Denver Urban Spectrum - September 2020 - Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, History in the Making by Denver Urban Spectrum

Volume 34 Number 6 September 2020

2020 United States Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidate

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

History In the Making With a Challenge To

Democracy...4

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MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Challenges in the midst of diversity and the wake of adversity… Volume 34

Number 6

September 2020

PUBLISHER Rosalind J. Harris GENERAL MANAGER Lawrence A. James EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alfonzo Porter COLab INFORMED COMMUNITIES GRANT COORDINATOR Tanya Ishikawa COLUMNISTS Kim Farmer Barry Overton FILM CRITIC BlackFlix.Com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS James Michael Brodie Amadou Dieng Roger Kahn Louise Martorano Zilingo Nwuke Alfonzo Porter Jack Payden-Travers ART DIRECTOR Bee Harris MARKETING AND ADVERTISING Lorenzo Middleton

So what does democracy mean (to you)? Today this system of government is under attack by those who are held to sustain and protect it. This is not a government of “united states” of America. Nor is it a government that respects or protects all of its constituents. Our democracy is under fire and on the line. This month, Denver Urban Spectrum shares stories about facing challenges as we continue to maneuver through a pandemic that is still plaguing our country. Editor Alfonzo Porter takes a look at the historical nomination of Kamala Harris in “What if Democracy Fails?” and the consequences if it does. Contributor Roger Kahn provides a historical perspective on why “Black Lives Won’t Matter (in November), If You Don’t Vote.” And longtime contributor James Michael Brodie explains why you are white – if you are – and how “white” came about over the years. Amadou Dieng pays tribute to a Senegalese family who perished in a house fire, which may have happened to them because they were Black. Speculation is that it was a hate crime. African Americans have been impacted more by the novel coronavirus, including more deaths, than any other population. Eric Kyere tells how “enslaved people’s health was ignored from the country’s beginning, laying the groundwork for today’s health disparities.” This month Amazon Studios’ “All In: The Fight For Democracy” featuring Stacey Abrams will launch. This documentary examines the often overlooked, yet insidious issue of voter suppression in the United States in anticipation of the 2020 Presidential Election. And lastly, and certainly not least, Jack Payden-Travers remembers John Lewis with his tribute, “Respecting the Dignity of Every Human Being: Reflections on John Lewis.” After reading these articles, I ask you again to consider: what does democracy really mean to you? For me it means a better tomorrow that will mend systemic racism, health disparities, hate crimes, police brutality, discrimination, and so much more. I hope and pray that it means enough for you to vote and encourage your friends and family members to do the same. I have a newborn great granddaughter and I want a better environment for her to live and grow up in. If it doesn’t change on November 3, it will only get worse. Don’t let past mistakes by candidates prevent you from voting for what is right today. Don’t believe the hype and become discouraged by others’ foolish rhetoric. There is no better time than now to respect and honor the legacy of John Lewis (and all those who came before him) by voting in November for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. And let us not forget and vote in honor of our warriors: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain…and the list goes on. Cast a vote for them, for they have been silenced and robbed of that privilege. Enjoy, and stay safe!

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Rosalind J. Harris Publisher

“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year; it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”

Congressman John Lewis – Twitter 2018 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Member 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 2020 by Bizzy Bee Enterprise. 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. For advertising, subscriptions, or other information, call 303-292-6446 or fax 303292-6543 or visit the Web site at www.denverurbanspectrum.com.

one from my grandmother who told us about my grandfather, Joe Sawaya, who owned a store in Trinidad. He would give away food to the “bums,” as those displaced by lack of work in the Depression were called, and sometimes this would be more than what the store took in as sales for the day. My grandmother said one day she remarked saying they made no money that day. And when my grandfather responded saying “Maybe someday your own sons will be in such a position; and would you want them to be sent away with nothing?” She said she never

Values and Principles, Always Good Calls Editor: 2020 has presented challenges and difficulties I never thought I would see in my lifetime. I heard about the issues of the Great Depression from my father’s generation, thinking that would certainly not be something we would ever deal with. But, we are dealing with levels of depression with an economic downturn while also suffering from the fear of COVID-19 and the social isolation it has caused. From the many stories I heard about the Great Depression, I remember

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

made such a remark to him again. What I took away from that story was through trying and difficult times, we are more than ever called upon to remember our core values and our best principles. In truth, these values and principles should be part of our daily lives in good days and bad. Accessing them and expressing them is the best calling we can have. Our values never leave us. We can leave them unattended and unused if we don’t recall them and consider in what Continued on page 24

What if Democracy Fails?

Why the Biden/Harris Ticket Presents a Critical Choice By Alfonzo Porter

ost of us are familiar

with the metaphorical boiling frog adage; that if you drop a frog into a pot of boiling water, it will jump out immediately. However, if placed in warm water that is gradually brought to a boil, the frog would sit until boiled to death. Over the past four years, the political environment in the U.S. has been slowly brought to a boil. Yet, unlike the unsuspecting frog, we’ve acknowledged that the temperature has been steadily rising and we are left with little choice but to leap from the fire as a nation and replace Donald Trump as president. By his actions, Trump clearly believes that we are no smarter than our slippery, green, amphibian friend as he, some would argue, begun to dismantle our democracy brick by brick since arriving in the White House in 2017. Lobbing one attack after another on American norms and institutions through his media-craving daily Tweeting tirades, Donald Trump has stripped away any pretense about who he is intrinsically. So as the nation faces the quadruple threat of a deadly pandemic that continues to claim more than 1,000 lives a day, tens of millions of Americans unemployed, race relations in crisis and environmental emergencies featuring twin simultaneous hurricanes in

Joe Biden Accepts the Nomination for the Democratic Party's Ticket for President of the United States Wilmington, DE - August 20, 2020 Photo by Adam Schultz / Biden for President

a Gulf of Mexico and wildfires decimating California, Trump relishes fanning the flames of hate, division and conspiracy. Much like Emperor Nero fiddling while Rome burned to the ground, this president golfs and behaves as if all is well. His most recent assault on the U.S. Post Office suggesting, without any evidence, that mail-in ballots are rife with fraud is apparently beginning to convince those who follow him that the election will be rigged if he does not win. And for an American president to openly undermine many of the nation’s sacred institutions, asserting power not granted to him in the Constitution, without consequence, has prompted millions of Americans to question—what if democracy fails? It is not hyperbole. Four more years moving in the same

direction could have catastrophic consequences. The 2020 election cannot be more urgent. Americans must choose either the present course or opt to dramatically change the direction of the nation. The Biden/Harris ticket stands in stark contrast to the current administration. Even when presented with an opportunity to clarify a vision for the next four years, Trump has been incapable of providing one. Instead, we continue to be confronted with fear, anger, blame, flat out lies and threats. The absence of any tangible, concrete measures to address the nations’ multiple, simultaneous crisis, one might assume, would make the choice a no-brainer as the past four years has been a constant barrage of deflections, spin, detractions and scandal.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

By contrast, Joe Biden’s remarks during his acceptance address began with inclusiveness and hope. It’s the first time the American people are hearing themes of togetherness. “Ella Baker, a giant of the Rights Movement, left us with this wisdom: give people light and they will find a way,” he said. “I am a proud Democrat, but I will be an American president. I will work as hard for those who did not support me as I will for those who did.” His historic selection of Kamala Harris, a woman of black and Indian ancestry, has been well received throughout the party. Many hale the decision saying that it represents the diversity of the country and speaks volumes about the inclusiveness of the Biden campaign. Harris, the former San Francisco District Attorney,

Manufacturing and Innovation — This includes

plans to build a strong industrial base led by a small business led supply chain; the focus

to invigorate unions and work to create jobs that pay a wage that a family can live on.

omy and address environmental injustice. Caregiving and Education Workforce—Biden plans to ease

Infrastructure and an Equitable Clean Energy Future

the burden of affordable childcare on working parents, especially women. His plan also will focus on caring for aging relatives and those with disabilities to have better access to home and community-based care. He wants to elevate the pay for professionals like caregivers and educators.

— The goal is to build a resilient economy for the long term. It includes investments in modern, sustainable infrastructure with new roads, bridges, airports, energy grids and universal broadband. The plan will address the climate crisis by building a clean energy econ-

Racial Equity—Biden plans to launch a dedicated agenda to close the wealth gap, expand affordable housing and invest in black, Latino and Native American businesses and communities. He wants to advance policing and criminal justice reform along with a real promise of educational opportunity regardless of race or zip code. Biden/Harris will also move to pass the Protecting the right Continued on page 6

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California Attorney General and U.S. Senator has infused excitement and promise into the 2020 campaign. As a woman of color, the weight of the moment is not lost on her. “I stand on the shoulders of pioneering women like Mary Church Terrell, Mary McCleodBethune, Fannie Lou Hamer, Diane Nash, Constance Baker and the great Shirley Chisholm,” Harris said. If elected, Biden and Harris will have multiple issues to address before they can even begin to implement their comprehensive plans. It is not hard for Americans to find the darkness of hate, division and a total lack of planning in the current White House. The issues created by Trump may take the next president years, if not decades, to repair. However, this Democratic ticket seems ready. The Biden/Harris campaign has released, what appears to be, a detailed plan to rebuild the American infrastructure which would potentially generate millions of jobs across the board, fight and defeat Covid19, rebuild small businesses, and invest in minority communities. The Build Back Better campaign announced by Biden will focus on providing state, local and native governments with the funds needed to save the jobs of essential workers like teachers, police and firefighters. The plan would extend unemployment insurance to help stabilize families who are currently out of work as result of Covid-19 and create a socalled comeback fund to shore up small businesses and entrepreneurs. Here is some of what the Biden/Harris platform includes:

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What If Democracy Fails? Continued from page 5 to Organize (PRO) Act. This will give public service and federal government workers the right for collective bargaining through strong unions. Additional plans include addressing discrimination and harassment in the workplace and passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act in an effort ensure that women are paid equally for equal work. It does not stop there. A Biden/Harris administration will seek universal paid sick leave and 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave. This will be in addition to making sure that every American has access to quality, affordable health care along with providing a public option and lowering the care and prescription drugs. The proposed investments, the candidate suggests, will come from ensuring that corporate America pays their fair

share in taxes. He proposes to reverse the Trump tax cuts and impose “common sense” tax reforms that will require the wealthiest 1% to pay their fair share. The plan also includes helping small businesses manage through the pandemic and recover so that millions of business owners can get back on their feet and move the economy forward. With a consumer-based economy, the U.S. depends on robust spending. Therefore, the current high rate of unemployment means lower demand. The answer is a vigorous jobs agenda. The Biden/Harris agenda believes that failure to make the necessary, far reaching investments the long-term growth of the American economy will be undermined. However, many argue that the country cannot afford to invest so heavily in jobs creation. Not surprisingly, they are the same people who have been able to find trillions to the

wealthy and corporations over the past three years. In the wake of nearly six million Americans infected with Covid-19 and almost 180,000 people dead the Trump Administration rarely mentions the pandemic—as if to suggest that if we ignore it, the virus will magically disappear. Rather, the current president continues to push unproven and dangerous remedies such as Hydrochloriquine, ingesting bleach and household disinfectants into the human body and more recently blood plasma from previously infected patients. The Biden/Harris team has presented a comprehensive plan with five basic components. 1) test and trace; 2) sufficient personal protective equipment; 3) science-based treatments and vaccines; 4) steps to reopen safely and effectively; and 5) protecting those at high risk, including elderly Americans. Additionally, the Biden/Harris campaign plans to create a Pandemic Testing Board in order to provide a massive nationwide surge in free, reliable testing for all Americans including those workers being called back to work. The plan also includes a doubling of the drive through testing sites to reduce backlog. Finally, they propose a national contact tracing workforce of 100,000 and equipping under-sourced public health

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departments with the resources needed to spot and stop outbreaks. Failure of the country to change direction at this critical juncture portends a future that most Americans can’t imagine. According to Joe Biden, it’s all on the line. “Character is on the ballot, decency is on the ballot, compassion is on the ballot, science is on the ballot and democracy is on the ballot,” Biden told the American public. Thus, the question of “What if Democracy Fails,” is not an over-exaggeration—here’s a brief list of what the current administration has done to weaken the American system: Defy the Supreme Court. Despite a recent court ruling in favor of DACA, the Trump Administration continues to reject new applications designed to allow work permits and protection from deportation from DACA students. Bypass Congressional Authority. Over and over again since Trump was elected, he has sought to go around Congress’s authority through the signing of executive orders and other administrative actions. The administration has adopted a position of congressional obstruction and nocooperation into federal investigations with the legislative branch. This is in direct violation of Congress’s constitutionally granted powers.

