DUS June 2012

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR Volume 26 Number 3

June 2012

PUBLISHER Rosalind J. Harris

GENERAL MANAGER Lawrence A. James MANAGING EDITOR Sheila Smith

FILM and BOOK CRITIC Kam Williams

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angelle Fouther Angelia McGowan Martin Rios Sheila Smith Shaughnessy Speirs

The month of June is often the start of new begfinnings and a glimpse into what summer will bring.

It’s a popular month for weddings and honoring Fathers. We also celebrate Juneteenth – the oldest national celebration commemorating the end of slavery and the beginning of freedom.

Our feature cover story takes a look at the Juneteenth Festival now under the leadership of Norman Harris, Jr. and his team. He seems to be the best man for the job in rejuvenating the long-time Juneteenth celebration in Five Points according to writer, Shaunassey Spiers. This year’s festival will be designed as a music festival but will still include the African American culture experience attendees are accustomed to including soul food, ethnic wares, and live entertainment.

In June we also recognize Black History Month – originally proclaimed in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter to highlight the success of Black entertainers within the music industry. In 2011, President Barack Obama redefined the recognition as African American Music Appreciation Month.

Like in year’s past, we are recognizing some of Denver’s brightest and talented local artists to commemorate Black music.

I had the opportunity to talk with Neo-soultress and former American Idol contestant, Su Charles, hot funky jazz saxophonist, Tony Exum Jr., and the praise master on fire for God and gospel recording artist, Kenneth Walker. And summer intern Martin Rios, gives us a personal glimpse into the life of DJ KTone.

So enjoy this month’s issue while reading about how life is lived to its fullest by many and remember to appreciate the Godgiven talent that is all around us.

Sheila Smith Managing Editor

ART DIRECTOR Bee Harris

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Gillian Conte, The Creative Spirit Jody Gilbert, Kolor Graphix

PRODUCTION AND OFFICE ASSISTANT Cecile Perrin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Cecile Perrin

ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANTS Rodney Sturgeon WEB SITE ADMINISTRATOR Tanya Ishikawa DISTRIBUTION Glen Barnes Lawrence A. James Ed Lynch

The Denver Urban Spectrum is a monthly publication dedicated to spreading the news about people of color. Contents of the Denver Urban Spectrum are copyright 2012 by Rolado, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

The Denver Urban Spectrum circulates 25,000 copies throughout Colorado. The Denver Urban Spectrum welcomes all letters, but reserves the right to edit for space, libelous material, grammar, and length. All letters must include name, address, and phone number. We will withhold author’s name on request. Unsolicited articles are accepted without guarantee of publication or payment.

Write to the Denver Urban Spectrum at P.O. Box 31001, Aurora, CO 80041.

Office address is 2727 Welton St., Denver, CO 80205.

For advertising, subscriptions, or other information, call 303-292-6446 or fax 303-292-6543 or visit the Web site at www.denverurbanspectrum.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Timeless Legends Humbled And Grateful

Editor: What a terrific evening for the 25th anniversary of the Denver Urban Spectrum! Ed Dwight’s commemorative sculpture ranks in my top five awards, along with the Congressional Gold Medal. All of this due to your persistence in spreading the good word in our/and the broader community.

Continued success and a big thank you!

Editor: My sincere thank you to the Denver Urban Spectrum for 25 years of outstanding service to our community; and honoring me as one of your outstanding “Timeless Legends” for contributions made to the city and state.

The celebration was wonderful, and I felt very honored to be awarded a Timeless Legend with 24 other women who have made and are still making many contributions to help improve the quality of life for all citizens.

The Denver Urban Spectrum’s commitment to spreading the news about people of color for the past 25 years, and being on the cutting edge of critical issues, have made essential differences in how the Black community receives news.

Keep the good work!

Again, thank you Bee, to all of your staff and all the African American women who have gone before us and opened the doors for many of us. We are appreciative and Blessed.

High hopes for the future.

Carlotta Walls LaNier Member of the Little Rock Nine 2012 DUS Timeless Legend

Editor: I am so humbled to have been in the presence of the “Timeless Legends” honored by the Denver Urban Spectrum on April 28, 2012.

I congratulate each of them for the knowledge, leadership, care and compassion they have shared over the years.

Bee, I congratulate the DUS for 25 Years of keeping us aware and informed about issues and concerns that affect our lives, as well as, introducing people of interest. The dedication of the bookcase in your honor at the Blair Caldwell African Research Library will constantly remind me of the impact you are making in the communities of Color. And to see the Honorary Doctorate bestowed on you was a well deserved honor that you have earned.

I do not have words to express how I feel about the honor of being named one of “25 Timeless Legends,” but, I do know that when you are chosen to do a work to make a difference in the world, you do not stop when you retire. I will continue to live up to this honor by making efforts to bring about change or influence to those in

Gloria Tanner Former State Senator 2012 DUS Timeless Legend

Editor: Congrats on the 25th Anniversary Celebration. My sister Debra told me the Dinner was incredible and I am sorry I had to miss it. Again, congrats on all you have done for our community!

Take Care.

The Honorable Elbra Wedgeworth 2012 DUS Timeless Legend

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need while I travel my journey through life.

With Sincere Thanks,

Hazel J. Whitsett 2012 DUS Timeless Legend

Editor: I want to thank you so much for selecting me for the most honorable honor. I enjoyed the event and I appreciate our friendship. The event was elegant and I am proud of being a part of it. I will always celebrate your success. Thanks again!!

Selena L. Dunham 2012 DUS Timeless Legend

Gala Attendees Thankful

Editor: Thanks for a delightful evening at Urban Spectrum’s 25th anniversary Celebration. It was so well -organized and entertaining. I enjoyed everything.

Robbie Bean Denver, CO

Continued on page 34

Denver Urban Spectrum Department E-mail Addresses Denver Urban Spectrum

DenverUrbanSpectrum@urbanspectrum.net

Publisher Publisher@urbanspectrum.net Editor Editor@urbanspectrum.net News & Information News@urbanspectrum.net

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A

Breathing New Spirit into Juneteenth: Norman T. Harris and the People of Juneteenth Music Festival

round this time in 1865, a crowd was gathering in hot and humid Galveston, Texas, where an unburdening was taking place. Hundreds of years of history of enslavement were falling away in the light of June 19 in Galveston, and a greater thing was replacing them: the simple words of a single document, an emancipation; words that took a full two years after their issue to reach the ears of those who awaited it most.

Every year since then, black communities, starting in Texas and sweeping across the nation, have celebrated this liberation with the holiday marked Juneteenth – a portmanteau of June and “nineteenth.” This will be the 147th anniversary of the day, which has become a state holiday or official observance in 41 states. As it is today, Juneteenth is a testament to the tenacity of the communities that honor it year after year; despite the hard work it often took to keep Juneteenth celebrations alive, it still persists, a yearly reminder of the burden of slavery and equally a celebration of freedom.

This Juneteenth, in Five Points, that theme of longevity seems to be on many people’s minds. Some are concerned with keeping businesses and patrons interested in the Five Points neighborhood once the festivities have ended. Norman T. Harris has an ambitious five-year plan for the celebration.

Denver’s Juneteenth has a history of drawing crowds of thousands. In his vision for the holiday, Harris seeks not to match the success of previous years, but to exceed it and to lay a foundation for more expansion.

An informational meeting for the event takes place in the drafty, eclectic Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, where murals of famous jazz musicians painted in bluescale don the

By Shaughnessy Speirs

2012 Juneteenth Music Festival Team Photo by Visions of Quote

“Last year, we really made a push to try to add some value to the festival,” he said, “and we just weren’t able to coordinate that. Probably midFebruary, Leslie (Juniel) had sent me an email and pretty much just said, ‘if you wanna do it, run with it.’”

As an event coordinator for the Friends of Blair Caldwell AfricanAmerican Research Library, the foundation responsible for the festival planning since 2008, Leslie Juniel, for the last few years had the responsibility of planning Photo by the celebration.

Visions of Quote But in 2012, she handed the planning over to Harris. In an email, she said that she was ready to simply “focus on the future, and continue to build on what has already been a successful four years.”

Norman T. Harris stands on one of the five historic corners creating theFive Points.

Navigate to the previous Harris has been attending Juneteenth website, and only an error Juneteenth since he was a little kid. page appears, tersely informing the “I’ve literally grown up on this street,” viewer that “there is a new committee he says of his connection to the neighfor Juneteenth this year.” Juniel’s borhood, in which he has seen silence on the subject suggests that Juneteenth festivals come and go, there may have been differences that some more energizing than others. “I led to her separation from the planremember Juneteenth when it was six ning, and Harris comes close to condays long and the whole community firming this, going so far as to say, “It was involved,” he said, reminiscing wasn’t a warm handoff. And that’s about what the holiday was like when just the truth.” he was a little tyke.

But with Juniel’s blessing, Harris Up until last year, Harris had only took over Juneteenth and set to work. been a vendor at the Juneteenth festiHe started Juneteenth Music Festival, val, but with his years of business LLC, headed by himself, Miguel experience and his knowledge of how Taylor, and Jermaine Blackman, who great Juneteenth had been and could introduces himself only as J.B. These be again, he recognized more potential guys diffuse a youthful exuberance than what was happening and wanted into the room around them, where to see it happen. people can’t help but absorb it. The

walls and crystal chandeliers hang over the stage. Norman Harris stands in front of the stage, not on it, as he levels with the twenty-or-so Five Points denizens about his plans and his needs.

Harris is a good man for this job.

He has the perfect balance of the youthful ambition needed to take on an enormous project like this and the seasoned experience of someone who has been raised on this celebration, in this neighborhood. His grandfather raised him here, taught him to count in a family-owned liquor store. His family, he points out, also owns the Wise Arms apartment building where we are talking, and his grandfather wouldn’t sell it “for 10 million dollars.” He remembers what Juneteenth was like when he was a little tyke. As a leader for this year’s planning of the celebration and the vision for the event going forward, Harris is an intuitive choice. He has years of business experience and has worked with big events like this, such as the Dragonboat Festival and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. He is at home in Five Points; he is enthusiastic. Folks seem to like him and they respond when he asks them for help. He makes things happen.

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vision of this company starts with this year’s Juneteenth celebration, but it certainly won’t stop there – not while there is development yet to be done in Five Points that Harris can help accomplish. He calls the Juneteenth celebration the “first level of our business operation.”

In years past, Juneteenth has been characterized by a coming-together of local businesses, initiatives, and people. Live music, Sunday service, vendors of food and wares, and, of course, the parade has all become staples, drawing new visitors every year.

This year, things will be a little different, and hopefully, even better.

The entertainment lineup boasts 10 hours of live music during the two day event. There will be numerous musical acts in different venues, such as Hot Lunch, a Denver-based contemporary funk band; the incomparable Hazel Miller, jazz vocalist, and her band; Ron Ivory; Gumbo le Funque; and Soul School, among others. One of the biggest draws this year is likely to be the festival’s headliner, the iconic funk band The Ohio Players.

Artists will be spaced in between the vendors, exhibiting their work along the 2600 block of Welton Street, as well as the Coffee at the Point and Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom.

The centerpiece of the celebration remains the parade, beginning at Manual High School at 9 a.m. and proceeding down toward Welton Street. Mayor Michael Hancock, Denver’s second ever African American mayor and a Manual alumni, is slated to give a speech again this year. “We’ve got two young ladies with the Northeast Tigers, which is a football and cheerleading organization – they’ve been in the parade the last few years and they’re kind of heading the organization of it,” Harris explains.

“One of the sisters has been in parades and marches her whole life.

She explained some of the challenges and the opportunities from last year.”

By combining the expertise of the Northeast Tigers and the creativity of the organizers, they hope to make the parade something truly special this year.

Ideally, Harris says, it would be a more inclusive event all-around. “We want people holding signs,” he adds, “signs that say things like ‘love’, ‘strength’, ‘solidarity’, like a real march.”

Young people were an important part of the planning equation for Harris. “I was at the Absolute Word Church last week, and I asked everyone under 18 to stand up. Of the 30, I asked how many knew what Juneteenth was. And two kids stood up. One of them was my son, and he could probably tell you about Juneteenth better than I can,” Harris

jokes. “That’s why we’re doing this.

We have to tell that story. What we’re literally doing is passing the torch and that’s what our community is struggling with.”

To that end, this year’s Juneteenth festival will have new roles for young people, including being vendors. They will be allowed to sign up for their own booths, pay a reduced vendor rate, bring in their own wares to sell, and make their own money – effectively running their own business from right there at the festival, inspiring them to participate in the rejuvenation of this neighborhood. All of this is in the name of getting youth involved with not only the festival,

but the Five Points community, and teaching them how to run their own businesses in the same place that Norman Harris learned to run his.

Juneteenth has always relied on a spiritual element, and the importance of the Sunday service is deeply ingrained in the essence of this entire event. To bring together the aims of creating a sense of inclusivity and maintaining the presence of spirituality, Bishop Jerry Demmer of the Absolute Word Church will hold a nondenominational service, which he and Harris hope will draw celebrants regardless of denomination or faith.

Norman Harris grew up here in Denver and remembers a past that

had a greater sense of community. He wants to energize people to making the festival bigger, even more than it was. He wants to see it go from one street to 12 blocks, to see people and vendors spilling over into side streets, see children holding hands with their parents and watching the parade, buying all the delicious food, and mainly seeing families from different faiths, denominations, backgrounds, and colors standing together on the Five Points pavement. For Harris, it’s about bringing Juneteenth and its history back to the consciousness of the city, not just a coming-together, but a springboard from which greater heights become possible.

FIVE TIPS FOR BUILDING CREDIT

THIS IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Why is good credit important?

By Tom Spilman

Today’s economy relies heavily on credit. When you buy a car, take out a mortgage, or receive a student loan to pay for college, a company is extending credit to you. Your credit score determines how likely you are to repay your debt. Those with good a credit score (good credit) will be approved for many types of loans, often at much lower interest rates than those who have a poor credit score (bad credit). Banks often consider a number of 640 or higher as an acceptable credit score.

Good credit can be extremely beneficial in everyday life, too. Many employers conduct credit checks as part of the hiring process, to see if potential employees are financially responsible. Entrepreneurs need good credit to obtain small business loans. In addition, many landlords and utility companies run a credit check to ensure tenants can pay their bills.

Several types of actions can lead to “bad credit,” which can be very destructive. Failure to honor your debt and make payments on time hampers your ability to get future credit, and your actions will remain on your credit report for up to seven years. In addition, if you file for bankruptcy, it will stay on your credit report for ten years. A bad credit history can prevent you from purchasing a new car or home, or even financing your child’s education, and it damages your credit score.

How to build credit responsibly

While having bad credit can make financing the important things in your life extremely difficult, having zero credit can also put you at a disadvantage. Zero credit means you have little or no history of debt or of paying it back.

