DUS January 2014

Overview of Mandela and South Africa's Anti-Apartheid Movement...4Fayola Men: What Mandela Means to Me...9

Role of Politicians in Montbello Foreclosures...10The MLK African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions...12

A Word From Local Leaders on the Life of Mandela...18MLK Events: Who, What, Where, When and Why...20

Remembering Robert “Treebob” Williams...22

Volume 27 Number 10 January 2014

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COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS Exploring issues of

CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY

Presented by:

Slavery by Another Name:The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II

A Community Conversation with Author Douglas A. Blackmon

Thursday, January 30, 2014, 7:00 PMAuraria CampusTivoli Student Union, Turnhalle Denver, CO

Join Facing History and Ourselves for an evening with Douglas Blackmon, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Slavery by Another Name. In 30 years as a journalist, Blackmon has written

extensively about the American quandary of race, exploring such issues as the integration of schools in his childhood Mississippi Delta farm town, lost episodes of the Civil Rights movement, and, how contemporary society should grapple with a troubled past.

Seating is limited and RSVP is required. Please visit facinghistory.org/denverevents or call (303)316-4848 x221. As a part of Facing History’s national series of Community Conversations, this event is free and open to the public.

This event is presented in partnership with:

Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, Black Student Services – University of Colorado Denver, City Year Denver, Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, Denver Foundation, Denver Urban Spectrum, Denver Woman’s Press Club, History Club – Metropolitan State University of Denver, Second Tuesday Race Forum

PUBLISHERRosalind J. Harris

GENERAL MANAGERLawrence A. James

MANAGING EDITORAngelia D. McGowan

CONTRIBUTING COPY EDITORTanya Ishikawa

COLUMNISTSEarl Ofari Hutchinson

FILM and BOOK CRITICKam Williams

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSJames AinsworthAdam DempseyAngelle FoutherChris MeehanSid Wilson

Theo E. J. Wilson

ART DIRECTORBee Harris

PRODUCTION AND OFFICE ASSISTANTCecile Perrin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSLens of Ansar

Sweetz Photography

ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANTRobin James

DISTRIBUTIONGlen Barnes

Lawrence A. JamesEd Lynch

Volume 27 Number 10 January 2014

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – January 2014

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Happy New YearI, like so many others from across the globe, have visited South Africa. What most captured my attention during my 2006 trip were the photos of

Nelson Ralihlahla Mandela that graced the living rooms of almost every home that I visited. And I visited a few as I chose to forego the hotels andinstead stay with a range of families from different socio-economic levels to get an idea of the everyday life of South Africans. While sitting in homes– studios, apartments and an upper middle class home — in Alexandra, Soweto, Johannesburg and Durban, I couldn’t help but remember mychildhood in the United States. The face of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. resided in the same location and on my grandmother’s church hand fans. Youmay not have known them personally, but you knew somehow they must be family.

This first issue of the year pays tribute to Mandela, who died on Dec. 5, 2013 and to King, who we celebrate this month. You’ll find a historicaloverview by James Ainsworth’s as he connects the dots between the symbolic leaders. Among the tributes, Wellington Webb (Mayor of Denver1991-2003) and participants of his 2002 trade mission to Southern Africa reflect on Mandela’s legacy. Students from Sims Fayola InternationalAcademy address Mandela’s impact on their future. Though gains have been made because of their sacrifices, this issue also features an op-edcalled “Losing the Dream,” by Theo Wilson on the foreclosure crisis in Montbello. Chris Meehan reminds us of a Denver tradition rooted in the MLKJr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions. Adam Dempsey pays tribute to DUS friend, Robert “Treebob” Williams. As we kick off 2014, wehope this issue will inspire you to understand that with every step you take, you are also leaving a legacy.

