting is most befitting the entrance

and inventiveness of our ancestors, vis-

of this unique library. It thoughtfully

à-vis, we need each other. Moving on, I

combines Black personages from the

observed that the first-floor functions as a

old West, with contemporary images of

full-service, conventional, library. However,

legendary heroes and heroines. From these

touring it was the equivalent of shaking

depictions, it is inherently understood that

a succession of prominent hands at an

if not for our browbeaten brethren, who

exclusive meet and greet.

Web. The couple envisioned erecting a museum that would preserve and showcase Black folks’ underrepresented influences on Denver’s educational, political, and economic advancements. The name, “Blair Caldwell” is a combination of two prominent political figures proposed by the Webs.

Omar Blair, a Tuskegee Airman who later became the first Black president of the Denver school board, and Elvin Caldwell, who was the first Black member admitted to Pg. 182 | Business Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

A large portion of the first-

floor’s walls is lined with an assemblage of photographs and excerpts detailing the accomplishments of some of Denver’s past

and

present

council

members,

educators, attorneys, ministers, journalists, ambassadors,

firefighters,

Tuskegee

Airmen, and diplomats. Reading about them from behind their roped enclosure was a wonderful refresher that debunks the myth that we are incompetent to attain such achievements, or are the

of Denver’s Black history and beyond.

the Pattern Shop. All were some of the first

minority in such statuses.

Ascending to

Such titles in each compilation include:

Black-owned businesses to successfully

Blair Caldwell’s second floor uncovers

“Denver Landmarks & Historic Districts,”

open and operate with longevity in Denver

a long wooden hall of striking glass

“The Mediterranean In History,” “Africa

dating back to the 1900s. I emerged from

display cases. They contain relics and

– The Time Has Come,” “Sowing The

my four-hour tour with a new layer of

collectibles of African Americans, not long

Mustard Seed,” “Visions of Finland,” “North

education, completely reinvigorated, and

freed from slavery, who accomplished

American Indian Landmarks, Travelers

grateful. Knowledge of self has always

extraordinary

racially

Guide,” and “In Our Own Words.” And yet,

been posited as quintessential for every

hostile eras. Memorabilia documenting

the third floor of Blair Caldwell seems to

individual to achieve self-actualization,

their diplomas, degrees, and prominent

await Black history- seekers as a gracious

or to become the most that one can be.

affiliations with top-ranking social groups,

host, a most welcomed guest. Exiting

The birthplace of self-knowledge initiates

religious sects, and educational networks,

the elevator to the third level beholds a

from deep inside each person, and the

widely believed as exclusive to Whites

sprawling galleria of vivid hand-painted

stimulus for this initiation is generated

only members, extend the full length of

portraits of Black pioneers whom you and

through factual storytelling about one’s

the second level. Additionally, the second

your children ought to know. The waxed

parents, extended family, place of origin,

floor houses a quaint study and media

corridor

unrestricted

and heritage. These tidbits of knowledge

room tastefully adorned with a salient

opening to an alluring exhibition hall,

are paralleled to droplets of water, which,

mural by local artist, Darrell Anderson.

through which visitors may self-guide

when coalesced, form a great lake. To be

Entitled, The Essence of Huey P. Newton,

themselves or schedule a directed tour. The

denied such stories will inevitably prove

the canvas pays a whimsical tribute to

museum is unique for its thoughtful design

detrimental to an individual’s pursuit to

the late co-founder of the Black Panther

to provide a palpable and interactive

self-actualize. Yet, thankfully, the Blair

Party. Furthermore, visitors may devour

learning experience. I delighted in sitting

Caldwell

a considerable collection of reference

in the replicated version of the iconic Roxy

Library and Museum is likened to a

books and academic journals on microfilm.

Theatre (unphotographed at the behest of

reservoir, standing at the ready to help

These donated collections are dedicated

Mrs. Nelson), which plays an informative

replenish some of the missing narratives.

to

and entertaining, 8-minute docufilm about

the

things

furtherance

amid

and

preservation

then

reveals

an

African

American

Research

-Written By Porsha Stuckey

the history of Denver.

Sightseers will be pleased to

discover other staged reproductions of Denver’s historical accounts, such as the Mural of Barbershop exhibit, the first Denver Trolley replica, and rare photos of Hendey & Meyer’s: Erecting and Boiler Shop, Excelsior Steam Engine Works, and Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Business Features | Pg. 183

Contact Information shirleystewart.us

Most people are never going to have that.

