Event Summary…………………………………………….
Denver Urban Spectrum is the premiere source of news for Colorado’s communities of color. Since 1987, our award-winning publication has shared important stories and amplified voices that would otherwise go unheard. Our success and longevity over 38 years is credited to the support we receive from advertisers who utilize our platform to bring awareness to their brands, a s well as sponsors who support our mission to inform, educate and inspire.
In May 2025, Denver Urban Spectrum will present stories of tribulation, courage and triumph through video, conversation and written profiles. These colorful stories will highlight distinguished women who have overcome tremendous obstacles and serve as an inspiration to future generations:
1. Beyond Grief – Janet Buckner was elected by a vacancy committee in July 2015 to serve the remainder of the term of her late husband, John W. Buckner, House District 40. After the death of her husband and her experience in the legislature, she found a new purpose in life when she started working for the people of Colorado. She has now retired after 10 years of service to Colorado communities.
2. Beyond Domestic Violence – The Rose Andom Center is named in honor of Denver entrepreneur and former McDonald’s franchise owner, Rose Andom, and her lead gift of $1 million. As a child in Oklahoma, she witnessed domestic violence perpetrated by her father against her mother, and later by her husband. Created in 2016, the Rose Andom Center provides safety, support and services for victims of domestic violence as they heal and rebuild their lives.
3. Beyond Sexual Abuse – Elycia Cook is the President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Colorado, a leading mentoring organization igniting the potential of youth. Born in Detroit, MI to a teen mom, Elycia lived a life of poverty while also experiencing sexual abuse. From the age of 3 to 12, she was physically, emotionally, verbally and sexually abused. She credits incredible mentors to the realization that her past would not define her future, and that her true passion was advocating for young people.
4. Beyond Addiction – Stephanie McCoy-Johnson is the Associate Director of Behavioral Health Services with Second Chance Center. From 1988 To 1996 she battled drug addiction. She has been clean and sober since 2007. She has earned her master’s degree, and today she is a licensed addiction counselor working with adults, adolescents and children in the mental health and addictions field.
5. Beyond Elder Abuse – There will be a special presentation on Elder Abuse during the luncheon.
These stories will be presented at the Colorful Stories...See Me, Hear Me luncheon, held at the Noor Event Center in Aurora on May 30, 2025.
This powerful event will bring together members of Colorado communities with messages about overcoming tribulation with courage, personal conviction and community connection. Denver Urban Spectrum aims to bring light to issues that are in need of a community-wide response and sustainable solutions.
Proceeds from the Colorful Stories luncheon will benefit the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2019 by Denver Urban Spectrum publisher Rosalind “Bee” Harris, in honor of her mother who lost her life to elder abuse on November 3, 2008.
Emcee: In an effort to catalyze change and elevate opportunities for women and people of color, Simone D. Ross, founded her consulting firm Simone D. Ross, LLC. She brings a refreshing voice and insight to many events as a host and auctioneer, and facilitates inspiring experiences, content and presentations, to "ignite the light" in the participants at the events she hosts. The entrepreneurial powerhouse also serves as CEO of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Women’s Chamber Foundation.
Panel Moderator: Carolyn Love is the founder of Kebaya Coaching & Consulting, which enhances leadership talent in organizations, creates equitable and welcoming workplaces; and facilitates meaningful and sustainable change. She facilitates workshops and trainings on leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion, while helping clients create and sustain inclusive environments.
Honorary Chairs: Since the early 1980’s, Geta and Janice Asfaw have operated their family business in the Denver Metropolitan area as owner/ operators of McDonald’s restaurants. In 2006, they established the Asfaw Family Foundation International, a non-profit organization that is committed to giving back to the community with programs, specifically for youth and seniors.
Partnership for a Purpose…………….……………
The Colorful Stories project highlights the importance of perseverance when overcoming life’s challenges. In addition to sharing these powerful stories with our audiences, your support will help strengthen Denver Urban Spectrum’s community reporting, in addition to helping vulnerable aging adults.
THE RUTH BOYD ELDER ABUSE FOUNDATION
Established in 2019 to prevent elder abuse, the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation ensures the safety, care and quality of life for aging adults through advocacy, education and awareness.
Each year in the United States of America, an estimated 5 million senior citizens experience physical or psychological abuse, financial exploitation or neglect. To combat the devastating occurrence of elder abuse, the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation protects the rights and safety of senior citizens while providing support to caregivers. The organization’s home care, support initiatives and advocacy help to create an environment where adults can age safely, while strengthening intergenerational communication.
With the support of partners, some of the interventions provided by the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation include:
• Home Care Services: Supporting personal health and wellness with assistance for everyday living.
• Life Saving Medical Alerts: Promoting safety while reassuring seniors and their loved ones.
• Workforce Training: Strengthening skills and preparing seniors for technological advancements in a changing workforce.