Angelia D. McGowanManaging Editor

The Denver Urban Spectrum is amonthly publication dedicated tospreading the news about people ofcolor. Contents of the Denver UrbanSpectrum are copyright 2014 by BizzyBee Enterprise. No portion may bereproduced without written permissionof the publisher.The Denver Urban Spectrum circu-

lates 25,000 copies throughoutColorado. The Denver Urban Spectrumwelcomes all letters, but reserves theright to edit for space, libelous material,grammar, and length. All letters mustinclude name, address, and phonenumber. We will withhold author’s nameon request. Unsolicited articles areaccepted without guarantee of publica-tion 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 orfax 303-292-6543 or visit theWeb site atwww.denverurbanspectrum.com.

Reader Responds to “OprahPlays the Race Card” LetterEditor:In an article by Will Smith called

“The Race Card, White Backlash, andWhy Reverse Racism is anOxymoronic Irony” he states: “Thosewho speak of the ‘race card’ are thosewho feel ‘that they have lost theirprivilege.’ They are being exposed forbeing who they are and they don’t likewhat they see, and they would ratherbe damned than to have people ofcolor, who in the past have wor-shipped them as gods and goddesses(sarcasm noted) refuse to continue tomake blood sacrifices for their benefit.They fear they will lose the eco-

nomic, political, and social resourcesthey have set up for themselves, aswell as the reality that they will haveto actually share these resources withnon-white, people of color. In short,they feel oppressed.“When whites voice their belief,

they get applauded. When blacksvoice their opinions, they’re playingthe race card.” When Tricia (Erickson)cites Oprah Winfrey (DUS December2013) saying “There’s a level of disre-spect for the office occurs in somecases and maybe even many casesbecause he is African American.There’s no question about that. Andit’s the kind of thing no one ever says,but everyone is thinking.”Tricia (Erickson), Oprah’s com-

ments are point on; “we will quittelling the truth, when theRepublican/Fox supporters quittelling lies.”Sen. Mitch McConnell said, “The

single most important thing” forRepublicans to achieve in the nextcongress was ensuring PresidentObama was a one-term president. This

event provided a telling revelation ofhow fast the post-election climatesoured according to Robert Draper’sbook “Do Not Ask What Good WeDo: Inside the U.S. House ofRepresentatives.”In 2005 then – RNC chair Ken

Mehlman, speaking to the NAACP,admitted that during the civil rightsmovement “some Republicans (were)trying to benefit politically from racialpolarization,” and apologized. But ifWilliam Faulkner were alive today, hecould tell Mehlman that, sadly, in thisregard, the past isn’t dead. It isn’teven the past. (This paragraphappeared in the March 19, 2012 edi-tion of The Nation).When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

delivered the historic “I Have ADream” speech on August 28, 1963 heexpressed the firm hope that “my fourchildren will one day live in a nationwhere they will not be judged by thecolor of their skin but by the contentof their character.” It was a goal thatpeople of good will of all races andreligions seemed to agree on. And it isquite apparent that tangible progresswas made over the ensuing 20 years.Unfortunately, the march toward anintegrated society would prove to be asomewhat short-lived phenomenon.With an African American in the

White House, the fueling of racistopinions and sentiments is good poli-tics for right wing Republican candi-dates. Tricia, with these right wingpundits and ideal logs, their agendawill always be driven by skin colornot by the content of character or per-formance.One would conclude this coun-

try/world has moved on concerningrace, you may remember SouthCarolina Rep. Joe Wilson shouted

“You lie!” to Donald Trump for say-ing that president Obama is not anAmerican. Newt Gingrich, forinstance, calls President ObamaAmerica’s “food stamp president” andpromises to “talk about why theAfrican-American community shoulddemand paychecks and not be satis-fied with food stamps. On October, 24,2013, Jason Easley reported a heroicPresident Obama Responds to Rep.Pete Sessions’ Ugly Insult with dignityand grace. It is unimaginable that awhite president — Democratic orRepublican — would ever have todeal with members of congress insult-ing them in such a disgraceful face toface way. Rep. Sessions disrespectedthe president of the United States. Hedisrespected the presidency, and hedisrespected Barack Obama as ahuman being. Those are a few exam-ples Winfrey speaks of or has aboutconcerns regarding race issue and thepresident.You speak of President Obama’s

performance; his leadership broughtthis country out of recession. If yourecall the economy looked pretty mis-erable when he took office in 2009.After five presidents over a century

failed to create universal health insur-ance, President Obama signed theAffordable Health Care Act in 2010;passed the stimulus; signed $787 bil-lion American Recovery andReinvestment Act in 2009 to spur eco-nomic growth amid greatest recessionsince the Great Depression; PassedWall Street Reform; ended the War inIraq: ordered all U.S. military forcesout of the country, last troops left onDecember 18, 2011; began draw downof War in Afghanistan, helped SouthSudan Declare Independence;