So what I do is I explain the process and find out what their income is to see what program I can put them in, and get them down payment assistance. Once I get them pre-approved, we start looking for a home.

What are the biggest concerns from Home Sellers?

How much can they get for it?

I find a lot of times, they think they can get more than what the market analysis is. What I do is, I prepare the market analysis for them and let them see what houses are going for in their particular area and they can take a look at it, and they can make a decision from there.

What advice can you give to New Real

Shirley Stewart

estate professionals?

Real Estate

You are going to need some

money because you got to pay for your What are some skills you have developed

didn't like me in the beginning, but by the

schooling up front.

I would recommend

over the years that's helped you be

time we were done, they loved me. It's a

that

at

successful?

matter of dealing with their personality.

Why do you do what you do?

I've been in sales for 30 years, and

you

have

least

$2,500.

Well, my passion is for first-time

my first stint was with Mary Kay cosmetics.

how did you weather the ups and downs

homebuyers. I'm geared towards the lower

At that time I didn't wear any makeup, but

in the real estate industry?

income families. Those that think they

I joined it anyway because it was a sales

As long as you put some money to

can't own a house, single parents who think

job and I could get a tax write-off. That

the side, you should be ok. An emergency

they can't own a home, people who have

was kind of like a foundation for me to get

fund is a big deal, not just for real estate

credit issues that think keep them from

into sales, learning how to set goals and

agents, but for every single person in

purchasing a home. It's getting people in

learning how to dream. They also taught

America, and that's just having six months

the houses that don't think they can own

me sales techniques.

of payments saved up for a rainy day.

one, that makes my day.

You could have

something that someone absolutely loves,

give me a call, I try and help.

but if they don't like you, they're not going

What are the most prominent concerns

to buy anything from you. So the first step

from Home Buyers?

is just being likable and having people

skills to be able to adapt to different

payment. A lot of people think that you

personalities. I've had clients that probably

need a 20 grand downpayment for a house.

Pg. 184 | Business Features

When people

Their biggest concern is their down

-Written By Brandon Bornes

Read Full Article At MyBlackColorado.com/Housing

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Contact Information dagmaleblanc.exprealty.com

Dagma Le-Blanc Real Estate

As a Realtor nearing ten years

ensure my connection to an extensive

minded individuals who share a passion

in sales and residential real estate, I enjoy

network of industry insiders, making the

for increasing positive exposure within

being the direct connection between my

moment you wake up and decide to buy

our community. If I could give my younger

clients and the home of their dreams. I

a home, searching for the perfect home,

self advice, it would be, make mistakes

have found that the foundation of success

financing, closing day, and everything in-

and make them often. Every decision you

in my industry is the willingness, patience,

between, as smooth as possible. There is

make will lead you to exactly where you're

and understanding that the universe

no aspect of the home buying process with

supposed to be. A cornerstone for wealth

is continuously providing the perfect

which I am not intimately familiar. I work

in this country is real estate. Let me help

opportunities, circumstances, and people

tirelessly to ensure clients get the home

you leave a lasting legacy.

to make things happen.

that not only meets all expectations but

exceeds them.

My clients know when working

with me, they will receive a level of care that

is second to none. My years of experience

am most excited to collaborate with like-

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

-Written By Dagma Le-Blanc

In this season of my business, I

Business Features | Pg. 185

Contact Information solidrockcdc.com

Solid Rock

Community Development Corporation

A Heart For Southeast

Pastor Benjamin & Wanda Anderson

A community-focused mission

and

the thought and accept the concept.”

entities in promoting healthy environments,

Pastor Ben Anderson’s personal professional

philosophy

is

healthy

communities,”

Anderson

said.

best

Of course, Solid Rock Christian Center is

“We can do that with a [community

summed up by a quote plastered on the

much more than a church — it is the nexus

development corporation] rather than a

Solid Rock Christian Center meeting room.

for the rebirth of Southeast Colorado

church structure.”