Weaponize the Justice Department. The appointment of Bill Barr as Attorney General has proven that the alleged independent agency has become little more than a tool for the president to pardon his criminal friends and punish his enemies. The humiliation of Jeff Sessions because he appropriately recused himself from the Russia investigations was an indication of Trump’s expectations of the Justice Department. Demand complicity of the FBI Director. FBI director James Comey was ordered by Trump to cease an investigation into National Security Advisor, Michael Flynn. Flynn was the first of several Trump officials to plead guilty to a crime. It was uncovered during the Mueller investigation that Flynn lied about his knowledge of Russia’s attempts to influence the U.S. Presidential election in 2016. He fired Comey when he refused.

zations. His actions stand in contrast to a 1982 law against revealing intelligence sources. According to a statement from FBI Director Christopher Wray, “The day that we cannot protect our human sources is the day that the U.S. becomes less safe.” Mix Private Business with Government Business. In the past, presidents would sell any financial stakes in their businesses or place them in a blind trust in order to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. In contrast, Trump has maintained control over his businesses by placing his politically active sons in charge. The Trump organization received a $500 million loan for a project in Indonesia and immediately lifted sanctions on China’s telecom firm ZTE. While this is in direct violation of the Emoluments Clause, no investigations were launched. Place Family Members in Key Government Roles. Following the Kennedy Administration when JFK appointed his brother Attorney General, Congress enacted the anti-nepotism law of 1967. Trump claims the law does not apply to White House staff based on a questionable legal interpretation. He has provided daughter Ivanka with an office in the West Wing of the White House and a top security clearance. Ivanka has not been required to give up her business interests. Trump has also appointed his son-in-law, Jared

Undermine the First Amendment. Trump has on more than one occasion sought to impose censorship and silence the press, particularly news that is unfavorable to him. He has imposed financial pressure on independent news organizations to either run them out of business or force them into the hands of owners friendly to him. He sought to block the merger between AT&T and Time Warner in an attempt to sell CNN to ultra conservative media tycoon, Rupert Murdoch. His assertion that the press is an “enemy of the state,” is directly out of the dictator’s handbook. Reveal Intelligence Sources. Upon finding out that the FBI had a source that was gathering intelligence on Russian contacts with his campaign, Trump illegally ordered the agency to publicly name the source. Later the individual’s name was leaked by several news organi-

Kushner as chief adviser to Canada, Mexico, China, and the Middle East; he has no discernable background or experience. Demonstrate Complete Ignorance of Public Policy. Trump is well known for his lack of knowledge of many domestic and international policies and agreements. A senior European diplomat expressed, after a meeting with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, that Trump knew nothing about an impending Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. He also was clueless about Russian exploits in Ukraine or a recent agreement with Minsk. They preferred to actually deal with Ivanka instead because she seemed, “better prepared.” Place Open Racists in Charge of the White House. Trump selected the recently arrested “alt-right”, anti-Semitic webmaster, Steve Bannon, as his chief White House strategist. He tapped a general with clear anti-Muslim leanings as National Security Adviser. His senior adviser for policy is reportedly a white supremacist giving rise to the infamous Charlottesville claim of “good people on both sides.” The results of the 2020 presidential election will determine whether America continues to be a democracy or something unrecognizable to the vast majority of her citizens. Therefore, a vote for Biden/Harris may represent our last best chance to save the soul of the nation..

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A New Day for the Denver Sheriff Department

everything that we can to lift the spirits, to improve the moral of the men and women of the Denver Sheriff Department. And thirdly, to bring the community to the table for conversation about where we are going – including the folks in our custody – ensuring that we are all working together as we begin to take the Denver Sheriff Department forward. DUS: What are some of the steps you believe you will have to take in order to change the way inmates are handled or treated in custody? SD: I think it is sharing that mindset with all of our staff. They are many people working in our department who already have that. They can become ambassadors by helping to spread the message about the why and how we do that. It’s ensuring that we take that approach in everything that we do – from the simplest acts that we take all the way up to use of force. DUS: What about recruitment? What do you look for in new officers? SD: We look for somebody that believes in serving the public, the community and others. That is what this job is about. This job is not about this badge and about the authority. Serving others has got to be at the root core of people when they come into this job because that’s really what it’s about. We need good people in order to do that. We need more people from Montbello, Parkhill, Westwood, the Northside, the Eastside, and the Southside. People need to understand that this is a great place to work. We really need people from the community who can relate. We need to encourage young people to think about a career in law enforcement, to continue that legacy so that we do not take steps backwards. DUS: The year 2020 has been a crazy year. One for the books! Events like George Floyd’s death and similar events

By Zilingo Nwuke

he Denver Sheriff Department has had its fair share of pros and cons over the last few years. Numerous different leaders of the department, a reputation of being a dirty department, and a year 2020 campaign that has nearly started a civil war are just a few to mention. It is safe to say that law enforcement has been under major scrutiny lately; and definitely a tough time to be in law enforcement. Under new leadership, with a new approach to business, the department should be headed in the right direction. Elias Diggins was appointed the new Denver Sheriff by Mayor Michael Hancock and has some ideas improve the Department and move forward. Bringing the department and the community closer together is very important to him, who says, “the two have to work together in order to create something they both can be happy with and only by working together can the two come up with some type of agreement about how things should be run in Denver.” In a recent interview, Sheriff Diggins talked about upcoming plans for the City of Denver. Denver Urbans Spectrum: What is your story? Summarize your journey on how you become the new Denver County Sheriff? Sherriff Diggins: I have been with the department for 25 and a half years; started out as a deputy in the old Denver County Jail on Smith Road and overtime worked in every area in the agency. I was appointed as Sheriff on July 23. DUS: How did you feel when you were named the new Sheriff of Denver? Was it a lifetime goal or was it a surprise?

What were some of your emotions at that time? SD: I think it was both. When I first became a deputy back in the academy I introduced myself and said my name is Elias Diggins, I am from Montbello and one day I want to lead this agency. I really did not know that it was something that I could actually achieve. But when it happened, it felt like a dream – some days it still does. It’s an amazing opportunity and privilege. It only happened because of my faith in God, the amazing men and women of the Sheriff Department and the support of my family, that I was able to become the Sheriff of Denver. DUS: What are your top three priorities as the Sheriff of Denver? SD: The first one is to ensure that we are treating people the way we would want our loved ones to be treated. I have a dual mindset philosophy that we are incorporating into the department. The other part of the mindset is that we lead with our humanity. Making sure that every person in our agency has that mindset is our number one goal. Second, is to focus on recruitment and retention. Bringing in the right people who have that mindset, but also ensuring that we are doing

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

have garnered global attention. What is your opinion on George Floyd and how did it affect you and the Department? SD: When it came to the George Floyd protest, we responded to some of the scenes, but we also talked to some of the protesters. I felt their pain. George Floyd’s murder hurt me too. Hearing about Breonna Taylor hurt me too. Being an African American in uniform, you live in both of those worlds. Seeing those protests is something I will never forget. That is also another reason why we have to have a greater effort to invite the community to the table to be part of the conversation with where the Denver Sheriff Department is going. DUS: Would you say community involvement is a crucial step to improvement? SD: I have actually started a committee called the Community Employee Leadership Counsel which will meet for the first time next week. Community groups have been invited along with our employee groups and entire leadership team. They will monthly to talk about the issues happening in the Sheriff’s Department with follow-up action to ensure that our agency is moving forward based on the concerns addressed. DUS: Is there anything else you would like to add? SD: I would like the people to know that the Sheriff Department stands ready to become the agency that the community wants us to be. We’ve had a lot of challenges that have happened in the past, but it’s a new day. It’s a new day for us and we are going in a direction that I believe is going to be something that the community eventually has trust in us again, believe in us again and they will see that our actions speak louder than our words. I also want to give a shout out to my mom! .

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Black Lives Won’t Matter If YOU Don’t Vote By Roger Kahn

fter Richard Nixon’s 1968 election, I pessimistically feared that many of the important gains made in the 1960s by the Civil Rights Movement, although limited, would be set back. Over the next decades, unfortunately, my fears became reality. My involvement in the movement began in 1962, when I volunteered for a Civil Rights Leadership Training Institute in Houston, Texas. By 1965, I was a professional community organizer, and then, a research director in national African-American-led organizations. In the ‘70s, I led an advocacy organization that focused on Communities of Color, the environment, organized labor, and energy policy. Beginning in the 1980s, I taught leaders and managers in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations to effectively attain their organization’s objectives. During 2020, the resurgence of social activism, following the brutal murders of Black men at the hands of vigilantes and police, has once again made me hopeful. Today’s social activism is broader and deeper than it was in my formative movement years. Today, protesters are of all ages, sexual identities, races, and from hundreds of cities and towns across the country. This new activism, especially the Black Lives Matter movement, makes me think about some of the errors we made in the 1960s. Those mistakes paved the way for Nixon to win the election. Three lessons stand out.

