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Happy Holidays
Last year, my prediction that we’d see “More in 2024” came to life, with a dizzying array of events and experiences all year long. Now, we’re “Ready to Thrive in 2025,” with hearts full of hope and excitement for the journey ahead.
This time of year offers opportunities to gather with loved ones and friends, celebrating the season and enjoying the warmth of good company. However, for some, the harsh winter cold is a chilling reminder of seasonal sorrow and financial circumstances that don’t elicit cheer.
Contributor Latrice Owens reminds us that the holiday season isn’t happy for everyone, with a heartfelt article about helpful resources provided by local organizations. It’s important to remember that some people need a special dose of love at the end of the year, and I hope that you’ll embrace your neighbors in their time of need.
Food is a big theme at the holidays, and our cover story by Elena Brown reflects the role that innovation played in the lives of three Colorado chefs who are making their culinary dreams come true, while creating tasty experiences for foodies everywhere. Contributor Stacy Narine shares a groundbreaking solution to ensure that nobody goes hungry at the holidays with her article about the Hungree App.
The sudden loss of a musical genius and one of the greatest producers of all time occurred just days before the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, and to honor its greatest advocate, the organization dedicated the fundraising event to international spokesperson, Quincy Jones.
Contributor Christen Aldridge shares the uplifting story of a film screened at this year’s Denver Film Festival, which further highlights the strength of the human spirit.
Read about all of this and more in this month’s publication. “Plus, find out how you can obtain healthcare coverage with information about Connect for Health Colorado; get highlights from an immersive experience by Culturs; and take a final look back at the 2024 election through the eyes of opinion contributors Thomas Holt Russell and John Celestand, with a creative contribution by DUS Publisher, Rosalind “Bee” Harris.”
Next year promises to offer more opportunities to show love for each other and our neighbors. Denver Urban Spectrum will be there to share meaningful, informative stories every step of the way. Please consider making a donation this Giving Tuesday to support our community reporting and help us train the next generation of journalists. From Dec. 10 to Dec. 31, your contributions will be matched dollar for dollar at ColoradoGives.org/organization/DUS
Thank you, and I’ll meet you back here in January!
What
a Black Father Tells His Son After Trump’s Win
“I lied to my son because I love him. America will tell him the truth eventually because it doesn’t.”
An op-ed by John Celestand I lied to my son.
As if the election result cementing Donald Trump as our next President again wasn’t enough of a punch to the face, a conversation with my 11-year son on Wednesday was the gut punch that dropped me to the canvas.
After returning home from school, flabbergasted as to how the country could elect a man like Trump President for a second time, my son asked me,
LETTERS, OPINIONSAND OPEDS
“Do you think Donald Trump will try to make us slaves again?”
The velocity at which I attempted to answer his question was somewhere close to the speed of light. Yet, before I could even get out my answer, he doubled down. “Are my friends going to be deported?”
I stumbled through my words to assure him that Trump could not make us slaves again. I also assured him that his friends would not be deported.
In my act of assurance, I lied to my son.
The audacity of me to not at first even give some thought to Trump potentially enslaving Black folks. How could I feign so much certainty given what I’ve seen him do to this country since 2016, even before he became the President?
Ruby Jones Editor
The audacity of me to assure my son, who, here in Maryland, lives in the second-most diverse city in the country, that his friends need not worry. The boldness in me to confidently assure him that in a place as diverse as Montgomery County, Maryland, his friends, classmates, and teammates – all from different walks of life, religions and countries – would undoubtedly be safe.
I lied to my son.
But I had to, didn’t I? I needed to protect the innocence of a sixth grader who plays basketball in his Kenyan friend’s driveway a few times a week. I had to guarantee him that his other friend from Ethiopia, whom he had gone to elementary school with, was going to be OK. Who was I to tell him the truth?
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Delicious food is the feelgood reset button our mind, body and soul craves.
The best comfort comes from food made with love and inspired by international influences, with just the right amount of traditional tastes. The people skilled to craft such culinary delicacies are those with a refined palette and a knack for timing; the ones who blend, measure and mix each ingredient perfectly, presenting extraordinary creations to the delight of diners everywhere.
An extraordinary chef cooks with humility, elevating the senses of friends and family, and keeping customers coming back from more.
Several years ago, Denver Urban Spectrum highlighted three chefs who were building culinary careers in kitchens around Colorado. Now, Daniel “Chef D” Young, Scott “Chef Scott” Durrah and Donald “Chef James” James are back with exciting updates about their burgeoning careers. Each culinary artist has been plating out distinctive dishes filled with heaping portions of soul-nourishing goodness and food that transcends class, race and language, connecting us in an allinclusive way and reminding us that food is more than sustenance – it’s a universal language of love.
Chef D
Daniel “Chef D” Young started his culinary career in the early 1980s, and he’s yet to slow down. With retirement aspirations in the future, he’s still cooking up a storm and working on building a legacy in the food business.
When he first started working as a busboy at a country club, he only dreamed of one day becoming a restaurateur himself. Earlier this year he stood in the doorway of his newest restaurant in the Golden Triangle, cutting the ribbon in
New Culinary Creations from Three Colorado Chefs
By Elena Brown
anticipation of an end-of-year opening.
HAMBA, located at The Parq on Speer, will showcase Young’s Escoffier cuisine, with fine food and beverages, winepaired dinners, personalized cooking classes from the chef himself and four-star concierge service for on-site residents.
“I’m utilizing ingredients you may have seen a million times but I’m working with them in a way you may not have seen before,” he says.
Derived from the renowned “King of Chefs,” Auguste Escoffier, who pioneered a culinary curriculum rooted in classical French cooking technique, HAMBA’s plans boast an elite dining experience in a state-ofthe-art kitchen that would make the French legend proud. For Young, this style laid the foundation for his famed career.
Reflecting on his early beginnings and the lack of access to classical training, he says “now I try to run my kitchen in that manner.”
His focused direction and cooking philosophy allows him to churn out consistent dishes to the delight of celebrity clients.
“If we are doing crudités, I want every one of those crudités to be the same size, because I want everyone to have the same experience,” says the chef, who plans to keep HAMBA’s kitchen from being overloaded with bulky machines, allowing his staff to do the detail-oriented work instead.
“I’m a human Hobart,” he admits with a wide smile. “Cooks and chefs will see that in HAMBA’s kitchen.”
Chef D’s top three musthaves are a crinkle cutter, a cast iron skillet and an18” knife he affectionately calls “Excalibur.” He has served notable people in kitchens around the world, and now, he has the opportunity to serve travelers as they prepare for travel at Denver International Airport.
In October, Young announced the long-awaited opening of a concept-eatery in one of the busiest airports in the world.
Located in the newly-renovated Concourse B, Sunset Loop Bar & Grill is the newest venture led by Young and OTG, which develops and operates over 350 food-related businesses in airports across the
United States. Named after Sunset Loop trails in Golden, the grill features healthy, locally-sourced cuisine and “farm-to-gate” selections. It serves regionally-inspired cocktails and Colorado craft brews, and is the perfect place for travelers to unwind before or after a long flight.
Young has enjoyed a long career, and when it comes to relinquishing kitchen control, he still has a ways to go.
“I’m working on it,” he says with a sly smile. “I want to have control over my career so that it’s not a job anymore, and it’s all about the joy of cooking and the enjoyment of others eating my food.”
Chef D’s dishes challenge the palate, encouraging diners to embrace the unexpected. His approach often involves bold flavors, unusual textures and global influences, creating a lasting impact beyond the kitchen.
Planning to mentor young chefs in Denver, he feels purposed to nurture the next generation of culinary talent.
Chef Scott
Upon meeting “Chef Scott” Durrah, he introduces himself by asking the question many want
to know. “What is this Italian brotha from Boston doing cookin’ Jamaican food in Denver?”
“People ask me all the time, especially the Jamaicans,” he says with a laugh. But don’t let the thick Boston accent fool you. Scott has been on his “pon di grind” for decades.
At 18 years old, his mind was blown when he realized that he wasn’t a minority, but part of the majority during a visit to Jamaica. He fell in love with cooking during a visit to Jerk Pit in Port Antonio, especially appreciating the heavily seasoned, smoked and grilled jerk meat.
Jerk refers to a cooking style; it’s a smoking process that involves putting meat or fish into an underground hole, barrel or drum, lighting pimento wood on top of it and cooking it over a smokeless fire for hours. Stemming from 17th century Maroons seeking refuge from the brutal institution of slavery on the minimal island terrain, the jerk cooking process allowed them to eat without smoke revealing their location.
After his first visit to Jamaica, Scott spent the next 10 years traveling back multiple times a year to hone his cooking craft and knowledge.
“That was my driving force –to know. Really getting to know the people and the culture of the food…understanding the history of the flavors,” he says, pointing out that knowing the history helps create authenticity.
“You may think you know wine but you don’t know wine until you go to France and find out what real wine is about,” he adds.
Chef Scott has opened six restaurants serving laid-back Caribbean/Jamaican food. His successes fueled his confidence and made way for his latest restaurant, The Jerk Pit Smokehouse, which he calls his ultimate collaboration.
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Continued from page 5
The Jerk Pit Smokehouse opened in the busy Lo-Hi neighborhood in September, boasting smoked pork, brisket and chicken with standout jerk seasonings and specialty Italian red sauces.