Continued on page 33

bn April 4, 1968, the world cameto a standstill, as the hopes and aspira-tions of people of African descent – inthe United States and around theworld – suffered a traumatic bodyblow with the assassination of Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr.After the .30-06 caliber shot rang

out from a rifle and Dr. King lay in agrowing pool of blood on the balconyof the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, a26-year-old journalist snapped a pho-tograph of the scene, with Dr. King’scolleagues pointing in the directionfrom where the shot came. Theimage, hastily developed at a localMemphis darkroom, was eventuallyacquired by Time-Life and becameone of the most recognizable and icon-ic photographs of the 20th Century. Few people know that the young

photographer – the only journalist atthe scene – was the late Joseph Louw,a black South African who was travel-ing with Dr. King and producing adocumentary on his civil rights work.While it may seem unusual to somethat a black South African journalistwould find himself in the heart of acritical event in African-American his-tory, Louw’s presence is actually areflection of an abiding intimacybetween the South African struggleagainst apartheid and the Americancivil rights movement. Despite thecruel and desperate isolation ofAfrican, mixed-race and Indian peopleby the apartheid government, therehave been common influences, com-munication and enduring bonds thathave influenced both causes. These ties go back to 1920, when

co-founder of the African NationalCongress (ANC) Sol Plaatje traveled tothe United States and met with W.E.B.DuBois, founder of the NationalAssociation for the Advancement ofColored People (NAACP) and MarcusGarvey, founder of the UniversalNegro Improvement Association(UNIA). During the apartheid era,thousands of South African exiles likeLouw studied and earned degrees atAmerican colleges and universities,joining exiled musicians like HughMasekela, Abdullah Ibrahim andMiriam Makeba, who achieved inter-national acclaim in the United States. On December 5, 2013, the world

lost a great light, as Nelson RolihlahlaMandela – the world’s most famouspolitical prisoner and respected elderstatesman – passed away at the age of95. With a memorial service attendedby heads of state – including U.S.President Barack Obama – and count-less news reports, documentaries,online tributes, immense activity insocial media and the blogosphere andthe release of a feature film, themourning of Nelson Mandela’s deathwas like no other in modern history.In Johannesburg, it seemed that theheavens were crying, pouring endlessrivers of rain, with reams of thunderand lightning punctuating the pain ofSouth Africa’s mass emotions at thegreat loss. The rain rolled right over the

memorial service itself at FNBStadium in Soweto, and PresidentObama’s eloquent speech; but rain isalso a sign of prosperity and well-being in Africa, and crowds of ordi-nary South Africans came to celebratein the deluge and feel the full spiritualimpact of their history, with the wholeworld watching.On the streets of Soweto, in front of

Mandela’s old home on VilakaziStreet, they had been singing anddancing in the rain for days. Theirbeloved “Madiba” – the Xhosa clanname by which Nelson Mandela isaffectionately known in South Africa –left this world with an unfathomableoutpouring of love and grace.Much like Dr. King, Mandela

became a charismatic leader and apersonification of his nation’s humanrights struggle, and the power of hispersonality somewhat overshadowedthe complexity of the very movementhe came to represent. Given SouthAfrica’s unusual history and its insu-larity, it becomes tempting to summa-

rize its transformation symbolically inthe Father of the Nation, a black manwho spent 27 years in prison and thenforgave his white captors. Although Mandela would assume

the helm of the transition to a newstate, the forces that led to his releasefrom prison and the fracturing ofapartheid’s political power were farmore complex than the ideals of non-violence and peaceful reconciliationthat are typically ascribed to him.

