Expanding The Narrative

This month, tune in to hear from Civil Technology Inc. CEO, Rico Nelson, who discusses the industries of construction, transportation and infrastructure. Plus, hear a clip from DUS Correspondent Tracy Winchester's live report from the 2024 Democratic National Convention, featuring former Colorado State Representative and Senator, Polly Baca. You'll also hear from Jice Johnson, CEO and Founder of the Black Business Institute, and the phenomenal Native and Black American singer/songwriter, Martha Redbone, who will perform at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 25.

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This month, tune in to hear from Xcel Energy Colorado President, Robert Kenney, who discusses the public utility's focus on renewable energy; and Goshen Development CEO, Haroun Cowans, who introduces a new workforce housing solution for Downtown Denver.

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“Summertime in the Rockies” is full of sunshine and excitement, with plenty of outdoor activities and events. Our cover story, featuring Denver International Airport CEO, Phil Washington, provides insight into the executive’s plans to soar into the future of flight using equitable and environmentally-sustainable innovation.The July episode highlights the Black Economic Success Trust’s (B.E.S.T.) Success Summit and Expo. The fun continues into July, with a glimpse into this year’s culturally-enriching Colorado Black Arts Festival, under the leadership of a new executive director. cultural landmark and eatery, African Grill and Bar, which will celebrate 20 years of African food and festivities with a special anniversary event and launch of an international philanthropic effort. Hear from artist Malcolm Whyz3 and meet relationship strategist and consultant, Georg Hill of Gov Connect, LLC.

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This month we recognize Black Music Appreciation Month. Prolific gospel artist and businesswoman, Yolanda Adams, announces a special partnership with Derrick Holmes of Denver-based Banneker Watch and Clock Company. homecoming, a celebration of the resilience of Denver.

Norman Harris, a community leader and owner of Spangalang, a local brewery, beams with pride as he describes the event. "Juneteenth is about the energy," he says. "Bringing so many people back to Five Points, folks who haven't been down here in years. It's a reunion, a celebration of who we are."

Phenomenal R&B and soul singer, Such, prepares to celebrate DUS’s 37th anniversary, the retirement of publisher Rosalind “Bee” Harris and the launch of the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation at Denver’s Voice on Oct. 19.

Writer Christen Aldridge speaks to local Alt-rock musician, Elyjah “Tribe” Youngblood about the contributions of Black people to alternative music; and writer Wayne Trujillo reflects on the history of Black country music singers as the world reacts to Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter.”

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In honor of Mother’s Day, the May issue of Denver Urban Spectrum is filled with inspiration and empowerment. This issue also recognizes the unique challenges, experiences and journeys of Indigenous Americans and Colorado newcomers. 

Our cover story features a phenomenal professional and philanthropist, Dawn Bookhardt, who has dedicated her time and resources to the advancement of Denver communities for decades as one of the top attorneys in the state. We also pay tribute to Willie Mae Brown, a centenarian with over 100 years of commitment to her faith, family and community. 

The Black Resilience in Colorado Fund will celebrate art and activism this month, with a conversation around the book, “The Swans of Harlem,” which details the history of five pioneering Black ballerinas in Harlem. Dance legends Karlya Shelton-Benjamin and Cleo Parker Robinson will be featured at this event in addition to Cleo Parker Robinson Dance’s Spring Concert, which heralds Mother’s Day and the exciting future of the company's historic dance theater. 

This month provides an opportunity to honor diversity, which strengthens the human experience and connects us all. 

In honor of the May 5 National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, writers Mona Cedilla and Christen Aldridge share the experiences of local individuals working to bring awareness to a growing crisis. 

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Month, writer Melovy Melvin reflects on the experiences of AANHPI immigrants as they navigate life in Colorado. 

This issue contains something for everyone, with letters about health legislation, racial equity legislation and other pressing issues taking place in Colorado and throughout the country. We’ve included celebratory articles honoring Chauncey Billups’ Hall of Fame induction, as well as investment analyst Prince Dykes and former Denver Broncos’ Terrell Davis for their latest collaborative literary project. 