“Some of you will rebuild the

Springs, a neighborhood at once steeped

ancient ruins of your cities,” it reads. “Then

in culture and historically bogged down

you will be known as a rebuilder of walls

by crime and poverty. Anderson serves

came to Colorado Springs 30 years ago by

and a restorer of homes.”

as executive director of the Solid Rock

way of the U.S. Army, from which he retired

Community

Corporation,

as a sergeant first class. He has a master’s

origin — the biblical book of Isaiah — was

a nonprofit he founded to collaborate

degree in business management from

deliberate, Anderson said. He wanted all

with all sectors of the community to help

Webster University, as well as a master’s in

the church’s visitors, regardless of religious

facilitate economic opportunities to the

divinity from Denver Seminary.

affiliation, to relate to the words.

Southeast.

The omittance of the quote’s

“I didn’t want people to be

Development

-Written By Erinn Callahan

“[The SRCDC] is a vehicle, a

intimidated by the scripture,” Anderson

tool, and it’s an organization that can be

said. “I wanted them to be able to accept

effective in working with other different

Pg. 186 | Business Features

A Baltimore native, Anderson

for The Southeast Express

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Contact Information hendersonconsulting.org

Gené Henderson

Owner | Henderson Consulting

in 1989. Here she would, for twenty years,

base consistently increased to over forty

do an impeccable job of administering

corporate clients. What sets us apart is

assessments, counseling, and facilitating

our customer service. Our clients are very

referrals for employees with personal or

important to us. So, if that means taking a

work-related concerns. Alas, despite having

client late or after hours, we do it. You get

achieved great success and notoriety

what you need here.”

among her colleagues and clients, there

came a time when Gene’ began to question

is led by Mr. Aaron Henderson, Ph.D.,

whether remaining at Penrose was in her

who is Mrs. Henderson’s eldest son. The

best interest:

firm comprises an intentionally diverse

“During that time, many people,

staff of impassioned counselors whose

Henderson

Consulting,

today,

including my patients, family, and friends,

credentialing and experience together

Henderson Consulting & EAP services is the

told me that I needed to start my own

total eighty years. “Our staff mirrors the

brainchild and booming life’s work of Mrs.

business. I was good at what I did and

population that we serve, which includes

Genè Henderson, an African American,

underpaid for it. Penrose was making

the military. Because mental health is

Master Addictions Counselor, who, in 2006,

money off of me that I could have been

taboo, people want to sit down with people

founded the mental health treatment and

making for myself...”

they can relate to.” Accordingly, the firm

Employee Assistance Program and services

Mrs. Henderson resigned from

has arisen a highly respected and trusted

firm.

Penrose and accepted a position with the

mental health provider in Colorado Springs

Mrs. Henderson attributes an

El Paso County, Human Relations group,

and had administered more than 4,500

extraordinary sum of over thirty years’

which unfortunately proved even less

clinical sessions by the end of 2019.

field practice to a range of addiction-

fulfilling than her previous role. After one

related disciplines. And, she is impressively

year, she decided she had had enough:

Consulting include integrating a branch of

accomplished in the academic arena,

“The atmosphere for me was

adolescent outreach, specifically tailored

having earned two Masters of Science

stressful. It was also an environment in

to reach children right where they are, in

and

emphasizing

which diversity was not valued. I developed

school. As well, the firm strives to continually

Rehabilitation Counseling, and attaining

high blood pressure as a result. That’s when

administer services to an impeccable

several hard-earned national and state

I made up my mind to start my own firm.”

standard of excellence and integrity.

certifications in Addiction Counseling.

After a loving endorsement of

Clients’ are assured their interactions

Mrs. Henderson found the facets

support and reassurance from her husband,

from intake to discharge will always be

of addiction intriguing, and the cascading

Mrs. Henderson began structuring her

handled by licensed, compassionate, and

impacts

Art

degrees,

of

each

chemical

dependency

on

Future aspirations for Henderson

business plan. She eventually made a rather

competent professionals, all of whom are

individuals and their families ultimately

seamless

inspired her to go into the field. Thus, she

mental

began her counseling career in 1979 in

consultancy. After twenty years in the

Topeka, Kansas.

industry, she’d entrenched an esteemed

reputation and was a well-known entity in

In 1987, Genè moved to Colorado

transition

from

corporatized

appropriately educated and trained to

healthcare

to

independent

drive improved quality of life experiences.

Springs and took a position with Penrose

the healthcare field:

St.

Francis’

Profile

EAP

department.