The Congressional Alliance and the Limits of Nonviolent Civil DisobedienceBoth the American civil rights

movement, as well as Mandela andleaders of the South African struggleagainst apartheid, drew inspirationfrom Mahatma Gandhi’s effective useof civil disobedience in India’s inde-pendence movement and Gandhi’sphilosophy of Satyagraha – the moralpower of the “insistence on truth” orthe “force of truth” – to overcomepolitical injustice. In South Africa, civildisobedience tactics led to theDefiance Campaign of 1952, where10,000 people of all racial groups –African, Indian, mixed-race andwhites – protested the new apartheidlaws and more than 8,500 were arrest-ed, including Mandela. While the Defiance Campaign

changed little with respect to the gov-ernment’s discriminatory laws, thecampaign solidified heightened oppo-sition to apartheid and increased mul-tiracial cooperation among the AfricanNational Congress (ANC), the SouthAfrican Indian Congress (SAIC), theColored People’s Congress (CPC) andother activist organizations. Later, theCongress Alliance would merge intoone organization under the banner ofthe ANC.

While South Africa’s rulingNational Party dug in its heels andcontinued to enact discriminatory leg-islation, the Congress Alliance beganits next round of civil disobedience inthe form of strikes, boycotts andprotests that culminated in theTreason Trial of 1956, with Mandelaand 156 co-defendants – once again,men and women of all racial and eth-nic groups – being charged with hightreason. Mandela and his co-accusedwere all acquitted on March 29, 1961, ayear after the anti-apartheid move-ment reached a turning point with thenew pass law protests – organized byRobert Sobukwe and the more mili-tant Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) –that led to the infamous SharpevilleMassacre. On March 21, 1960, when between

5,000 and 7,000 protestors came to theSharpeville police station to hand intheir passbooks, police indiscriminate-ly opened fire and killed 69 andinjured 180 demonstrators, includingmany women and children. Thedespised passbooks were a highlyemotional issue, as they were requiredto be carried by any black person out-side of their segregated township resi-dences. Ironically, the contrast of thenonviolent actions of the CongressAlliance protests throughout the 50smay have led to the acquittal ofTreason Trial defendants; however, bythat time, Mandela, the lead defendantand president of the ANC YouthLeague, had already begun formingthe ANC’s military wing, Umkhontowe Sizwe – “The Spear of the Nation”– to begin a new phase of targetedarmed resistance to governmentrepression. In the wake of Sharpeville, both the

PAC and the ANC were banned in 1960and were labeled terrorist organizationsby the South African and U.S. govern-ments; in 1959, facing a banning order,Oliver Tambo, deputy president of theANC and Mandela’s partner in the for-mation of South Africa’s first black lawfirm, went into exile in London, to buildthe ANC’s international anti-apartheidmovement.

The Rivonia TrialAfter his acquittal at the Treason

Trial, Mandela wasted no time inorganizing the new strategy of theANC’s struggle. Between 1961 and

Continued on page 6


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YtÜxãxÄÄ `tw|utReflections on the Indelible Life of Nelson Mandela

By James Ainsworth

Elder Law 101By Ayo Labode, Esq.

What is elder law? Elder law is abroad area of law that focuses on theneeds of clients as they age. Elder lawattorneys have specialized knowledgein topics such as Medicaid planning,wills, powers of attorney, late-in-lifeissues, veteran’s benefits, old-age pen-sion, conservatorships and guardian-ships. Just like the needs of a teenagerare very different from a middle-ageparent, our legal needs change as weage.Why does elder law matter? It is no surprise that we are aging

and as a group we are living longer. InColorado our population is becomingincreasingly older. In 2010 there were540,000 Coloradans over the age of 65.That is a 30 percent increase from2000. In just 16 years 1,350,000Coloradans will be over the age of 65.Our state is one of the fastest agingstates in the country. The lifeexpectancy for African Americans isincreasing as well. For AfricanAmerican men who live to the age of65, their live expectancy is 80 years.For African American women theirlife expectancy is 83.Many of us will age without signifi-

cant complications and will live inde-pendently until we die. However,some of us will need help. It is esti-mated that more than 77,000 people inour state are living with Alzheimer’sdisease, an irreversible brain diseasethat slowly destroys memory andthinking skills. By 2025, more than110,000 Coloradoans and their familieswill be living with Alzheimer’s. Chronic illnesses such as

Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, mentalillness, multiple sclerosis and just sim-ple aging are conditions that not onlyaffect the individual; they affect fami-lies, friends, colleagues and careproviders. We should be aware thatAfrican Americans experience higherrates of arthritis, diabetes and hyper-tension. The presence of a chronic dis-ease increase the likelihood that wewill need assistance with what isknown as ‘activities of daily living’such as managing finances, maintain-ing our homes, eating, and transporta-tion as we age. Let’s face it, we are all aging and it

is a good thing. More children haverelationships with their great grand-parents. We have the time to pursuedreams and hobbies that was notavailable to previous generations.Amazing leaders like Nelson Mandelalive deep into their old age and wehave the opportunity to appreciatetheir accomplishments.

The same advances in medical tech-nology that have helped us live longerhave also increased the complexity ofaging and requires us to take greaterresponsibility to make sure we havelegal documents in place that will helpus age successfully. At a minimum,every adult over the age of 18 shouldhave a will, power of attorney, med-ical durable power of attorney and aliving will. In upcoming articles wewill explore why each legal documentis essential to have as we age; the dif-ference between Medicaid andMedicare; identifying and avoidingfinancial exploitation; nursing homeand assisted-living issues and similartopics. Like everything in life, knowl-

edge is power. I am looking forwardto exploring this topic with you. Editor’s Note: This is the first article of acolumn by elder law attorney, Ayo Labode,Esq., that will appear in the Denver UrbanSpectrum six times a year. The goal of thiscolumn is to provide readers with anunderstanding of the issues faced withaging. This article will not give legaladvice, but will provide practical informa-tion for consumers. This column will be ina question and answer format, and readersare invited to submit questions and com-ments. If you have a question or for moreinformation, email [email protected],call 720-295-9509 or visitwww.labodelaw.com.


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Farewell MadibaContinued from page 41963, Mandela became known as therevolutionary “Black Pimpernel,” forevading authorities and going under-ground to foment continued resist-ance. Mandela even slipped out of thecountry and traveled throughoutAfrica – as far away as Libya andMorocco – to seek military aid, financeand training for Umkhonto we Sizwe(MK). But once he returned to SouthAfrica, he and his MK comrades werearrested on July 11, 1963 at LiliesleafFarm in Rivonia, a suburb ofJohannesburg. Of the 13 people whowere arrested, eight – includingMandela, as “Defendant Number 1” –would stand trial for conspiracy andsubversion in what would becomeknown as the “Rivonia Trial.” It wasduring this trial that Mandela gave hisfamous speech from the docket, chal-lenging the apartheid government’slegitimacy and moral authority toquestion his patriotism and chargehim with sedition. While the Rivonia Trial and

Mandela’s subsequent life sentenceeventually made him the world’s mostfamous political prisoner, it is less wellknown that – in typical CongressAlliance multiracial fashion – sevenother Rivonia Trial defendants weregiven life imprisonment sentencesalong with him, including fiveAfricans (Walter Sisulu, AndrewMlageni, Raymond Mhlaba, GovanMbeki and Elias Motsoaledi) oneIndian Muslim (Ahmed Kathrada)and one white Jew (Dennis Goldberg.)Beyond the Rivonia Trial defendants,Robben Island continually filled withnew political prisoners from more mil-itant organizations like the AzanianPeople’s Organization AZAPO) theSouth African Communist Party(SACP) and the PAC; the apartheidgovernment so feared RobertSobukwe that they built a separatehousing unit to completely isolate himfrom all contact with other RobbenIsland prisoners. As the ANC became the most well-