“Learning jerk sauce was brutal,” he says. “It took me 15 painful years to learn.” Packed with up to 13 ingredients, he persevered through the process and learned how to build a foundation upon ingredients like Allspice (also known as
pimento), Scotch Bonnet chillies, ginger and thyme.
He’s thankful for the help and guidance he received from his mother, his grandmother and the Jamaican mothers and aunties who took the time to help him grow and learn. Along his early culinary journey, he participated in apprenticeship programs offered to aspiring, under-represented chefs, and he has extended similar opportunities to numerous chefs throughout his career.
ene atmosphere and cross-promotes with Simply Pure dispensary, which he owns with his wife, University of Colorado Regent Wanda James. The couple is known for their pioneering success as the state’s first Black-owned cannabis dispensary owners. Restaurant guests who bring receipts of $25 or more to the dispensary receive a free gift. Additionally, the restaurant location is available for private and corporate events, with Scott’s co-founded Chef Table Catering providing food service.
Chef Scott brings authentic flavors to life, infusing every meal with the unmistakable zest and spirit of Jamaica. From the smoky aroma of jerk chicken to the comforting warmth of a hearty bowl of oxtail stew, it’s a culinary journey that inspires connection.
Chef James
Stepping into the culinary world as a new chef, Donald “Chef James” James recalls being met with raised eyebrows and
skepticism when he first entered Colorado’s culinary scene at a young age. Though he lacked formal training, he was armed with passion and creativity, turning doubt into fuel for innovation.
James has contributed to the classic culinary selections at The Grubbery, 8-Rivers LoDo and the Peoria Bar and Grill in the Timbers Hotel. He learned from some of the greats – Chef Joseph Westley, Chef Meko Anty and Chef Keith Jones, along with both Chef D and Chef Scott.
“Molding is a part of learning,” he recalls. “My leadership style overall is laid back, collaborative and mentoring. My job is to support my team so we all can reach our goals of making the customers happy.”
He worked hard to learn and grow as a chef, implementing strict food safety and cleanliness standards, maintaining proper inventory, managing equipment and building a team environment among kitchen staff.
Over time, perceptions of the young chef shifted from doubt to admiration. “I confirmed that being new didn’t mean being incapable,” he says. “If you can dream it you can do it.”
His hard work and dedication paid off as he turned his focus to Pit Stop BBQ, a place where his favorite smoked meats could shine.
A well-known staple at seasonal events such as Juneteenth, and the Five Points Jazz and Colorado Black Arts festivals, he turned his love for food into a fan favorite around Denver after purchasing a smoker in the mid-1990s and churning out hickory, mesquite and peachsmoked pulled pork, BBQ ribs and brisket.
Now, with years of successful dinner and catering services under his belt, he is ready to expand beyond the festival scene with his first brick-andmortar restaurant, the Colorado Creole Café.
“At the Colorado Creole Cafe, a partnership venture with local benefactors, Dedrick Sims and Richard Lewis, you will indulge in the heart of Creole heritage, with a taste of Colorado’s soul,” he says, proudly sharing a menu of unexpected ingredients such as Colorado-raised bison and lamb and traditional Creole-inspired Muffaletta sandwiches with a unique twist. His goal is to challenge traditional techniques while prioritizing fresh flavors and bold, new ideas.
For James, each dish is a canvas for storytelling.
“Soul food starts from a feeling within our soul. What we create out of the food presented, represents our message to the world and how we communicate with each other. Our soul understands how important it is to consume it while enjoying every bite.”
By constantly evolving and daring to be different, James has carved his own lane and defined his own culinary artistry, proving that the kitchen is a space where rules are constantly rewritten and expectations are exceeded.
The Future of Food in Denver
Defying expectations as a chef means breaking free from the norm to create food that surprises and delights. It’s about blending unexpected flavors, using innovative techniques and reimagining traditional dishes.
Chefs D, Scott and James have managed to transform humble ingredients into gourmet masterpieces, and bold beginnings into fresh, new restaurant options for Denver diners. They have developed a fraternal fellowship, bonded in flavor, and their culinary futures will continue to be on full display for all to enjoy..
Editor’s note: To reach Chef D, email chefdeey@aol.com; Chef Scott email scott@chefstablecolorado.com; and Chef James email dine@coloradocreolecafe.com.
Welcome Home Hattie
Trailblazing Entertainer
Honored with TransitOriented Housing in Five Points
Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST), partners from the Regional Transportation District (RTD), Elevation Community Land Trust (ECLT) and Shanahan Development joined community members at Taco Uprising on Oct. 30 to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new housing development in Five Points.
The Hattie McDaniel, a new, 62-unit affordable housing development will offer homeownership opportunities in the historic neighborhood. The
project will include units ranging from one to three bedrooms, with seven units designed as accessible for persons with mobility impairment and three designed for persons with sensory impairments.
“We cannot allow Denver to become a city where only the wealthy can afford to own a home,” said Mayor Mike Johnston.
“When we provide opportunities to purchase a home at an affordable rate, we’re doing more than putting a roof over someone’s head. We’re paving
the way for that person or that family to build something that can be passed down for generations to come.”
HOST and RTD have worked cooperatively for several years to spur the development of income-restricted condominiums at the site, which is located on a former RTD parking lot adjacent to the L-line light rail. RTD selected Shanahan Development and ECLT through a competitive solicitation to purchase the site and provide permanent affordability through a covenant.
ing a total of $4,965,000 in financing toward the project.
“I’m thrilled to have more opportunities for folks to purchase homes in Five Points, as homeownership is the fastest way to build generational wealth,” said City Councilmember Darrell Watson. “This important project combats displacement in historically African American, Latino, and Chicano communities and builds the Denver we all want to see, where people can afford to live where they choose.”
Earlier this year, RTD’s general manager noted that affordable housing was first proposed a decade ago for the site, which has been in the agency’s possession for more than 30 years. State and Denver policy strongly support affordable housing and transit-oriented development. With the board of directors having approved disposition of the property in 2021, based on language that permits a discount in connection with the development of affordable housing, Johnson approved the sale of the property at a price of $1.5 million.
“The 29th and Welton project is a representative example of how working collaboratively and cooperatively with jurisdictions, associated entities and developers can bring about affordable housing projects,” wrote Debra Johnson, RTD General Manager and CEO.
“Moreover, it provides RTD the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to being part of the solution to the region’s affordable housing crisis.”
Named for Hattie McDaniel, a former attendee of Denver’s East High School and the first Black woman to win an Oscar Award, all units at the new community will be incomerestricted for households earning at or below 80% of the area median income.
Public finance partners for the project include the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing, and the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, with HOST provid-
“Our goal is to create homes that allow families with historical ties to the community to return and become part of the neighborhood’s fabric again,” says Stefka Fanchi, CEO of ECLT. “Either folks that currently live, work or have their children enrolled in school there, or whose parents or grandparents used to live there and were displaced.”
The Hattie McDaniel will add critically needed units to Denver’s inventory of incomerestricted housing, which encompasses approximately 7.5 percent of all housing units in the city. This inventory includes over 2,500 homeownership units and over 25,000 incomerestricted rental units.. Editor’s note: Learn more about this inventory at the Denver Affordable Housing Dashboard
Open enrollment is here: Discover affordable options from Anthem in Colorado
By Matt Pickett
We all want good health, both for ourselves and for our families. That’s why we center many of our choices around improving our health and well-being. Now that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace open enrollment period has begun, it’s time to start exploring the best plan for you and your family. ACA Marketplace health plans are specifically for those who do not have access to an employer-sponsored health plan and do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
To ensure you have health coverage beginning in 2025, it’s important to start focusing on finding a plan that meets your needs and your budget. Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, is where you will enroll when you’re ready. Selecting a health plan can feel like a daunting task, but Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado (Anthem) can help you choose the right one for you. Anthem has been in Colorado for 86 years and is the only health benefit plan available in every county in the state.
Benefits are more affordable than you may think Anthem’s health plans offer different options for care, and your premium and deductible will depend on the plan you choose. Our website outlines the available options based on coverage needs and pricing for individual and family plans. It's important to remember health plans cover preventive health care—such as mammograms, colonoscopies, regular check-ups and other important services—at no cost to consumers. Chronic health conditions that negatively impact quality of life and significantly increase healthcare costs can often be prevented or managed through these early detection screenings.
You may also be eligible to receive additional financial help through ACA subsidies, which can help lower or eliminate monthly premiums and decrease out-of-pocket costs. In fact, nine out of 10 people nationwide can save on the cost of health coverage through these subsidies.
The high cost of no benefits
Forgoing healthcare coverage might seem like a cost-effective alternative; however, out-of-pocket costs and unexpected hospitalizations add up quickly. Uninsured individuals often face unaffordable medical bills when they do seek care, which can lead to medical debt and other forms of financial instability. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 62% of uninsured adults report having medical debt. Uninsured adults are more likely to face negative consequences due to health care debt, such as using their savings, having difficulty paying other living expenses, or needing to borrow money.
Next steps
Nearly 1 In 12 U.S. adults owe medical debt, and almost 67% of all bankruptcies in America are tied to medical issues, whether due to the high costs of medical bills or the loss of income after taking time off from work. We understand inflation is still challenging for many household budgets, but securing healthcare coverage now may really help you save money in the long run.