“When I opened my doors on

Her distinct aptitude for the role swiftly

January 1, 2007, I already had eight

merited her a promotion to management

corporate clients. Over the years, our client

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Business Features | Pg. 187

Contact Information in-balancedance.com

where members can attend a wide array of courses including physical and mental wellness programs with the intent to encourage healthy behavioral and lifestyle changes.

I like to say I got started in the

housing projects on the West side of Chicago Illinois. We lived on the 14th floor and the elevators were always broken, so I went up and down 26 flights of stairs at least 3-4 times a day, I joined the Army and realized its rigorous fitness Program was very easy for me to concur, I guess the projects did something good, I became a Master fitness Instructor and taught fitness to Military leaders who were obligated to keep their Soldiers Physical Fit. It became a passion learning its benefits to health and I would like to share that passion of health with

a community stricken with

health disparities that can be illuminated with knowledge.

A

healthy

lifestyle

change

can make a difference in your mental, spiritual and physical health, giving you the opportunity to live life to its fullest, it can reverse the “irreversible” diabetes, stop the ingestion of dangerous medications and ladies, it will take away the need to purchase make-up, your nutritional change will be your makeup and you’ll love it and your new vitality for life. I am learning that

Kara Varner

Physical Fitness alone is not the answer to a healthy body, but what we put into our

Resume Branding Expert

body, giving our body movement and the

I am a Retired Military (E-8 MSG)

to Dance Therapy to encourage more

ability to be stress free at will, this is what I

Soldier, A lifelong exercise enthusiast,

avenues to mental, physical, and spiritual

offer at In-Balance. I would tell my younger

Psychotherapist/Yoga-Exercise Instructor,

healing.

self “You go little girl, you got it going on”

and I am in the process of expanding

my Private Practice from a talk therapy,

educational fitness and therapy studio

Pg. 188 | Business Features

I do what I do to provide an

.

-Written By Leona Abdulla-Ward

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Contact Information chloemaddisonskin.com

Cashmyr & Rodney Scott Chloe Maddison Skin Studio Owners

premier

Chloe + Maddison Skin is a Permanent

specializing

in

the

Makeup latest

Studio industry

techniques in micropigmentation and has the largest digital footprint in Permanent Makeup within Colorado Springs, CO. We service clients in need of permanent makeup services such as Microblading, Microshading, Permanent Lip Color and Eye Liner, Scalp Micropigmentation, and Scar Camouflage. We utilize high quality tools and pigments to ensure that the services we provide last for the maximum average time. We are so proud to service Colorado Springs and surrounding areas!

If you’re interested in how our services can impact your life please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you so much!

Behind The Scenes with Cashmyr

Cashmiyr received her education

in Esthetics in 2014 from The Salon Professional Academy and soon after decided

to

pursue

her

dreams

in

permanent makeup artistry. Cashmiyr’s eye for detail and symmetry along with her empathetic nature is what drives her to provide exceptional service to her clients.

As a result of her passion for esthetics and makeup Cashmiyr opened Chloe + Maddison Skin Studio named after her two beautiful daughters.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Business Features | Pg. 189

Let Us Connect You

MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

“My first thoughts were that

that baby didn’t get to use his policy for those things. This was a pivotal moment for me because it helped me realize how important having life insurance is.

The

only thing I could do was help ease that family’s burden. I took care of as much of the administrative process as I could, so that the only task he had to focus on was his grandson’s arrangements.”

Realizing that neither her children

nor any of her friends’ children had life insurance,

deepened

her

passion

for

the types of insurance she sold, and the importance of insurance education. Mrs. Bee wisely advises that coverage isn’t just about safeguarding assets, but providing for the people we love when we can’t.

“[My agency] has a desire to

insure you where you are in life meaning, you won’t be paying for something you don’t need or want. We’ll ask you about your lifestyle, how many children you have,

Kara Varner

They believe procuring insurance coverage

Resume Branding Expert Call Dorothy at (719) 534-9844

Dorothy Bee is a highly perceptive,

well-informed, licensed insurance agent who’s passionate about preparations for the unexpected. She specializes in educating her clients about auto, home, renters, life, and business insurance, and right-fitting them for the products most suitable for their lifestyle needs.

Mrs.