First, because some people became frustrated at the slow pace of progress, they pivoted away from nonviolence to violence. Second, others let the ideal become the enemy of the good. Last, and most importantly, people failed to vote. In this 2020 election, voting must be seen as the ultimate form of mass protest. We all must vote, and given the current attempts to suppress turnout, vote early. Black lives won’t matter if YOU don’t vote. African Americans and other people of color have always been victimized by the American judicial system – the police, the courts, and the prisons. And decades ago, from 1964 through the summer of 1967, police abuse became the catalyst for hundreds of urban uprisings in African-American communities. Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, Newark, and New York serve as examples. One of America’s impotent establishment responses to the urban uprisings was a so-called study in 1967, “to investigate the causes of a recent outbreak of race riots, with a particular focus on the 1967 Detroit riots.” The report concluded the causes were: “a lack of economic opportunity … failed housing, education, and social service policies.” Although the report’s recommendations included the hiring of “more diverse and sensitive police forces,” police disrespect and brutality was not considered a major cause of the uprisings. During those same years, increased frustration that social change was not happening fast enough led to the Civil Rights Movement morphing into the Black Power Movement. A growing sense of Black Nationalism coupled with irritation that even the white activists could not recognize their own racism. For example, in 1966, the chairmanship of the In SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee)

passed from the nonviolent, integrationist, quiet-spoken advocate for participatory democracy to the fiery Stokely Carmichael, who coined the term Black Power. He said that Black people should use “any means necessary,” including taking up arms, to attain justice. He also thought white people should be limited to supporting roles. The tactic of nonviolence was increasingly questioned and Black leadership was also emphasized in CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) chapters across the country. Similarly, in SDS (Students for a Democratic Society), white activists transitioned from a belief in nonviolence and community organizing to the formation of “revolutionary cadres” using para-military means. These transitions were serious mistakes because the vast majority of citizens, including civil rights supporters, were turned off to violent tactics. Despite voter registration efforts in the South, and the formation of the Freedom Democratic Party in Mississippi, few attempts to translate the protests into politics, especially in the North, happened. Activists did not want to get involved in political processes. They were moving toward greater militancy, and the idea of political participation fell mostly on deaf ears. The response with the longest lasting impact was the 1968 election of President Richard Nixon. He ran on a States Rights platform, opposed the protests and demonstrators, and supported the nation’s police; he was the “law and order” candidate. Nixon mobilized the silent majority, especially suburbanites and white Southerners who were increasingly threatened by the

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

societal disruptions. They yearned for the good old days: “the American way of life.” Sound familiar? Other reasons for Nixon’s win are instructive. Many registered voters were turned off to electoral politics, and favored more radical means for making change. Some thought the Democratic Presidential nominee, Hubert Humphrey, was too moderate. Because he was not up to their ideal, they discounted him completely. On election day, they stayed home. Others, who had campaigned passionately in the primaries for the more progressive peace and social justice candidates, Sen. Eugene McCarthy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, were angry that Humphrey got the nomination through a brokered national convention. They did cast ballots, but voted for third-party candidates or wrote in the names of people they preferred. All of those votes, essentially, were votes for Nixon. Today, we must learn our lessons from those errors, and other close presidential races lost because electors did not vote or voted for third-party candidates, such as Ralph Nader in 2000 when Gore lost to Bush. This time, we must be sure we don’t make a perfect (non-existent) ideal the enemy of what is a dramatic improvement compared to Trump. Though he is far from perfect, Biden, is the one candidate who is now the only option available to us. I heard an avid Bernie Sanders sup-

porter say he will reluctantly “vote blue in spite of who.” With Biden’s selection of Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate – who may well become his presidential successor – he has already begun taking more progressive positions than previously. Moreover, if we continue to mobilize and demonstrate after he is President, Joe Biden will move further in a positive direction. He is, of course, a political animal. Notably, under conservative presidents, right-wing movements and policies flourish. In Nixon’s first term, the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) was created, and police departments across the country developed war rooms and got military equipment to suppress domestic rebellions. The current administration’s practice of not so subtlety supporting racism, the widespread attempts at voter suppression, as well as the economic gains of the extraordinarily wealthy and the increasing gap between them and us are consequences of a conservative presidency. During liberal presidencies, by contrast, policies that focus on improving our common good move forward. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s observation that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice” might be modified by adding, “and in the United States, under progressive Presidents.” Under Franklin Roosevelt, a

host of job programs were created and social safety net programs like Social Security were started. In the 1960s, under John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, anti-poverty programs were established, the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts were enacted, and the beginnings of important environmental protection laws were passed. Under Trump, civil and voting rights are being suppressed, police departments are being increasingly militarized, and paramilitary forces are being activated. Environmental laws are being neutered, and he is trying to weaken established social safety net programs like Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare. He is even refusing to fund the United States Postal Service, saying he does not want it to be able to handle widespread mail-in voting! There are big differences between the two 2020 presidential candidates on all the important issues, and even if Biden is not as perfect as we might like him to be, he must be supported. So now what? We must vote. We must contact our state election offices and get an early ballot. Further, we must vote for the Democratic nominee, Joe Biden. We cannot abstain or waste our ballot by writing in anyone else’s name. Either way it would be a vote for Trump and he must not get our votes. Black lives won’t matter if YOU don’t vote. During Nixon’s reign, prisons, in which people of color are the great majority, became the new sites for almost a dozen uprisings. The Attica Prison Rebellion of 1971, when 30 inmates and 10 prison guards were killed, was the most well-known. Rightfully,

these uprisings made correction officers fearful for their lives. Following Attica, the New York City Department of Corrections asked the NUL (National Urban League) office to develop an intensive “human relations training program” for a broad cross-section of the department’s 14,000 plus correction officers and administrators. The league conducted “anti-racism training” sessions for groups of administrators, long-time correction officers, mid-timers, and new recruits. In comparing the attitudes of correction officers who received training to similar groups who did not, the training showed positive results. Six months later, the correction officers’ attitudes were tested again. The NUL hoped the results would show that the anti-racism initiative permanently changed guards’ attitudes toward inmates. Unfortunately, absolutely no difference between the trained and untrained officers remained. The positive shortterm effects were erased completely within a half year of onthe-job prison work. The prison culture determined employees’ attitudes and behaviors. To make long- term structural change throughout the entire judicial system, new organizational cultures have to be created. To do that, lawmakers have to be elected who will change laws and restructure criminal justice organizations. Black lives won’t matter if YOU don’t vote. During the last half-century, especially in Black and brown communities, citizens continued to be demeaned, abused and killed by police. Citizens responded by calling for the creation of various types of local boards to investigate allegations of police misconduct and oversee police departments. Establishing them was seen as the way to stop police misconduct. Regrettably, that was and is incorrect.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

Police almost always oppose these oversight mechanisms, and dilute their strength even before they began. Further, once those boards were established, police officers testified in support of their peers in cases of alleged abuse. They said that each act of misconduct was actually necessary, the “justified use of force” argument. Police were not prosecuted, even for unmitigated murder. As with prisons, police organizational culture determines behavior, even when police are accused of murdering innocent civilians. Police and their unions or associations comprise a powerful lobby, and police vote! Few municipal political candidates want to alienate them, and elected officials have easily ignored bad police behavior even where oversight commissions exist, because voting has not been seen as an additional form of protest by those most disrespected and abused. Consequently, police misconduct continues. If we want to make police and other aspects of the criminal justice system responsive to communities of color, and progress on a host of social, economic, environmental, and international issues, Trump must not be reelected. Even our very survival as a democracy could depend on ousting him. On his deathbed, the late Congressman John R. Lewis, said to an old friend, “Everybody must vote in November. It is the most important election ever.” Black lives won’t matter if YOU don’t vote. . Editor’s note: Roger Kahn was a community organizer and a professor. Currently, he is a small business owner and author. You can contact him at RogDiKahn@aol.com. To find out about his book, go to rmkahn-cbauthor.com.

Enslaved people’s health was ignored from the country’s beginning, laying the groundwork for today’s health disparities By Eric Kyere Assistant professor, social work, IUPUI Editor’s note: This article is published by permission from the author and The Conversation

one time to be as high as 50%. Adult people who were enslaved who showed signs of exhaustion or depression were often beaten. As a professor of social work, I study ways to stop racism, promote social justice, and help the Black community empower itself. A relationship exists between the health of

Freed slaves on the plantation of Confederate General Thomas F. Drayton in Hilton Head, South Carolina. This photograph was taken circa 1865. Getty Images / CORBIS

Some critics of Black Lives

Matter say the movement itself is racist. Their frequent counterargument: All lives matter. Lost in that view, however, is a historical perspective. Look back to the late 18th century, to the very beginnings of the U.S., and you will see Black lives in this country did not seem to matter at all. Foremost among the unrelenting cruelties heaped upon enslaved people was the lack of health care for them. Infants and children fared especially poorly. After childbirth, mothers were forced to return to the fields as soon as possible, often having to leave their infants without care or food. The infant mortality rate was estimated at

enslaved Blacks and the making of America.

‘Racist medical theory’ White masters, often brutal and violent, dehumanized the enslaved people who worked for them and became wealthy from their work. Slaveholders justified their treatment by relying on the widely accepted view of Black inferiority and the physical differences between Blacks and whites. Racist medical theory, the racist notion that the blacks were inherently inferior and animal-like who needed maltreatment to be sound for work, was a critical element. Enslaved people were poorly fed, overworked and overcrowded, which promoted

A dungeon for enslaved females at the Cape Coast Fort in Ghana. Eric Kyere, CC BY-SA

germ transmission. So did their housing – bare, cold and windowless, or close to it. Because they were not paid, slaves could not maintain personal hygiene. Clothes went unwashed, baths were infrequent, dental care was limited, and beds remained unclean. Body lice, ringworm and bedbugs were common. This treatment began in slave dungeons, built by Europeans on the coastal shores of Africa, where enslaved Blacks awaited shipment to the New World. In Ghana, for example, perhaps 200 were cloistered in tiny spaces where they ate, slept, urinated and defecated. Archaeological research has shown the dirt floors were soaked in vomit, urine, feces and menstrual blood. Conditions within the dungeon were so deadly that cleaning them was discouraged; those who tried risked smallpox and intestinal infections.

Sick slaves rarely saw doctors Diseases among the enslaved people in the colonies and later the states were common and at a disparate rate when compared to whites: typhus, measles, mumps, chicken pox, typhoid and more. Only as a last resort did the slave owner bring in a doctor. Instead, the white master and his wife would provide the health care, though rarely were either one trained physicians. Older enslaved women also helped, and brought their knowledge of herbs, roots, plants and midwifery from Africa to the Americas. As with everything else, Blacks had no say about their care. And if a doctor was involved, Black patients were not necessarily told anything about their condition. The medical report went directly to the slave owner.

Slaves on an Edisto Island, South Carolina plantation, 1860. Getty Images / Photo 12 / Universal Images Group

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

Black women played multiple roles. Of course, they were part of the labor force. And they took care of the sick. But they were also the machinery for producing more black bodies. After the mid-Atlantic slave trade was banned, slave owners needed a new source of labor. A pregnant enslaved woman provided that possibility. The birth of a baby born into slavery meant profits that potentially lasted generations, a product requiring little investment.

Army Vet Darren Jackson Celebrated Birthday with a New Ramp to His Home Home Builders Foundation Elevates the Lives of Local People Living with Physical Disabilities

Darren Jackson, an Army

veteran who suffers from spinal stenosis, woke up one day in 2015 and was unable to walk after previously suffering an injury in 1992. Today Jackson is one of 15 people who received a Terrifying medical research new ramp thanks to the Home Some of the Black women Builders Foundation (HBF) and were used in medical experithe dozens of volunteers that ments; much of the research, some conducted without anesdonated their time and talent thesia, focused on maternal during the annual Blitz Build in health. As the white scientists August. inflicted tremendous pain on the That day in 2015, Jackson pregnant women, the infants received an MRI and subbeing carried sometimes died. sequently, underwent emerThrough the torture of these gency surgery on his spine. While he has slowly regained enslaved women, many white some strength, he is still unable physicians and white medical institutions gained considerable to walk and relies on a wheelchair to get around. Adhering fame and wealth. Adverse health consequences to COVID restrictions, volunteers finished installing a ramp for Blacks facilitated the estabat Jackson’s home on August lishment of some medical 21, a day before his birthday. advances, such as the invention Grateful to the volunteers, of the speculum for gynecologi- Jackson recognizes that their cal exams. One enslaved woman generosity will make him more reportedly endured 30 gynecol- independent, productive, and faster. A die-hard Broncos fan ogical surgeries without aneswho has decorated his wheelthesia. Medical interests and chair in orange and blue, also economic and political Jackson is now celebrating his interests were served. More than 150 years later, the ability to independently wheel into and out of his house on the health disparities of Black and new ramp. white Americans remain. To fix While many were frustrated, what is wrong today, an under- isolated and anxious with the standing of the inequities of the stay-at-home and safer-at-home past is an imperative. Only then orders that were put into place can we begin to dismantle the to protect community health structural racism that is replete during the COVID-19 pandemic, those feelings were within the American system. Knowledge of the history is nec- nothing new for people living with a disability. Stairs, curbs essary to explore and identify and doorframes can make even the underlying mechanisms to understand how racism revives leaving the house a monumental task with a mobility assisitself to continue to produce tance device like a wheelchair health disparities, and ways to or walker. An ADA compliant interrupt it..

ramp can greatly enhance the safety and ability of an individual living with a physical disability and allow him or her to move about more freely within the home, and participate in their community outside of their home; however, the average cost to build a ramp is greater than $3,500. Recognizing the burden this cost places on families who may be struggling with medical bills and lost income, HBF created Blitz Build 10 years ago. This annual three-day event historically brings teams of volunteers together who help build multiple home ramps, free of charge to individuals. This year 15 ramps were built by more than 100 volunteers and supporters for 12 different clients living across the metro area. “We were excited to be able to continue this effort and build ramps for individuals from ages 12 – 82,” said Beth Forbes, executive director of HBF, “We had to scale back on the number of ramps we typically install during a 3-day Blitz Build, but we didn’t want to

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

forgo the event itself as it is such a great way to enhance independence and safety for these families.” The individuals who received ramps are living with conditions like severe arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s or partial paralysis as the result of an injury. Each wanted the ability to access and leave their own homes safely and independently, so they can elevate their lives and thrive in the community. Sponsors and material donations covered the $50,000 value of the ramps and event costs. In addition, the fundraising component of Blitz Build provided funding that will help the HBF to complete future accessible home modifications for deserving clients.. Editor’s note: For over 25 years, the Home Builders Foundation has enabled individuals with disabilities and their families to live more independent, elevated lives. For more information, visit about HBF, visit www.hbfdenver.org.