Anthem offers decades of experience and knowledgeable support to help people create a path to better health and wellness. We can be a resource to help you through this process, regardless of what health plan you eventually choose. Call us at (833) 236-1058 or visit our website to easily compare the available plans as you determine what will best work for you and your budget. Then visit Connect for Health Colorado to enroll. Be sure to enroll by December 15 for coverage tobegin January 1 or enroll by January 15 for coverage to begin February 1. Get ahead of the new year by exploring Anthem health plans today.
Matt Pickett, President Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado
Inclusivity at the 47th Annual Denver Film Festival
Young Aurora actor touches audience’s hearts in his heartwarming debut film.
By Christen Aldridge
This year’s Denver Film Festival (DFF47) took place from Nov. 1 to Nov. 10, kicking off Denver Arts Week with screenings at the Sie FilmCenter, AMC 9 + CO 10, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver’s Holiday Theater, Denver Botanic Gardens, Sturm Family Auditorium in the Freyer-Newman Center and Ellie Caulkins Opera House. From start to finish, the festival showcased stories from all around the world. Films representing different cultures, lifestyles, interests and abilities were categorized by genre and considered for a range of awards, while filmmakers gained inspiration from the crowd favorites and post-film conversations.
Black on Screen
The festival’s opening night featured a screening of the acclaimed The Piano Lesson at the MCA Denver Holiday Theater, putting inclusivity at the center of this year’s lineup. Directed by Malcolm Washington and starring John David Washington, both sons of Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, The Piano Lesson was awarded the 2024 Excellence in Writing Award. Adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning stage play, the film features a stellar cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington and Danielle
Deadwyler. It explores intergenerational dynamics of identity, resilience and transcendence, with a storyline centered around a prized, heirloom piano tearing two siblings apart.
During the ten-day festival, several film screenings highlighted Black stories told by filmmakers around the world.
The Fire Inside, starring Ryan Destiny and Oscar-nominated actor Bryan Tyree Henry, and written by Oscar-winning writer Barry Jenkins, shared the story of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, the first woman in her country’s history to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. The hard-hitting film won the attention of critics in attendance, and Destiny was awarded the DFF47 Rising Star Award for her performance.
The festival boasted an impressive lineup of Black films. Nickel Boys, a film shot in Louisiana chronicled a powerful friendship between two friends. The Knife, a film cowritten and produced by Nnamdi Asomugha, focused on the relationship between choice and consequence. Hard Truths, by acclaimed filmmaker Mike Leigh centered around a Black family in London; and Elevation, a post-apocalyptic action thriller, were just some of the films representing the Black experience at the event.
Elevation, starring the awardwinning Anthony Mackie, was filmed in Boulder and Golden, evoking hometown pride
among Colorado-based festival goers. The familiar, forested, Rocky Mountain terrain served as refuge to survivors fleeing from giant alien creatures, with Mackie leading an expedition into danger.
One film – with a special Colorado connection – highlighted an especially endearing Black story.
Color Book, tells the story of a father taking care of his son who has Down syndrome after the death of his wife. The film’s three-day screening won the hearts of audiences while increasing awareness just days after October’s Down Syndrome Awareness Month allocation.
Color Book’s Colorado Connection
“Professional” is the word Color Book writer and director, David Fortune, uses to describe 12-year old Aurora resident, Jeremiah Daniels, who plays Mason, the son of the sudden widower.
The storyline follows Mason’s father, Lucky, played by Will Catlett, as he decides to bring his son to a baseball game to raise his spirits after the loss of his mother. The two spend the day navigating Metro Atlanta’s public transit system, with Lucky determined to overcome every obstacle they encounter.
“I am so proud of my son!” says Joi Daniels, mother of the young star. “This journey has been amazing for us as a family, and Jeremiah has
enjoyed every bit of it.”
The Color Book’s festival journey has taken the Daniels family to the Tribeca Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, AFI film Festival and right back home to DFF47.
“It is an honor for Jeremiah’s hometown to see him in action,” his mother says.
When the film’s leading actors met for the first time during a screen test, their on-set chemistry was undeniable. When Fortune asked Catlett what he thought about Daniel’s performance as Mason, the father-figure replied, “That’s my son.”
Catlett says his inspiration for his character came from watching Daniels’ parents interact with him on set. Their love and care, along with his own experience as a father, allowed him to pour into the young boy in heartfelt scenes displaying their special bond.
Several heart-gripping scenes stirred the emotions of audience members, but when Daniels utters, “I want my mommy,” Catlett’s embrace is a demonstration of the beautiful marriage between patience and understanding when it comes to raising a child with special needs.
Coloring Between the Lines
When developing the idea for his directorial debut, Fortune wanted to create a father and son story – a story he would want to watch on the big
screen. After several conversations with supporters of the Down syndrome community, he knew it was a theme he wanted to explore in his film.
Color Book combats negative stereotypes about Black fathers, while delving into the experience of raising a child with special needs. It is centered around a cast of Black men, showing the strength and importance of a village.
“I wanted to show that Black men rely on, trust and care for each other. It takes a village to raise a child. Community is important and we all need it to survive and thrive.”
The Joy of Living
Daniels’ mother screamed joyfully when she received the news that her son was selected to play Mason.
“I was happy we were going to be a part of this story,” she says.
“There are not a lot of images of African American children with Down syndrome on screen. Nor are there stories of the experience of Black parents with kids with special needs.”
According toThe Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Down syndrome occurs in about 1 in every 640 babies each year. 13% of those diagnosed with Down syndrome being Black, with disparities existing in lifespan and associated health issues.
Catlett did an excellent job of depicting what it’s like to raise a child with Down syndrome –despite life’s inevitable chal-
lenges he embraces joy and the beauty in each milestone.
Color Book, won DFF47’s American Independent Award for Best Narrative Feature; there wasn’t a dry eye in the room as the credits rolled.
Daniels is looking ahead with big plans for his acting career. “I want to play a Basketball player in my next film. It will be directed by David Fortune and star Will and I,” he says with a cheerful smile..
MOMENT FACE THE
Ideology, Identity & the American Divide Facing America’s Political Reality
An op-ed by
Thomas Holt Russell
On election night, I couldn’t shake a sense of unease.
Just as when Trump first triumphed over Hillary Clinton in 2016, the early returns on Nov. 5, 2024, showed a sea of red states. Though the electoral delegates awarded initially were modest, seeing Trump claim states like Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Florida, Alabama, West Virginia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee felt significant.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris had only secured a few northeastern states– Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maryland–by 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The
electoral count stood at 97 for Trump, and 35 for Harris.
California and the “Blue Wall” had yet to weigh in, and though each candidate had been predicted to win these early states, I still felt a gnawing discomfort as I watched.
As I studied the increasingly colorful map on the screen, the disparity in landmass versus population density struck me. Although northeastern states are densely populated compared to the sprawling Midwest and rural South, the map’s visuals told a discouraging story: substantial red areas vastly outweighed the comparatively small blue sections.
At day’s end, roughly threequarters of the country’s landmass was red, while only a quarter was blue.
According to the map, I would have been able to drive from Colorado straight to the Atlantic Ocean without crossing a single blue state. The same goes for a journey south from North Dakota to Texas – a span of over 1,200 miles.
made less money than their male counterparts just because of their gender.
The political map underscored a sobering reality: America desperately needs political harmony. Not just among individual people or communities, but between the broader split that currently defines our nation’s politics.
With Election Day behind us, studying the red-dominated map feels psychologically devastating. It distorts the true balance of political power and representation, especially considering the Democratic Party’s disheartening defeat in 2024. For Harris’ supporters, the visual symbolizes a sense of being surrounded and outnumbered.
For many Americans, questions about where the next four years will lead are amplified by media-driven narratives and propaganda, leaving a chasm of fear where hope and optimism might otherwise be.
The fear of Trump’s return to office is based on an underlying assumption that the roots of totalitarianism have already begun to sprout. The slogan “Make America Great Again,” is perceived as a claim that America was somehow better when millions were excluded from voting – when women
I fear that freedom of thought and individual expression are at risk. President-Elect, Donald Trump is a threat to our constitutional right to free speech. Under his administration, those who disagree could face arrest. His supporters might feel emboldened to commit violence in his name; and those convicted for the events that took place after his 2020 defeat could even find a prominent position in his administration. Many fear that the only historical teaching tolerated will be one aligned with an ideology dissimilar to their own.
Race relations are a significant theme during and after this election. Trump’s actions have been depicted as demonizing people of color; his predominantly white following might be empowered to exhibit racism, pinning anyone who is unlike them as an adversary.
He has even named “the enemy within” as America’s greatest threat, more than foreign powers.
“The crazy lunatics that we have – the fascists, the Marxists, the communists, the people that we have that are actually running the country. Those people are more dangerous – the enemy from within – than Russia and China and other people,” Trump said during an election rally in Wisconsin.
While the former (and next) president denies any knowledge of “Project 2025, some of the people who support the “Make America Great Again” slogan have expressed a desire for his administration to adopt the initiative as its own. Despite congressional barriers to implementing some of the plans laid out in The Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” we cannot be sure that our current institutions will withstand the push from a supreme court and justice department aligned with a right-wing administration.