Bee

owns

and

operates

Dorothy Bee Insurance Agency under the Farmers Insurance umbrella in Colorado Springs, but can access policies through other subsidiaries when necessary. Her agency has received outstanding reviews for the personable one-on-one attention and genuine concern bestowed by her staff.

Pg. 190 | Business Features

isn't merely about complying with the "necessary evils" as required by law, but ensuring individuals and their families are protected when life happens.

“The

insurance

industry

was

originally a turnkey opportunity for me.

I was an agent for just two weeks when I got my first life insurance claim from an older gentleman whose eighteen-yearold grandson passed away unexpectedly.

Processing that claim brought home the harsh reality that if nothing else, I need to make sure every child has a life insurance policy.”

Mrs. Bee further enlightened that

life insurance for a young person is like a savings account. They can use it for college, to buy a house or anything they need. As a new insurance agent who was suddenly obliged to support a parent through their worst nightmare, amplified her motivation:

if you own a home, if you’re still paying a mortgage, and income. If someone falls and hurts themselves on your lawn, we’re going to make sure that if you’re a millionaire, your assets are protected.”

In closing, Mrs. Bee wishes to

debunk the myths that insurance is either too expensive or unimportant. Customers can save hundreds of dollars by bundling their coverages, and thousands of dollars more when faced with a natural disaster that destroys a home, car accident, or an untimely death. “Money can’t replace a loved one, but it will take one burden off your mind and allow you some time to gather your strength.” The average cost for a funeral is $7000.00. These types of financial obligations are much easier to handle when protected. “Please don’t wait to learn the importance of insurance coverage until after it’s too late.”

-Written By Porsha Stuckey

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Contact Information in-balancedance.com

Kara Varner

Resume Branding Expert

I

am

Kara

Varner,

Founder

and CEO of A Platinum Resume and Career Services, LLC, which provides modern and professional resumes and career

documents,

and

A

Platinum

Resume Career Academy, which provides comprehensive

on-line

training

for

jobseekers solopreneurs. I am a 4X Certified Professional

Resume Writer

and Colorado's only Certified Resume Specialist

for

Military

to

Civilian

Transitions and a Certified Employment Interview Coach. I also hold a Master of

Arts

Degree

in

Organizational

Management; a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology, and I am a Certified Trainer, LinkedIn Profile Writer, Published Author, Speaker, and Workshop Facilitator.

I started my business after I was

asked to review a neighbor’s resume, and I realized that I could make it much better. As a military spouse, I had crafted my own resume every two years. While rewriting that resume, I had that ‘aha’ moment. I researched the field, and realized that this a career. After reflecting on my life at the time - running all the time - balancing a 9 to 5 management position working for the someone else; kids in daycare at the time; not enough time for family, stretched to thin, and being married to a military officer with a short-notice deployment schedule, I knew that something had to change.

So, I made a change. I am most

proud of my ability to leave ‘corporate’ and not look back; leverage my 20-year career background in federal government,

civilian and corporate positions, and

to continue to pay it forward and

turn my passion for writing into a

give back. I am now excited to launch

successful and profitable business. I

another business, where I will teach

find so much reward in helping my

other

clients to

individuals striving for 'something more’

value

articulate their unique

proposition

through

overworked,

often

underpaid

strategic

how to create and launch their own

storytelling within professional career

resume writing and coaching business.

documents and their success! What I

My success is dependent on my clients’

have learned after almost a decade of

success - their achievements are my

owning my own business is to continue

proudest moments.

to be grateful, continue to learn and grow, that 6 figures is possible and

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Business Features | Pg. 191

Contact Information lashesbytina.com

which I had no passion. I wanted to be a full time cosmetologist. That same year I opened up my own hair salon.

It was more expensive to open my salon because I had to purchase all the equipment, and the rent for the location was higher too. But because it was a private space, it allowed me to create a peaceful environment with no interruptions. It was the best decision I ever made, especially since I was raising my kids as a single parent. I always had time to spend with my children, and they were always with me.

Being an artist is a gift you’re

born with. It makes me thank God that I was created so different and unique. My hands are the gift God has given me. They give me an outlet that I cannot explain.

My career is something that consumes me.

I eat sleep and dream about it. It keeps me focused and dedicated and always wanting to learn more. I also love sharing my knowledge with others.