Making transmissions well since 1983.

A Spiritual Journey

Dwayne Glapion Paints 100 Digital Portraits Honoring a Community By Louise Martorano

s a nonprofit contemporary art center, connecting with visitors and community members at RedLine can sometimes feel elitist or exclusive for many of the guests. Last fall in 2019, RedLine featured the exhibit CounterArt: Aesthetics of South Korean Activism, curated by RedLine Artist-in-Residence alumni Sammy Lee and her colleague Yang Wang. It was the first exhibit in the U.S. to focus on the artwork that was made during the 2016 Candlelight Revolution in South Korea, a distinctively peaceful protest that led to the impeachment of then President Park. RedLine’s 22,00 square feet venue is more than Dr. Paul Hamilton an art center with availability for cultural events, business meetings, weddings and receptions. Last September, artist Dwayne Glapion and Barbara Coble were making wedding plans and looking for a venue to tie the knot. But inquiries about

Edith Glapion

Photos by Wes Magyar Installation shot: CounterArt: Aesthetics of South Korean Activism. Photo Credit: Wes Magyar

their upcoming event evolved into a spiritual journey as he shared the concept about his current exhibit at RedLine, Faces In The Crowd – 100 Portraits of a Community. “I wanted to honor all of the community members who have had a positive impact on my life. It was a spiritual journey for me and my way to say thank you to all the folks who have helped me over the years,” said Glapion reflecting back. He emphasized that the portraits were uncommissioned and that in no way was it a “best of list” or popularity contest but rather “this exhibit features 100 portraits which is just a small sample of thousands of extraordinary community members I have met in my life.” To complete the task of getting a broad and diverse reach, he asked folks who he painted to recommend one of their living heroes, who he would also include in the project. From these conversations, he created 100 portraits of a community. Those individuals included Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler, who

wrote RedLine’s first strategic plan and longtime collaborator Terry Nelson with the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library, and so many more. “RedLine was excited to partner with this exhibit. Not only was Dwayne Glapion’s heroes of the neighborhood RedLine’s heroes, but it was a wonderful way for RedLine to support an artist, his ideas, and extend a love letter to our community members in Five Points and in Colorado who have sup-

Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler March 14, 2020. The day before, plans were set to not only welcome all the community members portrayed in the 100 portraits, but also feature their inspiring voices. Performances by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, testimonials and poets were set in motion. Needless to say, there was excitement that the day had finally come to honor the community but unfortunately, like many other events around the city, the pandemic put a halt to many of them that were planned in the city.

Dr. Bob Atwell with family by his portrait in Faces in the Crowd. Photo Credit: Louise Martorano

ported us for going on 12 years,” said Executive Director Louise Martorano. “We will make it happen,” she said, “we will get this exhibition on the calendar.” The opening date was set for

Unfortunately and sadly, RedLine was forced to hit the breakers off temporarily and closed on March 14 – just as the final lights were being hung on Glapion’s show. After three months on June

Mr. Charles and The Dancing Crew with Dwayne Glapion in Faces in the Crowd. Photo by Louise Martorano

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

Buy A House With A $1000 State programs that make this possible By Barry Overton

In a time Terry Nelson 25, RedLine opened for appointment only tours with the first guest being Glapion’s mother, Edith Glapion. RedLine board member Dr. Paul Hamilton, who has been a principal, university professor, a Colorado State Representative, community organizer, and is an avid African art and book collector soon toured the exhibit. These visitors were followed by State Rep. Leslie Herod who came in for an interview for the Minerva Projects. After taking one look around, she said “These are all my friends.” Since the appointments began, the days are filled with hopeful moments. The heroes of the community visit RedLine to see their portrait and celebrate the portraits of their peers. Whether it is Dr. Bob Atwell and his family or Mr. Charles and The Dancing Crew doing a spontaneous dance as a return thank you to Glapion in the space, Faces in the Crowd continues to create a healing space for stories and living legends to be honored and seen. “RedLine is excited to participate and curate programs that explore the expansive and creative field of Afrofuturism. However, it has also been a privilege beyond measure to celebrate and show gratitude to those that are making our collective futures possible, today,” said Martorano. . Editor’s note: Faces in the Crowd: 100 Portraits of a Community is extended through September. For information or to make an appointment, visit www.redlineart.org.

when many are thinking that purchasing a home during the pandemic is unrealistic, others are taking advantage of opportunities with down payment assistance programs that make home ownership a reality. Many are unfamiliar with programs that literally allow you to come out of pocket with possibly only a thousand dollars to purchase a brand-new home for you and your family. With interest rates reaching an all-time low, combined with down payment assistance programs, there has never been a better time for a buyer to purchase. Imagine positioning yourself in a new home where your mortgage payment is less than what you were paying for rent. The two acronyms you should become familiar with are CHFA (Colorado Housing and Finance Authority) and CHAC (Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation). These two organizations help home buyers achieve home ownership with their simple and amazing down payment assistance programs. Colorado Housing and Finance Authority was created in 1973, with a mission to strengthen Colorado by investing in affordable housing and community developments. Over the past 46 years, CHFA

has invested more than 22 billion dollars into Colorado’s economy; 121,000 Colorado home buyers have achieved home ownership through CHFA; 162,000 households have attended home buyer education classes statewide; and 70,000 affordable rental housing units have been developed and preserved. The benefit of using the CHFA program is you can get up to 3% down payment assistance for a first mortgage, on a grant that does not have to be paid back. When you do a second mortgage loan, you can get up to 4% of the first mortgage, with a repayment of the loan deferred until certain events such as either paying off the first mortgage, or a sale or refinance of the home. The drawback can be a higher interest rate. But many find it is worth it when the down payment is a challenge. There are requirements to qualify for a CHFA loan. You must have a mid-credit score of 620 or higher. The total borrower income cannot exceed the CHFA income limits. There is a chart that gives you the details on the CHFA website. But in most cases, those limits in Denver are between 80,000 up to 140,000. You must also attend a CHFA approved home buyer education class, in person or online prior to the loan closing. And as a borrower, you must make a minimum contribution of at least $1,000 towards the purchase of the home. This is a

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

great opportunity for first time home buyers to use a down payment assistance program. CHAC’s program is very much similar to the CHFA program. Again, a borrower must provide at least $1,000 towards the transaction, and also attend a borrower counseling session with CHAC prior to closing. The loan will not be considered a grant, but a part of the mortgage of the home, and must be paid back during the time that you are actually living in the home. So the payment is not deferred. Both programs allow a first time home buyer (anyone that has not had a mortgage for the last three years), to be able to get into a home in essence for about $1,000 out of their own pocket. Hopefully, this dispels the myth that you must have 20% just to be able to buy a home. Many people purchase homes with 3% of other people’s money by using a down payment assistance program. Feel free to reach out for me or to your personal lender, to learn more about how you can qualify for a CHFA or a CHAC loan.. Editor’s note: Barry Overton is a licensed Real Estate Agent with New Era Group at Your Castle Real Estate. He has been an agent since 2001, and started investing in real estate in 1996. For more information, email barrysellsdenver@msn.com.

Remembering my friend:

Dijiby and family Amadou Dieng

On Wednesday August 5, 2020, our Senegalese-Mauritanian community experienced one of the worst tragedies in this state. We lost five beautiful souls in a horrific house fire. We lost Djibril Diol, Adja Salamata Diol, Hassan Diol, Khadija Diol and Hawa Beye. The community is still mourning this tremendous loss. Djibril Diol immigrated to America from Senegal in 2012 to make a better life for himself and his family. He would spend his first years in the U.S pursuing an associate’s degree from Colorado Mountain College in Breckenridge. In December 2018, he graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in civil engineering and was currently working as a Project Engineer on I-70 with Kiewit Construction. Djiby was well-loved by his friends and family; his brother described him as “A good person, a hard worker, and a good Muslim.” His friends and college roommates all describe him as leader, a father, brother, and a great husband who enjoyed life to the fullest. Adja Diol, was the wife of Djibril and she, along with her daughter Kadija, recently came to the country in March of 2020 to reunite with Djiby. Adja was a loving wife and wonderful mother to their daughter Khadijah. She was working as an Amazon Associate and was planning on going back to school to pursue a nursing degree. Her father-in-law describes Adja as a sweet beautiful woman who had a joyful spirit that lit up the room when she entered. Hassan Diol, better known as “Coumba” in her community, was Djibril’s younger sister. She recently moved in May to Denver from Ohio to get closer to her brothers. Hassan was a joyful human being; she always had a smile on her face. She was just enjoying her new life as a first time parent. You can see the joy in her face every time she picked up her daughter Hawa. Kadija Diol and Hawa Beye were respectively 18 months, and 8 months old; two little innocent girls also perished in this fire. They were gifted with loving and caring parents and were loved by everyone. We can never prepare for death, especially when it hits this hard and this close and in these horrible circumstances. Djiby, Adja, Hassan, Khadija and Hawa lived lives that are to be celebrated. So as Djiby would say, keep your head up and keep pushing forward.

Rest in peace Djiby Rest in peace Adja Rest in peace Khadija Rest in peace Hassan Rest in peace Hawa

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

I recently posed a question to my friends on Facebook who

Why are you white?’

identify as white: “Do you know how you came to be called white? Do you know why?” Those who responded shared their experiences of living in white skin, but none could cite the source of those experiences or of their identities. This is not surprising. We live in a society in which “other” is often the subject of fascination and debate, while a discussion of whiteness is often taboo. Bring up the subject of blackness, and there will be more than enough opinions to go around. But bring up whiteness and the crickets show up. To be white is to be so normal that any discussion of it is considered unnecessary. Anyone else is odd, different, strange, exotic and not “normal,” therefore available for dissection. This default of normality means those who identify as white don’t have to shoulder the burden of race in America or even explain it. That is left up to the others. The search for understanding in matters of race has become an exclusive exploration of blackness, where Blacks are placed in the position of explaining assigned deficits while providing absolution to those asking the questions. Examining whiteness, on the other hand, as a social construct would offer more answers, but the conversation is fraught with so much incredulousness as to become burdensome. But such conversations are crucial to tearing down barriers that were created to sow discord. To know where we are and where we are going

Op-ed by

we must first know how we got here.