As is standard for any administration change, Trump’s transition team is preparing for a complete overhaul of the federal government, potentially placing loyalists in critical roles. This shift is historic.
Trump won the popular vote this time. Most Americans voted against a woman who would have been the first woman of color in the White House.
To me, it feels like the shadow (backlash) of Barack Obama’s presidency looms over this whole election, as if Trump’s presence triggers his followers’ lingering fear and resentment of people who do not look like them.
However, America is a country grappling with its identity, and his victory can’t be attributed solely to racist politics. He received unexpected support from diverse groups, including a significant portion of Black and Hispanic voters overall–the highest for a Republican
candidate in over 50 years. He also saw gains among women, even with lingering concerns related to reproductive rights.
Despite the fears evoked by the November election, predicting what happens next is impossible. Neither side anticipated such a sweeping victory, and the credibility of political experts has waned in the aftermath of results nobody predicted.
We could endlessly fret over the assumptions of Trump’s next presidential term only to find our greatest fears to be unfounded. Or, we could dismiss the anxiety as hyperbole until reason to worry emerges through the passage of legislation and executive acts that jeopardize our freedoms.
Trump is expected to push the limits of presidential power in ways the Founding Fathers never envisioned – yet, they never envisioned the full participation of people of color in the political process, either.
Some of his administration’s proposals will pass, while others face immense resistance from elected officials and the people themselves.
This is America, where grassroots movements rise to counter radical change. Our task now is to prepare for the challenges ahead. We must focus on our mental health and the health of our communities in order to face the next four years with vigor, clarity and strength.
Trump’s election is not the end of the world. This journey may be rough, but resilience is woven into the fabric of America, and no legislation can strip that away..
Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak has been co-organized by the Denver Art Museum and the Columbus Museum of Art in partnership with The Maurice Sendak Foundation. This exhibition is presented by the Clarence V. Laguardia Foundation with additional support provided by the Tom Taplin Jr. and Ted Taplin Endowment, Bank of America, Jana and Fred Bartlit, Bernstein Private Wealth Management, Kathie and Keith Finger, Lisë Gander and Andy Main, Wendy and Bob Kaufman, the Kristin and Charles Lohmiller Exhibitions Fund, Sally Cooper Murray, John Brooks Incorporated, Kent Thiry & Denise O’Leary, Judi Wagner, an anonymous donor, the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign, and the residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine and CBS Colorado.
Cold Streets, Warm Hearts: Denver’s Battle Against Homelessness
For many, the winter season is a time for joy and celebration. For some, this means sparkling seasonal parties, fine dining and cheerful trips to decorated shopping centers. While adventurous Coloradans gear up for mountain hiking and weekends on the slopes, others experience the season very differently.
Unfortunately, for our vulnerable, unhoused neighbors, the winter’s dipping temperatures turn city streets into an even more hostile environment, making survival an intense challenge.
Each year in winter, organizations around the Metro Denver area ramp up efforts to help disenfranchised individuals, with comprehensive support services aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness. Their dedication not only addresses immediate needs, but also creates long-term stability and fosters hope for the future.
A Coalition of Care
The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) plays a crucial role in connecting service-based agencies that work in homelessness prevention. The partnerships forged by the coalition strengthen the state’s safety net, keeping individuals and families from falling through the cracks.
In 2023, CCH reported that 30,409 individuals in Denver accessed housing-related services amid the state’s 39% increase in homelessness. These numbers are alarmingly high, especially considering the state’s brutal winter weather and its potential effect on unhoused individuals.
The Centers for Disease Control highlights that “Stress,
Denver organizations ramp up efforts to help unhoused individuals survive winter.
uncertainty, and threats to safety while experiencing homelessness increase the risk for mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.” The agency asserts that “structural and social barriers to health care and other social services can lead to worse health outcomes.”
In response to the growing population of individuals in need, outreach organizations offering shelter, housing and case management are stretched thin, with more resources needed than what’s available to give.
CCH, which operates under a “housing-first” philosophy, does not have prerequisite requirements for individuals looking to qualify for housing. The organization’s approach involves finding long-term solutions to end the cycle of homelessness for chronically unhoused individuals. Each year, the winter season presents a more pressing need for services.
“We believe individuals shouldn’t face additional barriers before accessing housing. Housing is the foundation for everything else in life,” she says.
The housing-first philosophy allows individuals to access shelter without contingencies, such as addressing mental health issues beforehand. It is centered on the belief that housing should be the first step
By Latrice Owens
taken on the road to stability. She and others who operate with a housing-first approach believe that once a person is housed, they are better equipped to address other life challenges, including mental health and substance abuse issues.
This year’s seasonal services are especially challenging, as Denver’s recent influx of immigrants has increased the demand for healthcare services. The coalition has implemented a waitlist system in an attempt to manage the overwhelming requests for care.
“The needs of both the unhoused population and newcomer populations are similar but different enough to require different responses,” Alderman points out.
Although the City of Denver set up shelters specific to the needs of newcomers, CCH is not equipped to handle many of the complicated legal issues faced by shelter residents. It’s easy to want to address every obstacle clients experience, but the organization’s primary concern and focus is ensuring that each individual has a roof over their head for as long as possible.
“We know where our niche is, so we try to stay in that lane while being available and open to all people who need these services to survive and get back on that path of stability.”
Seasonal Youth Services
While CCH tackles the growing demand for services, Urban
Peak (UP) focuses on Denver’s vulnerable youth. Together, the agencies work to provide shelter and support, particularly as winter temperatures drop.
UP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless youth build a path toward stability. The organization offers essential services and community to support clients as they work toward stability.
“I think that the youth experiencing homelessness are the most vulnerable among us,” says Christina Carlson, UP CEO.
In addition to case management and employment support, UP operates a shelter for youth ages 12 to 24. The main reported factors contributing to homelessness among this age group include family instability, mental health challenges, involvement in the justice system, poverty and institutionalized racism.
Carlson shares that one in three children in foster care will experience homelessness on the day they age out of the system, with the other two-thirds becoming homeless within nine months of that. She adds that LGBTQ youth also make up a large percentage of those affected by homelessness.
UP’s new campus, “The Mothership,” opened in August 2024, with a focus on traumainformed care. The non-congregate shelter and well-being center offers 136 beds and a full convergence of services, including classrooms, a medical clinic, behavioral spaces, art and music studios. Within one year, the new campus has served 1,100 youth.
“The work we do at Urban Peak not only saves the lives of these young people who are really brave to walk through our doors, but it also has a massive impact on our community
as a whole, because I think we would be remiss to not recognize the crisis we are experiencing in our communities,” Carlson says.
As the weather grows more extreme, UP’s outreach teams stay out longer to reach those at risk and ensure they are brought inside to safety.
A Community Response
The Denver Rescue Mission (DRM) provides a broad range of services to individuals of all ages, with emergency services, residential programs, case management and legal aid. To address food insecurity, the Lawrence Street Community Center (LSCC) offers three meals a day – every day of the year.
According to Tracy Brooks, DRM Chief Program Officer, the mission operates three shelter locations for men. Their trusted partnerships refer women and children seeking shelter to traditional and permanent housing providers.
Brooks explains, “We have connections with Catholic Charities, Urban Peak and other locations to get them to the best fit for them.”
DRM offers a year-long, nocost substance recovery program in Denver and Wellington, Colorado, including room and board, medicated therapy and vocational assistance for job and housing placement.
DRM boasts nearly 30 partnerships with city agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, which helps individuals obtain identification.
“We’re really blessed to have these community connections and partnerships because we can’t do it alone,” Brooks says.
Additionally, the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) works behind the scenes to create a coordinated system that connects people to housing.
Functioning as Denver’s Continuum of Care program, MDHI maintains an online
database that lists care access points and helps individuals connect to housing.
“When people are experiencing homelessness, they don’t know county lines,” said Sofia Vigil, region coordinator manager. “Our goal is to create a collaborative system across all seven counties, and even statewide, so that people can access housing as quickly and safely as possible.”
“Last year we received the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project Grant, so we have about 12 million that’s going into the community specifically for youth homelessness,” she adds.
During extreme temperatures, the number of people seeking shelter rises, with a noticeable increase in veterans experiencing homelessness, according to Vigil.
“It’s really great to see the coordination across the seven counties. There are, at minimum, four cold weather response or severe weather response resources available for people experiencing homelessness.”
The Human Connection
Colorado’s coalition of organizations working to prevent homelessness are a testament to the importance of collaboration to affect change. Their efforts, especially during the winter months, showcase how a united community can uplift its most vulnerable members through unity.
In addition to amplify efforts as the seasons change, these and other organizations make a concerted effort to help families enjoy the holidays as much as possible with food drives, toy giveaways and supply pantries containing cold-weather clothing and household items.
Service-based organizations rely on participation from community members to amplify the success of winter outreach.
To further assist our unhoused neighbors, individuals can make donations of
both time and resources. There are numerous drop-off locations at grocery stores and other retail locations around the city where winter clothing, blankets, non-perishable food, unopened toys and hygiene products can be donated.