Shawtina Lane

I have always known what I

by Tina. I hope to launch my new bridal

that only a handful of Black women

wanted to do from a young age. I was

followed me.

very blessed to have such foresight. After

graduating from hair design school, I

took care of me! I worked for about a week

worked at a salon company for more than

and recognized that I made in one day

two years before I realized I didn’t have to

what my paycheck was for the whole week

work there to do what I love.

working for another company. That’s when

The company was taking 60% of

I concluded I would never work for someone

my earnings, and the 40% I did receive

again; only if doing so would significantly

was taxed. After begging for a raise for

benefit me.

about a year, I got my senses together and

started renting a booth at a local salon. I

renter and went to school part-time. After

had acquired both white and black clients,

graduating from Pharmacy Technician

but after leaving the company, I realized

school in 2003, I realized it was a field for

Pg. 192 | Business Features

I reached my goal of

starting my own product line, Lashes

Lashes By Tina Owner & Instructor

In 2018

That handful of Black women

lingerie line soon. Additionally, I want to make improvements in my business by adding and training a new hair and makeup team to help me achieve my goals as a disabled veteran. I’m not done yet!

I’m just getting started! I hope [My Black Colorado] stays blessed and striving in the community. Much love MBC. I appreciate the support! Keep up the great work!

-Written By Shawtina Lane

I continued working as a booth

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Contact Information reggaepotxpress.com

Tamara Nisbeth

Reggae Pot Express Tamara

Nisbeth

is

an

impassioned

chef, 22 years seasoned, (no pun), and the radiant proprietor of Reggae Pot Express; a authentic Jamaican Food eatery nuzzled at the cross-section of North Academy, and East Woodmen Road.

Tamara was born and raised

in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where she recollects the seriousness with which everyone on the island anticipated and prepared Sunday dinners: “Throughout the week, it was okay to eat whatever. But Sunday dinners were a big deal. Almost everyone used only fresh ingredients to cook a proper meal of fried chicken, rice and beans, blended juices, oxtails, brown stew chicken, and sautéed goat.”

Raised

by

her

beloved

grandmother, who was also a cooking virtuoso, and Tamara’s first teacher, she began undergoing lessons in seasoning and cooking techniques as early as eight years old. In an overly ambitious yet innocent attempt to assist her grandmother with one Sunday dinner, Tamara fondly recalls adding a batch of uncooked beans to a dish and also burning the rice and peas, which resulted in a spanking. A firm lesson learned hard and well, as such a blunder never again occurred.

Tamara went on to graduate

high school with a distinction certificate in

food

preparation.

her

education,

she

Furthering

succeeded

from

Kenilworth Heart Academy in Sandy Bay, Jamaica, a graduate of Culinary Arts, with an emphasis in Commercial Food Preparation and Management.

Credentials in hand, Tamara’s

profession as a chef officially began in

who wishes to remain anonymous came

1999 at Sandals Royal Caribbean, one of

and installed her industrial sinks, fryer,

Montego Bay’s all-inclusive, couples-only

oven, and grill:

resorts on a private island. Here she was

privileged to work with top chefs from

anything. If I have maintenance work

around the world and to glean valuable

that needs to be done, I only ever call

insight from their expertise. She later

him. That’s how I know my restaurant was

acquired a work visa, which allowed her

meant to be. God provided everything I

to travel Florida, where she worked as

needed when I needed it.”

a cook at the exquisite 5-star Breakers

Palm Beach Hotel.

Reggae Pot Express in May 2015, to a

In 2008, Tamara relocated to

very enthusiastic response. Opening day

Colorado, where she served as a cook at

ushered in Jamaican food enthusiasts

the Broadmoor, Penrose Hospital, and

from all over the city, which kept the

Lead Cook within several assisted living

restaurant steadily busy from opening

facilities. All were fulfilling roles, but

until closing. Momentum for the mastery

Tamara missed supping food indigenous

of her menu shows no signs of slowing

to her island. Thus she began baking

and continues to expand. Today, diners

and selling Jamaican dishes from her

may enjoy such dishes as Oxtails, Jerk

home:

Chicken, Curry Chicken, Brown Stew

“My friend didn’t charge me

Tamara

officially

opened

“I told a few people, and it

Chicken, and much more! Prices for

blew up on Facebook. People started

entrees range from $5 - $20, and the

requesting dishes every weekend. It got

eatery provides catering services too.