How we got to ‘white’ In his 2012 two-volume book, “The Invention of the White Race,” Theodore W. Allen starts us on that journey. Allen looked at how America’s ruling classes coined the term “white” as a tool for social control. Even in Jamestown in 1619, there were no “whites.” Europeans, Africans and Native peoples enjoyed similar legal standing in society, and were recognized in terms of their nationalities, not their skin tones. Several laws passed in the mid-1600s would begin to change that, specifically, lifetime servitude for Africans (Maryland 1664, Virginia 1670). Other laws followed: banning European but not African women from field work, denying Africans the right to bear arms, prohibiting interracial marriages, denying voting rights and the ability to testify in court, as well as forbidding Africans to own Europeans. There would be others. These laws established European rule over Africans. But there was still no mention of the label “white.” Bacon’s Rebellion of 1697 was the turning point. Armed Africans and

Europeans had fought together in part to end slavery and indentured servitude but were defeated. Laws written from that point forward included the term “white.” In her 2011 book, “The History of White People,” Nell Irvin Painter noted that in the decades following the defeat of the rebellion, the colonial ruling class passed a series of laws that singled out descendants of Africans for special oppression. “By importing African slaves to ensure a steady supply of labor, racializing perpetual servitude, and employing poor and indentured whites as an armed force to repress Black slave revolts, colonial planters created a system of divide and rule,” she wrote. Enslaved peoples were nonChristian, so Europeans exploited religion as a barrier. As Africans converted, the word “Christian” was replaced with the word “white.” The 1697 law titled An Act for Keeping a Register of Births Marriages and Burials in each Respective County declared that “every white Man professing the Christian Religion, the free and natural born Subject of the King of England, or naturalized, who hath attained to the full Age of One and Twenty Year, and hath Ten Acres of

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

Freehold … shall be deemed a Freeholder.” It was the first time that the word “white” was used in a legal document. This law excluded Negroes (Africans), mulattoes and Indians from those statistics. An African’s condition as a free person did not make him or her any more worthy of inclusion. The law became the basis for the race laws that followed, legitimizing to the African Slave Trade, the Plessy and Dred Scott Supreme Court decisions, the Articles of the Confederacy and the doctrines of the Ku Klux Klan. That mindset allowed the scientific community to use enslaved Africans as guinea pigs for medical experimentation. James Marion Sims, known as the “father of modern gynecology,” developed a surgical technique to address the issue of complications of obstructed child births, using enslaved Black women as subjects who were intentionally not sedated because, in his view, Black women did not feel pain as white women do. This disregard for Black life extended to the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, conducted between 1932 and 1972 by the U.S. Public Health Service in which the progression of untreated syphilis in rural African-American men in Alabama was monitored under the guise of offering free health care. And let’s not forget that cancer research today is undergirded by the immortal, but stolen, human cancer cells of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman from Baltimore who died in 1951 from cervical cancer. That same 1697 law set the stage for the Civil War. In their articles of secession, the Confederate states of Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia made a case for slavery and white genetic superiority. After the end of the Civil War, though defeated, the Continued on page 18

Why Are You White Continued from page 17 Confederates pressed on, dismantling gains made by Blacks during Reconstruction and establishing white supremacist groups, most notably the Ku Klux Klan. The Freedmen’s Bureau was created with a mandate to protect Blacks from a hostile Southern environment, but it actually functioned to keep Blacks “in their place” as laborers to allow production on the plantations to resume so that the South could revive its economy. Notably, constitutional conventions held in 1865 in Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia all included language to “guard them and the State against any evils that may arise from (Blacks’) sudden emancipation.” Black Codes restricted the rights of newly liberated African Americans to own property, conduct business, buy and lease land, and move freely through public spaces. Confederate sympathizers began erecting monuments glorifying Confederate icons as heroes of white supremacist ideology. President Woodrow Wilson screened the pro-KKK D.W. Griffith film Birth of a Nation in the White House, while completing the unraveling of Reconstruction by purging every Black employee from the rolls of the federal government in Washington. In Baltimore in 1910, a Black Yale Law School graduate tried to buy a home in a white community. The city enacted an ordinance to preserve “peace,” and prevent “conflict and ill feeling between the white and colored races in Baltimore city.” The law was the first of many mandating the confinement of Black people to certain blocks and areas.

Nationwide, in the early 1930s, a ranking system designed to represent neighborhoods in northern and southern states was implemented as a means to further enforce segregation. The system included four strata from highest to lowest; A: green; B: blue; C: yellow; D: red. White neighborhoods were green. Neighborhoods with Jews or foreigners were rated B or C. Communities with any black presence, regardless of class, were rated D. Thus redlining was born. Black people were then denied mortgages and home insurance, preventing Black families the possibility of private housing. The Federal Housing Administration, created in 1934, developed rating maps that designated where neighborhoods fell within the housing stratum. Banks used these maps to guide their decisions on where mortgage funds would be allocated.

Germany’s anti-Jewish laws based on American racism In 1934, less than two years after Adolf Hitler became Germany’s chancellor, Nazi lawyers met to create the Nuremberg Laws, the basis for anti-Jewish legislation. Central to their discussion were U.S. race laws and customs. The Third Reich debated using a form of Jim Crow segregation against Jews and other nonAryans. They noticed that 30 U.S. states had outlawed interracial marriages, and how states determined who counted as “Negro” or some other “subhuman” category based on the “One Drop” rule. Nazi policymakers drew inspiration from the United States. In his 1925 manifesto, Mein Kampf, Hitler applauded the United States as “the one state” making progress in creating a healthy racist society. By the 1940s anthropologists created a new classification system in which white, Asian and

black were the only “real” races. Everyone considered white was the same as everyone else considered white. No Saxons. No Celts. No Irish. No Southern Italians. No Eastern European Hebrews. Mexicans and Native Americans were not mentioned. This classification is with us in varying degrees today. But all myth-making comes with an expiration date. It is time to end this one. So here we are, locked into a moment where the historic chickens have come home to roost. The reality is right in front of us. White supremacy, and whiteness itself, is based on a lie. People around the world are taking to the streets, not just to mourn the death of one man or one woman, but to stand up for all of the men and women who have had their lives destroyed by an ideology built on a falsehood, built on a bed of hatred, intolerance, and small-mindedness. Confederate monuments to slavery and bigotry are coming down. And the horrific truth about such cultural icons as Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Jefferson and others is now being told. But destroying white supremacy will take more than protests, more than the toppling of statues that were built only to intimidate, or setting the record straight on centuries of brutality. Which brings me back to my original question: Why are you white? And now that you know why, where do we go from here?. Editor’s note: James Michael Brodie is a Baltimore-based writer, journalist and author. His books include “Created Equal: The Lives and Ideas of Black American Innovators” and “Sweet Words So Brave: The Story of African American Literature.” A University of Colorado graduate in English, Brodie’s current project is a collection of personal narratives titled “The Black and Gold Project.”

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

Managing Stress in Times of Crisis By Kim Farmer

he current pandemic has caused many of us to feel high levels of stress and anxiety as many people are unemployed, underemployed, sick or worse hospitalized. The anxiety associated with rent and other expenses, including the feeling of isolation, are all valid concerns for higher than normal stress levels, depression or other mental health issues. Stress is known to occur during national disasters but the COVID pandemic is unpresented for most of us as we hope for a vaccine or other forms of relief. If you are among those stricken with continual stress and anxiety, here are a few tips that may help you. Maintain connections. Enrich your life and improve your health through friendships. If you feel isolated and worried, it is important to stay connected with family and friends through phone calls, video chats, email, or even texting. By connecting with others, you will improve your self-confidence and selfworth, change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise, and help you feel happier in general. Studies have even found that older adults with a rich social life are likely to live longer than their peers with fewer connections. Take a break from the news.

While it is important to stay informed, misinformation and confusion increases stress levels. Find a way to take a staycation,

right in your home town by getting away from home for a couple of nights if you feel comfortable staying in a hotel. Improve your coping strategies. Try deep breathing

throughout the day: Sit up straight and close your eyes. Slowly inhale through your nose, imagining the air as being clean and cool, and as you exhale imagine the stress and anxiety leaving your body. Repeat the process until you feel that your body is only filled with clean, cool air. If you have a busy schedule, try doing this once a day for five minutes and then use this strategy when you feel high levels of anxiety. Other coping strategies include being present on one task at a time, listening to your body and responding to what it needs (i.e. rest, movement, energy) and improving your thought patterns to uplift and encourage yourself and others. Practice relaxation. One of the best ways to calm your

mind and body is by stretching. Yoga is one way to accomplish this, and it doesn’t take any experience to start. It can be practiced in a chair, standing or on the floor; any environment or fitness level will do. Try a video or app, and you will finish the session feeling refreshed, serene and content. Meditation is another option that has a very calming effect on your mind and body. If you have a very busy mind, it may be best to practice short sessions and build up from there. Simple walks outside in nature have amazing health benefits for mind and body and it doesn’t require special equipment or a membership. Use the time to clear your mind and enjoy all that nature has to offer, while burning calories at the same time. Don’t just eat, nourish your body. Be sure to feed your body

foods that will give it energy and sustenance to build your immune system and assist in

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avoiding illness. Eat a healthy diet filled with fresh plant based foods high in antioxidants. Avoid sugary foods that can assist in weight gain and feelings of low energy, and intake plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Have fun! These times are hard for most of us but we must not forget to try to continue to do some of the things we love. Keep watching your favorite movies and shows, read or listen to your favorite books, develop a new hobby or watch a funny comedy to help you laugh. Laughter relieves physical tension and stress and helps your muscles relax, in turn relieving some of the symptoms of stress. The positive effects of laughter can last up to 45 minutes after a single bout of good, hearty laughter since endorphins are released into the blood stream promoting a sense of well-being. Always remember that there have been pandemics and other

crisis in our world in the past, and this crisis will also be in the past (hopefully sooner rather than later!). Try to keep a positive outlook and practice coping strategies. Reach out to your friends and family for support, or if you feel completely isolated and depressed, reach out to a mental health center or church support group for help. Try your best to make the best choices for your mind, body and spirit and maintain positive thoughts since negativity will only make things harder to cope. Use exercise as a way to reduce stress levels and for all of the other health benefits that it brings. Thanks for reading!. Editor’s note: Contributor Kim Farmer of Mile High Fitness & Wellness offers in-home/virtual personal training, nutrition coaching and corporate wellness solutions. For more information, visit www.milehighfitness.com or email thrive@milehighfitness.com

The Denver Preschool Program offers tuition support to lower your child’s preschool costs. If you’re still looking for the right school, we also offer tools to help you find a quality preschool that best meets your family’s needs. Every Denver family with a child in their year before kindergarten qualifies.

Amazon Studios’ “All In: The Fight For Democracy” Featuring Stacey Abrams To Launch In September Ahead Of Election Day The Voter Rights Documentary will open in Theaters followed by a Global Premiere on Amazon Prime Video on September 18 Ahead of National Voter Registration Day

United States, and the founder of Fair Fight Action, the nation’s premier organization battling voter suppression. All In: The Fight for Democracy is directed by Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning filmmaker Liz Garbus and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Lisa Cortés, and produced by Garbus, Cortés, Academy Award-winning producer Dan Cogan and Stacey Abrams. Amazon Studios acquired worldwide rights to All In: The Fight for Democracy from production company Story Syndicate.