Many lenders refuse people with little or no credit history because there is no information to evaluate, and they can’t determine if the person is likely to pay them back. It is important to establish credit and start to build a strong, healthy history.

Here are five tips for building credit responsibly:

1. Open a secured credit card. A secured credit card often requires you to put down a deposit to provide assurance that you will pay your debt. Your credit limit is often equal to the amount you put down as your deposit. Unlike debit cards, secured credit card activity is reported to the credit bureaus.

2. Stick with one credit card. People who have multiple credit cards are more likely to use all of them, so pick one credit card with a low interest rate and stick with it. Also, look at establishing additional types of credit, especially installment loans, as these are considered “good debt.” Applying for too much credit, especially unsecured debt, as with credit cards, in a short period of time can be detrimental to building good credit.

3. Borrow or charge only what you can afford. Having good credit means consistently demonstrating you can pay back what you’ve borrowed. Essentially, you want to demonstrate to lenders that you are responsible. So start small and only charge what you can afford to pay back.

4. Pay on time and in full every month. The best thing you can do when building credit is to pay bills on time each month, without carrying a monthly balance. Make small purchases gas or groceries, for example which will make paying your bill in full each month easier. Waiting until the “grace period” to make payments may not result in a fee, but can be reported on your credit report as a slow pay and negatively affect your credit score. Missing or late payments can severely hurt your credit score, as well.

5. Check your credit score. Contrary to popular belief, checking your credit score does not lower it. Check it once a year just to ensure that your credit is properly building. It is also good to check for any mistakes or fraudulent activity.

Credit cards are the most common way to build credit — they are not the only way. Car payments, mortgages or personal loans are also ways to establish credit without ever opening a line of credit. Anything that demonstrates stability and economic responsibility is a great way to establish good credit.

Again, the important thing is to be responsible in your decisions and actions, because securing access to credit should be about the big picture — establishing a stable financial footing that will help you build a better life for yourself and those you love.

To learn more about important financial basics, talk to your banker or sign up for KeyBank’s free classes. You can find a class near you by stopping into your local KeyBank Plus branch, or calling 1-800-KEY2YOU. KeyBank Plus is a suite of financial solutions that includes low-fee check cashing, money orders, and free financial education.

You don’t need to be a customer to take advantage of KeyBank Plus. We welcome you and look forward to helping you.

About the author: Tom Spilman is President of KeyBank Colorado and is committed to helping local residents achieve financial success.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

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Intensifying and Mesmerizing

SuCH

NeoSoultress

By Sheila Smith

She’s one bad sistah! Those

words were spoken by many who

attended the CD release party on May 5 at Cool Rivers Café for neo-soul

singing star on the rise, Su Charles.

The artist who’s stage name is SuCh (pronounced as “such”), had her sister locks in place slightly swooped to the side, wearing a black dress with red stripes that included splashes of turquoise, pink and yellow with long dangling silver earrings that further highlighted her being the new diva on the block. She then belted out songs from her title release CD “Stretch Marks” to those who packed Cool River Café in support of this local Denverite.

As host of the CD release party, fashion designer and businessman, Chris Christmas asked the crowd, “Who said major talent is not in this city?”

SuCh made her national debut when she tried out for season 11 of American Idol, which she finished 98 out of 112,000 contestants. She received that golden ticket to the Hollywood auditions but didn’t make the cut to continue onto the semi-finals.

“People had been telling me to try out,” she said about American Idol.

“It was the first time stepping out and doing something different. It’s a big platform, and I don’t do well with rejection.”

But the experience of being on American Idol only made her stronger and more determined to pursue her passion to sing.

SuCh may be a Denver transplant after being raised in New York and Boston. Her parents who are Haitian immigrants wanted to provide their children with a better life and established roots in the United States.

After the devastating earthquake that tore apart Haiti, SuCh traveled to her parent’s native homeland as a visiting nurse and helped provide medical care.

“Going to Haiti showed me how short life is and made me want to take music more seriously. I realized it was what I was called to do,” she expressed.

And she went out of her way to do benefit concerts to raise money for Haiti.

SuCh has never been one to stray from the church – a place of her musical beginnings of singing and directing choirs.

She currently attends Cure d’ Ars Catholic Church in Denver and sings in the choir.

“Music for me,” she explains,” is a way to get my emotions out.

After giving birth to her son, Sael Arcani Charles, who is now 15 months old, also gave her more inspiration to continue her life-long dream of singing. “I gave birth to my son and it was like something snapped inside me and made me start reprioritizing my life, what matters to me and that was music.”

Now with the release of her first CD, “Stretch Marks,” SuCh is planning to hit the road and do some minitours on the east coast and in Los Angeles.

She also is blessed to have a supportive husband, Jodel Charles, who is an accomplished musician in his own right. He plays the keyboards for SuCh’s band and produced the tracks on her CD. When SuCh thinks about artists who have influenced her the most it would be the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin and R&B award-winning artist Jill Scott.

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“I think of them as my two musical moms. When they sing, it’s more than singing. They are so good at drawing people in and telling a story through their songs,” SuCh said.

She also has a fondness for British sensation and 2012 three-time Grammy award winner, Adele.

“Her lyrics are so poignant. You feel what she is saying like when Aretha and Jill sing. They touch your soul.”

Of course, SuCh hopes to do some future collaborations with other artists in the industry and would love to win her own Grammy one day. “To perform during the Grammys (award show) would be my ultimate dream come true,” she said with a smile stretching from ear to ear.

When she stepped behind the microphone at Cool Rivers Café, she gave everyone a glimpse of a superstar who is about to blow up.

She sang the first song called Innocence Lost from the CD. She explained to the audience how she wrote the song thinking about what children go through today. She had to ask the question when did children stop being children and deal with things that they shouldn’t.

Her second song called Mesmerized was written about a crush that she had on a person and never had the nerve to go speak to him.

She also told the story behind her CD title song “Stretch Marks” and how it is about those marks that everyone has. Women have stretch marks from childbirth and even men who have some kind of scar – each mark has a story to tell.

“We all have things we are ashamed of and look back at how it has stretched you beyond belief and then see the real beauty in them. For three days, I didn’t know if my inlaws in Haiti were dead or alive after the earthquake. I pursued my dream of singing on American Idol and heard “no” and knew I was still supposed to do this.”

And without hesitation, SuCh went into a poetic motion of singing: “Stretch Marks, Signs of pain and maturity. Past, present and future inked on skin….”

SuCh is definitely living proof that dreams can come true. She is quick to remind people that they should do whatever it is they are called to do and use that God-given talent.

Editor’s note: For more information on SuCh, visit her on Facebook, view her “Mesmerized” music video before Aug. 15 and support her social media campaign to get 100K Views, www.facebook.com/events /356818784380313/

FunkaPalooza Bringing Back The Funk With Cameo

Cedric Pride Entertainment and A Funk Above The Rest present A Hot Summer’s Night FUNKAPALOOZA! a groove and funk-filled event on June 30. The fun begins at 2 p.m. at the beautiful Infinity Park in Glendale, CO. Headlining the all-day music fest will be Cameo, celebrating more than 33 years of chart topping R&B hits and selling more than 17 million albums.

From the ‘70s to today, Cameo has been churning out trailblazing hits. The New York City-based band, led by drummer Larry Blackmon, debuted with a single called Find My Way on Chocolate City Records.

Larry Blackmon has been synonymous with CAMEO since the beginning of his career in the music industry, growing up in New York City, and digesting the sounds of the city streets.

The kind of non-stop activity that

Cameo

Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes

Lakeside

ative determined mind, spirit and dedication to MUSIC! As an accomplished writer, producer and director, Blackmon was one of the first to create theme-based videos

Blackmon creates has consistently propelled the across-the-board success that CAMEO has enjoyed for over three decades. Blackmon posses a cre-

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such as She’s Strange and Attack Me With Your Love; which used the acting genius of Laurence Fishburne, Debbie Morgan, and Ann Magnusum appearing in the clip. Blackmon has produced projects for several outstanding, chart topping artists including: Bobby Brown, Chaka Kahn, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall and 8 Ball & MJG, just to name a few.

Joining Cameo for this all day music event will be the legendary group Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, doing such well know hits as The Love I Lost, Bad Luck, If You Don’t Know Me

By Now, and more. Also appearing will be original lead vocalist Mark Wood, whose signature voice can be heard on such funk laced tracks from the group Lakeside including, Fantastic Voyage, Its All The Way Live, and Raid.

There will also be special guest appearances by Denver’s own Mary Louise Lee, Tony Exum, Jr. and Julius, The Man of 1,000 Voices.

This is an all ages concert show so bring your lawn chairs, sun screen, hats and blankets and get ready to get funked up.

Editor’s note: Early bird tickets are $35 for the first 2000 purchases. Thereafter, tickets will be $50. For ticket outlets and online purchases, visit: www.sjrmediagroup.com or call 1-877-321-1247

Fingers on one hand glide

across the keyboards while his other hand directs the choir. You hear his

voice soaring high above others from a high falsetto to a countertenor in

range. And you notice the choir fol-

lowing his every movement, expres-

sion and direction.

Kenneth Walker is more than the minister of music at the United Church of Montbello but also a walking testimony of what God can do.

Walker is working on hosting his second annual Father’s Day/Juneteenth Gospel Extravaganza on Sunday, June 17 featuring 10 professional gospel artists from the Denver area, along with various choirs and youth praise dancers.

He jokes about how large the turnout was at last year’s event, saying in his own southern charming way, “They were stacked and packed like sardines in a can and cockroaches in a Coca-Cola bottle.”

You can’t help but laugh with Walker whose sense of humor overwhelms you.

Tracing back to an East St. Louis, Ill upbringing, Walker grew up the youngest of 12 children. His mother was a Gospel solo artist who later turned the family into the singing group known as the East St. Louis Spiritual Wonders.

“We would sing and travel in different states and even recorded an album and a 45 record,” said Walker reminiscing back to those days at age five and the start of his gospel roots.

He said he first learned to play the guitar while performing with his family’s group, in addition to other instruments like the piano, banjo, harp and violin. He sang with the East. St. Louis Spiritual Wonders until 1982 and then went his separate way.

KENNETH WALKER:

Singing His Own Ministry

By Sheila Smith

Walker set sights of having a bigger career and sang for awhile with the East St. Louis Southern Harmonizers for a few years before venturing out and going solo in 1997.

Since then, he says he has written 3,587 original gospel songs and released a CD called “It Must Have Been Jesus” in 2007. Walker signed on with SIRRA Records in 2011.

Of course, trying to get down that heavenly road and pleasing God hasn’t always been easy for Walker.

When Walker first came to Denver, he was put up in a hotel by his then

producer. Unfortunately, Walker and his producer had a disagreement over musical styles and parted ways.

“He wanted me to also sing R&B secular music, and all I wanted to do was record and sing gospel. So he kicked me to the curb,” Walker expressed and that blow-up between the two landed him out on the streets and homeless.

“I survived by the grace of God. The hardest part besides being homeless was ending up in jail for something that I didn’t do,” he said.

Walker didn’t hesitate to explain how he was wrongly arrested on alleged sexual assault charges against his ex-wife.

After spending a year in jail, Walker was able to get the case dropped and was released from jail.

“I had no money, family or anybody to help me. And while I sat in jail all that time, I lost my father, brother, sister, aunt and my only son, who was 25 years old at the time,” Walker said with still sadness in his voice from a very difficult period in his life.

But Walker’s faith never wavered.

Soon after his release from jail, God began opening doors for him, from signing on with SIRRA Records to

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working with local playwright, Elvira Maxwell, on some gospel plays.

Walker also was the minister of music at Greater Union Baptist Church for a few years before moving on. Now, he has taken his talents to the United Church of Montbello, where the Rev. Dr. James Fouther, Jr. is pastor, and works up a frenzy of “hallelujahs” during those songs of praise to God. “I feel it’s a beautiful thing directing the choirs. And I love doing what I do….directing people in singing and praising God,” stated Walker.

And if you close your eyes and really hear Walker’s voice singing above everyone else’s, it’s like you’re listening to R&B soul singer Al Green –now the Reverend Green – belting out one of his hits like “Love and Happiness” with a gospel flair.

Walker admits that he hears that a lot about sounding like Al Green. His all time favorite R&B group just happens to be the Spinners. “The Spinners have that grass-roots soul sound. They also gave me what I was looking for when it came to stage performance and their unique style of music,” he said.

Walker was bred and fed on gospel music and stays true to his ministry.

That is why he continues to be a big fan of gospel greats like the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Staple Singers; and patterns himself after them.

He looks at how many of the young gospel artists today have their own style of spreading the word. But Walker is about keeping it real in his faith and music while thanking God every day.

Although it is getting more national exposure through the Internet, as well as being played on radio stations in California, Missouri, Illinois, and Colorado, Walker is working hard to promote his CD. And he continues to make his daughters proud, Erica who lives in Ohio and Ekimbria in Vancouver, Wash.

“I try to be versatile(as a gospel artist) and will keep writing songs and singing songs with a message that all ages, creeds and color will understand,” said Walker not deterred from his mission for God. Editor’s note: The Father’s Day/Juneteenth Gospel Extravaganza will be Sunday, June 17 at Absolute Word Church, 2575 Vine St., in Denver from 6 p.m. until. To view a video of Ken Walker, go YouTube and type in SIRRA Records. His video is the first one listed. For more information, call 303-297-0555.

Don’t Be Cheated Out Of Your Vote An elec-

Op-ed By Adam Dempsey tion is taking place in

Colorado on

June 26 and by the time you

read this story if you are not

registered and

active; you will not be able to vote. An

election is taking place in Colorado on June 26 and by the time you read this

story if you are registered but listed as inactive, you will not be able to vote.

However, you still have time to do

something about it.

Fortunately, the election on June 26 is a primary, so unless you are a member of a political party with two candidates vying for the same office in your district, it may not be necessary for you to vote anyway. However, this primary election does give you the opportunity to become prepared to insure you can vote in the November general election, as there are people purposely working to cheat you from your vote. In Colorado they are led by Republican Secretary of State Scott Gessler.

Gessler likes his nickname the Honey Badger stating to 5280 Magazine in its April issue, “the honey badger is really pretty badass. It has no regard for any other animal whatsoever.� “If I’m the honey badger, (the Democrats) are the poisonous snakes – and by the way, they get their heads bit off and the honey badger prevails,� he also stated. And this also includes independent voters who support Democratic positions and candidates he wants to bite as well.

Scott Gessler wants to strip Democrats and independents who support Democratic positions and candidates of their ability to vote. He had legislation in this session introduced and passed by Republicans to restrict voter identification requirements to only a driver’s license or state identification card. The legislation he wanted also removed the birth certificate, the only legal evidence you have that you are a native born American citizen, from being used as ID to register or to

vote. In essence, attempting to strip you of your citizenship - as citizens are the only persons the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act allows to vote in any elections. Fortunately, Democrats in the Senate stopped his extreme and radical attempt. “There was state legislation introduced trying to change some of the identification needed to vote but it has not passed,� stated Denver County Clerk Deborah Johnson.