to the point where it was too much. I

Reflecting on all she’s accomplished

always wanted to have a restaurant

despite the naysayers and antagonists;

since I was a young girl. That is how

Tamara advises aspiring restaurateurs

I decided to finally to do it. I started

of the following:

saving and asking my friends what steps

I needed to take.”

anyone says. If you only have $5, go out

and try with your $5. Many told me that

a

After saving enough to open modest

location,

Tamara

“Go for it – no matter what

began

I needed a minimum of $100,000 just

preparing her business plan and scouting

to get started, but that wasn’t true. Do

locations. After electing the original site

your research and make sure you have

(formerly on Chelton Road), Tamara’s

the right people on your team.”

dear friend, a kind and generous man

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

-Written By Porsha Stuckey Business Features | Pg. 193

Contact Information diamondbirdllc.com

Tanisha Bruns & Family Diamond Bird, LLC

Veteran & Women Owned, we

from our skin care routine.

specialize in Handcrafted Soaps and

Skin Care Products. Our story began

friends, who provided tons of feedback

with uncovering a number of false

and

and

more,

misleading

advertisements.

In

After sharing with our family and encouragement, reworked,

we

researched

reformulated,

and

particular, we realized the famed “1/4

improved our products. So, we invite

moisturizing cream� was much like the

you to experience the results of our

Wizard of Oz - a bunch of smoke and

passion for providing a line of skin care

mirrors. This stoked a passion to be

products that reflect a commitment to

more knowledgeable and selective in

the well being of our valued customers,

what we put on and in our bodies. It also

our community and environment. Only

created a desire to live a simpler, more

plant based oils and butters are used

natural life. This life journey started a

in our palm oil-free soaps, bath bombs

soap making hobby that allowed us to

and soaks, body scrubs, butters, oils and

eliminate useless and harmful chemicals

balms.

Pg. 194 | Business Features

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Contact Information bawmhc.org

Black America West Museum & Dr. Justina Laurena Ford

“The Lady Doctor”

Baptist Minister, John Ford in 1892, who

estimated 7000 babies (1 baby every

Ford

first move to Denver to minister at Zion

three days) during her revolutionary

was the first Black Woman Licensed

Baptist Church. Dr. Ford joined him in

career.

Physician to practice in Denver, Colorado

1902, whereafter settling in she received

from 1902 - 1952. Indeed her mother’s

her Colorado medical license.

relics

daughter, who was a nurse. And by her,

By Dr. Ford’s hands, thousands

significance in shaping the Colorado

Dr. Ford’s blooming interest in obstetrics

of men and women healed of their

we know today. Their artifacts chronicle

and homeopathic care was cultivated

afflictions, and the diverseness of her

periods between 1860 – 1950 (Civil

as she accompanied her mother when

clientele made her multilingual in more

War to WWII). Visitors are permitted

she tended to patients some years

than seven languages. As notoriety of

reasonably priced admission to a self-

after the Civil War. As an adult, the

her medicinal mastery expanded, Dr.

guided tour of Dr. Ford’s two-story, five-

young apprentice would later expound

Ford became affectionately regarded as

bedroom home wherein one can find

upon her mother’s novice teachings at

“The Lady Doctor,” and to others, “The

the very room from which she practiced

Hering Medical College, from which she

Baby Doctor.” She would pioneer many

and survey her medical instruments in

graduated in 1899. She had married

holistic treatments and safely deliver an

pristine condition.

Dr.

Justina

Laurena

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Today of

the

other

museum

African

houses

Americans’

Business Features | Pg. 195

Let Us Connect You MyBlackColorado.com/Connect

came

into

my

care

during

casual

encounters or happenstance. So, I never considered holistic healing as a career.”

Dr. Penn recalls 2012 as being her

hardest year in corporate healthcare. She was a surgical technologist at a hospital in Texas, where she’d gotten written up for a complaint she wasn’t allowed to rebut. That day she emptied her locker in preparation to immediately depart the building if they were to fire her. It took another year, but ultimately, she was unjustly terminated: "The staff had been following me

Dr. Lauren Penn

around, trying to get me fired. Eventually,

Pinpoint Chiropractic Care

they succeeded by blaming me for incidents that weren't my fault. By the

Lauren Penn has been healing

for a hospital that said it would pay for

time they succeeded, I had already been

people for more than twenty-five years.

my nursing school. However, when the time

accepted to Chiropractic School.”