Thank you for your continued support of our community reporting. Have a safe and happy spring! 

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Message from the Founder and Publisher, Rosalind "Bee" Harris:

This month marks 37 years of publishing Denver Urban Spectrum. I was fortunate enough to publish and design 443 issues of our award-winning publication. And I say our because DUS belongs to all of us, the Denver community and all who helped breathe life into this voice. The words by all of you in the cover story are spoken individually, but represent everyone collectively who supported DUS for the last (almost) four decades. 

So where did the time go? 

They say life is fleeting but that’s what makes it beautiful. 

When I moved to Denver in 1980, I was the mother of two sons. Today, I am the proud and happy great-grandmother of Desiree. 

In April 1987, our first congratulatory letter was from then Mayor Federico Peña. And since that time, we have shared our pages with five other mayors: Wellington E. Webb, John D. Hickenlooper, Guillermo, “Bill” Vidal, Michael B. Hancock, and currently Mike Johnston. 

And soon, in December, it will be time for me to turn my page with DUS and open another chapter. One that will be as gratifying and fruitful as the last one. Over the years, I focused on the future of our youth. Today I want to focus on the future of our elders in honor of my Mother with the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation. 

I look forward to how the next team will take Denver Urban Spectrum to a New (digital) Era at the end of 2024, and I’m counting on continued community support. 

It is difficult to find the words to express my love and appreciation to everyone – but know that my faithful heart is full of gratitude and hope. 

P.S. Don’t worry. I won’t be leaving quietly. I’m going out with a bang! 

Our Anniversary/Retirement/Benefit, “Denver’s Voice,” will be held on October 19. 

And I look forward to seeing all of the Denver community in the house. 

Featured in this episode: Norma Paige, CU Regent Wanda James, the Honorable Mayor Wellington Webb and Wilma Webb, Geta and Janice Asfaw of McDonald's, Richard Lewis of RTL networks and RTL foundation, Ruby Jones, Melovy Melvin, Kia Milan and Tim Regan Porter interviewed by Tanya Ishikawa.

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March is Women’s History Month, and this month’s publication features impactful women whose accomplishments and impact have made the world a better place. 

Former State Representative and Denver’s First Lady from 1991 to 2003, Wilma J. Webb, graces the cover, with an article detailing her life and political career and photographs illustrating her life as a devoted wife, mother and stateswoman. 

Sensational financial strategist Danielle Shoots discusses her groundbreaking investment fund, along with a full Spectrum Talk interview and a glimpse into her life as an executive and entrepreneur. 

Writer, Stacy Narine, highlights Colorado Black Women for Political Action, a political organization led by Bianka Emerson, in an informative article that provides suggestions for Black women to get involved in community efforts and keep rising to new political heights. 

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Denver Urban Spectrum and KGNU Radio present a monthly magazine-style community news radio program that amplifies the voices and stories from people engaged in progressive action work in the metro Denver area and surrounding communities. This month as our cover story we feature billionaire and philanthropist Robert F. Smith and highlight the 2024 DUS African Americans Who Make A Difference. This episode also features Cleo Parker Robinson as the 2024 Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Visiting Professor, The Museum of Blacks Girls, Black ski club Ski Noir 5280 and the national production of Makin’ Cake.

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Denver Urban Spectrum and KGNU Radio present a monthly magazine-style community news radio program that amplifies the voices and stories from people engaged in progressive action work in the metro Denver area and surrounding communities. This month we highlight the work at the Sims Fayola Foundation with Dr. Dedrick Sims, we have a conversation with a real cowboy, Maurice "Mo Betta" Wade of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in an interview with the Honorable Mrs. Wilma Webb.

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Denver Urban Spectrum and KGNU Radio present a magazine-style community news radio program that amplifies the voices and stories from people engaged in progressive action work in the metro Denver area and surrounding communities. This month we discuss the Nutcracker with Colorado Ballet's first Black ballerina, Sheridan Guerin; Valeria Cunningham Howard of the Bill Pickett MLK Jr. Heritage Rodeo of Champions; and a conversation with Dr. Ryan Ross of the Urban Leadership Foundation.

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