known anti-apartheid organizationinternationally, its singular promotionof Mandela as the face of the move-ment tended to eclipse the contribu-tions of other leaders like RobertSobukwe and awareness of otherdimensions of the struggle. A similartrend happened in the African-American civil rights movement, withmany people assuming that all nonvi-olent resistance was led by Dr. Kingand his Southern Christian LeadershipCouncil (SCLC), while most of thelunch counter desegregation actionsand the Freedom Rides were organ-ized by the Student NonviolentCoordinating Committee (SNCC)through leaders like James Lawson of

the Congress of Racial Equality(CORE), who trained 60s youthactivists like James Bevel, Diane Nash,Bernard Lafayette, Marion Barry andJohn Lewis. With time, apartheid resistance

assumed new forms and police sup-pression became increasingly fierce,brutal and violent; quite often activistswho were not imprisoned (or lucky

enough to escape) disappearedand were tortured and killed, likethe PEBCO 3 or the Craddock 4.But even as Mandela, Sobukwe andtheir comrades were captive onRobben Island, a loose alliance oftrade unions, black “Civic” townshipgovernments, white anti-draft and anti-apartheid organizations and studentgroups gradually began to build broadcoalitions to put economic and politicalpressure on the National Party govern-ment from within the country. In addi-tion to growing public protests, strikesand boycotts, the ANC, PAC andAZAPO all organized their own under-ground military organizations, witharms being secretly funneled into thecountry from exiles and clandestineallies in surrounding states. South Africawas becoming an increasingly tense andviolent powder keg, ready to be set off.

The 1976 Soweto Uprising,Internal Activism and GlobalDimensions of ResistanceOn June 16, 1976, a group of more

than 10,000 Soweto school childrenplanned a peaceful protest at OrlandoStadium against the government’snew policy of providing education inAfrikaans, the language of whiteAfrikaners, as opposed to English thathad been the standard based on theBritish education system. The protest,organized by Soweto StudentRepresentative’s Council and theBlack Consciousness Movement wasintended to be peaceful, but policeblocked off the students’ initial routeand the gathering quickly erupted intochaos. After the police opened fire stu-dents armed only with rocks, at least176 were killed, although it is said thatas many as 700 youth may have died. With a full 16 years since the

Sharpeville Massacre, the SowetoUprising once again focused an inter-national spotlight on apartheid repres-sion, while galvanizing youththroughout South Africa and making

the townships increasingly ungovern-able. The impatience, fire and angst ofSoweto youth ignited the final, mostbloody and polarized phase of theanti-apartheid struggle that would notstop until the South African govern-ment unbanned the ANC and otherliberation movements and releasedMandela from prison on February 11,1990.

Throughout the 80s theapartheid government dou-bled-down on its repressionand state-of-emergency tactics,while it became increasinglyisolated internationally as a

pariah state. With Cold-War era sup-port from U.S. President RonaldReagan and British Prime MinisterMargaret Thatcher, the South Africagovernment had free reign in itsrepression – including banningactivists through house arrest, deten-tion without trial, torture and murderof prisoners in detention and kidnap-ping protest leaders – while also wag-ing war against socialist governmentsin bordering states of Angola,Namibia, Mozambique and coverthostilities against Zimbabwe. The National Party’s grip on power

was unbending, propped-up by thehigh price of gold within an internation-al finance system that maintained stronggovernment revenues and one of theworld’s highest standards of living forSouth Africa’s wealthy white minority.But behind the scenes, some businessand political leaders recognized the situ-ation as being untenable, and graduallyinitiated negotiations with ANC leadersin exile and with Nelson Mandela whilehe was still in prison. To his courageand credit, Mandela refused to renouncearmed struggle in return for beingreleased from prison; yet once he wasfreed, Mandela worked tirelessly tobring peace and reconciliation to SouthAfrica. In the end, international events, the

forces of economic globalization andworldwide resistance to apartheidwould gradually break huge cracks inthe armor of the South African gov-ernment. In Angola, the South Africanmilitary suffered a humiliating defeatat the battle of Cuito Cuanavale in1988 (in addition to other defeats inAngola in 1975 and 1976) whichmarked a turning point of hope forSouth Africa’s black population – and