She was born with an innate gift to

came, the Director of Surgery refused to

quickly discern the root cause of a person’s

sign off on my schooling because he felt

Parker University in 2017, with a Doctor

ailments and devise an effective plan of

no one liked me.”

of

care to cure and restore them. Today, as

employer’s

successfully passing all her boards, she

a Doctor of Chiropractic and Holistic

refusal to pay was a powerful motivator

opened her first private practice, Temple &

Healthcare Practitioner, she continues her

for intense self-reflection, which doubly

Penn Chiropractic in Dallas. She attained

life’s purpose through her private practice,

served to extract her strengths. During

several regular patients who sustained the

Pinpoint Chiropractic and Wellness, located

her tenure, she’d developed a special soap

practice for a year before her decision to

at 3608 Galley Road in Colorado Springs.

for her son’s skin disorder, which became

relocate to Colorado.

Dr. Penn’s journey as a physician

useful to others with similar conditions. As

began out of necessity to establish steady

well, she’d successfully treated a man with

the Rocky Mountains in 2019, she met

employment independent of corporatized

shingles using her own blend of essential

Claudine Malcolm, a local business owner

healthcare. And to acquire freedom as a

oils. Likewise, a woman with a severe case

who provided her a space to open her

single mother to readily parent her son,

of painful sinus and inflammation issues

new practice. To date, the talented doctor

who suffered from asthma and eczema.

was cured of her ailments when Dr. Penn

and therapist has made waves amid the

Yet, doctoring by far wasn’t Lauren’s initial

administered a parasite cleanse, that

urban and homeopathic communities and

objective:

consisted of applying a substance called

shows no signs of slowing down. Future

“It was a fluke. I never wanted

Paragon by way of drops on the tongue.

aspirations for Dr. Penn include expanding

to be a doctor, but the doors for nursing

That patient hasn’t suffered sinus issues

the size of her practice to accommodate

were closing for me. I’d applied to the

since.

her growing client base and continuing

University of Arlington and had been on

their waiting list for 2 ½ years. I worked

my services or expertise. Those I treated

Pg. 196 | Business Features

Nevertheless,

her

“The thing is, I never volunteered

Lauren

Chiropractic

graduated (DC)

degree.

from After

Upon arriving in the Home of

to formulate effective treatment plans through environmental remedies.

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Contact Information coloradospringsmassages.com

Claudia Malcolm World Of Wellness

What you do?

World of Wellness (WOW) is a

purpose driven center that consists of independent providers who offers wellness services to heal the mind, body and spirit. Education is central tenet in our approach as we provide affordable massage, manicures, pedicures, waxing, chiropractic services and yoga! Our yoga is donation-based to make yoga accessible to everyone. This year, we are working diligently to add emotional counseling, meditation and nutrition to the menu.

Why you do what you do

Life is beautiful but we often

find ourselves distracted by the demands of our time and our hearts, distracted by suffering from accidents and disease and distracted by even our dreams. As a result of these distractions, we experience emotional and physical stress and we lose sight of the fact that life is beautiful.

At World of Wellness (WOW) we

aspire to relieve you of your distraction so that you can experience the simple beauty, pleasure of life.

What is unique and valuable about your business

World of Wellness (WOW) is dif-

ferent because we genuinely want to make a difference! We want to connect with each client and we encourage talking and sharing. At World of Wellness (WOW), our main currency is hugs!

-Written By Claudia Malcolm

Read more at www.MyBlackColorado.com/business

Business Features | Pg. 197

The Eastern Colorado Bank believes in building sincere working relationships. We will listen to your story and strive to understand your needs and priorities. You will find a personal touch within the Eastern Colorado Bank, and will always be treated with Honesty, Integrity and Respect. Our focus and commitment to you has remained, to this day, exactly the same as that day in 1944 when the doors were opened for the first time. Today, the Eastern Colorado Bank is operated by the third generation of the family that opened those doors and believes, it’s always about the people. Let us show you the difference a Locally Owned Community Bank can make in your business.

Eastern Colorado Bank 444 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Colorado Springs, CO. 80903 719-955-0633 YourFriendlyBank.com

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