In 2011, Gessler ordered County Clerks not to send mail-in ballots to anyone whose registration is inactive.

And without first alerting those legally registered voters they would not be receiving a ballot so they could activate in time. “The majority of inactive failed-to-vote in the state are unaffiliated (independent) voters,� said Amber McReynolds, Denver Director of Elections. As of May 1, of the 1,213,831 voters in the state listed as inactive, 43 percent, 526,283 are independents and 381, 616 are Democrats.

Unfortunately, many clerks did what Gessler wanted and those voters were cheated out of the election, despite the fact the County Clerks do not work for the Secretary of State.

County Clerks in Colorado are elected and thus are only accountable to their respective county, not the Secretary of State. Denver County Clerk Deborah Johnson mailed ballots to all registered voters anyway. Gessler has filed a lawsuit against her. “In this primary (June 26) state statute (law) states that we can send mail ballots to inactive registered voters. However in the general (election) we cannot,� Ms. Johnson indicated.

There are three primary ways a voter can be prevented from voting in Colorado. The first way is by not having voted in the last general election, which was 2010. Then your registration can be changed to inactive status and one must re-activate again to vote.

Second; by not updating your address, then your mail-in ballot is returned, not forwarded, nor will your identification match when you show up in person at the polls. City Clerk Deborah Johnson stated, “Even if you are a permanent mail-in ballot, you can be put on the inactive list. You will have to re-activate your registration to make sure you receive your ballot.� And, third, of course by not being registered in the first place which affects those who having moved here from out-of-state. “If you have moved in from out-of-state you must re-register for Colorado,� indicated Amber McReynolds.

The singular most effective way of fighting back against anyone wishing to cheat you of your ability to vote is by making sure you are registered and active, then utilizing that vote to send

them to a new line of work. What you do now includes the following; Perform a Personal Voting Checkup and do so at least three times before the November election. Three, yes three. First now to make sure all information is correct and you are an active voter. “You can activate up to Election Day, (however its) always better to make sure your address is current, (any) party affiliation is correct, and make sure you’ve got your information updated as early as possible,� adds Amber McReynolds.

Check status again in August to make sure all is correct while you have the time to change it again or reregister and check once more by October 1 as the last day to register is October 9 with mail-in ballots going out very soon thereafter. The second checks are necessary because those seeking to cheat your vote may find another way and either take you off or inactivate your status and you will not know unless you are vigilante regarding checking.

Access the website of the City and County of Denver at DenverVotes.gov or on the Secretary of State website and check your registration to make sure it is on file. When it comes up check two things; your voting status should say “active.� If not you must re-activate. “It’s the same process similar to your change of address. You must go in there (on line) and update the form and stating you want to be re-activated can be done in person, on the telephone or on the web,� indicated Johnson. Second; check your address to insure it is current and third, check your designation for a mail ballot. Receiving a mail-in ballot will assist to avoid any additional attempts to prevent you from voting and being targeted for the polls on Election Day. I also advise community organizations and church groups to hold registration check-up dates or meetings. Set up computers in the fellowship hall after service or at a meeting and assist

your members to check their voting status. This is not a registration drive which you must apply to the secretary of state, attend training classes and follow strict guidelines to do. Should a member find they are not registered or in inactive status, a registration form can be provided for the person to complete and return along with a model, to follow with the correct address or envelope to mail, but the voter must use their own stamp.

Because they must complete and file the form, it is not a registration drive.

Along with clothes and supplies for students headed off to college, also set-up a mail ballot for them as well on their back-to-school list. “If they are maintaining a permanent address in Colorado and they want to vote in Colorado, they can request a mail-in absentee ballot and provide their mailing address at school we will send one from Denver to their address at school,� indicated Amber McReynolds. “They also have the right to vote, based upon their address at school, so they can register to vote wherever they are going to school as well,� she continued.

And there is a new system in place to give Denver County voters the ability to track their ballots. “A new system called Ballot Trace. A voter can sign up to receive e-mail or text about where their ballot is in the process.

They can know when the ballot was printed, when it was delivered to the post office, when their carrier has it out for delivery, when they sent it back to us and know when we receive it,� Amber McReynolds added.

The saying is, if the shoe fits‌and frankly the Republicans across America are seeking to cheat independents and people of color from their votes - don’t let it happen to you here in Colorado.

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USDA Administrator Audrey Rowe Shares Concerns About The Health Of Low Income Families

By Sheila Smith

Audrey Rowe gladly leads the fight for access to affordable food products and services to lower income families and is taking the message of healthier diets to those underserved minority communities.

That is why her trip to Denver last month was so important.

Rowe who is the administrator of food and nutrition service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture was at the University of Colorado listening to the latest development on how research can help public policy – from a range of issues on obesity, nutrition, child and prenatal development to the WIC program pushing Omega 3 in foods as part of school lunch programs.

“It’s a great opportunity to have Audrey Rowe in Denver to see our programs in action and to meet with our partners. She brings a unique passion for fighting hunger and improving nutrition not just in Colorado, but across the country,” said Darlene Barnes, regional administrator for the USDA Food & Nutrition Service Mountain Plains Regional Office in Denver.

Rowe, however, also made her visit to Denver about awarding the state of Colorado an allocation to expand the EBT food stamp program to be used at farmers’ markets.

“Around 29 of 49 farmers’ markets will be awarded additional (federal) funds to buy these wireless devices that accept the EBT cards,” Rowe stated and “I will be working closely with Colorado to make sure more farmers’ markets do this. It’s a healthier avenue and way to get people to buy more fresh foods that are less expensive and help stretch their dollars.

“Many African Americans don’t always have access to markets that provide fresh fruits and vegetables in those urban areas where they live.

And this also includes the USDA working with the Wholesome Wave Initiative to provide voucher programs to those in poorer disadvantaged areas of Denver and other cities across the mid-west,” she said.

The Wholesome Wave Initiative fosters strong linkages between local agriculture and under-served communities to provide a more equitable food system for all people. A privately funded 501 (c) 3, the nonprofit organization reaches 25 states and is dedicated to supporting small to mid-size farms in providing fresh grown fruits and vegetables to anyone, regardless of income.

“It’s a minority health wave in trying to get individuals in those minority communities and women of households to think about eating healthier and creating a healthier lifestyle,” said Rowe.

“This is critical because of the high rate of diabetes, hypertension among African Americans. Unfortunately, it’s starting at a younger age, where we

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

10

are finding children with these diseases.”

President Barack Obama’s administration plans to place more federal funding in services geared toward helping homeless individuals, Rowe added. She said she participated on the homeless task force for national programs that will include more outreach to homeless single males, especially veterans.

As Women’s Health Week was recognized across the board in May, Rowe also stressed the importance of women’s health.

She explained that women have to make their own health a priority, read the nutritional labels on food items more and eat less processed foods.

There is even a website that helps you track those foods you eat (www.choosemyplate.gov).

“This website provides helpful tips.

You can enter what you have eaten that day and it helps you realize the amount of sodium intake you had, fat, protein and what your overall diet was for that particular day,” Rowe said once again getting excited about people making those healthy choices and her goal to see a healthier country.

T

he refreshing new soulful,

smooth jazz style of Tony Exum Jr.

will have you snapping your fingers, clapping your hands and bopping

your head – an automatic natural reaction to the sensational jazz artist on

the rise saxophone player.

Exum has been on the scene making a name for himself as a funky heavy-hitter with a certain smooth jazzy pizzazz.

He shares his talent with other Denver artists like up and coming artist, SuCh at her recent CD release party at the Cool River Café and he recently shared the stage with the neosoul-funk group Musik Junkie at Jazz@Jack’s.

“I see myself as a brand that is a combination of the R&B quiet storm and funk with a hip-hop edge,” Exum said who is a man of his own style and not often seen without wearing a fedora or derby hat.

“You have to distinguish yourself musically but have a certain style in this business. Donnie Hathaway said it best that he hears music for the totality and not the voice singing the song. It’s like when Baby Face produces a song, you know it’s a Baby Face song. Or when Kenny G comes on the radio, you know his sound and that is him.”

And, Exum added, “As an artist that is my ultimate goal is for people to like my music because of how it sounds.”

Many compare Exum’s electricity to David Sanborn, and the both the late and great Grover Washington and George Howard. But he has his own fresh approach despite these jazz greats having a big influence on his life.

Exum was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., but quickly turned into an Air Force brat because of his stepfather being stationed in other cities in Mississippi, New Orleans and to the military community of “K-Town” in Germany.

His natural born musical talents weren’t refined until he was a teenager with influence from his military uncle, Larry Frances, who also played the saxophone.

“I always listened to my uncle play while growing up. He played at different concerts on Fort Carson. But I was 11 or 12 years old when I first picked up the saxophone and it was the one my uncle gave me,” Exum recalled. “I never really took lessons and playing the saxophone came natural to me.”

As an adult, Exum closely followed and mimicked the great jazz artists like the George Howard, Grover

Tony Exum Jr:

Playing Naturally and

Finally...

By Sheila Smith Washington, Ronnie Laws, David Sanborn and Wynton Marsalis.

“Grover Washington and George Howard were the foundation of my influence. My mother was a big fan of Grover. It was their music I grew up with and patterned myself after,” he said but later finding his own jazz voice and style.

Exum performed with the Soul School Band in Denver before putting his own band together. He later began working with producer, James Roberson, who helped him put together his first CD, “Finally,” which came out in May 2010.

“Everyone kept asking when I was going to have a CD. So when I let people know it was done and coming out, I had to call it “Finally,”” said Exum excited about reaching that first plateau in being known as a solo jazz artist.

Exum is currently in production on his second CD called “The One” and should be released mid-July. He has national recording jazz guitarist, Tim Bowman, saxophonist Marcus Anderson, bass player Julian Vaughn, keyboardist Nicholas Cole and Olivia Robinson as lead singing vocals and others on this newest CD project.

And he is in high demand with a lot of scheduled performances this year – the Blues Alley Festival in Washington D.C.; Summer Soul Fest in Norfolk, Va.; opening for Cameo during the Hot Summer’s Night FunkpaloozaFest at Infinity Park in Denver; the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks

Festival; and Colorado Black Arts He has two daughters Brea, 16, and Festival in Denver, just to name a few. Lailah, 8.

"When you leave your job...

Exum is pushing the envelope But there is something most people don't leave yourabout money when it comes to the kind contempodon’t know Exumbehind!" and that is rary jazz being played over the radio his claim to making a “mean baked Myra Donovan, chicken CLU, ChFC, CFP over rice.” It is the air waves. dish served As he explained, “It’s hard to be in Financial Adviser mixture of spices and other blended this business. There are a million saxoherbs he uses that people can’t get phone players. So you have3200 to work of, he brags.

Cherry Creekenough Drive South, #700 hard and have that right team in place.”

Denver, CO 80209 Not that he likes to boast about it or That is why he likes to play a lot of people but he also has a famous 303-871-7249 - tell www.myradonovan.com slower jams or what he refers to as political relative who is a distant “baby making music.” cousin, Senator John McCain.

“People tell me ‘Tony I put your McCain’s grandfather Exum’s "Call Today forand a FREE music on while I’m cleaning the great, great grandfather were brothers.

Consultation!" house’ and that is a compliment to me.

Exum’s sultry, smooth jazz sounds I like it when people tell me that they are making headlines nationally – enjoy my music and it makes them paving the way for him to make his feel good,” he added. “That is how mark in the music world, finally. you measure your success.”

Editor’s note: For more information, visit While Exum is a serious musician, www.tonyexumjronline.com he is even more serious at fatherhood.

"When you leave your job... don't leave your money behind!"

Myra Donovan, CLU, ChFC, CFP Financial Adviser

3200 Cherry Creek Drive South, #700 Denver, CO 80209

303-871-7249 - www.myradonovan.com

"Call Today for a FREE Consultation!"

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

11

The best are hardly satiated or

fulfilled by modest accomplishments.

In their relentless pursuit of an evermoving goal, the greats, no matter what their proclivity, are always on the heels of something that we can never see. DJ KTone is one of these individuals.

If it were simply enough to get noticed, and to receive some recognition, than maybe being adorned Westword’s best Hip Hop DJ of 2011 would have sufficed, but it didn’t.

KTone has a broader vision, “My ultimate long term goal is to be a real legend and factor in my state. Not known just by the local community, but known and respected by the people who run Colorado. I need that official key and official ‘DJ KTone Day’ and street (name). I know it sounds farfetched but I believe it can happen!”

KTone proclaims himself as the “Turf DJ”, which is a nod to the city that bred him. He is a native of the Park Hill neighborhood that also gave us Chauncey Billups. KTone seems genuine when he expresses the love he has for the place he grew up and its rich history. Part of that history includes his introduction to Hip Hop. That first taste came in the form of the Run DMC classic “It’s Tricky,” which had him hooked by the end of those first few bars. KTone also remembers tricking his mother into buying him an N.W.A. record, and her having no idea what she was buying.

Hip Hop wasn’t just music to KTone. He says that he was born into it, and raised by it, just as a great number of other youth from his generation were. It was the soundtrack to their lives, a form of solace and education on anything and everything.

KTone’s DJ roots grew during his time in college. In 1999, while attending Lincoln University in Jefferson, Mo., KTone hosted a jazz radio program. “My mother had a hand in giving me that jazz influence. Back in col-

DJ KTone: Beat Of The City

By Martin J Rios

lege, I worked at a campus radio station that played jazz, 88.9FM- KJLU. To stay in that position, I had to get familiar with the selections to have a successful show. It helped me expand my music knowledge and I think it still gives me an edge today.” A few

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years after this experience, he compiled a jazz mix tape. It became a big hit with his mother who continued to encourage him.

But as encouraging as his mother was, it was actually KTone’s cousin who played the biggest role in him pursuing a career as a DJ. “My cousin DJ Krhyminyl is responsible for me getting into being a DJ. He was a full fledge DJ back in Philly during the late 1990’s early and early 2000’s. When I went to visit him I was already in college and on the radio and he was actively spinning. By the time I left, I was so excited to see what he was doing and he believed in me so much that he shipped his turntables toward me, so I could teach myself.”

Flash forward too today, and DJ KTone has produced nearly 75 mix tapes and has one full-length album under his belt, “Left Lane Music Volume One.” He has toured with several notable artists, and he has

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

12

established a formidable presence as a DJ throughout Denver. He feels he’s on track to accomplish what he set out to do. “I am very pleased. It’s not easy remaining relevant as a DJ. Not too many DJ’s can survive and feed their family off of their career; it feels good. From when I first started, to some of the accomplishments today, I am pleased with the way my career is progressing,” said the father of two sons.