There are also opportunities to donate directly to free refrigerator locations in communities around town, and to partner with organizations like the Salvation Army, Amigas in Action, Catholic Charities, Kenzi’s Causes, Denver Santa Claus Shop, A Precious Child, and The Black Santa Project to make holiday giving go further.
Oops! Correction
In the December issue, the name Jack and Jill America, Inc. (JJA) was published incorrectly, and should have reflected the correct acronym, JJOA. Additionally, the organization’s annual event title was published incorrectly as Jack and Jill Beautillion Gala, and should have been published as “Belle Beautillion.”
Help for unhoused individuals is a year-round need, but heartfelt help during the winter season is a lifeline for those struggling to survive during the freezing, cold weather..
Editor’s note: To learn more about the organizations highlighted in this article, visit www.coloradocoalition.org (CCH); www.urbanpeak.org (UP); www.denverrescuemission.org (DRM); www.mdhi. org (MDHI).
SWIFT
Joeenkson2397@gmail.com
TQuincy Quincy Jones Jones
he mastermind and maestro behind some of the world’s greatest musical compositions has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of versatility and veracity along with an extraordinary catalog of iconic work.
Quincy Jones, one of the most influential figures in the history of music, helped shape genres from jazz to pop as a composer, producer, arranger and musician. With contributions extending far beyond the confines of the recording studio, his chronicled achievements are heavily intertwined with his dedication to community service and advocacy.
On Saturday, Nov. 16, the prolific musician was celebrated for his involvement with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) at the organization’s annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show. Dressed in their finest, hundreds gathered at the Sheraton Downtown Denver in
By Ruby Jones
support of the work Jones championed since the early 2000s.
The Early Years
Born March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Quincy Delight Jones faced a number of challenges early in his life. His father, Quincy Jones Sr., abandoned his family when he was a child, leaving his mother, Sara Frances, to raise him and his siblings in a segregated environment brimming with racial prejudice.
The deserted matriarch was later institutionalized and diagnosed with schizophrenia, leaving Jones and his younger brother, Lloyd, to be raised by their father, who remarried, relocated to Washington and went on to raise eight children with his new wife.
After World War II, the family moved to Seattle, and 10-year old Jones began to play the trumpet – a hobby which quickly became a source of solace and an escape from his turmoil-filled reality. He attended Garfield High School, where he refined his instrumental and
musical arrangement skills alongside schoolmate and acclaimed pianist, Ray Charles.
By the age of 14, he was performing with local bands, eventually joining the National Reserve band. He attended Seattle University in 1951, then went on to attend the Schillinger House (now Berklee College of Music) in Boston.
In 1953, Jones left Boston headed on a tour of Europe, where he flourished away from the oppressive social landscape of the United States. He returned to New York in 1954 before heading back out on a world tour with jazz musician, Dizzy Gillespie. Upon his return, he played and arranged music for Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Dean Marson and Johnny Carson to kick start his professional production career.
Jones’ early introduction to the world of music exposed him to business workings behind the scenes, while catapulting him into a status of epic proportions.
The Catalog of Q
“Sanford and Son,” “The Cosby Show,” and “Mad TV.”
Throughout the 1960s, he produced music for some of the world’s most famous singers, in addition to releasing instrumental hits like “Soul Bossa Nova.”
In the 1970s, he produced the soundtrack for The Wiz, and forged a relationship with the late Michael Jackson, producing famed albums, “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad.” Jackson’s monumental success propelled his career to even higher heights, making him one of the most powerful producers in the music industry.
In the 1980s, Jones gained credits as a film producer for The Color Purple, winning an Oscar nomination for one of his scores. In response to widespread famine in Ethiopia, he arranged a star-studded fundraiser recording of the song “We Are the World.”
An early experience of arrangement and composition prepared Jones for a colossal breakthrough into motion picture scores.
In 1961, he became the first Black vice-president of Mercury Records. He composed the first of nearly 40 movie soundtracks in 1964, with The Pawnbroker.
By 1965, he was in high demand, with more than a dozen film credits. He composed theme songs for popular television shows including
Quincy Jones Productions was born in 1990, with a 10-picture deal with Warner Brothers and a two-series deal with NBC for the television shows, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “In the House.”
“Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones,” outlines the bulk of his professional achievements and extensive discography including 40 albums and hundreds of song credits.
Still, for all of his efforts to amplify the magic of music throughout the world, Jones’ activism and advocacy solidify his status as a philanthropic hero.
The Man Behind the Music
Jones’ activism was ignited during the Civil Rights Movement, and he used his platform to advocate for racial equity and social justice around the globe.
He supported the creation of the Institute for Black American Music (IBAM), the Chicago Black Arts Festival, Quincy Jones Workshops and the Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation, which increased access to music education for youth.
During his career, he dedicated time and resources to several other organizations, including Jazz Foundation of America, where he helped save the homes and lives of elderly jazz and blues musicians who survived Hurricane Katrina.
With an early childhood marred by unfortunate circumstances, Jones encountered difficulties throughout his adulthood. In the 1970s, he developed a brain aneurysm, and after two surgeries he was unable to play the trumpet again.
Despite retiring the instrument that paved the way for his success, he received immense recognition for seven decades of work. He was celebrated with 28 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award and a Tony Award. Though he never won an Academy Award, Jones was nominated seven times, won the Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award and will receive an Academy Honorary Award posthumously in 2025.
The litany of honors and awards reflect the way he revolutionized music, but his involvement in efforts to improve the lives of people living with Down syndrome are even more remarkable.
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Jones met John Sie, founder and chairman of Starz Entertainment Group, LLC, while producing music in the cable television industry. The two became dear friends or “brothers from another mother,” as he used to say.
In 2005, Sie and his wife Anna established the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, which originally supported the University of Colorado’s Sie Family Down Syndrome BreakThrough Research Initiative and several other art and cultural facilities throughout the state of Colorado.
When the Sies’ daughter, Michelle Whitten, gave birth to her first child, who received a diagnosis of Down syndrome, Jones pledged his support and reassured his good friend, telling him that his newborn granddaughter was a gift who could do a lot of good in the world.
Upon learning that Down syndrome received the least funding of any genetic condition, he devoted the rest of his life to advocacy. He became an international spokesperson and ambassador
for Global, co-founded by Sie and Whitten in 2009.
Each year, Global welcomes supporters and people with Down syndrome to the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show to raise funds for groundbreaking research and improved medical care. Celebrity chaperones walk the runway with children who have Down syndrome, and the joyful atmosphere is unmatched.
Named for the monumental impact he made to Global, this year’s Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award recipients included Hunger Games actress Sofia Sanchez, and Champions star Woody Harrelson, who received a standing ovation following his speech at the event.
“In a world that often feels divided, I believe Global and everyone in this room are an example of how people who are differently-abled bring us together,” said Harrelson.
Remembering an Icon
“We are so honored and humbled to have Quincy as our spokesperson,” said Sie, as he walked the red carpet. “We expanded our whole universe –in terms of support and help –we are eternally grateful for Quincy’s advocacy and commitment, and for being forefront in supporting the organization.”
“My dad has actually been taking it really hard. We are dedicating tonight to Quincy. …We could not do this without him,” added Whitten, noting that the musical genius’ involvement gave her family the confidence to vigorously pursue Global’s mission.
Jones took his last breath on Nov. 3, and while Global ambassadors and supporters mourned his absence at the fashion show, the event – which raised $2.5 million – called attention to the tremendous humanitarian efforts he made in his lifetime, with a bittersweet thank you and a heartfelt farewell.
We Make a Great Team
Dr. Janice Jarrett. O.D
Quincy Jones with Michelle Whitten and DeOndra Dixon (Jamie Foxx’s sister) . Quincy Jones with John and Anna Sie
James Coleman for President
Senator James Coleman has represented Colorado residents as a member of the Colorado General Assembly for nearly a decade. While in office, he has sponsored over 30 pieces of legislation in support of families, business, education and equity. On Friday, Nov. 8, the
young age of 13. He preached at churches throughout the Metro Denver area throughout his youth before attending Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
support for the completion of financial aid applications.
In 2019, Coleman passed legislation that increased transparency among law enforcement, in addition to supporting police reform. In 2020, he passed a bill mandating the creation of a centralized web portal for state regulations, supporting business startups and ongoing operations.
By Ruby Jones
bold, charismatic leader was elected to serve as president of the Colorado Senate, becoming the second Black man in history to take on the significant role.
Coleman for Colorado Born and raised in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood, Coleman became licensed and ordained as a minister at the
In 2016, he was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives, where he served as vice-chair of the Business Affairs and Labor Committee and sat on the House Education and House Appropriations Committees. In his early political career, he was the youngest member of the state legislature, representing northeast Denver in District 7.
The passionate leader quickly rose in notoriety as a supporter of youth and education, and sponsored bills that supported Colorado classrooms with funding and culturallyresponsive interventions. He also created a program for STEM students, and attempted to improve retention rates with dual-enrollment classes and
As a State Representative, he also passed legislation affecting student athletes, federal benefit recipients, incarcerated individuals, the cannabis industry and the economic health of community members impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
During the 2021 general election, Coleman was elected to the Colorado Senate, and for three years he has worked diligently to continue his legacy of impactful leadership as someone who creates opportunities for all Coloradans.