All In: The Fight for Democracy examines the often overlooked, yet insidious issue of voter suppression in the United States in Culver City, CA – July 26, anticipation of the 2020 2020 - Amazon Studios Presidential Election. The film announced, 100 days out from interweaves personal experiences this year’s U.S. Presidential with current activism and historiElection, the documentary All cal insight to expose a problem In: The Fight for Democracy will that has corrupted our democopen in select theaters on Sept. racy from the very beginning. 9 ahead of its global launch on With the perspective and expertPrime Video on Sept. 18. The ise of Stacey Abrams, the former film features Stacey Abrams, Minority Leader of the Georgia the first Black woman to House of Representatives, the become the gubernatorial nomidocumentary will offer an nee for a major party in the insider’s look into laws and barriers to voting that most people The Coalition Aga a inst Global Genocide and the Denver Urban Spectrum presents don’t even know is a threat to their basic rights as citizens of the Genocide and Slavery Virtual Discussion Series United States. Directors Liz Garbus and Lisa Cortés said, “With 100 days left Live Zoom Presentation – Open to the Public until one of the most important September r 10 elections in American history, Dangers of Rising White Supremacy we are thrilled to officially announce All In: The Fight for October 8 Dehumanization as an Initial Weapon in the Commission Democracy which will tell a powof Genocide erful and harrowing story of the fight for the right to vote as well November 12 as arm citizens with the tools U.S. and its Continued Refusal to Confront its Atrocities they need to protect this right. December 1 0 The film will be accompanied by Addressing the Psychology of the Bystanders, an ambitious and visionary Perpetrators and Upstanders action plan to reach voters and A lA lA ild scu son iw elb eh old Tn Th u rh sd sd yd 7 t7 P M .M A A A A A A A lA lA lA lA lA llllldldldldldldld id id isd isd isd isd isd icsicsicsicsicsicu sicu scu scu scu scucu scu scu su su su su su ssisisisisoisoisoisoisoisoin soin oin oin oin oin on son son sn sn sn sn sn sw sw sw sw sw sw sw w iw iw ilw ilw ilw ilw ililililililililblblblblblblb eb eb eb eb eb eb eb eeh eh eh eh eh ehh eh eh eh eh elh elh elh eld eld eld eld eld eld eld ld ld ld ld od od od oon on on on on on on on on on Tn Tn Tn Tn Th Th Th Th Th Th Th u Th u Th uh uh uh u u rh u ru ru ru rsu rsu rsu rsrsrd srd srd srd srd sad sad sad sad sad a a yd a yd a ya ya ysa ysa ysa ysa ysysysysysyfsfsfsfsfsrfsrfrfrfrfrofrofrofrofrofrom rom rom rom rom om om om om om m m m m 7 m 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 t7 t7 t7 totototototototototot9 o9 o9 o9 o9 o9 9 9 9 9 9 9 P 9 P 9 P 9 P P P P M P M P M P M P M P M P M P .M .M .M .M .M .M ........ educate them across the nation.” September Discussion Series Speakers: “Today, we are 100 days out Alfonzo Porter Ed.D from Election Day – a pivotal Denver Urban Spectrum Editor moment in our mission to proJournalism Professor tect our democracy – and we Dr. Pius K. Kamau need to come together as a Denver surgeon Public radio (NPR) news commentator country and make sure every Newspaper columnist voice and vote is counted,” said The Coalition Against Global Genocide is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, motivate and empower individuals Abrams. “The title All In: The and communities to oppose Fight for Democracy speaks to Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity. For more information on the discussion series or to the importance and necessity register call 303-856-7334 or email Executive Director, that every American has the Roz Duman at rozduman@aol.com. For more information on the Coalition Against Global Genoicide, visit www.CoAGG.org. right to have their voice be

What If Democracy Fails

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

heard and their vote counted. We know that if our votes were not important, so many folks wouldn’t be working so hard to take our right to vote away.” Ahead of National Voter Registration Day, in coordination with the All In: The Fight for Democracy film release, the filmmakers and Amazon Studios will launch #ALLINFORVOTING, a robust scial impact campaign with community-based organizations, nonprofits, corporations, artists, activists and influencers. The non-partisan campaign will develop a groundswell of digital content to combat misinformation about the voting process, and launch targeted campaign programming to educate and register first time voters, mobilize communities to have their voices and values counted in the November election (and beyond), and train citizens to know how to recognize and report voter suppression. Additional ##ALLINFORVOTING activations and programming will include: An online digital action hub featuring resources and tools for visitors to register to vote, check registration status, get election reminders, find their polling place, access state by state election information, see “what’s on my ballot,” request an absentee ballot, and learn how to recognize and report voter suppression. Local grant program to support grassroots organizations working to educate and mobilize voters in ten states (Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin) to build capacity and engage low-propensity voters. “Grow a Voter” educational initiative aimed at engaging the next generation of voters utilizing the film as a tool for conversation in the classroom. A curriculum will be developed in partnership with movement leaders and distributed to teachers nationwide..

HATS OFF TO...

James MejĂa Named CEO of Denver Film The board of directors of Denver Film announced that James Mejia has been appointed chief executive officer of the non-profit cultural institution that produces the award-winning Denver Film Festival, the popular summertime series Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre and provides year-round film programming and education at the Sie FilmCenter. Selected after a comprehensive national search that attracted strong applicants from across the United States, the Denver native began serving in his new role on Aug. 10.Â Over the course of his 25year career in Denver, Mejiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accomplishments and community focus have positioned him as one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recognized and respected business and civic leaders. As CEO, he will be responsible for directing Denver Filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall operations, program delivery, outreach efforts and fundraising. In addition, Mejia will help guide the vision for Denver Film and build upon the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 42-year history of community and industry impact. He comes to the organization following nine years of operating his own business and politi-

cal consulting firm, as well as the past three years serving as managing partner of Pan American Business where he helped diverse organizations access new markets across Colorado.Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;After some very high profile and significant challenges and successes in my career, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had the opportunity to spend the better part of the past decade running a business where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve enjoyed premium flexibility of my time to raise my kids and bring our family to a point that I can now jump back into the fray of running one of our cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major cultural institutions,â&#x20AC;? said Mejia who is the father of three children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve watched and admired Denver Filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact on this community for decades and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to bring my skills and experiences to a team of talented professionals as we help grow and expand this organization in the decades to come. When the diverse cultural patrons of our community look at their annual memberships and charitable commitments, I want Denver Film at the top of their list, right up there with the Denver Zoo, Art Museum, the Botanic Gardens and the Museum of Nature and Science.â&#x20AC;? Earlier in his career, Mejia was recruited by former Denver Mayors John Hickenlooper and Wellington Webb, to lead and manage some of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important, complex and challenging agencies and capital projects. He served as the founding President/CEO of the nationally-recognized Denver Preschool Program, as well as Project Manager for the $425 million bond project to build the Denver Justice Center.Â Mejia has also served as manager for the Denver Department of Parks and Recreation; Deputy Director of the Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office of Economic Development and International Trade; Executive Director for

the Agency for Human Rights and Community Relations; as well as President/COO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. His 2011 Mayoral run ended with Mejia in third place among the 10 candidates in what was Denverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closest Mayoral race in history. â&#x20AC;&#x153;James impressed our search committee, our board and our staff the way he has impressed our business, political and cultural communities throughout his career,â&#x20AC;? said Kevin Teng, chair of the Denver Film Board of Directors and the CEO search committee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He defines commitment and dedication and his accomplishments and proven reputation, as well as his vision for how Denver Film and its programs can expand to impact even larger, diverse audiences, pushed him to the forefront of what was a very competitive field of candidates. Our board was unanimous in approving his appointment and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited to welcome him to our Denver Film family in the weeks ahead.â&#x20AC;? A lifelong volunteer and community servant, Mejia was the first Latino elected citywide to serve a four-year role as AtLarge Member of the Denver Public Schools Board of Education. In addition, he has received numerous honors for his service and leadership on board and committees for some of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prominent organizations, foundations and charitable causes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From his work behind the scenes to playing a leading role, James is a highly respected and proven collaborator and leader in our community that delivers an understanding, appreciation and vision for Denver Film and the opportunities we have to help further define our cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural influence,â&#x20AC;? said Denver Film Festival Director Britta Erickson. The ninth of 13 children born to educators David and Ophelia

Denver Urban Spectrum â&#x20AC;&#x201D; www.denverurbanspectrum.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 2020

Mejia, he graduated from Denverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s East High School before going on to earn a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Business Administration from Arizona State University, where he was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma national honor society, and a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Public Policy from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, where he studied policy issues at the municipal, state and federal levels..

About Denver Film: Founded in 1978, Denver Film is a membership-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural institution that produces film events throughout the year, including the award-winning Denver Film Festival and the popular, summertime series Film on the Rocks. The permanent home of Denver Film, the Sie FilmCenter, is Denverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only year-round cinematheque, presenting a weekly-changing calendar of first-run exclusives and arthouse revivals both domestic and foreign, narrative and documentary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; over 600 per year. Denver FilmÂ programs annually reach more than 200,000 film lovers and film lovers-in-training. Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: For more information about Denver Film visit www.denverfilm.org.

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Denver Public Schools Announces 100% Remote Instruction through October 16 The District Will Prioritize In-person Learning for Students Identified as High-Priority Denver Public Schools (DPS) announced Wednesday that students will begin the school year with 100% online instruction until at least October 16. The change is a result of Colorado’s increasing number of COVID-19 cases and higher positivity rates over the last few weeks. “We want nothing more than to bring our students back into our buildings, but we must do so safely and gradually to protect the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Susana Cordova, DPS Superintendent. The district is working to fine-tune a robust remote learning program and develop plans to offer limited in-person learning as soon as September 8 for students identified as high-priority. “One of the hardest parts of planning for a return to school amidst a pandemic is seeing the inequities being exacerbated in our community,” said Cordova. “Our students of color, our English learners, our students with disabilities, and many others are being disproportionately affected. For this reason, and based on the recommendations of our educator-led

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Return-to-School Workgroup, we are working to bring small groups of students identified as high priority back for in-person learning as soon as Sept. 8.” The 2020-21 school year will began remotely on August 24 (for most DPS schools; some start dates may vary). To view DPS’ latest plans on reopening schools, visit https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/return-2020/. For answers to many questions regarding the district’s Return to School Plan, visit https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/faq-covid-19/.

Denver Dedicates Funding to Benefit Small Businesses in Priority Neighborhoods Grant program to distribute $2M to micro and small businesses in city’s most vulnerable communities Denver launches the Priority Neighborhood Small Business Fund (PNSBF), a grant program to support micro and small businesses located only within priority neighborhoods identified by Denver Economic Development & Opportunity’s (DEDO) division of Neighborhood Equity & Stabilization (NEST). The neighborhoods of East Colfax, ElyriaSwansea, Globeville, Montbello, Northeast Park Hill, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, West Colfax, and Westwood are some of the city’s most underrepresented communities to experience rapid socio-economic changes and are the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The PNSBF is an extension of DEDO’s highly successful Small Business Emergency Relief Fund (SBERF), a citywide grant program that to-date has distributed $7 million benefiting nearly 1,100 small businesses. “Small businesses are a big part of the heart and soul of Denver’s neighborhoods,” said Eric Hiraga, Executive Director,

Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, “we are allocating Coronavirus relief funds specifically for these historically underserved neighborhoods as we want to ensure that they have access to the resources they need to help them survive through this pandemic.” The PNSBF’s Phase 1 of grant funding will distribute $1M to about 125 micro and small businesses. The program will provide one-time grant assistance up to a maximum of $7,500 per grantee, to eligible micro and small businesses within the 10 NEST neighborhoods. The funds for the program are provided from the city’s allocation of federal COVID-19 dollars under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). A range of city agencies are involved in delivering services under this award, with DEDO managing the small business and nonprofit grants, and the free PPE program. Applications for the PNSBF are open from Aug. 10 through Sept. 11, and awards are expected to be announced the week of Sept. 28. For more information, visit https://www.denvergov.org/c ontent/denvergov/en/denveroffice-of-economic-development/housingneighborhoods.html

Crowd-Funded Investments Open Economic Opportunities The COVID-19 pandemic and this year’s racial unrest, driven by police killings of unarmed Black people, has exposed the systemic racism in the United States and the enormous Black-White wealth gap. Trying to overcome this disparity and raise up the Black community, entrepreneur and real estate investor Linda P. Smith has raised $1 million through her real estate crowdfunding platform, Buy The Block.