KTone can also measure his progress by the level of influence he has around the local Hip Hop community and the artists it produces, “I feel like I have inspired many of them, even if they admit it or not. I can honestly say I’m one of the first and only DJ’s to really support indie music in clubs, mix tapes and live shows. I think I gave new upcoming artists something to initially strive for. ‘Like man, I’m gonna do this music and bet I get on a DJ KTone mix tape’ or ‘Man I’m a make the dopest song and DJ KTone gonna play this in the club.’ And I can say that because I’ve heard it a lot. That also keeps me motivated.”

With all that he has accomplished, Ktone is still fully aware and appreciative of all his success, “It’s really an honor and a great feeling to be placed amongst those ranks. For people to actually consider me as one of the best in my city when there are so many great and talented DJ’s in the Mile High City it’s dope!”

Certainly not willing to rest on his laurels, KTone is by no means satisfied and is still driven to realize the more demanding standard that he has set for himself. “I have many projects in the works and upcoming events. I just completed the Turf Love 2 mix tape. I am currently on tour with Cabby who is opening for Yo Gotti in various states, while also serving as the official tour DJ for J-Diggs. I have been in and out of the state doing shows all year and have many more out of town dates coming up so check my website: www.djktone.com for updated tour info. I’m also still doing my thing locally on Thursday at Kasbah, Friday at Dreams and Saturday at GLO. Also we are already at the early stages of planning the 6th Annual DJ KTone Birthday Bash 2K13 will be huge,” he said without taking a breath and exhilaration.

As a man with a distinct purpose, a man who aspires to be a great DJ, entrepreneur and family man, it isn’t hard to root for KTone. It is clear that he has all the tools necessary to make his dreams come true, and then some.

Vote for DJ KTone as Westword’s 2012 Best Hip Hop DJ by going to http://polls.westword.com/polls/den/ musicshowcase2012/index.php. The deadline is June 25.

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School On Saturday Meets Every Day Needs Of Girls O

By Angelia McGowan

n Saturday, May 19, Denver First Lady Mary Louise Lee set the stage for the 4th annual Girls Empowerment Workshop (GEW) with the song “If you Believe.”

“If you don’t believe, nobody else will,” Lee said to the crowd of more than 100 girls, age13 to 18, who attended the all-day workshop at Montbello High School to learn how to address issues facing inner city youth.

The event is presented annually by Athletics and Beyond, a non-profit organization that provides children from under-served families with lifeskills camps and clinics. The mission is to create opportunity through exposure to athletics.

“Once engaged, we stress education, development of life skills, career exploration outside of sports and the fundamentals of athletics for a lifetime, said Ali Jackson, vice president

Denver First Lady Mary Louise Lee inspiring girls at Girls Empowerment Workshop Photo by Roz Reese

and marketing director. Also an educator, he described the day as “school on Saturday.”

The morning session featured presentations from the Jefferson County District Attorney Office of Internet Safety Investigations, College in Colorado and Mary Kay Consultants.

Topics for afternoon breakout sessions ranged from dating, body image, skin and healthcare, to name a few.

Ashley Shurley of Denver Health Women’s Mobile Clinic stressed the importance of establishing the habits of eating right and exercising. Kinyata Fulton, who led the goal-setting workshop said, “It’s important at every age to set goals for yourself. Always challenge yourself to get better.”

Angela Norris-Hawkins, who has facilitated the etiquette workshop for three years at the GEW said, “I love working with young girls and helping them on the right path.”

Penny DeNoble, who has led a few AIDS and HIV awareness sessions, said, “I feel like I have a responsibility of getting the message to this generation. I change my presentations every year to peak their interest. This year it’s dating and sexual harassment.”

One breakout session, led by a male, Lamont Edwards, also addressed what men want in a woman. The discussions encouraged the teens to “constantly interview” the males about who they are and what their goals are in life. He stressed that the teens also needed to know what they wanted for themselves.

One 13-year-old said once she started dating, she would want to date gentleman. She was asked to please define “gentleman.” It was a challenge.

These types of discussions are necessary said Jackson. “I was an inner city boy. There was lots of information I just didn’t get. Teens need information to become productive citizens.”

For more information about Athletics and Beyond events, which reach more than 1,000 teens per year, visit athleticsandbeyond.com.

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Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

14

I

t was last October when a small group gathered in the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel for the initial planning of the Denver Urban Spectrum’s 25th anniversary coming up in April. We had just enjoyed the 32nd annual CBWPA luncheon and were still talking about the powerful message from speaker, Dr. Claire Garcia, wife of Lieutenant Governor Joe Garcia.

Many meetings followed with several individuals, lending their talent and expertise in each respective area to help make the Denver Urban Spectrum’s 25th anniversary celebration – Celebrating 25 Years of Time from April 25 to April 28, 2012 – the success it proved to be.

As with all event planning, challenges were presented but were met by spirit-filled and dedicated committee members and supporters. And now that is all said and done, this is my time to say thank you and I am grateful for your time, energy, resources and knowledge – and starting at the helm of the event as the event chair, Ken Johnson, along with Cecile Perrin, Janis Mosley, Sheila Smith, Jody Gilbert, Tanya Ishikawa, Angelle Fouther, Gary Ashton, Marcus Adams, September Brown, Norma Paige, Misti Aas, Cheryl Carter, Lawrence James, Donald James and Brother Ansar - and all other committee members.

The four day celebration was one of honor and recognition.

Our kick off VIP reception on Wednesday, A Moment In Time, displayed 25 years of history with the unveiling of our historic bookcase at the Blair Caldwell Research Library. We also took time to honor our 2012 African Americans Who Make A Difference: Gerie Grimes, Hasira “Soul” Watson, Jason R. Wilson, Paula McClain, Renee Scott, Dr. Roberta T. McClinon, Sandra L. Winston and Winifred (Tina) Carter. Special thanks to Dr. Faye Rison and the Sertoma Club, Shunda Cotton, Jazz on Purpose, Akente Express, Pit-Stop-Catering and Terri Nelson.

Next stop was A Time for Laughter on Thursday where we showcased some of Denver’s funniest comedians with host September Brown. Providing gutbusting laughs were CJ Smith,

A Time For Thanks

By Dr. Rosalind J. Harris

Jason Keyes, Stephen Agyei and the very funny Jimmy Abeyta.

There was a special guest appearance by the #1 spoken word artist in the world, Lucifury. Thanks to all and special thanks to Al Canal and The Improv.

Special shout out to Carla Ladd with the Denver Black Pages and Orion Carrington for presenting Women, Wine & Wit, a reception for the Timeless Legends honorees at Classic’s Event Center on Friday.

A highlight for me was once again seeing and presenting selfmade millionaire Dr. Farrah Gray to Denver’s youth at It’s Your Time, a youth rally at Montbello High School on Saturday morning who flew in directly from the Motherland. Attendees were entertained by DJ KTone, Dare to Believe, SF1, Nubian Gents and Feminine Fire (from New York), and

once again, Lucifury. Special thanks to McDonalds for mid-morning snacks.

And then – oh, what a night – a Saturday night of Timeless Legends.

The ballroom was dreamy blue and designed for the multitude of legends who entered the room; thanks to the Renaissance Hotel staff – Deb, Ahmed and Ric. It was truly a night for legends – from all walks of life. Former Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll, who served as the gala’s master of ceremonies presented his theme of time with “A Time For Laughter” as he entertained the audience with humor and even song that kept the audience in stitches. Special remarks by Dr. Farrah Gray will be memorable for me and a tribute to women from Theo Wilson will be remembered by all. And a few of honorees were serenaded by Julius,

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

15

Photos by Bernard Grant, Lens of Ansar and Ron Washington

the man of 1,000 voices and joined in group dance.

Highlighting the evening was seeing and hearing the inspirational stories of 25 African American women who have had and are still making an impact on the city and citizens of Denver. I was asked by many, how were the honorees selected? My answer was very carefully with the help of a great selection team. But, without them, the evening would not have been the same and I thank each of them for being who they are and for touching the Denver Urban Spectrum. I thank Ashara for her Artivism; Bertha for her Broadcasting; Carlotta for her Courage; Claudia for her Competence; Cleo for her Creativity; Dawn for her Dedication; Dianne for her Delightfulness; Edna for her Elegance, Elbra for her Esteem; Essie for her Endurance; Evie for her Education; Glenda for her Gleefulness; Gloria for her Gratefulness; Happy for her Helpfulness; Hazel (Miller) for her Harmony; Hazel (Whitsett) for Heart; Lauren for her Leadership; Marie for her Magnificence: Rhonda for her Righteousness; Ruth for her Rebelness; Selena for her Savvyness; Syl for her Spirituality; Tamara for her Tenacity; Vel for her Vigilance; and Wilma for her Wisdom.

But the evening was not over yet with surprise after surprise after surprise. Following a video capturing my life, and much to my surprise, I was bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate degree from Dr. H. Malcolm Newton and the Denver Institute of Urban Studies.

And, the night could not end without recognizing the timeless legend who made the celebration extra special, sculpture Ed Dwight, who designed and created the Timeless Legends awards – who in turn gifted me with a sculpture. Special thanks to Derrick Holmes and Chris Christmas.

So the night was full of fun and surprises and one that I will never forget. I thank our sponsors, advertisers, silent auction donors, volunteers, friends and family, and all who attended and supported the events. A special thanks of gratitude to Mayor Michael B. Hancock and First Lady May Louise Lee for serving as our Honorary Chairs.

And I thank you…God bless.

Bigoted White Democrats Are Bigger Danger To President Obama Than Romney

By Earl Ofari Hutchinson

A

hanging effigy that looked suspiciously like President Obama on a flatbed truck in New York City and the sign on the Peach Oyster Bar in Unincorporated Draketown, Georgia “I do not support the N… in the White House” normally could be chalked off as the by now pro forma crackpot bigotry of the professional Obama loathers. Not a week goes by without some juvenile delinquent demonstration of their fear, hatred, and ignorance toward the president.

But what set off a bell is that New York City is a Democratic Party bastion, and there is some faint hope that Obama might be competitive in Georgia this election year. But the racial outburst in these places points to a danger that could cause damage to Obama’s presidential drive in 2008.

That’s the absolute refusal of some otherwise rock solid white Democrats to back him.

This was confirmed late last year in a Harvard study that found that race cost Obama 3 to 5 percentage points of the popular vote in the 2008 election.

Put another way without the racial animus, Obama would have routed

GOP presidential foe John McCain in the popular vote. The percentage drop-off wasn’t just bipartisan but was heavily weighted toward Democrats who simply stayed home rather than vote for Obama.

Obama fortunately didn’t need their votes. The stratospheric numbers turnout among blacks, young persons, and the majority support he got from centrist independents offset the defecting white Democrats. He also got a huge boost from widespread GOP disaffection and even disgust from many in the GOP at Bush and the GOP’s dismal record on the economy, two wars, and GOP sex and corruption scandals, and revulsion over McCain’s laughingstock pick of Palin as his VP running mate. But those overwhelming favorables for Obama aren’t there in 2012. He will again get an off the chart percentage of black votes, a decisive majority of Hispanic votes, and a significant majority of the youth and women’s vote. But the election won’t be decided solely on percentages, it will be decided on numbers. He got them in 2008. But this time around with a relatively unified and motivated GOP, Obama will need insurance.

The insurance is a unified Democratic

Party; the majority of those are still centrist white Democrats.

Obama simply can’t afford a repeat of what happened in the Democratic primaries in 2008. In the Democratic primary in Ohio, Obama’s Democratic rival Hillary Clinton beat him out and she did it mainly with white votes. But that wasn’t the whole story. Nearly one quarter of whites in Ohio flatly said race did matter in voting. Presumably that meant that they would not vote for a black candidate no matter how politically attractive or competent he was.

Four years later, the warning sign is still there that an undetermined number of white conservative Democrats have not relented one bit in their racial hostility to Obama. In recent interviews with Democratic voters in Ohio a small number flatly said they still wouldn’t vote for him, and race was the reason. Even if a small percentage of them mean it that could result in a percentage point or two, drop from his Democratic vote total. This could be devastating in a state where the race is projected to be close and absolutely crucial for either Obama or Romney to win.

Ohio is hardly a special case. An equally strong hint that defecting white Democrats could pose a danger for Obama came in Pennsylvania’s primary in 2008. A huge percent of Pennsylvania voters are blue collar, anti-big government, socially conservative, pro-defense, and intently patriotic, and there’s a tormenting history of a racial polarization in the state. If Obama had not decisively won the state’s two big, racially diverse cities primarily with black and youth votes, Clinton would have trounced Obama by an even wider margin than she did.

The same percent of white Democrats as in Ohio told exit poll interviewers that they would not back Obama. Race was the prime reason. Clinton racked

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up victories in the West Virginia, Kentucky and South Dakota primaries. Again, a significant percent of white Democrats said they would not back Obama, and the reason was race and many made no effort to hide it.

In an AP-Yahoo poll one third of white Democrats said they had negative views of blacks. “Violent,” “lazy,” “boastful,” “complaining” and “irresponsible” were the terms many used to describe blacks. More than 40 percent of them said they would not back Obama.

Many of them ultimately did swallow whatever racial reservations they had about Obama and voted for him.

The prospect of a continuation of Bush policies under another GOP White House regime was just too much for them to stomach. But four years later, there’s no Bush to kick around, and with a still very problematic economy, this could be tipping points for many white Democrats who still can’t totally reconcile themselves to Obama. They could spell bigger danger to Obama than Romney.

Team Obama knows it.

Editor’s note: Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. He is a weekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show. He is the author of How Obama Governed: The Year of Crisis and Challenge. He is an associate editor of New America Media. He is host of the weekly Hutchinson Report Newsmaker Hour. (http://twitter.com/earlhutchinson)

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Time To Get Your Fitness On At Destination Health

The Center for African American Health (CAAH) will host the 2nd annual Destination Health: Walk/Run/Learn on July 28 in Denverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Park. This fundraiser combines a 5K Walk/Run with a Health Learning Expo and offers shorter routes such as the one mile â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mocha Mile Fun Runâ&#x20AC;? and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Senior Shortcutâ&#x20AC;? for families with young children, physically-challenged individuals and older adults. At the Health Learning Expo, visitors will find out about active, healthy lifestyles and can gather useful information at more than 40 booths. A special Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health and Safety Area will provide activities and information for children and parents. During the festive conclusion of this intergenerational, half-day event, enjoy the sounds of Denverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-own Mary Louise Lee Band, who will perform jazz, R&B, and pop hits from the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60s to the present beginning at 10 am.

Destination Health is being co-chaired

by Former Denver Bronco and Denver Health Foundation executive Haven Moses and Denver Public School Board of Education Member and former City Councilwoman, Happy Haynes.

