Cableland Home Foundation

Recognize Mayors of Denver First Spouses

Unveiling of the Historic First Spouses Wall

That aspiration was fulfilled last month with the recognition of 42 past First Spouses of Denver.

When asked what she wanted her legacy to be as the First Lady of Denver, Mary Louise Lee said it was to recognize and honor Mayors of Denver First Spouses.

The Cableland Home Foundation unveiled its historic First Spouses Wall on June 20 as a testament to the enduring strength, resilience, and progressive spirit of women who served as the First Ladies of Denver.

Held at Cableland, the reception with more than 200 special guests, began with a welcome by Event Chairs LaTonya Lacy and Jay Finesilver, both with the Foundation. Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock followed with remarks on how the role of a First Spouse is a thankless job that included overlooked contributions.

Goosebumps were felt as Mary Louise Lee sang “Believe in Yourself,” before providing personal remarks about the challenges for women who are mayoral spouses.

Five former First Ladies of Denver were in attendance and recognized as First Spouses with a portrait unveiling ceremony and a plaque.

They included Ellen Hart Peña (former First Lady to Mayor Federico Peña, 1983 to 1991); Wilma J. Webb (former First Lady to Mayor Wellington Webb, 1991 to 2003); Helen Thorpe (former First Lady to now current Senator John Hickenlooper, 2003 to 2011);

Gabriela Cornejo-Figueroa (former First Lady of Mayor Guillermo “Bill” Vidal, January 2011 to July 2011); and Mary Louise Lee (former First Lady to current Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, July 2011 to 2021).

This historic event brought five First Spouses, spanning five decades from 1983, in one location for a public audience for the first time. This tribute acknowledged the invaluable role played by influential women who have supported and shaped the state alongside their mayoral partners. The unveiling ceremony marked a significant milestone in recog- nizing the enduring legacy of 42 remarkable women.

Guests were gifted with a commemorative First Spouse coin..

Editor’s note: For more information about the Mayors of Denver First Spouses, visit www.cablelandfirstspousesproject.org

July 9–September 24, 2023

Summer Theatre Camp

A week filled with techniques and exercises to refine acting skills for a live performance of an original play, Black is Queen, that seeks to find self-love and empowerment in a world driven by social interactions.

Ages 5 to 17

Auditions for the main characters in Black is Queen will be held Thursday, July 20, from 10 am to Noon at Scott United Methodist Church (to register for auditions, email scordy@openingacttheatre.org) or call 303.777.2054.

THEATRE CAMP:

Monday, July 24 – Friday, July 28, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Scott United Methodist Church, 2880 Garfield Street

LIVE PERFORMANCE OF BLACK IS QUEEN

Friday, July 28, 6 pm - Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church