“Grounded in integrity and an unwavering passion for
democracy to serve the people, the Senator has delivered on promises and navigated effectively through divisive issues to produce consensus-built results for Colorado communities,” reads his website, ColemanforColorado.org
Making good on his promise to deliver solutions through policy, he has served as Colorado Senate president tempore since 2023.
Since his election to the Colorado Senate, he has served as chair of the Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. He sits on the Senate Appropriates, Legislative Council and Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committees, and is the vice-chair of the Black Legislative Democratic Caucus. Despite his numerous obligations and busy schedule, he remains highly supportive of community organizations and accessible to his constituents.
In addition to passing legislation for recidivism reduction, youth sports and education, Coleman has played an integral role in the introduction of several pieces of legislation that have advanced Colorado’s communities of color. In 2022, he sponsored a bill establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday, and in 2024, he sponsored a bill creating a racial equity study to evaluate the ongoing effects of slavery and systemic racism on Black Coloradans.
Rising to the Occasion
Coleman’s election as Colorado Senate President took place during a virtual meeting one blustery autumn morning as politicians and peers watched.
Majority Caucus Chair, Senator Janet Buckner, introduced her colleague and shared a glowing nomination with the governing body and audience.
“It is my privilege and personal honor to nominate James Rashad Coleman for President of the Senate. I have known James since he was in high school. My husband was his principal,” she began.
“James understands how important personal growth is, and he has consistently worked on his personal growth as long as I have known him. He is going to work on the united growth of our caucus. That is a priority for him.”
Before the uncontested election, Buckner continued, “James leads with understanding, collaboration, humility and a sense of humor. He drives to your senate districts to observe how your Senate district looks and feels. He checks on your families and checks on you and he is one of a kind. He knows the rules and the process and intricacies of the position and I have no doubt how capable and ready he is, and that day has come.”
“He has been preparing for this important role his whole life. That day has come.”
After the vote, Coleman glowed with pride as he shared his commitment to lead the senate – and the people – with intentionality, objectivity and empowerment.
“I will work hard to make sure that you are seen, supported and promoted,” he told the Democratic caucus. “No one will out-serve me serving you. We’re a family. We will show the country why Colorado is special and continues to be a model.”
A President for the People
Coleman represents Colorado Senate District 33, which includes Five Points, Whittier, Park Hill, Central Park, Northfield, Montbello, Green Valley Ranch and Denver International Airport. Overall, the district is home to over 160,000 people. On Nov. 5, he was re-elected by his district in a race against Republican Max Minnig, with over 80% of the vote.
Since his reelection and victorious promotion, community
organizations and individual supporters have taken to social media to congratulate the senator and share their admiration for his political career.
On Nov. 24, the Colorado Black Round Table joined forces with Colorado Black Women for Political Action, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission, the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance, the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, Justice for Black Coloradans and the NAACP State Conference to present a community roll call and salute for Colorado’s new State Senate leader.
Coleman’s history-making promotion is an indication that his leadership in Colorado will likely extend to the national stage in years to come. For now, his dedication to Colorado’s 33rd Senate District and the entire governing body is an assurance that residents are in very good hands. .
Local innovator creates global solution for food waste while fostering community connections.
By Stacy Narine
s the holiday season draws near, and food becomes central to family and social gatherings, a question looms: What happens to all the surplus food after the festivities?
The Hungree App is stopping food waste, with a transformative platform that addresses food insecurity while fostering community connections.
A Heart for Curing Hunger
Launched by Colorado resident and Nigerian-born innovator John Akinboyewa, the mobile app connects food providers with people in need in real-time, all within a specified geographical area.
Individuals and providers ranging from restaurants to offices, hotels and educational institutions are invited to list surplus food, which recipients then claim for pick-up – all through the app.
Akinboyewa’s mission is simple yet powerful – to eliminate food waste, combat food insecurity and strengthen community bonds.
The Colorado School of Mines graduate has always been driven by a desire to serve communities, but financial security experienced during his college career inspired him to create a solution for a problem
he could directly relate to.
“I’d dig for change to buy food, only to find free pizza leftover from an event across campus,” he recalls, explaining that he could barely afford to purchase fast food from the value menu. He watched as surplus food left over from campus events was wasted, considering his own hunger and willingness to eat the perfectly edible food had it been offered.
After graduating with a degree in electrical engineering, he decided to focus on an entrepreneurial way to bridge the gap between leftover food and individuals looking for their next meal. His innovation, derived from his mother’s entrepreneurial influence, inspired him to develop the Hungree App.
Akinboyewa and a small team of developers started building the app last year, with a vision for global impact.
where hungries can retrieve the food without disrupting the providers’ workflow.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that no human being ever wastes food again,” he shares.
How Hungree Works
The mobile app is available on Android and Apple platforms, and operates with two roles: “providers” and “hungries.”
Providers are those offering food – they list surplus food items, specifying the time frame when it will be available for pickup.
Hungries are those seeking food. The app allows hungries to set location-based notifications, and when food is available they are able to submit a pickup request.
Once a request is accepted, the app reveals the pickup location
The entire Hungree system is designed to ensure a seamless posting and delivery system, allowing users to alleviate hunger with efficiency, dignity and minimal waste. However, users are encouraged to exercise good discretion and conduct pickups with caution.
Overall, the ease of use is perfect for corporate meetings and events, private parties and even
big restaurant chains, which can donate unused meals and ingredients at the close of business instead of dumping good food into trash bins.
Growth for Good Hungree has gained significant traction; the app boasts thousands of users despite minimal marketing. However, its success has not come without challenges. With a team of less than 10, the business side of Hungree operates on limited funding, relying on contractors and campus ambassadors for support.
Akinboyewa is actively seeking investments to help scale the platform, in the hope of reaching millions more within the next three years.
Expansion plans include partnership with delivery services to alleviate mobility issues and get good food into the hands of those most in need. In future phases, the app will allow for innovative new features, such as the ability to list compostable items for use by community gardens.
Beyond its immediate impact, Hungree also aligns with local, national and global sustainability goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its potential to mitigate food waste, reduce environmental pollution and address social issues like hunger and isolation positions it as a game-changer.
It Takes a Village
The concept of “villages” forms the heart of the Hungree App. Inspired by the concentric communities found in Nigerian culture, the app groups neighborhoods, apartment floors, offices and charitable organizations into “villages,” for pickup.
Organizations like Hope House Colorado, a support network for teenage mothers, have already joined the app as dedicated villages where members can access food listings tailored to their needs.
The app’s features allow users to identify specific villages where they would like excess food or compostable items to be shared. It also includes safeguards to prevent misuse, such as limits on how often a user can accept items and AI-powered recommendations for optimized distribution.
Currently available in eight languages – English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Turkish, Italian, Korean and Arabic – the app is poised to reach more than 100 languages by Spring 2025. Its user base spans five countries, including the United States, Nigeria, Colombia, Libya and India. Each region’s growth reflects a combination of local engagement and word-ofmouth promotion.
Hungree’s multilingual capability ensures inclusivity, even in regions with diverse linguistic needs.
“By March, there will be no language in the world where Hungree cannot be used,” says the app’s creator confidently.
More Than a Meal
The Hungree App addresses more than just food waste. Its impact spans multiple socioeconomic factors – it reduces pollution, alleviates social isolation, and combats stigma around food insecurity.
By allowing anonymous sharing and targeted surplus distribution, the app bridges gaps for individuals who might avoid food banks due to social barriers.
In California, the app aligns with Senate Bill 1383, legislation mandating the redistribution or composting of surplus food. By offering a simple, affordable solution for restaurants, it could help businesses avoid hefty fines while contributing to a sustainable ecosystem.
Akinboyewa and the team of Hungree developers envision a world where anyone can access free meals – anywhere, anytime. Their commitment to affordability ensures the app will always remain free for basic use, with optional premium features for businesses.
What started as a simple idea has grown into a global movement. Whether redistributing surplus rice in Vietnam or saving burritos from the trash
in Denver, the Hungree App empowers individuals to turn waste into sustenance, and isolation into connection.
A Call to Action
As the holiday season approaches, Akinboyewa urges communities to embrace Hungree.
“We love to see each and every person engaged with this free and easy-to-use platform. Together, we can change the world.”
For providers and hungries, downloading the Hungree App is the first step toward making this holiday season – and every season – a little brighter for everyone.
The Hungree App is available for download by individuals and organizations around the world, putting the cure for world hunger directly into humanity’s hands..
Editor’s note: To learn, visit www.thehungreeapp.com.
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE
Prosperity Denver Fund Announces Major Impact Program Milestones
Fall 2024 Impact Report Shows Exponential Growth in Scholarship Funding with Addition of New Programs
Prosperity Denver Fund (PDF), dedicated to transforming lives through education and community support, proudly announces the latest results of its initiatives, awarding over 2,000 scholarships to Denver college students and expanding its network of partner organizations to serve more communities than ever before.
In comparison to the previous year, PDF’s Fall 2024 numbers show a 100% growth increase in the number of scholarships funded at over $15 million. A year-end report shows that additional organizations were served, and support services for over 17,000 students were underwritten with increased financing for credentials training programs.