Participants are invited to join in a pre-event stretch and Zumba exercise session beginning at 8 a.m. on July 28 in City Park just west of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The 5K Walk/Run and Senior Shortcut will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. followed by the one mile â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mocha Mile Fun Runâ&#x20AC;? at 9 a.m. An award ceremony is scheduled for 9:30 am.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait â&#x20AC;&#x201C; register online at www.caahealth.org to be part of the

2012 Destination Health. Encourage your family, friends and coworkers to take part by forming a team. Together you can have a greater impact by accepting the challenge and creating a team fundraising page online. All

lead sponsor, Eli Lilly; volunteer sponsor, KeyBank; other supporters include: LiveWell Colorado, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, The Piton Foundation, The Colorado Health Foundation, Caring for Colorado Foundation, Colorado Access, University of Colorado Cancer Center, The Colorado Trust, Denver Water and media sponsors CBS4, Denver Urban Spectrum, 5 Points News and Jamminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 101.5.

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: If you would like to join the Center for African American Health volunteer team to assist with the event, email info@caahealth.org.

Lost Your Joy? registered participants will receive a Destination Health t-shirt. Pre-event registration fees are $30 for adults; $25 for children 6 to 17 and seniors 50+; $25 per person for Walk/Run Teams of four or more people; children five and under are free but registration is still required. On July 28, the on-site registration fee will be $35.

Destination Health: Walk/Run/Learn is supported by

Denver Urban Spectrum â&#x20AC;&#x201D; www.denverurbanspectrum.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June 2012

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Honoring Don Gatewood’s Legacy And Promoting Student Engagement

There isn’t a more encouraging sight than seeing community members come together in support of student athletics and activities and that was just the picture seen at the first annual Don Gatewood Weekend. The weekend, dedicated to champion track coach Don Gatewood, was a series of three events to support student engagement in Far Northeast Denver.

During his 35-year career, Gatewood not only won the 1974 state championship at Manual High School, but went on to acquire another seven state championships at Montbello High School.

The weekend kicked off with the Don Gatewood Golf Tournament, which took place at the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club on Friday, May 4.

Community golfers gathered at 8 a.m. to participate in one of their favorite sports, while also supporting the Far Northeast Regional Athletics and Activities Program (RAAP). RAAP is committed to “uniting a community of champions” by supporting schoolbased clubs, community organizations, and CHSAA activities. Since October 2011, RAAP has helped to increase student engagement 35 per-

cent in eight local high schools.

Sponsors of the tournament included Vaden Law Firm, City Park Realtors, Denver Public Schools, Denver Summit Schools Network, The Foundation for Educational Excellence, Sprint, Power Construction, Club Z, First Bank, Oakwood Homes, Urban League of Metropolitan Denver, Dr. John and June Johnson, Wanda Lydia, and the Gatewood Family.

Antwan Wilson, Assistant Superintendent for Denver Public Schools, believes that this weekend was about honoring a legendary coach

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ed, he would drive an old bus down the road and pick up kids on the way. He didn’t care whether they were good or bad, fast or slow – every kid was invited and expected to be a part of his track team.

Gatewood is a wonderful inspiration for the students in the community, especially the athletes who were recognized that evening.

Montbello senior class president, Kaelin Tipoti, served as the Heritage Reception MC where 10 students were recognized for their achievements in athletics.

They included Steven Crews, Andro Charles, Mariam Wacker, Dahlia Aggers, Keyara LawrenceCooper, Jiane McGee, Giovanni Torres-Ramirez, Jorge Martinez, Jeanette Roman, and Kelvin Martinez.

The Don Gatewood Weekend concluded on Saturday, May 5 as the community came out for the Don Gatewood Track Meet to cheer for its athletes on the Evie Dennis Campus.

Four other high schools participated in the Don Gatewood Invitational with 15 events for the women’s teams and 18 events for the men’s. Montbello won the meet with 282 points. The students who qualified for state are Kordell Defenbaugh, Anthony Martin, Keonte Neely, Conrad Williams, Matt Hogan, and Shawn McCallam.

With the money raised through sponsors and other generous donors, RAAP hopes to reach its goal of over 90 percent student participation in the Far Northeast Region for student engagement. It is encouraging to know that so many people recognize the importance of building student engagement not only inside the school, but also outside its walls through athletics and other extracurricular activities. With the support and encouragement RAAP received throughout the weekend, there are definite indicators that this celebration weekend will become a memorable annual event.

Don Gatewood accepting award

who inspires and contributes tremendously to the community. For him, the work of RAAP offers students the same opportunities and motivation that Coach Gatewood provided.

Wilson believes that participation in athletics and activities is central to student success, citing his own childhood as an example. “Just knowing I had a basketball game on Friday that got me through the week,” he said. Allen Smith, the Executive Director of Denver Summit Schools, affirmed that RAAP helps to nurture well-rounded students who excelled in academics and athletics. Smith says the program “provides students with many opportunities, allowing them to dream about things that will take them out of their comfort zone.”

Following the tournament was the Heritage Reception, where more than 100 people gathered to honor Coach Gatewood along with outstanding student athletes from seven high schools.

When asked to speak about the honor, Gatewood said that the weekend and the RAAP’s purpose was important for the kids and that was why he was proud to have his name as a part of this weekend. He spent time talking about how he began as a track and field coach in 1968; when he first start-

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

18

Homelessness Illegal! What’s Next?!!

L

Op-ed by Theo Wilson

et’s arrest people for getting cancer! That’s right, getting cancer should be illegal.

After all, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, up to 85 percent of cancers are caused by preventable lifestyle and environmental factors, with only 10 to 15 percent genetic. When you look at the billions of dollars per year that cancer treatment costs an already burdened and inefficient medical system, getting cancer should be punishable by law; at least according to the logic of those who want to lock up people for being homeless and banning them from “Urban Camping.” I mean, homeless people should have just made better financial decisions, right?

To our elected officials who voted for this measure, how dare you! How dare you sit at another overpriced fundraiser luncheon and have even a sliver of food left over that you don’t personally deliver to a homeless person and you have now incarcerated for the crime of not being you. This is a modern day, class-warfare version of the “Negro Vagrancy” laws; where a Black man could be arrested and chain ganged for life just being on a street corner where a White man thought he shouldn’t. What’s even more startling is how our African American officials, who all came from humble beginnings, could bring themselves to defend this rancid, forked tongued, Machiavellian legislation. Yet, they still call themselves a member of the race that produced Dr. Martin Luther King! Dr. King lost his life one month before enacting his largest and most powerful movement – the Poor People’s Campaign. This campaign was designed to balance the scales in favor of the “don’t-have-enough’s” from the “have-way-too-much’s.” I’m sure Dr. King would be proud of people like you, who climbed just far enough out of poverty to tell the rest of us to eat cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake if you’re of a darker hue.

The size of the “Occupy” movement must have had you shaking in

your boots. Its sheer weight seems to have crushed your moral compass.

Let’s just be honest here; when the weather got tough, the homeless got tougher. One can only imagine what it did to the conscience of our legislators and the leaders of the Denver police to be reminded that only a simple paycheck separates them from the vagabond “occupiers.” That brisk walk from the comfort of their cars to the warmth of their offices likely reminded them of what could be lost if their privilege evaporated like the breath of those who slept beneath the tarps. Can you blame them?

Capitalism is a game of musical chairs: Somebody has to lose. It’s designed that way. The very concept of “turning a profit” means getting more than what the product cost you to make and getting it at the other guy’s expense. It goes all the way up to how the Federal Reserve charges interest on every dollar printed, and to pay that interest, you must use someone else’s money to cancel the debt, but the homeless seem to be the criminals here?

The very term “Urban Camping” is classist to the infinite degree. They act as if people are losing toes to frostbite on purpose; and it’s easier to fall asleep shivering than it is under electric blankets. Newsflash people: Dying under a park bench isn’t recreation.

These politicians act like there were just dozens of empty homeless shelters sitting vacant because the “Hobos” insisted on being an eyesore to the shoppers on the 16th Street Mall! They passed the law before any safety net was in place, and then want us to believe there is something humanitarian behind giving Denver a facelift for tourists. Since when did we treat human beings like acne on the face of the city? The strong are supposed to protect the defenseless, not erase them. How are we supposed to beat the one percent if elected officials keep legalizing their fascist monopoly game? Those elected people who iron-

ically vote like dictators are the reason this system would be laughable, if only it weren’t killing so many.

What’s funny is that these supposed public servants still celebrate Christmas.

They sit in church and sing the gospel as if their ancestors’ wallets wouldn’t be considered criminally bankrupt in their eyes. They passed legislation that outlawed the very people that Jesus would reach out to. In fact, we have no empirical proof that Jesus isn’t among Denver’s now unlawfully impoverished. How do you know for sure that Christ himself is not sitting in a shelter right now taking tally of these Pontius Pilot politicians? These high and mighty modern-day Romans have proven why it’s so hard for a rich man to enter the gates of Heaven; their pensions are too big to pass through the eye of a needle!

To the elected officials who voted for this (Urban Camping) ban, mark these words: As the economy crumbles, it’s not going to be long before you are bailing out your own family members for not being sheltered in a way that you voted for. Don’t be shocked if it happens for the holidays.

It would be a marvelous reflection for the power you’ve abused. It hopefully won’t take a Christmas miracle to get this law reversed because if Jesus were a legislator, it’s doubtful he’d vote like you.

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19

Sims-Fayola International Academy Celebrates Founding Families At School Barbecue

Sims-Fayola International Academy celebrated their founding families for the upcoming school year at a Founding Family Picnic held on Saturday, May 12. More than 100 families celebrated at the new Sims-Fayola International Academy campus located at 6850 N. Argonne Street in Green Valley Ranch. The purpose of the picnic was to help build community with the new founding families and SimsFayola team. Board members, community partners, and parent volunteers gathered together for fellowship, food and fun activities. Students and families participated in a football toss, basketball, face painting and other activities, while listening to music provided by a professional DJ. The founding

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

20

“Fayola Men” were also fitted for the blazers they will wear as part of the school dress code.

Sims-Fayola International Academy Denver (SFIA-D) was unanimously approved by Denver Public Schools and will be Denver’s first single-gender charter school for boys. Dedrick Sims, Executive Director/Founder, gave a welcome speech to families and spoke to potential families about the school.

He emphasized the success of the school by saying, “Today is a celebration for all the families that have been on this ride with us from the beginning and for the ones who are just jumping on. It’s really a great feeling to have a community and city embrace us in this way.”

Sims-Fayola International Academy is a single-gender school uniquely poised to engage young men in the rigorous, but rewarding work of a College Preparatory Curriculum with a focus on International Studies. The vision of SFIA-D is to prepare boys to become creative, innovative thinkers, and responsible world citizens through international awareness, competence, and a global perspective of excellence. An authentically delivered standards-based curriculum allows “boys to be boys,” while teaching them to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively; these are all skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century. The school is now enrolling students entering the 6th and 9th grades for the 2012-2013 school-year.

Caroll Duran, Director of Curriculum and Instruction said, “We want to extend a sincere thank you to the parents who attended our Fayola Family Barbecue! It was a time to show you and your son appreciation for entrusting us with something so important: their education. It was wonderful to see the happy faces of our Fayola Men as they mingled with their classmates and enjoyed the various activities.” The barbecue was the first in a summer series of family celebrations Sims-Fayola will hold in the community.

Editor’s note: For more information about SFIA, call 720-515-7342 or visit www.simsfayola.org.

The ART of Achievement

Hope ART Show drawing

Young Hope artists take a break in the ART Show hors d’oeuvres room

By Heather O’Mara and Ruth Márquez West

Art is known for developing on

its own, often beyond the original

intent of the artist. In the same way,

what began for HOPE students as an

art assignment became an expression of much greater dimension.

HOPE ART Show painting

“We knew we would host an art show again this year,” explains HOPE Teacher Lindsay Small, “so we thought it would be fun to combine math and art lessons in a culminating event. But the HOPE Art Show was much more than that. It boosted enthusiasm, and even students who struggle with language barriers were free to achieve without limitations. It turned out to be a fabulously engaging experience for all our students.” v At the Art Show, artistic expressions were clearly conveyed in detailed pencil shading, mathematically precise scale drawings, carefully constructed shapes, colorful textile pieces and paintings that captured vivid images and moods. But perhaps the greatest work was the pride of accomplishment among HOPE students.

“I was impressed by the level of work by students who did not, for the most part, have the benefit of highlevel art instruction,” commented

artistic designer and photographer Dr. Michael Bautista, Executive Director of the Educational Reform Network and HOPE Board Member and one of several artistic experts judging the art show submissions. “I was particularly pleased with the way students described the ‘why’ of their selfexpression. The creative process pushed students to see things in a variety of ways – so crucial to the problem-solving and the critical thinking needed in today’s workforce.”

The Art Show offered two categories of competition – mathematical expressions in art and personal expressions in 2-dimensional and 3dimensional art. Both categories summoned the creativity of HOPE students, who had the opportunity to sell their art pieces if they so desired and also visit with representatives from art and design colleges, artists and art product vendors.

“This was truly a distinct HOPE event,” emphasizes HOPE Director of Activities Melanie Stone, who has directed numerous student events for

HOPE Art Show pencil drawing

the blended learning school. “From their amazement at the caliber of their own art, to the gallery and reception and, finally, for their art to be purchased, it was tremendously satisfying to see them so pleased and enthused!”

“HOPE students are establishing affiliation with our school through many opportunities to meaningfully

engage, compete and achieve,” notes HOPE Director of Student Achievement Dr. Janet Filbin. “We know that our students who stay with us stabilize and, utilizing our individualized model of blended learning, move forward at our neighborhood Learning Centers. The Art Show brought together many components of our overall instructional vision.”

HOPE student Adriana, who carefully read the affirming remarks left on a note card for each student by art gallery visitors, summarized well the significance of combining math, art and personal achievement. Clasping her own feedback card in her hand, she said to HOPE Student Services Coordinator Gigi Hill, “This is all I need. This reminds me that I am capable; it tells me what I can do.”

Is Venture Prep right for you? Stop by our Pizza with the Principal, June 20th, 6-7 pm.

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HOPE ART Show 3-D Art

in 6th grade. here because I want to go to college. well on my way already.

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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Awards Scholarships To High School Students

Keynote Speaker Bennie Milliner, Executive Director of Denver's Road Home

Seven students from the Greater Metropolitan Denver area received the Delta Psi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s “Harold S. Brown” Scholarship Awards on Friday, April 27, under the sponsorship of The Microsoft Store and George E. Hailey Scholarship Foundation. The Scholarship Event was held at The Daniels College of Business – The Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management at the University of Denver and was also

The Keynote speaker for the awards Program was Bennie Milliner, Executive Director of Denver’s Road Home, Denver’s 10-year plan to end homelessness. He spoke of the “Criticality of Doing Things Differently.” He emphasized to the awardees that they must be “idea and opportunity-oriented, strate-

supported by The Center for Multicultural Excellence at the University of Denver. Funds for the scholarships are given from the 501c (3) Tax-Exempt George E. Hailey Scholarship Endowment Foundation (GEH) and Fundraising events of Delta Psi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The students receiving the awards were: Momodou L. Sonka (Overland High School); Calvin J. Dorsey (Kent High School); Shaquin D. Albrow (Overland High School); Mawukle T. Yebuah (South High School); William Harris (Overland High School); Stepshaun L. Gaddis (East High School); and Adrian D. Jones (MLK Jr. Early College High School). Each student received a copy of Microsoft Office Software; in addition Sonka was also awarded a PC from the Microsoft Store for the highest grade point average.

gists, disconnecting their prejudices, persistent, resourceful, seeking out feedback and continuously working to be team builders.”