• Consultation & Workshops: Sensitivity-training and abuse-prevention workshops for caregivers and service providers.
• Crime-Reduction Assistance: Installation of home security camera systems to provide peace of mind and protect valued possessions.
• Downsizing & Moves: Preparation for downsizing with trusted and patient advisors.
• Technological Navigation: Helping seniors learn how to navigate an increasingly technological landscape.
By supporting Colorful Stories as a sponsor, you are helping to protect elders from being abused while expanding the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation’s capacity to provide support and assistance throughout Colorado communities.
The Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The partnership opportunities on the following pages are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Partnership Opportunities………………………….
Platinum Partner - $10,000
Reserved table for twelve (12) at luncheon
Banner displayed at luncheon
Opportunity to speak at the luncheon
Verbal recognition at luncheon
Logo included as platinum partner in storyteller videos
Listed as a platinum partner in the luncheon Colorful Stories…See Me, Hear Me digital program
Recognition and/or logo in printed materials, e-communications, social media and online advertising
Full-page ad in the Colorful Stories…See Me, Hear Me digital program
Full page ad in Denver Urban Spectrum
Gold Partner - $5,000
Reserved table for eight (8) at luncheon
Verbal recognition at luncheon
Listed as a gold partner in the luncheon Colorful Stories…See Me, Hear Me digital program
Recognition and/or logo in printed materials, e-communications, social media and online advertising
½ page ad in the Colorful Stories…See Me, Hear Me digital program
½ page ad in Denver Urban Spectrum
Silver Sponsor - $2,500
Six (6) VIP seats at luncheon
Verbal recognition at luncheon
Listed as a silver partner in the luncheon Colorful Stories…See Me, Hear Me digital program
Recognition and/or logo in printed materials, e-communications, social media and online advertising
¼ page ad in the Colorful Stories…See Me, Hear Me Souvenir digital program
¼ page in Denver Urban Spectrum
Bronze Sponsor - $1,000
Four (4) VIP seats at luncheon
Verbal recognition at luncheon
Listed as a bronze partner in the luncheon Colorful Stories…See Me, Hear Me digital program
1/8 page ad in the Colorful Stories…See Me, Hear Me Souvenir digital program
1/8 page ad in Denver Urban Spectrum
Individual Tickets - $125
About Denver Urban Spectrum…………………………
Denver Urban Spectrum (DUS) has established a respected reputation for spreading the news about people of color over its 38-year legacy. The award-winning monthly publication is available at no cost, and remains dedicated to serving Denver's multicultural interests. Its high quality and thought-provoking content - both in print and online - has made it the most consistently sought after ethnic publication in the state, and therefore, one of the most effective for its advertisers. In addition to its feature articles and regular columns, Denver Urban Spectrum features promotions and contests to keep reader interest strong and add value to advertising dollars and sponsorship opportunities.
With many newspapers and publications closing their doors, Denver Urban Spectrum has stood the test of time reaching readers and viewers in print and online.
Since 2020, Denver Urban Spectrum has prioritized the advancement of digital platforms, with an updated website and the addition of a podcast network that provides local creators with an outlet to broadcast their messaging to a wide audience.
The following statistics demonstrate the depth of Denver Urban Spectrum’s reach in the community, across the United States and the world:
• In addition to a widely-circulated e-publication, 25,000 Denver Urban Spectrum print copies are distributed monthly, attracting over 60,000 monthly readers and an annual digital footprint of 293,000.
• Monthly website impressions total 69,520 visits, 297,013 page views and 529,211 hits. YouTube impressions exceed 244,000.
• Issuu: Over the last 30 days, Denver Urban Spectrum was read online 48% (desktops), 47% (mobile) and 5% (tablets) across the world in the U.S., India, United Kingdom, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Costa Rica, Nigeria, Canada, Italy, and France. Over the last 10 years, DUS has been displayed more than 1.8 million times with more than 300,000 reads.
• An additional 6,800 subscribers are reached by the DUS monthly eNewsletter and Weekly Advertising Guide (WAG).
• Combined social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and Pinterest) followers exceed 7,000.
Next Steps……………………………………………………
Since 1987, DUS has been committed to serving the Denver community by spreading the news about people of color. We are proud of our accomplishments, which have been built on partnerships, and hope you are as well. We invite you to partner with us for this momentous occasion.
As a community supporter, we hope you will join us in this effort and look forward to hearing from you. For immediate questions or more information, feel free to contact one of us by phone or email. If you have no questions, visit our ticketing platform event page, and show your support at the level of your choice.
We look forward to seeing you on May 30.
Sincerely,
Rosalind “Bee” Harris, Publisher
Denver Urban Spectrum 303-638-9126 publisher@urbanspectrum.net
Ruby Jones, Editor/COO
Denver Urban Spectrum 719-569-5955 editor@urbanspectrum.net