“This year has been nothing short of transformative for Prosperity Denver Fund and our community,” says new PDF CEO, Rebecca Arno. “We’re distributing more resources than ever to fund futures for Denver’s young people, and we’re just getting started.”
“This momentum is a testament to our mission’s power, and we’re committed to amplifying our impact in the years to come.”
Expanding Partnerships for Greater Reach
In addition to supporting individual scholars, PDF strengthened its commitment to
community nonprofits by collaborating with – and serving –62 organizations in the Denver metro area – an increase of 48% since its inaugural funding year in 2020.
Since its inception, the organization has funded nearly 40,000 scholarships and credentials in addition to serving over 37,000 students with support services, with over $47 million distributed.
and supportive environment to explore post-secondary opportunities,” says Thaw.
“Throughout my college journey, my DSF Campus Advisor was an invaluable guide, helping me navigate both life and academics with the resources I needed to make the process much more accessible and manageable.”
SPECTRUM TALK
Organizations funded by PDF are at the forefront of providing essential services such as scholarships, career mentorship, educational resources and social support to underserved populations. Through these partnerships, PDF amplifies their impact, ensuring that whole communities benefit.
Partnership with Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is a prime example – particularly for students like Thaw Sue, an alum of that organization.
“The DSF Future Center provided me with an encouraging
PDF’s efforts to fund scholarships have helped students graduate from postsecondary programs without being overwhelmed by debt, while advisors have been instrumental in helping students focus on their academic pursuits and engage in campus activities.
Since PDF’s inception via voter approval in 2018, it has experienced massive growth in all areas.
“The fact that we’re able to fund the futures of more students than ever is directly related to the action taken by Denver’s City Council last year to expand the reach of the Prosperity Denver Fund. We’re
Student recipients of the Puksta scholarship funded by the Prosperity Denver Fund.
Photo by Brian Labra Vergara of PDF
now helping thousands of Denver residents ages 14 through 30 to consider what’s possible for their futures after high school - in both college and their careers. This means great things for our City’s economic future,” Arno says.
PDF now funds three programs: collegiate, high school support services and credentials and apprenticeships. Last year’s ordinance changes allowed for an expansion of eligibility guidelines to serve more Denver students, implement
new technology developments and assist the mission driven work of partner scholarship providers who spend countless hours serving Denver youth.
Additional New Programs
Contributing to the foundation’s significant growth was the addition of two new programs to PDF’s original Collegiate program:
The original Collegiate Scholarship and Support Services Reimbursement Program reimburses qualifying nonprofit organizations –referred to as Supporting Organizations – up to 75% for eligible scholarships and support services for two and fouryear collegiate programs.
The High School Support Services Program (HSSSP) provides reimbursements to qualified organizations for high school initiatives aimed at increasing postsecondary preparedness and enrollment among low-income Denver residents.
The Credentials Reimbursement Program reimburses qualifying nonprofit organizations up to 75% for eligible training and support service costs for learners pursuing registered apprenticeships, teacher training credentials, and industry-recognized credentials.
In the year ahead, the organization hopes to increase the number of scholarships funded even further, while providing the necessary resources to increase enrollment rates by DPS graduates into postsecondary pathways.
“We hope our efforts in 2024 not only continue to make an impact in driving down equity gaps in education, but also position us to reach 100% distribution of annual revenue in 2025,” Arno continues.
Editor’s note: To learn more about Prosperity Denver Fund email info@prosperitydenverfund.org or visit www.prosperitydenverfund.org
gift shopping and party planning, you can position yourself to find a dream home at a great value. Here’s why the holidays could be your ticket to homeownership and three ways to embrace the excitement of moving into a new space during the most wonderful time of the year:
The Holiday Housing Advantage
are often highly motivated to sell. Whether they’re relocating for work, finalizing tax strategies or simply aiming to close before the year’s end, these sellers are often more willing to negotiate. A report from ATTOM Data Solutions reveals that homes sold in December tend to close faster and at slightly lower prices than those sold during other months.
your first wreath on the front door or hosting a festive gathering in your new living room. Use your move as an opportunity to build traditions that reflect your unique journey.
Whether it’s decorating your space together as a family or enjoying a quiet holiday breakfast by your new fireplace, your first holiday season in your home will be one to remember.
Time to Buy a Home
Why the Holiday Season is a Perfect
By Barry Overton
As the year winds down and the festive season comes alive with holiday lights and cozy gatherings, many people put their home buying plans on hold, believing that spring or summer is the better time to make a move. But savvy buyers know that the holiday season offers unique opportunities to purchase a home – often with advantages that other times of the year can’t match. While others are focused on
In the world of real estate, timing is everything. Traditionally, the spring and summer months are peak buying seasons. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), approximately 40% of annual home sales occur between May and August. By contrast, the holiday months bring a noticeable slowdown in activity. This shift offers distinct advantages to buyers willing to make their move in November and December.
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, many prospective buyers delay their home searches until after the new year. This translates to reduced competition for homes on the market. According to Realtor.com, the number of active homebuyers typically drops by 30% during the holiday months, creating a more relaxed buying environment. You won’t have to face as many bidding wars, giving you greater negotiating power and peace of mind.
Homeowners who list their properties during the holidays
December also tends to feature some of the year’s lowest mortgage rates. According to data from Freddie Mac, mortgage rates often dip during the holiday season as lenders strive to meet annual targets. A small reduction in interest rates can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan, making a holiday home purchase even more attractive.
Statistics support the financial benefits of buying during the holiday season. A study by Zillow shows that homes sold in December typically sell for 1.2% less than their market value, while homes sold in spring often fetch premiums of 2.5% or higher.
Additionally, closing on a home before the end of the year can offer significant tax advantages, such as deductions on mortgage interest, property taxes, and even private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums. These deductions could reduce your taxable income and give you a financial boost heading into the new year.
Three Ways to Embrace Holiday Homeownership
If the thought of packing boxes and moving during the holidays feels daunting, it’s time to reframe the experience. Here are three ways to turn a holiday move into an opportunity for celebration and excitement:
Create New Traditions in Your New Home
There’s something magical about starting fresh during the holiday season. Picture hanging
Reap the Rewards of YearEnd
Financial Benefits
By closing on your home before Dec. 31, you can take advantage of valuable tax deductions. These savings might allow you to splurge on furniture, appliances or renovations to make your new space truly yours.
With these financial perks, the season of giving can also become a season of saving. Enjoy the Head Start on the Spring Market By purchasing a home during the holidays, you’ll avoid the surge of buyers who flood
the market in spring, driving up demand and prices. Instead, you can settle into your new home during the quieter months and enjoy the process of turning your house into a home. When spring arrives, you’ll already be unpacked and enjoying your investment.
A Holiday Gift That Lasts a Lifetime
Buying a home during the holidays is more than just a financial opportunity – it’s an emotional milestone. The joy of moving into a space you can truly call your own is amplified by the warmth and wonder of the holiday season.
Imagine stepping through the door of your new home, greeted by the scent of pine and the glow of twinkling lights. Whether you’re decorating your new mantel for the first time or unwrapping gifts in a space that finally feels like yours, a holiday move offers the perfect blend of nostalgia and new beginnings.
So, if homeownership has been on your wish list, there’s no better time to make it a reality. This year, give yourself the ultimate gift: a place to call home. And as the classic holiday tune promises, you’ll be singing, “I’ll be home for Christmas.”.
Editor’s Note: Barry Overton is a licensed Real Estate Broker Owner with the Super Agents Collaborative at eXp Realty. He has been an agent since 2001, and started investing in real estate in 1996. For more information, email: barrysellsdenver@ msn.com or call 303-668-5433.
Falling teardrops…
They fall for excitement. They fall for joy. They fall for compassion. They fall for anger. They fall for sadness. They fall for pain. They fall for love.
It is the morning after and snow has fallen, in addition to tears. As I sipped my coffee, they fell into my cup, one at a time, changing the taste of my amaretto flavored latte – from excitement to compassion, from joy to anger, from pain to sadness, and ultimately to love.
The tear of excitement reminded me of my trip to Chicago and the day Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the nomination to run for the President of the United States.
That tear emitted across the country from women like me – an African American woman who has observed several U.S. Presidential candidates and elections and witnessed civil rights, civil upheaval and civil pain.
The tear of compassion – for women who fear a loss of freedom for the rights of their body, for those who dream of owning a home without difficulty and for those who aspire to start their own businesses but now feel it is out of reach – dissipated into the swirl of the whipped cream. The tear of joy was full from the hearts of many – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Win With Black Women, Win With Black Men, White Dudes for Harris, White Women: Answer the Call, Artists for Kamala, Republicans for Kamala, Loud White Men for Kamala, The Indian American Impact Fund, The Bison PAC, Latinas for Harris, Native Women + Two Spirit for Harris, AAPI Victory Fund, Out For Kamala Harris LGBTQ+ Unity and many others.
In the shape of a star, the tear of joy glistened from across the country with Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, will.i.am, Mick Jagger, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Cardi B, Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin, Eminem, James Taylor, Stevie Nicks, Willie Nelson, Brittney Spencer, Margo Price, Cher, Marc Anthony, Lizzo, John Legend, Cardi B, Kesha, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young, Beyoncé and Tina Knowles
And a tear of joy was filled with Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Bill Clinton, Jill and Joe Biden, Michelle and Barack Obama, Tim and Gwen Walz and Doug Emhoff.