Certificates were presented by Dr. Jeriod Patterson, chairman of the board of directors of the GEH Foundation and George E. Hailey, after whom the foundation is named.

Additionally, there was an outstanding oral expression called “The reNEWed Man,” by Brother Charles S. Gillford, which reminded the recipients of how they are viewed by others and stressed to them, “What your friends think, What your parents think, What society thinks, and Who I really am.” Concluding remarks were given by Vince Ellerby, Vice Chairman of the GEH Foundation.

Editor’s note: To view a video of the event, visit this link, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVN QRuWYkok.

Members of Delta Psi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Scholarship Winners

Learn. Achieve. Graduate.

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Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

22

I Don’t Need To Get Wasted Because I Don’t Have Time To Waste

By Makalah Emanuel, Youth Intern for Denver RAP

T

he upbeat sound waves of music are ringing in my ears. I look around and see my friends, people I used to be friends with, and people I would like to be friends with dancing, laughing and having a good time. It was that exact moment that made me realize there are a lot more ways to have fun at prom aside from drinking.

For example, you can be like my friend Kiana who is taking advantage of all the free and delicious food prom has to offer. Or, you can be like Amber who is in the center of the dance floor “shaking her tale-feather” and smiling like she’s the Kool-Aid man. If eating and dancing aren’t interesting enough, you could always refer back to what Sarah is doing, which is basically talking the ear off of anyone who comes within two feet of her or practice your singing techniques like Samantha.

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Drinking is a pleasure that can be substituted by many other things.

Besides, 10 years from now, would you rather remember prom as the night you finally got the courage to ask the cute boy in your math class if he wanted to dance or remember prom as the night you puked all over the cute boy in your math class because you had too many drinks?

Let’s be real people, prom is the night where all your fantasies and dreams become a reality (at least that’s what’s supposed to happen). It’s the night where you finally get to celebrate all your accomplishments with your friends. It’s the night were you get to let go of the past and start looking ahead at your future.

Do you really want to be “intoxicated” while you’re celebrating and living out all your most precious desires?

If your answer is no then stop reading for a second and pat yourself on the back. Seriously, put the paper down, lift your hand and pat yourself on the back because you deserve it! By choosing not to drink at prom, you are not only adding a couple of years to your life but you’re also choosing to rise above the influence and take a stand for something positive. Think about it.

One more thing to think about is talking to someone about how you’re feeling in regards to drinking, doing drugs or smoking. You could talk to your parents, older brothers and sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, friend’s parents, the Denver RAP (Denver Resource for Awareness and Prevention) hotline, or anyone else you feel will listen AND give you useful advice.

And remember, I don’t need to get wasted because I don’t have time to waste. The question is, do you?

Editor’s note: Denver RAP is your local resource for awareness and prevention; we’re who you turn to for information and resources about alcohol and other drugs.

To learn more about Denver RAP and how you can make informed choices, call us at 720-944-2825, or visit us at www.denverrap.com.

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www.ccd.edu Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

23

A spirit of inspired giving has

undergirded the African American community for centuries. Among many examples of this storied history, in the 18th century, the Prince Hall Freemasons gave financial support to freed slaves and their families. In the colonial era, black churches founded fraternal orders and mutual aid societies to assist neighbors with money or assistance for things like sickness, retirement, education, birth of a baby, funerals, medical expenses, and unemployment. Today, more than 53 percent of African Americans give to charities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in fact African Americans give 25 percent more of their discretionary income to charity than the general population. But for the most part this has never been labeled philanthropy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the prevailing image of philanthropists being that of individuals who look like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates.

But that image is beginning to change.

A group of more than 20 Denverbased African American men helped to demonstrate a new and yet very old concept of philanthropy by officially joining forces on May 15 at The Denver Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Celebration before over 600 civic, nonprofit, and community stakeholders.

The official name for the group is the Denver African American Philanthropists (DAAP) and it is comprised of men from all walks of life including educators, businessmen, blue collar workers, elected officials, musicians, and students. A few are single, many are family men; and while the forces of nature might have never brought together this eclectic group under any other circumstances, a love of community and a strong desire to give back has drawn them together to form a giving circle, the first of its kind in this part of the country.

The group has worked with The

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Denver African American Philanthropists (DAAP):

A Circle of Everyday Philanthropists Working to Strengthen the Community

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Men Giving with a Purposeâ&#x20AC;?

LaDawn Sullivan, Associate Program Officer for The Denver Foundation poses with members of the Denver African American Philanthropists.

Denver Foundation over the past several months to develop the fund, which will be housed at the Foundation, where their contributions will be pooled. They consulted with LaDawn Sullivan, Associate Program Officer for the Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Strengthening Neighborhoods Program, among other staff, to develop a good working structure and to begin determining their long-term goals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So often people of color are viewed only as beneficiaries of philanthropy,â&#x20AC;? said LaDawn Sullivan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But The Denver Foundation recognizes the rich history and desire of individuals to give back in a variety of ways. That is why we are working to engage with communities of color in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;supply sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of philanthropy.â&#x20AC;?

The spark for the Denver group began when Stephan Gater and Herman White, co-chairs of the giving circle, were connected to the Community Investment Network (CIN), a national network of giving circles and everyday philanthropists led by Executive Director Chad Jones. The two participated in CINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leadership Summit, at which giving circles from around the country gathered to share best practices and strategies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That experience changed my life,â&#x20AC;? says Gater, 29, a mutual-funds trader. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I used to believe that I had to make a million dollars before I could give back. I think a lot of people believe that. But it dawned on me that most of us will never become millionaires,

and although I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a whole lot of money, I have time I can give, and talent I can share, and I know some guys who have this too. It was a big aha moment.â&#x20AC;?

All have agreed that economic status should not be a barrier to involvement with the circleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;there are no limits to the amount members can contribute to the pool, but the minimum expected is $365 a year.

The group will leverage their philanthropic efforts through an investment of time, talent, and treasure, offering not only financial contributions, but their vast array of professional and technical expertise as well as their voice and their presence to impact and inspire others to address issues that affect the community. To solidify their bonds with each other and to strengthen bonds collectively within the community, the members have already invested volunteer time in the Black Education Summit, presented by Brother Jeff Fard in March of this year, and the Black Male Initiative Summit, held at University of Denver in April. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The greatest impact is achieved by selflessness,â&#x20AC;? says co-chair Herman White. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are all driven by knowing that none of us achieve extraordinary feats alone. None of us is as strong as ALL of us.â&#x20AC;?

Giving Circles in communities of color are a burgeoning phenomenon, primarily on the East Coast and mostly comprised of female members at this time, but they are built on tradi-

Denver Urban Spectrum â&#x20AC;&#x201D; www.denverurbanspectrum.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June 2012

24

tions dating back hundreds of years to mutual aid societies and other forms of community giving. Community Investment Network currently stewards 14 such circles and expects several additional circles to launch this year. One long-standing circle is the Birmingham Change Fund (BCF), founded in 2004. Current BCF President Ed Fields and Founding Organizer Charles Lewis of BCF came to Denver for the launching of DAAP to share in the celebration and also to share words of experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It makes a great difference when the people who are writing the checks look different than those who are receiving those checks,â&#x20AC;? Fields stated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you get diversity on the supply side, better decisions are made.â&#x20AC;?

And their influence goes beyond simply writing checks. Fields shared an example of how BCF has played a simple yet potent role in influencing the educational system in Birmingham by building credibility through their presence and actions over the years.

When the school district was hiring a new school superintendent, they approached BCF and asked for delegates to join the search committee.

Members of the Denver African American Philanthropists hope to develop a strong collective influence here in Colorado, just as many have done individually, and in the process further highlight the fact that, no matter what our level of financial strength, we all have a capacity to give, to influence, and impact our communities in a very significant way.

Denver African American Philanthropists Founding Members: Stephan Gater - Co-Chair Herman L. White - Co-Chair Tyrone Beverly Albus Brooks Nathan Brown Cedric Buchanon James Cain Michael Cain Lonnel Gordon Anthony Hicks Antwan Jefferson Benzel Jimmerson P. Barclay Jones Richard T. Lewis Anthony â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tonyâ&#x20AC;? Pigford Ryan Ross James Sullivan Sean White

For more information about the Denver African American Philanthropists contact Daapdenver@gmail.com or visit them on Facebook. Visit Community Investment Networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, www.thecommunityinvestment.org, for information about giving circles. For more information about the ways The Denver Foundation can assist with your philanthropic planning, visit www.denverfoundation.org.

Never Going Back: 7 Steps To Staying Out Of Prison T

By Hassan A. Latif

he United States represents only 5 percent of the world’s population, yet over 25 percent of the entire planet’s incarcerated people. America knows how to lock folks down.

In the United States, 30.2 percent of all Americans have been arrested for a crime other than a minor traffic violation by the age of 23. These statistics fail to represent the actual numbers impacted in African-American and other communities of color. Racial disparity in America’s prisons is an indisputable fact. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a male born in 2001 faces the following odds of going to prison during his lifetime: 1 in 3 for AfricanAmericans; 1 in 6 for Latinos; and 1 in 17 for Caucasians. Latinos account for 17.1 percent of the population in Colorado, but 31 percent of the state prison population. African-Americans make up 3.8 percent of Colorado’s population, but represent 19.4 percent of people in state prison. Anglos are 74.5 percent of the state’s population, but 46 percent of the prison population.

Over 700,000 men and women a year are finding their way out again according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (and this does not include county jail numbers), many of them returning to the Denver metro area.

The irony of this is getting out of jail or prison may not be as challenging as staying out. Staying out of prison for anyone who has ever gone (or gone back again) is going to require that many things change. Though most people are resistant to the idea of change, the simple truth is that the only thing constant in life is change.

Even when criminal conduct and addiction-driven lifestyles appear to go unchanged year after year, wreck after wreck, we actually are changing.

We become older, less hopeful, unhappy, further disconnected and lost. Health is compromised and countless possibilities for success and happiness are lost.

True change is the empowering result of first identifying dysfunctional thinking errors, coming to understand their impact on decision making, and finally substituting different ways of thinking and adopting more appropriate/socially acceptable responses to situations and stimuli. In other words, doing what many of our elders enjoined on us, i.e., “Act like you got some sense.” Black grandmothers, in particular, are famous for that sort of advice. We have all known someone who has “done good” for a while.

Intentions were solid. Hopes and dreams were alive. As time passed, though, we saw that person return to

the same destructive, addictive, criminal-conduct based behaviors that had served them so poorly. We shake our heads wondering what went wrong.

Nothing went wrong and the only thing that happened is all that could have happened! Their intentions may have been altered briefly but that was due to will power and not any true change.

Change is constant and limitless while willpower comes and goes. Just like treading water, it will keep you afloat for a while. However, unless a shore is found or a lifeboat comes by, sooner or later strength runs out and the result is inevitable. Nothing went wrong.

Drowning was the only thing realistical-

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

25

ly that could have happened. Likewise, without making important changes in how we think and feel, being out of prison is almost certain to be a temporary condition.

“Never Going Back: 7 Steps to Staying Out of Prison” is a self-help guide to making this change happen.

If you or a loved one is aware enough to know that “something is not right with this picture,“ wonder how your lives got to be what they have become, why you could not have managed to avoid going down that road again, what you could have done differently, there are answers for you. Likewise, Continued on page 33

Legislative Wrap-Up

By Rep. Beth McCann, Colorado House District 8

The regular

session ended in drama, acrimony, and disappointment when political maneuvering denied the Civil Unions bill, and 30 other bills, a vote on the House floor. The Governor called a three day special session to try and undo some of the damage. It was disappointing to see the Civil Unions bill die in committee on straight party line vote. I was honored to vote for the bill in the Finance Committee during the regular session and am truly disappointed that I was not able to cast a ‘yes’ vote on the House floor. Several good bills were passed during the special session, including a bill funding water projects across the state.

On a brighter note, the Legislature did manage to agree on a number of jobs bills and passed a bipartisan budget during the regular session.

Some notable jobs bills included: funding for job retraining, additional funding for economic development, film production incentives, and connecting colleges and universities with employers to coordinate relevant training for students.

Finally, here is an update on the bills that I sponsored. I am particularly proud of my work on foreclosures, juvenile justice, and human trafficking.

Juvenile Direct File (HB 1271): Requires a judge to decide if a 14 or 15 year can be tried in adult court for a serious crime if a prosecutor requests it. The bill also requires a judge to decide if a 16 or 17 year old, who is charged in adult court, can move their case to juvenile court. In adult court, a juvenile is sentenced in the adult prison system rather than the juvenile system and the juvenile will have a felony conviction.

Currently, the prosecutors’ decision to file against a juvenile is not reviewed by a court. I believe that a decision with such significant ramifications should be subject to judicial review. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on April 20.

Foreclosure Procedures (HB 1156): Would have required that entities seeking to foreclose on homes prove that they are the proper entity to do so. Currently, lenders can file foreclosure actions based on a certification signed by the entity or its attorneys. I believe that it is time to restore the integrity of the process and require that the entities prove they are the real parties to foreclose. The bill was killed in committee.

Human Trafficking (HB1151): Creates protections and rights for victims of human trafficking.

It had broad support and was signed into law by the Governor on May 11.

9Health Fair Tax Check-Off (SB 55): The 9Health Fair will be added as a check-off on the Colorado tax form.

This fair provides a great service to the people all over the state to obtain health tests at affordable rates. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 16.

Campaign Finance Reform: Would have put restrictions on how much a candidate can accept in campaign contributions in school board and RTD races. It was killed in committee.

Formula for Maintenance in Divorce Cases – I pulled this bill from consideration at the request of the Colorado Bar Association to give us

more time to discuss the details. The bill will provide guidelines to courts regarding the award of permanent maintenance (alimony) in divorce cases.

Medical Marijuana Fund: The Department of Revenue, which enforces medical marijuana rules, charges a fee to license medical marijuana businesses. Due to a moratorium on new licenses, DOR lacks funds to pay medical marijuana inspectors (staff may be reduced from 33 to 12).

The Department of Public Health and Environment has a $10 million surplus from medical marijuana card fees. This bill would have moved $5 million from Dept. of Public Health to fund inspectors and provided some funding for youth violence prevention programs. The bill was killed during the Special Session.