Buy The Block has demonstrated that not only does Black Lives Matter, but just as importantly Black equity and Black wealth matter. Investment crowdfunding can be a mechanism to reach those goals. Over the last two centuries, nine out of 10 millionaires made their wealth through real estate investment. Real estate crowdfunding has the potential to create economic development where communities and individuals have an actual stake in their built-environment. This innovation could be a key to unlock the gates to wealth for the Black community. In 2016, new federal laws on crowdfunding intermediaries went into effect, enabling ordinary Americans (non-accredited investors) to collaborate by each making small investments into startups, small businesses, and real estate developments. By making online investments through crowdfunding, anyone can become a shareholder in wealth-generating projects. Smith, who has invested in real estate for over 20 years, jumped at the opportunity to create Buy The Block, a platform for her community to benefit from real estate investment. The platform has demonstrated its viability with strong deal flow and a strong base of retail investors. No longer do these communities have to stand on the sidelines helplessly watching gentrification happen in their neighborhoods. Through Buy The Block, they can take an active role in community-led economic development. Investment crowdfunding allows the much-touted African-American spending power of $1.3 trillion to be directed toward investments in businesses and real estate development in our communities. For more information: https://buytheblock.com/.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from page 3 ways they serve us and those we live with. When we don’t pay attention to them, sometimes we give way to the easy path of expediency. For instance, we might think that we can go back to our best values and live by our best principles after we get what we want. This only postpones the time when we actually live the lives we should be living. Only you and I can know for ourselves if this is true. The time of isolation and the time of economic difficulties may be the best time for us to concentrate on what our best selves say we should be. It is a positive way to look at our present difficulties and it is quite possibly the silver lining of an epidemic. Good luck to you all. Keep the faith, keep your dignity intact and walk tall.

Mike Sawaya Denver, CO

Black Students Are Also Dying From COVID 1619 Editor: Why do so many Black students associate being smart with acting white? Why are 41 percent of Black students in special education, but only 6 percent in gifted and talented and advanced placement? Why

is the NBA 75 percent Black, but only 2 percent of the doctors are Black? Are Black students more confident in sports than in science? What has been the impact of racism on the Black psyche? Are many Blacks suffering from Post-Traumatic Slavery Disorder? What exactly is meant by good hair and pretty eyes? What are four benefits of darker skin? Why do Blacks only spend three percent of their income with Black businesses? Why is white wealth 10 times greater than Black wealth? What months are white history taught? Black history? What has been the impact on Black youth starting their history in 1619 on a plantation? What can Blacks learn from the Jewish community in their mantra; never forget? We know six million Jews were killed. Do you know how many Blacks died during slavery? I believe the best way to address the issue of the N-word is to ask our ancestors. If we asked Nat Turner or Harriet Tubman, what would be their response? If we asked John Lewis when he marched from Selma to Montgomery, what would have been his response? If we asked Frederick Douglass on July 4, 1860, what would have been his response? Concerning reparations, why did the United States government pay Asians and Native

Americans and not AfricanAmericans? What is the cost of five million Africans working from 1619 to 1865? Black youth must be taught how to overcome racism. What drives racism? Fear of differences in power. People who are secure are comfortable with differences. Power concedes nothing without a struggle. Whites have no problems having conferences on diversity, equity, race relations in multiculturalism. What they do not want to discuss is the equitable distribution of power. I would encourage you to give all your students gradesthree to five and six through 12 COVID 1619. This will be the first generation that will not suffer from Post-Traumatic Slavery Disorder. By Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu

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A tale of two graffitis

Quick response to BLM installation raises questions of equity By Heidi Beedle, The Southeast Express

In the early morning hours of July 6, community activists placed an art installation on the pedestrian bridge over Fountain Boulevard, near Shasta Drive. The durable plastic tape woven between the chain-link fencing of the pedestrian bridge spelled out “BLM,” the common abbreviation for Black Lives Matter. Within hours, a truck from the Colorado Springs Quality of Life Team showed up and removed the tape. The team handles: “graffiti removal, vacant homeless camp cleanups, warrant abatements on private property, litter/junk/unpermitted sign removal from rights-of-way, sidewalk snow shoveling, removal of abandoned shopping carts from rights-of-way, and weed cutting along rightsof-way adjacent to abandoned property,” according to Neighborhood Services Manager Mitchel Hammes. “It’s interesting that they responded so quickly, getting that down on a bridge that they’ve never cared about,” said Jacqueline Armendariz. “They took that installation down in about three hours, maybe.” Armendariz is part of the Colorado Springs Community Stakeholders Justice Coalition (CSJC), a new organization working to improve communication amongst the many activist groups in Colorado Springs. CSJC members Armendariz, Juelz Morse-Ramirez and Shaun Walls gathered July 9 at Monterey Park to discuss the removal of the installation. “We all live in 80910,” Armendariz said. “We’ve seen the momentum around Black Lives Matter, obviously. What we have concern about is there hasn’t been a clearinghouse of

crayon, stickers and postings that are on public buildings and infrastructure,” he said. “The city responds to all graffiti as it is reported, regardless of content.”

Sticking around

The Colorado Springs Quality of Life Team removed an art installation spelling out ‘BLM’ shortly after it appeared on the footbridge over Fountain Boulevard at Shasta Drive on July 6. Courtesy Photo/Colorado Springs Community Stakeholders Justice Coalition.

information or communication and coordination. The coalition is a reporting mechanism. We didn’t make the installation, but people reported it to us.” The members of the CSJC are familiar with graffiti in Southeast Colorado Springs. “Graffiti has been an issue my whole life,” said MorseRamirez, who grew up in Southeast Colorado Springs. “It usually has something to do with the gangs that are around here, which aren’t too relevant these days. We always see [street gang-affiliated] graffiti. “I remember one day it was on signs up here, on the fence over there, like in multiple locations and nobody responded to that as quickly as they did to this BLM installation on a bridge that is completely tagged up. ... What was there before is still there, so they literally just went and took down the BLM and just ignored everything else that’s on that bridge. That whole bridge is just a mess.” On July 9, the bridge in question was still covered in graffiti, stickers and broken glass that the Quality of Life Team left behind. Hammes asserts that his team removes graffiti in a uniform manner. “The Quality of Life Team removes all sorts of graffiti to include paint, signs, chalk,

Express Photo/Heidi Beedle Graffiti remains on the bridge and surrounding sidewalk in this July 9 image.

Less than two miles west of the pedestrian bridge, at the intersection of Fountain and South Union boulevards, and further south on Union along the Highway 24 offramp, light poles, electrical boxes and the backs of street signs were festooned with Trump campaign bumper stickers, and had been for more than a week in July. The Trump stickers had also been spotted on public property around the Tejon Park-n-Ride underneath the I-25 overpass, and near Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School at the intersection of Cresta Road and Cheyenne Boulevard. “The stickers were right by the junior high school, and there were like three or four of them,” said London Lyle, a University of Colorado-Boulder student home for the summer. “I first noticed them a week ago.” “I can assure you, any person doing this type of vandalism is not associated with our office,” said Vickie Tonkins, chair of the El Paso County GOP. “In fact, due to flooding at our office around the end of May, most of our bumper stickers were destroyed and we did not get new bumper stickers until June 20, and we gave out about 30, max. No true Republican would do this type of vandalism because our party respects everyone’s property, both private and public. I am

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

sure you are aware that anyone can purchase bumper stickers and signs online.”

A question of equal treatment The fact that Trump stickers were allowed to exist on public property for weeks, while a Black Lives Matter art installation was quickly dismantled, raises concerns from CSJC members. “Not only do they clean the graffiti up in the selective way they choose to do it,” Walls said, “they do that with policing as well. “Everywhere you turn around — look at the [Monterey Elementary] school, look at the grass. They show you that you’re different than what you see everywhere else in the city. It’s purposeful and it needs to be addressed. The Black and brown community is centralized down here, and it always has been.” “The Quality of Life Team responds proactively to graffiti observed, as well as via reports from the community,” said Hammes. However, CSJC members also have issues with how the city handles graffiti, usually just by painting over it with a neutral color. “You can drive around and see how many spots have been tagged up,” Morse-Ramirez said, “and then it’s just painted some ... color that doesn’t even go with it. “Thanks for taking away the graffiti, but now we have this ridiculous-looking building that is all patched up.” “An interesting question here too is ‘What is graffiti?’ Arguably that was an installation of free speech, so I would be interested in understanding the categorization behind that,” Armendariz said.. Editor’s note: This story is powered by COLab, the Colorado News Collaborative. Denver Urban Spectrum joined this historic collaboration with more than 20 other newsrooms across Colorado.

Respecting the Dignity of Every Human Being: Reflections on

John Lewis By Jack Payden-Travers

“You’re an embarrassment!” he shouted as he came across the street. “To your race” is the part of the phrase he implied but didn’t add. My wife and I have been vigiling each afternoon on a busy street corner oneand-a-half blocks from our home in Winston-Salem, NC, for the past two months. It is our attempt to “get in the way” and to “find some good trouble,” in the words of the late John Lewis. After the death of George Floyd, we attended two Black Lives Matter protests in our city, yet quickly realized that social distancing and protesting in large groups don’t work for those of us in the category of folks considered “at risk” during the Covid-19 epidemic. I don’t know the name of the man who was so infuriated at me for holding a “Black Lives Matter” placard and my wife for bearing one which reads “Dismantle Racism: Work for Justice & Peace, Respect the