The relentless tear of anger was unsuspected, forcing contempt and confusion.
Numbers were confusing and shocked the nation - at least half of it. The tear was dark and blurred the lines of democracy. It blinded the non-supporters, those who turned a blind eye to truth and those who are still not yet woke. With a dim glimmer, the tear spelled why?
The tear of pain flowed through the veins of watchful ancestors. From a dream deferred to unquestionable hopefulness, the tear was deep and sharp and pierced the soul of many doubting the possibility of a brighter future.
The tear of sadness reflected the heartbreak in the tear-filled eyes of the young people disappointed by aspiration, the dishearten of women who once again was let down and the despair of others as business and development opportunities vanished.
The tear of love saw a full heart, filled with gratitude, faith, and strength and a spirit overflowing with love; it glowed.
“The light of America’s promise will always burn bright; as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting. The fight for our future will continue…”
– U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris
My cup was almost empty, but from the remaining drops of brown coffee, it radiated a thousand stars for a brighter future.
Rosalind “Bee” Harris, DUS Publisher November 6, 2024
Kicking Off the Holidays with Culturs
By Luciana
T
he global multicultural magazine, Culturs, is more than a publication – it’s an experience.
Taken from its website, “Culturs global multicultural lifestyle network includes a team of seasoned professionals in 17 countries.” The web-based network creates global experiences using media, products and experiences, and its audience of over 100,000 is connected by email, mobile, digital and print deliveries.
And why is the “e” missing from its name? The missing vowel represents the often-hidden diversities of Culturs’ audience.
Founded to amplify voices of underserved populations, it is an activation of 21st century cultural diversity, with content that sits at the intersection of social justice, geographic mobility and people of color.
Culturs in Colorado
Although a sudden snow storm in Denver prevented some special guests from traveling to the northern Front Range, attendees enjoyed a livestreamed podcast taping featuring Hollywood producer Email Pinnock and a discussion with Aldine about the breakthrough film, “Up North.”
Joining Pinnock was “Captain America: Brave New World” executive producer and screenwriter, Malcolm Spellman, who shared how he worked to transform Anthony Mackey’s new Captain America character ahead of the film’s highly-anticipated February 2025 release.
Rounding out the conversational trio was Jimmy Chris, who all talked about the shared production company, Genius in the Hood, which positively impacts communities through its support of youth.
Attendees and guests experienced Culturs and more at a pre-holiday extravaganza, presented by award-winning editor, writer, marketing professional, cultural fluidity expert and speaker, Doni Aldine. Held in November at the Elizabeth Hotel in Old Town Fort Collins, the one-of-a-kind experience featured networking, boutique shopping, a fashion show, a live podcast taping and a unique culinary experience with chefcreated beverage concoctions and meals.
The event offered opportunities to browse and shop highquality, soul-enriching Culturs products while tasting hors d’oeuvres and sipping on specially-crafted holiday cocktails.
Kenya-born designer, Koya Nyangi, presented a stunning fashion show while revealing to
audience members how African creativity fuels global fashion.
The special occasion centered around an engaging cooking experience and demonstration by Chef Alex Villar, who flew in from Madrid, Spain. As he whipped up an authentic, fivecourse paella menu with help from VIP guest participants, Villar explained how his Spanish background and upbringing in Mexico and Canada inspired his passion for food.
“Our family makes paella almost monthly, but we couldn’t pass up the chance to learn from a professional chef
from Madrid on how it’s truly done,” said attendee and Gomez Howard Group CEO, Gerri Howard.
“It was an unforgettable experience, featuring a variety of paellas that we got to help create – from seafood to meat, and even mushroom and truffle. Paired with authentic Spanish wine, Culturs Magazine, Chef Alex, and Doni Aldine truly outdid themselves in providing such an authentic culinary experience.”.
Editor’s note: For more information on Culturs: The Global Multicultural Magazine and Culturs Media Brands, visit www.cultursmag.com.
Prominent Denver DJs Working to Remove the Stigma Around Health Insurance
DJ Squizzy Taylor and DJ Ktone serve as ambassadors for Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado (CHC), the state’s official health insurance marketplace, started open enrollment for plan year 2025 on Nov. 1. This annual enrollment period offers Coloradans the opportunity to shop for new affordable health insurance plan options or renew current plans.
Coloradans who do not have access to health insurance from an employer or a government program have until Dec. 15 to enroll, in order to begin receiving benefits on Jan. 1, 2025.
DJs Squizzy Taylor and Ktone are using their platforms to spread the word to the Black community and young people that health care – especially health insurance – is “cool.”
DJ Ktone, founder and executive director of Ktone Cares Foundation, says his and Taylor’s goal is to help change the narrative.
“A lot of us didn’t grow up with health care or health coverage. If something happened, we were in trouble,” he says.
Having health insurance provides a safety net so that folks don’t end up in financial trouble
when they experience an injury or illness.
DJ Squizzy Taylor, founder and president of Celebrate Life Foundation, says the biggest misconception about health insurance is that it’s unaffordable. As an entrepreneur, Taylor didn’t have health insurance until he learned about (CHC) a few years ago.
“I found out that health care coverage can be very affordable,” he says. “As I’m learning about health insurance, I can share what I learn with others.”
According to Kevin Patterson, CHC CEO, three out of five customers enrolling during this year’s Open Enrollment are expected to find a plan for $10 or less a month.
The federal Inflation Reduction Act that provides enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credits remains in effect for 2025, allowing many Coloradans to receive financial help. That means about 81% of customers will qualify for financial assistance.
CHC offers an online Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool which allows new and current enroll-
DJs Ktone and Squizzy Taylor
ees to browse plans and get an estimate of financial aid.
The tool allows customers to “shop” for plans without having to create an account. In addition, a statewide network of certifiedbrokers and assisters who speak multiple languages is available to help customers determine which program is appropriate for them in 2025 –all free of charge.
“I want people to know that it’s easy to get health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado,” Ktone says. “Someone is always available to take your call and explain things in simple terms.”
For the 2025 plan year, six insurance companies are offering medical plans through CHC: Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Kaiser Permanente, Rocky Mountain Health Plans and Select Health. Additionally, dental and vision plans are available from several providers.
Both Ktone and Taylor encourage all Coloradans to take action and learn about the resources available to them.
“We only get one life, one body, so you might as well take care of it,” Taylor concludes. .
Editor’s note: To learn more about Connect for Health Colorado or receive enrollment assistance, call 855-752-6749 or visit www.connectforhealthco.com
John Celestand op-ed
Continued from page 3
In fact, why couldn’t Donald Trump make us slaves again?
“I feigned confidence that everything would be OK.”
He once called for the termination of the U.S. Constitution and has recently threatened to eradicate the Department of Education. I never thought he’d be able to empower an angry mob to storm the capitol building, smash windows, climb walls and look for members of Congress to maul. I never thought a convicted felon, found guilty of sexual abuse, could be elected President. I never thought a man who has verbally assaulted Women, Haitians, Africans, Detroiters and Baltimoreans, just to name a few, could again garner so much support.
Who was I to underestimate what Trump could now do?
So, I lied to my son. I lied about the safety of his friends. I feigned confidence that everything would be okay. An 11year-old deserves that lie, don’t they? Why should they walk around in terror, wondering when their friends, their friend’s parents or their teammates may be whisked away?
My son’s middle school has a 90% minority enrollment. My attempt to shield him from the scars of this country is futile in the grand scheme of things. These kids are approaching adolescence, and they are having conversations at school, on the bus, walking home from school and wherever else young minds begin to communicate about who their country really is. They have real fears.
So, I lied to my son
Yet, I can’t help but think about whether the lie or truth makes me a more responsible father. When he finds out the truth will he appreciate my lie, or hold it against me? Would telling him the truth better cement our relationship? Is it better for him to engage with his friends, knowing that some
of these relationships could be temporary?
“Even immigrants who come to this country eventually want to swim in the pool of anti-Black Americanness.”
Maybe I should just dive in and let him know that, as Black folks in this country, we may be on an island all by ourselves. Maybe I should tell him that Black people only make up about 14% of the population, and Black folks alone won’t be able to effect major change when it comes to voting. We will need other groups like white men, white women and Hispanic men to assist us in our quest for a decent, fair and equitable America.
Maybe I should tell him that with the results of this week’s election, all signs point to Black folks not getting enough support from those groups anytime soon. White men, white women and Latino men voted for Trump at 59%, 52% and 54% clips, respectively. Maybe I should tell him that even immigrants who come to this country eventually want to swim in the pool of anti-Black Americanness.
In the end, I made the right decision by lying to my son. I don’t think there is a need yet to expose my son to the fact that most of the country didn’t vote for Trump strictly due to policy. They voted for Trump to obstruct the browning of a changing America. It’s that simple. My son’s neighborhood friends and their parents represent a threat to Trump’s traditional and outdated ideas of what America is in its purest form.
I lied to my son because I love him. America will tell him the truth eventually because it doesn’t.
Editor’s note: John Celestand is the program director of the Knight x LMA BloomLab, a $3.2 million initiative that supports the advancement and sustainability of local Black-owned news publications. This article was originally published on Local Media Association’s Word in Black.
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