Dialysis Certification Sunset Bill (HB 1204): This bill extends a law that requires dialysis technician certification, ensuring that dialysis procedures are safe and performed by competent, qualified technicians. The bill was signed by the Governor.

Editor’s note: Rep. Beth McCann can be contacted with comments and questions at beth@bethmcann.org or call her at 303866-2959.

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Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

26

Movie Reviews

By Kam Williams ExcellentDDDDD. Very GoodDDDD..

GoodDDDDDD...

FairDDDDDDD..

PoorDDDDDDD. The Avengers

No stars

REEL ACTION So, it’s no surprise that, at this picture’s point of departure, we find Fury assembling The Avengers. After all, as the director of the top secret espionage agency, S.H.I.E.L.D. (an acronym for Strategic Home Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division), it is his job to protect humanity, especially from a diabolical villain bent on world domination.

In this case, that would be Thor’s evil, presumably-exiled brother, Loki

Rated: PG-13 for intense violence and a drug reference.

Running Time: 142 minutes Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures To see a trailer for The Avengers, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tY9DnBNJFTI Chimpanzee

Chimpanzee

Orphaned Chimp Adopted by Alpha Ape in Disneynature Documentary

The Avengers

Superheroes Unite to Save the Planet in ‘Marvel’ous Comic Book Adaptation

T

he Avengers is the sixth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise launched in 2008 with Iron Man, and followed by The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America. What makes this adventure unique is that it’s the first in the series to revolve around a team of comic book superheroes.

The actors playing those title characters reprise their roles with the exception of Edward Norton who has been replaced as The Hulk by Mark Ruffalo. Otherwise, we again have Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man, and Chris Evans as Captain America. The film also features the return of Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, who appeared in Thor and Iron Man 2, respectively.

Since we’ve already met all the members of The Avengers, director Josh Whedon doesn’t have to waste time familiarizing us with their unique abilities. Instead, the plot unfolds right on the heels of the post-closing credits scene of the previous sequel which had Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) ominously enlisting the assistance of Captain America for a dangerous mission with global ramifications.

(Tom Hiddleston), who has managed not only to escape from an outer space abyss on Asgard but has gotten his hands on the Tesseract, a cosmic cube containing the key to limitless, sustainable energy. With Loki en route to Earth, it falls to Fury to plan a coordinated defense of the planet.

That task proves easier said than done, since it calls for cooperation among individualistic superheroes with fragile egos who aren’t used to sharing the limelight. Thus, we are treated to pre-showdown posturing when Iron Man teases Thor about both his accent and costume by asking, “Doth mother know thy wear her drapes?” Or when he sarcastically compliments Dr. Bruce Banner (aka The Hulk) by saying, “I’m a big fan of how you lose control and turn into a giant green monster.”

Of course, such witty banter subsides in favor of camaraderie once Loki arrives with his army of alien warriors called Chitauri. Each Avenger’s talent comes in handy, of course, during the ensuing, eye-grabbing fight sequences, including Hawkeye’s bow-and-arrow, Thor’s hammer, Captain America’s shield, and so forth.

Between a sophisticated script and thrill-a-minute special effects, The Avengers easily adds up to the best Marvel Comics screen adaptation yet.

A remarkable treat which only serves to ramp-up audience expectations for the vaunted franchise’s next offering, Iron Man 3.

Fothergill and Mark Linfield, the film chronicles the little fellow’s evolution from an overprotected momma’s boy into a toddler suddenly forced into survival mode by circumstances beyond his control.

T

his delightful Disneynature documentary, narrated by Tim Allen and shot in the wilds of Africa’s Ivory Coast, revolves around the adorable antics of a big-eared, infant chimp named Oscar. Co-directed by Alastair

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

27

At the point of departure, we find 3 month-old Oscar living in the heart of the jungle where he’s surrounded by a tight-knit, extended family of 35 chimpanzees. There, under the watchful eye of his doting mother, Isha, he plays with other youngsters while tentatively exploring the wondrous new world around him.

Oscar is totally oblivious of all the surrounding threats to his existence, Continued on page 27

REEL ACTION

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TEXT THE WORD DENZEL AND YOUR ZIP CODE to 43549 Example Text: DENZEL 80246 Entry Deadline: Monday, June 4 THE FILM IS RATED R. There is no charge to text 43KIX. Message and data rates from your wireless carrier may apply. Check your plan. Text HELP for info, STOP to opt-out. Late and/or duplicate entries will not be considered. Limit one entry per cell phone. Winners will be drawn at random and notified via text message with how to claim their prize by 6/5 at 5PM. Sponsors and their dependents are not eligible to receive a prize. Supplies are limited.

All federal, state and local regulations apply. A recipient of prizes assumes any and all risks related to use of prize, and accepts any restrictions required by prize provider. Universal Studios Home Entertainment, AlliedTHA, 43KIX, Urban Spectrum and their affiliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of prizes. Prizes cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part. Not responsible if, for any reason, winner is unable to use his/her prize in whole or in part. Not responsible for lost, delayed or misdirected entries. All federal, state and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. NO PHONE CALLS

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Continued from page 27 like ferocious leopards and the rival tribe located nearby which covets his clan’s bountiful grove of fertile nut trees. Defense of their turf proves to be a collective affair orchestrated by their fearless leader, Freddie. Like the Hatfields and McCoys, these sworn enemies skirmish intermittently with Oscar’s clan generally getting the better of the exchange, despite being badly outnumbered.

A little lower on the food chain are monkeys, the chimpanzees’ favorite meat to eat, since all it takes is just one of them to make a mouth-watering meal that’ll feed three dozen. But first, a critter must be caught via a complicated method which calls for members of the hunting party to play the roles of stalkers, blockers and ambushers in order to ensnare their prey.

The picture’s plot thickens the day that Isha disappears during a battle, never to be seen again. And when it looks like her suddenly-orphaned son might soon succumb to a predator or the elements, alpha male Freddie inexplicably rises to the occasion, spontaneously displaying maternal instincts he had never previously exhibited.

The impromptu bonding prompts the observing primatologists to wax

poetic: “The loss of his mother could’ve meant the end. Instead it’s a new beginning.” Must-see family fare for animal lovers and suckers for visually-captivating wildlife adventures like March of the Penguins and Winged Migration.

Rated: G Running Time: 78 minutes Distributor: Disneynature To see a trailer for Chimpanzee, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb8AeSh1rGs The Lucky One

The Lucky One

War Vet Searches for Woman in Photo in Latest Nicholas Sparks Tearjerker

N

icholas Sparks is an award-winning author with his finger on the pulse as well as the heartstrings of readers of the romance genre. All of his 16 novels have been New York Times best-sellers, and 7 have been made into movies so far, most notably, The Notebook, Message in a Bottle and Dear John, each of which netted over $100 million at the box-office.

The Lucky One is his latest opus to be brought to the big screen, and this faithful adaptation will undoubtedly resonate with his legions of loyal fans.

Directed by double Oscar-nominee Scott Hicks (for Shine), the film stars hunky heartthrob Zac Efron as Logan Thibault, a Marine serving his third tour of duty in Iraq.

At the point of departure, we find Sergeant Thibault pausing while on patrol in the desert to pick up a photograph lying in the rubble of a battlefield. Moments later, a bomb detonates up ahead on the spot where he would otherwise have been standing.

Crediting the pretty blonde (Taylor Schilling) in the picture with saving his life, he vows to track down his guardian angel to thank her upon his return to the States.

Of course that proves easier said than done since, when Logan returns home 8 months later, he has enough trouble just readjusting to civilian life due to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

28

Not only can’t the quick-tempered vet hold down a job, but he even finds himself kicked out of the house by his sister (Courtney J. Clark) after his bizarre behavior starts frightening her kids.

The eviction is all the impetus Logan needs to embark on a crosscountry trek by foot from Colorado to North Carolina, following clues pointing to the mysterious woman in the photo. Accompanied by his trusty

German shepherd, Zeus, he tracks down the beautiful Beth Clayton in a sleepy town called Hamden where she runs a kennel with the help of her mother (Blythe Danner).

Logan’s need of a job, a place to stay, a dog house and a life mate conveniently dovetail with the singlemom’s need for a beau, a live-in employee, a protector from an abusive ex (Jay R. Ferguson) and a father figure for her neglected young son (Riley Thomas Stewart). Given the stunning number of coincidences, it’s not hard to guess how this formulaic love story is going to end.

The big hang-up is that the knight in shining armor inexplicably lies instead of summoning up the gumption to explain exactly why he showed up at the object of his affection’s doorstep unannounced in the first place. Pack a box of Kleenex for that watershed moment when he finally comes clean and the tears start to flow.

Another pat, paint-by-numbers masterpiece by Nicholas Sparks, the undisputed king of the syrupy soap opera.

Rated: PG-13 for violence and sexuality.

Running Time: 101 minutes Distributor: Warner Brothers To see a trailer for The Lucky One, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgdVhUbrq0s Restless City 1/2

Harlem Provides Gritty Backdrop for Super-Realistic Survival Saga

W

hen Djbril (Sy Alassane) left his native Senegal for the U.S., he har-

REEL ACTION Nigeria-born filmmaker is already well-known for his award-winning music video work with such icons as Common, Wyclef Jean, Maxwell, Tracy Chapman, Aaron Neville and the late Isaac Hayes.

Here, he makes a promising foray into full-length features via a visuallycaptivating adventure which offers a penetrating peek inside a vibrant community comprised primarily of African expatriates. Though sabotaged at times by mood-setting pauses and some stilted dialogue, Restless City is

Restless City

bored high hopes of making it as a musician. But while pursuing his version of the elusive American Dream, the 21 year-old immigrant pays the rent by hustling bootlegged CDs and other assorted contraband on the street of lower Manhattan.

Afterhours, he retreats via moped to a rough side of Harlem where the struggle for survival only intensifies.

Uptown, Djbril’s Achilles heel is exposed when he takes an interest in pretty Trini (Sky Grey), the proverbial prostitute with a heart of gold.

The knight in shining armor helps

the wayward woman find a legitimate line of work as a hairdresser.

Unfortunately, losing a productive ‘ho doesn’t sit well with her pimp, Bekay (Tony Okungbowa). Complicating matters is the fact that the exploitative creep also happens to be Djibril’s boss, which means it’s merely a matter of time before the situation triangulates into an ugly confrontation over the fetching femme fatale.

That, in a nutshell is the perilous plotline of Restless City, a super-realistic, slice-of-life saga marking the directorial debut of Andrew Dosunmu. The

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IN THEATRES IN 3D JUNE 22

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Urban Spectrum

still sufficiently engaging to remain recommended for devotees of unsanitized dramatic fare bordering on cinema verity.

Forget pimps, it’s apparently just as hard out there for a street peddler.

Rated: R for drug use and brief sexuality In English, French, Wolof and Yoruba with subtitles Running Time: 80 minutes Distributor: AFFRM To see a trailer for Restless City, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbwvThF8aas

HATS OFF TOO

Project Greer Street Members Selected For Selected Programs

Jaycee Floyd, a member of Project Greer Street and junior at East High School, has been selected to attend the Summer Business Institute of the prestigious Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) program at Stanford University. The national competition included more than 1,000 applicants for the program.

The LEAD program is an innovative three to four week residential program hosted by some of the top business schools in America including Duke University, Northwestern University, Stanford University, and Dartmouth University. Last summer, Floyd attended the Telluride Association Sophomore Seminar program at the University of Indiana at Bloomington.

Leonard Davis, a junior at East High School and member of Project Greer Street, has been selected to attend the prestigious Junior Executive Institute

(“JEI”) at the University of Indiana. JEI is a renowned pre-college residential summer enrichment program for qualified high school students who are interested in studying business in college. More than 800 applicants competed to be members of JEI for summer 2012.

Attracting students from throughout the United States, JEI features workshops on finance, marketing, business law, international business, entrepreneurship, operations, and technology. JEI culminates with a business presentation competition for all participating students. In addition to JEI, Davis was selected to participate in the Junior Achievement Business Week Program.

Project Greer Street, a groundbreaking educational enrichment program for African-American males, launched by Yvette Sally and Ronald Sally. For more information, email projectgreerstreet@gmail.com

COMMUNITY NOTES

Fifty, Nifty And Pushing Sixty, 1960-64 Manual Class Reunion

Calling all Manual High School classmates! The Manual High School Class Reunion Committee for 1960 to 64, announces plans for reunion celebration, “Fifty, Nifty and Pushing for Sixty” on June 29, 30 and July 1. The 1960 to 1964 class reunion will be held at the Red Lion Hotel at 4040 Quebec St. in Denver. Deadline is near.

For more information, call 303-7561464, e-mail Manual60to64@aol.com, or join the Facebook page at 2012Reunion 50-Manual Classes/60-64 with your updated information and to receive a registration form.

Summer Food Program Underway At Agape Church

The Agape Christian Church is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex age, or disability and there will be no discrimination the course of the meal service.

Meals will be provided at Agape Church, 2501 California St., Denver from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. MondayThursday, June 1 to August 7.

For more information, call 303-2962454.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

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Harlem Renaissance Explored

A most profound and decidely American cultural experience reflecting all people, cultures and ethnicities.

A symposium, for an indefinite time, will explore this phenomenon using an interactive approach of the individuals involved. Open to all. We will explore, define and understand the Harlem Renaissance and its implication today.

For more information or to participate, call Prof. Alain Locke at 720-7636187.

E-Race Loneliness 5k/10k Run, Walk, And Roll

Whether you’re an avid runner or veteran walker, this event is for you and everyone with games, prizes, bouncy house, food and local vendors.

The mission is to enrich the lives of atrisk youth and nursing home elders by providing them with an outlet to receive encouragement, guidance, love, respect, and support. Proceeds from the event will help sustain the efforts of Bessie’s Hope.

The race will be Sunday, June 24 at 8 a.m. at Denver City Park. The price for Registration is $25 before June 24 and $30 the day of the event. This is a chip-timed race! All ages are welcome.

For more information and to register, visit www.bessieshope.org.

4th Annual Pastel Mademoiselles Art Show Held At Hiawatha Davis

Recreation Center

On April 20, seniors under the expert direction of Diane Kahn held their fourth annual art show. Over 32 pastels and one quilt were exhibited during a luncheon reception. Eight exhibitors, Melodene Kelly, Twinkie Mathews, Yolande Cook, Janice Bennett, Diane Kahn, Helen Harmon, Betty Parrott and Michele Dolphin, presented their artistic creations to appreciative guests.

Strictly a volunteer effort, the art group was the inspiration of Park Hill resident, Diane Kahn, who taught high school art, designed theater scenery and practiced architecture.

Diane encourages reluctant artists to attend the art club saying, “We have a technique that is easy to master.” And indeed it is – judging by the quality of the submissions.