Dignity of Every Human Being.” He ranted at us as we tried to talk with him, but he kept shouting and was just returning to his car when another car driven by a young African American man pulled in between in an effort to protect us. The situation could have escalated but we asked the young man not to get involved, so he just sat in his car, a visible barrier between the two philosophies. The upset white man drove away after a few more rants. Our daily vigils continue and the support of our fellow Winston-Salemites is apparent in the large number of honks and the waves we receive each day. Not that all the fingers are a thumbs up, but the obscene gestures are few and far between. Does it matter? Are we making any difference? We occasionally have white drivers shout at us “All lives matter!” We agree with them, by the way, as would Congressman Lewis. I have a bookmark inscribed with the words of Gene Testimony Hall: “Let’s be clear, We said Black Lives Matter. We never said Only Black Lives Matter. That was

the Media, Not us. In truth, we know that All Lives Matter. We’ve supported your lives throughout history. Now we need your help with Black Lives Matter, for Black lives are in danger.” I know the truth of that statement each day when I read our local paper. Last week two 14year-olds died outside on a lawn, victims of a drive-by shooting. I have a litany I pray on the vigil line that goes “Say their names: Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor…” “The news is replete with tributes to Rep. Lewis these days, as well it should be. But I have found many of the stories missing a vital component: his forthrightness in addressing the connections between racism, excessive materialism, and militarism in American society. Lewis believed heart and soul in nonviolence to confront these “triple evils” named by Dr. King. He believed that love was the answer. In the words from my wife’s protest sign and the Baptismal Covenant of the Episcopal liturgy: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

being? John Lewis certainly replied: I will, with God’s help.” I can’t but think of the interconnectedness of events of late. Is it coincidence that the Federal Building around which protests in Portland, Oregon, are taking place each evening is named in honor of the late Senator Mark Hatfield, and that he and Congressman Lewis were the sponsors in their respective chambers of the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act? That is how I met John Lewis. I was the director and federal lobbyist of the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, and John Lewis, Representative of the Fifth Congressional District of Georgia, was the Congressional sponsor of our bill. Each session of Congress he would re-introduce the Peace Tax Fund Act. Ironically this bill, first introduced on “Tax Day,” April 15, 1972, is as old as my 1972 marriage to Christine, my vigil partner, which took place at the headquarters of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), an organization of religious pacifists. This legislation was originally sponsored by Rep. Ron Dellums (D-CA, 1971-1998), who worked with FOR on legis-

lation opposing the war in Vietnam. This bill would establish a Peace Tax Fund into which those of us who are conscientiously opposed to war and the militarism of our society would pay our taxes each year. The money in the Fund could not be allocated for military purposes. Thus, the Peace Tax Fund could not be used to pay for nuclear weapons, wars in other nations, the militarization of our police forces, the military recruiting of our youth, etc. American taxpayers who oppose war as foreign policy could legally redirect our tax dollars to education, health care, social needs, infrastructure projects, etc. Christine and I have also, since 1972, resisted through protest, tax resistance, and the courts, the right of our government to use our tax dollars as weapons of war. At times the Peace Tax Fund bill has had upwards of 50 representatives and senators as cosponsors. But for the last decade Rep. Lewis was the sole sponsor. Just this year Rep. James P. McGovern (D-MA) joined Congressman Lewis and became a co-sponsor of H.R. 4169. There hasn’t been a Senate sponsor since Mark Hatfield retired in 1997. Due to funding issues and compassion fatigue there came a time, a few years back, when the National Campaign’s board of directors was considering dissolution of the organization. They were tired after decades of lobbying and discouraged by decreasing sponsorship of the bill. It was John Lewis who convinced the directors that this bill was such a significant piece of legislation that the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund needed to be revitalized, especially during an era when few Americans considered the right of conscientious objection to war. The Congressman’s website had a banner headline that emphasized our bill and spoke of the right of conscientious objection to war.

Lewis was known as the “Conscience of the Congress” because he spoke out, sat-in, and stood up for the rights of all regardless of race, gender preference, or philosophy. His office door was open to all and Georgia peanuts and ice-cold water were there for the taking. Like John Lewis I believe in nonviolent direct action as a way of speaking truth to power. My arrests number in the double digits, yet that still represents less than half of the 40 times Rep. Lewis was handcuffed and carted off to jail. I have never suffered the beatings he underwent during the civil rights era. Lewis called on us, if we really wanted to change society, to adopt love as a way of life. “This sense of love, this sense of peace, the capacity for compassion, is something you carry inside yourself every waking minute of the day. It shapes your response to a curt cashier or a driver cutting you off in traffic.” Of his beatings he wrote: “It can be nothing more than a sad and sorry thing without the presence on the part of the sufferer of a graceful heart, a heart that holds no malice toward the inflictors of his or her suffering.” One of his last acts of civil disobedience was a 2016 sit-in on the floor of Congress seeking the right to vote on gun control legislation. We know of him largely because of his civil rights activism but his commitment to liberation and social justice was broad and intersectional; he demonstrated against the Iraq War, was arrested with the Dreamers in 2013, and demonstrated at the Sudanese Embassy leading to two arrests for speaking against the genocide in Darfur. He stood in solidarity with the tired, the poor, and the immigrant, those yearning to be free. On his last day in Washington, DC, before being hospitalized, he went to Black Lives Matter Plaza and spoke with the demonstrators to let them know they did not walk alone, he was with them.

May we live like John Lewis advised in a tweet in 2018: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”. Editor’s note: Jack Payden-Travers was the director and federal lobbyist of the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

Monthly Webcast available on Denver Urban Spectrum

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Announcement The Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Program 2021 Lottery Opening September 17th and 18th, 2020 The Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver (DHA) is opening its 2021 Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Lottery. On-line entries (ONLY) will be accepted beginning on Thursday, September 17, 2020 (beginning at 12:01 a.m.) through Friday, September 18, 2020 (ending at 11:59 p.m.). TO PARTICIPATE YOU MUST BE: •18 years of age or older; and •A US citizen or eligible immigrant and have legal capacity to enter into a lease under state and local law

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Please Note: 1) DHA will deny any applicants or any member of applicant’s household who is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program OR has been convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine in a public housing development or in a Section 8 assisted property. 2) Criminal Background checks will be conducted on all persons age 18 years and older. 3) Participants will be required to enter the Social Security Number for the Head of Household and Co-Head/Spouse. 4) ONLY ONE COMPUTER ENTRY can be submitted per household. If you submit more than one entry, you will be disqualified. Multiple entries will be voided. 5) Lottery entry is not transferable. 6) Lottery entries must be complete. Incomplete entries will be voided. 7) Please print the Lottery Number Confirmation Page for your records. 8) Report any change of address in writing to: DHA’s Front Door Occupancy and Admissions Department, 1401 Mariposa Street, Denver, CO 80204. Include name, social security number, and correct address in this notification. 9) DO NOT PAY ANYONE to participate in the HCV/SECTION 8 Lottery! TO APPLY FOR THE LOTTERY: Lottery Entries MUST be submitted on-line (through the internet) by using ANY computer or smart phone that has Internet access by going to DHA’s website at www.denverhousing.org.

Due to the impact of COVID19, access to computer services is limited: • DHA – Lottery data entry assistance will be available by telephone during the Lottery on Thursday, September 17, 2020 and Friday September 18, 2020 from the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. No additional data entry assistance will be available once the Lottery has officially closed. For data entry assistance please call (720) 932-3030. • (DHA is not offering In Person Lottery entry service at this time.) • Denver Public Libraries (DPL) NOTE: Due to COVID19 DPL services and hours vary, please call DPL at (720) 865-1111 on computer availability. LOTTERY POOL: • All accepted lottery entries will be held in a pool. • Drawings for 2021 may be conducted at any time after lottery closing for DHA’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)/Section 8 Program and will continue through registration for the 2022 lottery, tentatively scheduled for September 16-17, 2021. • Individuals that have their number drawn will be eligible to apply for the HCV/Section 8 Program. • Lottery numbers drawn will be posted at DHA’s sites and at www.denverhousing.org • Directions for applying for DHA’s HCV/Section 8 Program will be mailed to lottery recipients with formal written notification that their entry has been drawn. • 2020 lottery entries that have not been drawn will be purged on September 30, 2020. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY The Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, sexual orientation, familial status or national origin in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted programs or activities. If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation, please contact DHA 504 Coordinator, 1035 Osage St., Denver, Colorado 80204, Phone (720) 932-3144, Fax (720) 932-3009, TDD/TTY Dial 711.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

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La Autoridad de Vivienda de la Ciudad y Condado de Denver (DHA) está abriendo su 2021 Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Lottery. Las entradas en línea (SOLO) serán aceptadas a partir del jueves 17 de septiembre de 2020 (comenzando a las 12:01 a.m.) hasta el viernes 18 de septiembre de 2020 (terminando a las 11:59 p.m.).

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Por favor, tenga en cuenta: 1) DHA negará a cualquier solicitante o miembro del hogar del solicitante que esté sujeto a un requisito de registro de por vida bajo un programa estatal de registro de delincuentes sexuales O que haya sido condenado por la fabricación o producción de metanfetamina en un desarrollo de vivienda pública o en una propiedad asistida por la Sección 8. 2) La verificación de antecedentes penales se llevará a cabo en todas las personas mayores de 18 años. 3) Se requerirá que los participantes ingresen el número de seguro social del jefe de familia y del co-jefe de familia/cónyuge. 4) SÓLO SE PUEDE ENTREGAR UNA COMPUTADORA POR HOGAR. Si presenta más de una inscripción, será descalificado. Las inscripciones múltiples serán anuladas. 5) La inscripción en la lotería no es transferible. 6) Las entradas de la lotería deben estar completas. Las entradas incompletas serán anuladas. 7) Por favor, imprima la página de confirmación del número de lotería para sus registros. 8) Informe de cualquier cambio de dirección por escrito a: Departamento de Ocupación de la Puerta Principal y Admisiones del DHA, 1401 Mariposa Street, Denver, CO 80204. Incluya el nombre, el número de seguro social y la dirección correcta en esta notificación. 9) NO PAGUE A NADIE por participar en la lotería de VHC/SECCIÓN 8! PARA SOLICITAR LA LOTERÍA: Las inscripciones para la lotería DEBEN ser presentadas en línea (a través de Internet) utilizando CUALQUIER computadora o teléfono inteligente que tenga acceso a Internet yendo al sitio web de DHA en www.denverhousing.org.

Debido al impacto de COVID19, el acceso a los servicios de computación es limitado: • DHA - La asistencia para el ingreso de datos de la lotería estará disponible por teléfono durante la lotería el jueves 17 de septiembre de 2020 y el viernes 18 de septiembre de 2020 de 8:00 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. No habrá asistencia adicional para el ingreso de datos una vez que la lotería haya cerrado oficialmente. Para asistencia de entrada de datos por favor llame al (720) 932-3030. • (DHA no ofrece el servicio de entrada de datos de la Lotería en persona en este momento.) • Bibliotecas Públicas de Denver (DPL) NOTA: Debido a COVID19 los servicios y horarios de DPL varían, por favor llame a DPL al (720) 865-1111 sobre la disponibilidad de computadoras. LOTERÍA: • Todas las participaciones de lotería aceptadas se guardarán en una urna. • Los sorteos para el 2021 pueden realizarse en cualquier momento después del cierre de la lotería para el programa de vales de elección de vivienda (HCV)/Sección 8 del DHA y continuarán hasta la inscripción para la lotería del 2022, programada provisionalmente para el 16-17 de septiembre del 2021. • Los individuos que tengan su número sorteado serán elegibles para solicitar el Programa HCV/Sección 8. • Los números sorteados serán publicados en las páginas web del DHA y en www.denverhousing.org • Las instrucciones para solicitar el programa VHC/Sección 8 del DHA se enviarán por correo a los destinatarios de la lotería con una notificación formal por escrito de que su entrada ha sido sorteada. • Las entradas de la lotería del 2020 que no hayan sido sorteadas serán purgadas el 30 de septiembre del 2020. IGUALDAD DE OPORTUNIDADES DE VIVIENDA La Autoridad de Vivienda de la Ciudad y el Condado de Denver no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, religión, sexo, discapacidad, orientación sexual, estado familiar u origen nacional en la admisión o el acceso, o el tratamiento o el empleo en sus programas o actividades con asistencia federal. Si usted tiene una discapacidad y necesita una acomodación razonable, por favor contacte al Coordinador del DHA 504, 1035 Osage St., Denver, Colorado 80204, Teléfono (720) 932-3144, Fax (720) 9323009, TDD/TTY Marque 711. Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020

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Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – September 2020