Stories abound in the Pastel Mademoiselles circle. Presenters like Twinkie Mathews had tried her artistic expression as early as third grade only to be dismissed by her teacher as not having any talent at all. Yet, upon submitting her first piece, a bright magenta pastel still life of vibrant cosmos, everyone commented on how well she did.

Betty Parrott, a budding portraitist, took this occasion to do a portrait of her neighbor, George Crenshaw, who recently passed away after a long illness. She gave her portrait to George’s wife, Barbara who was deeply moved.

All of the members of the art club recount how much the art has improved their lives. Janice Bennet, thinking out loud, reflects that working on her art is like taking a vacation.

She said, “It gives me peace of mind.”

Melodene Kelly enjoys working with the colors and scenes while watching everything come to life. Helen Harmon likes seeing the design come to fruition. Michele Dolphin used this opportunity to preserve memories by incorporating her mother’s 50 year old colorful handkerchiefs into a quilt for her family.

Most members also exercise at the Hiawatha Davis Rec Center – making good examples of women who are combining a good work out of mind, body and spirit within the supportive camaraderie of friends and Park Hill neighbors.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

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Celebrating the Life and Times of

NEWSVIEWS

Does Race Matter?

Denver Urban Spectrum is working with its nonprofit newsroom partner, the I-News Network, and with Colorado Public Radio on upcoming stories about race and social progress. What we’re finding is unsettling. For example in 1970, African American and Latino families in Colorado earned about 74 percent of what white families earned. Forty years later, it has dropped to between 50 and 60 percent. Did your parents fare better than you are? Do your children have the same opportunities you did? We’d like to hear your story. Visit http://bit.ly/RaceQuery for a chance to share your experiences and learn more. Or contact I-News at 303-620-5672.

Dig For the Truth!

High School students are invited to spend the week of July 9 at the University of Colorado learning the skills investigative reporters use to spot wrongdoing, ask critical questions, uncover hidden information and produce compelling multimedia stories. The I-News Network is presenting this 2012 Investigative Journalism Institute.

A limited number of students will be chosen. Some tuition assistance is available. To learn more and apply, visit: http://bit.ly/I-NewsCamp_UrbanSpectrum or call I-News at 303-620-5672.

COLORADO

ROCKIN’N’RHYTHM

JAZZ

BLUES MAHOGANY SOUL CHILD

GOSPEL TRAIN

R&B JUKE BOX

DENVER A FUNK ABOVE THE REST

Donald Newton McSwain

Sunrise – June 16, 1951 Sunset – May 8, 2012

Donald Newton McSwain was born on June 16, 1951 in Omaha, Nebraska to Erven and Elsie McSwain. He was the fifth of six children born. He had three brothers, Erven Jr., Chester Clay and Gregory and two sisters, Marvie Jean and Jenett.

He graduated from Tech High School in Omaha, Nebraska and furthered his education at Antioch College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he studied pre-law and psychology.

He also received an Associate’s Degree in computer programming.

In his younger days in Omaha, Donald was also a singer and loved to entertain. He was a member of the now Omaha Hall of Famers Showpushers.

Donald’s career was vast and diverse. The last several years, he worked as an upholsterer. Over the years, he mastered many fields including barbering; and he was also an experienced airplane mechanic. He specialized in antiques and cars. But anyone who knew Mac will say his true calling was in the field of law, where he worked on several cases as a paralegal, and recently taking a case to the Supreme Court.

Donald was a member of New Bethel C.O.G.I.C. during his many

ALL BLUES

ORIGINS: ORGY IN RHYTHM

NEWS

SO WHAT:

THE RADIO SHOW

.892 25* .9-= 25*

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

32

years of living in Omaha, where his older brother Erven Jr., is now the pastor. Before his passing, he became a member of Grace Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Denver.

One might say Mac did it his way – and as matter of fact, he did.

There was nothing he wouldn’t try to do. He enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed singing and making people laugh and was always the life of the party. But he was also an avid Bible reader. He knew the Word and he loved the Lord and as a child he often dramatized characters from the Bible.

On May 8, 2012, Donald Newton McSwain was set free and joined his mother and father, Erven Sr. and Elsie McSwain, sisters Marvie Jean and Jenett, and brother Gregory. He leaves to cherish his memory, brothers Erven Jr. (Sondra) of Omaha, NE and Chester Clay of Chicago, IL; sister Bev of Louisville, KY; sons Donald and Lawrence James of Denver, CO; daughter Candy Gonzalez of Kansas City, MO; grandsons Tyrell and Dylan James of Denver, CO; Santangelo, Philip and Chavez, all of Kansas City, MO; granddaughters Candace and Erica of Kansas City, MO; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Remembering Vada Swanson

The community lost a great storyteller, business owner and community friend, Vada Swanson.

Vada Swanson was a native of Toledo, Ohio, born on June 18, 1924 to Reuben and Denverado Burrell. She was educated in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from Cass Tech High School and then went onto Goldberg School of Nursing.

In 1961, she moved to Denver with her two daughters, Sharon and Dianne, where her sister and other relatives were already residing. She remained a committed nurse, which was reflected by her years of service at Children’s Hospital, Veterans Hospital and Denver General. In 1967, she started working with the Denver Public Health System as a Pediatric Nurse at the Hyde Park Health Center before retiring in 1982. In addition to her nursing, she devoted her time to the Epworth Community Outreach Programs as a health coordinator.

In 1991, she and her sister, Mary Beth, opened the African Gift and Book store called “House of Osiris” that served the community until 1998.

Vada Swanson developed a wide circle of church family and friends. She served in Shorter Community AME Church’s Matron Club, Women’s Missionary Society, The Breast Cancer Ministry and had a great commitment to the Wednesday Bible Study. The accolades and achievements she attained throughout her life

Never Going Back

Continued from page 25 for mothers who have spent far too many nights awake waiting for that call, for fathers who struggle with feelings of helplessness associated with watching a child go down the wrong road, for women raising children alone because the father never made it back from that last run, and for those children who have had to tell lies to others about their parent’s whereabouts – this guide answers many of your questions as well. Some of us would never have made it back without you. For some of us, you were the only reason we even tried.

After spending almost 18 consecutive years incarcerated in Colorado penitentiaries, I believe you must speak out loud your commitment to a goal, pray for guidance towards that end...then work your hardest to bring

WHO’S WHO “AROUND TOWN” SEE MORE @

Women Wine and Wit

are a testament to the legacy she leaves. She is revered by her church and her family, and was a tireless advocate who found great joy in service to others. She was a motivating influence in her community. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister friend and confidant. Her wisdom transcended many generations and she remained loyal to her family and friends throughout her life.

She was a great storyteller and all her stories had a significant impact on peoples’ lives. One would always marvel hearing the life experiences she had because there were so many and were so heartfelt. Her joyful and kind spirit influenced anyone who had the good fortune to meet her.

She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her loving legacy, her daughters, Sharon P. Hill-Washington (Clarence) Denver, Dianne E. Reeves, Denver; grandson, Anthony B. Brown (Melissa), Arlington, Texas; siblings Charles Burrell (Melonie) Denver, Joseph Burrell, Detroit, Michigan, Mary Beth Mitchell, Denver and sister niece, Delores Thornton (George), Cleveland, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband William A. Swanson.

She also leaves behind her devoted friends: Edsel and Gwen Bolden, Christian Redmond Heart, Dr. Obisio Lasaki, Rodella Wooten, George and Marjorie Morrison, Perry Ayers, Anna Redmond, Bennie Williams, Ruby Kirk Gray, Joyce and Zelma Tasker, Hazel Walker and Barbara Richardson and many others.

WWW.DENVERURBANSPECTRUM.COM

A Moment In Time

It’s Your Time Youth Rally

A Time For Laughter

Timeless Legends Gala

Women Wine and Wit Honoree Reception Timeless Legends Gala

Timeless Legends Gala Timeless Legends Gala

that change into existence. There’s a superstition in prison that warns, “Never say ‘I’m never coming back’ or else you will.“ I say you must LOUDLY proclaim an end to the madness - say you are NEVER GOING BACK - then take the steps to make it so.

Editor’s note: Hassan A. Latif is a Certified Addictions Counselor in Colorado and provides services primarily to those recently released from incarceration and people living with HIV. A nationally certified Cognitive Behavior Change Facilitator (NCTI), he provides mentoring and counseling services through his newly founded Second Chance Center. He is board member of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition. He is married to Imani and has two children. To order Never Going Back: 7 Steps to Staying Out of Prison, call 720-927-9694 or email Secondchancecentercolorado@gmail.com.

Cedric the Entertainer @ Improv Photos by Luciana

TPOC 10th Annniversary

Dotsero and Friends

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

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Letters to the Editor

Continued from page 3 Editor: I attended the Urban Spectrum’s 25 years celebration dinner. I am writing to thank you and your team for a wonderful night. Being new to the Denver community, it was rewarding to be part of a great celebration of women that is giving back to the community.

My husband and I have become an avid reader of the Spectrum. We now feel we have additional avenue into our community.

Again, thank you.

Cynthia R. Latney Chief Nursing Officer The Medical Center of Aurora

Editor: Thank you so much for inviting me to the 25th anniversary gala. It was a lovely evening. I certainly enjoyed the dinner – but what I enjoyed most was seeing you honored. You absolutely earned it. How brave you were, a woman with two little boys, to start a newspaper. It was obvious how much you are loved and respected and you deserve it all.

I was just amazed at all the things your well-chosen honorees had done – and I know they all raised children, cooked dinner and all the home chores – while they did it!

Now you are on to the next 25 years, and I wish you great success in all you do.

Valerie Conte Timeless Legends Guest

Grateful To Be Included In DUS

Editor: I just wanted to say thank you for including my essay The First Time I understood The Meaning Of Love” in (last) month’s Urban Spectrum. You did an amazing job, the spread looks great! Thank you again for letting me share my story.

Be blessed!

Roshawn T. Ford-Bryant

CLASSSIFIED ADVERTISING

Seeking Ministry Trip Donations

Editor: I am writing because I have been selected to go to the United Kingdom this summer for two weeks, July 6-22, to help with the ministry of HCJB Global. I will join a team of eight who will do media ministry among the people of the UK who are far from Christ; and we will encourage some of the new Christians in the ministry there.

My food, lodging, preparation expense and flight will total $3,500.

Would you prayerfully consider contributing a special gift to this ministry opportunity as part of your giving to the Lord and His work? Gifts of any size will be gratefully accepted.

I am also offering you some incentives for your gifts of $30 or more…1) I play the harp and would like to come to your home and play it for you for an hour or at a special event and recite an original poem; and 2) as a certified swim instructor, I can give you and/or your children a private lesson for $30 per hour.

You may also give directly online at www.hcjb.org/donate-give-to-missionaries, (type Cydnie Wilson, account #128829).

I can be reached at cydwils@gmail.com.

The Bo Matthews Center for Excellence will submit an application to the Colorado Division of Housing (DOH). The purpose of this application is to request $85,000 to develop a 16-bed supportive transitional housing unit at 3030 Downing Street. The request of funding from DOH is to benefit formerly homeless male veterans with very low incomes by increasing the availability of housing in Denver, and will not cause displacement from any existing housing.

All interested persons are encouraged to contact the applicant for further information at 303-295-0376.

Written comments should be sent to 3030 Downing St., Denver, CO 80205. All comments will be forwarded to DOH for consideration during the application process.

Members of the public may request a public hearing and should arrange a request with the Applicant.

Applicant shall post notice of meeting to ensure other members of the public are aware of meeting. If reasonable accommodations are needed for persons attending the public hearing, please contact the Applicant.

Yours in Christ Cydnie Wilson

Job Opening

The Music Ministry Search Committee at New Hope Baptist Church has opened the call for resumes to fill the position of Director of Music Ministry, which will be a one-year contract appointment. The person filling this position will be responsible for providing a spirit-led commitment in worshipping God for the church worship choirs and congregation.

Any person with a college degree and Godly interest in applying for this position should obtain a copy of the position description from the New Hope Baptist Church office. All applicants must submit their resume and a cover letter to New Hope Baptist Church, Attn: Director of Music Ministry Search Committee, 3701 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205. The final deadline for all resumes and cover letters to be received in the church office is July 1, 2012, by 2 p.m. and the anticipated employment date is August 1, 2012.

To apply or get more information, email the church at newhopemusicminsearch@gmail.com or call 303-322-5200 and leave your question or contact information in the voicemail box for the Director of Music Ministry Search. All qualified applicants will be considered and applications received after the deadline will not be included for consideration.

Macedonia Baptist Church Pastoral Search Committee is accepting resumes for the position of Senior Pastor.

Please send information only to: Macedonia Baptist Church Pastoral Search Committee PO Box 473789 Aurora, CO 80047

SO MUCH NEWS

It Takes a Village has an opening for a Program Director for our African-American gay/bisexual men’s program. BA/BS preferred. Documented experience with HIV prevention strategies required, including excellent communication and group facilitation skills. Supervisory experience preferred. Excellent documentation and computer skills required. Reliable vehicle and driver’s license required.

that if we put it all in the paper

it wouldn’t fit in your mailbox Get local and national business news updated throughout the day, top business stories form the print edition and industry-specific blogs from more than 40 industries.

Send cover letter and resume to imanilatif@ittakesavillagecolorado.org or fax to 303-367-0227 no later than June 12, 2012.

No time to surf? Sign up for email alerts and get the day’s top headlines delivered right to your inbox.

Breaking business news.

Every business day. denverbusinessjournal.com Get 4 weeks of the print edition FREE! Call 303.803.9200 today!

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2012

34

Saturday, July 28, 2012 – 8:30am Start Time City Park – Denver, Colorado

Adjacent to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science located at Colorado Blvd. & Montview Blvd.

Walk – Join us for the 5K or take a detour with the Senior Shortcut– a one mile option. You can also join us for the Mocha Mile Family Fun Run/Walk.

Run – Ready. . . Set . . . Run! Runners are invited to participate in a timed race to the finish!

Learn – Visit the Health Education Expo for information about programs and resources that support active and healthy living.

Entertainment provided by Mary Louise Lee Band

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Times

Registration Fees

On-site Registration 7:30 a.m.

5K Walk/Run and Senior Shortcut begin at 8:30 a.m.

Mocha Mile Family Fun Walk/Run begins at 9:00 a.m.

Awards Ceremony 9:30 a.m.

Entertainment 10:00 a.m.

Adults and children 18 and older – $30 Children 6-17 years old and Adults 50+ – $25 Children 5 and under (no shirt) – Free Children 5 and under (with shirt) – $10 – registration still required for all children Teams of four or more people receive a discounted rate of $25 per person Note: On-site registration the day of the event is $35 per person.

Each registrant will receive a Destination Health t-shirt.

OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS LEAD SPONSOR

THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT DIVISION OF THE GARY-WILLIAMS COMPANY

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Register now on line at www.caahealth.org or for more information call 303-355-3423.

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