disillusionment among white SouthAfricans and a strengthening of theirown domestic anti-war movement.Cuba’s interventions marked the

first time an outside military forcecame to Africa to assist in Africa’s lib-eration, with Castro’s soldiers defeat-ing the “White Giants” – SouthernAfrican military and paramilitaryforces, armed and trained by theUnited States. Relentless work by international

anti-apartheid activists to pass eco-nomic sanctions (particularly in theUnited States, where the Congressoverrode a presidential veto byRonald Reagan in 1986) as well asprotests leading to the withdrawal ofCitibank and its loans to the SouthAfrican government, creating panic infinancial markets, a dramatic drop inthe South African rand/U.S. dollarexchange rate and capital flight. TheCongressional Black Caucus and theAfrican American community werethe spearhead of these protests, anddeserve great credit for marshallingthe moral ideals of the majority ofAmericans to steer the U.S. govern-ment toward passage of economicsanctions through ComprehensiveAnti-Apartheid Act. While South Africa’s police and

security forces intensified their violentrepression in the mid to late 80s, theNational Party government seemed tobe lashing out, like a frightened,wounded animal, cornered on allsides. Despite the government’sactions, in many ways large numbersof the white population had outgrownapartheid’s ideology, as the protestsongs of South African popular musicheld forth a transcendent belief in abetter, more hopeful multiracialfuture. Perhaps it can be said that thevictory over apartheid, as well asNelson Mandela’s release from prison– was truly a global event, and amoral victory of the goodwill of ordi-nary citizens and activists. As we celebrate the memory of

both Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. andNelson Rolihlahla Mandela, let usremember that these great souls werefigureheads of their movements, butno one leader acts alone. Both Dr.King and Nelson Mandela were at thevortex of the forces and wide-rangingactions of many groups and individu-als. The life of Nelson Mandela, thedeath of apartheid and the peacefultransition toward South Africa’s new,multiracial democracy are a testamentto what the world can accomplishwhen people of goodwill work togeth-er to end oppression. �Editor’s note: James Ainsworth is a free-lance journalist and writer in Denver, andhe can be reached through his web site atwww.islandofspicemedia.com or on hisblog, at www.aneyeonafrica.blogspot.com.


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“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice. Likeslavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can

be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great

generation. Let your greatness blossom.”

– Nelson Mandela

Join Facing History andOurselves for an evening withDouglas Blackmon, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Slavery byAnother Name: The Re-Enslavementof Black Americans from the Civil Warto World War II.” This groundbreak-ing work delivers a searing examina-tion of the enslavement of African-Americans that persisted deep into the20th century. Sponsored by AllstateFoundation, A Community Conversationwith Author Douglas A. Blackmon isThursday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. at theAuraria Campus Tivoli StudentUnion, Turnhalle in Denver. In 30 years as a journalist,

Blackmon has written extensivelyabout the American quandary of race,exploring such issues as the integra-tion of schools in his childhoodMississippi Delta farm town, lostepisodes of the Civil Rights move-ment, and, how contemporary societyshould grapple with a troubled past.Facing History and Ourselves

engages students in an examination of

racism, prejudice,and anti-Semitism to cre-ate a morehumane andinformed citizen-ry. Students tack-le essential ques-tions of identity and choice, justiceand healing, and memory and legacy. Douglas A. Blackmon is chair and

host of the University of Virginia’sMiller Center Forum—a weekly publicaffairs television program broadcast onnearly100 public television stationsaround the U.S., and a contributor toThe Washington Post. Previously,Blackmmon was the longtime Atlantabureau and Senior NationalCorrespondent at The Wall Street Journal.He wrote about or directed coverage forthe Journal of major events such the riseof the tea party movement, multiplepresidential campaigns, many naturaldisasters, most notably HurricaneKatrina and the failed federal responseafter that disaster. The Journal’s groundbreaking coverage of Katrina wasawarded a special National HeadlinerAward in 2006.

Blackmon’sbook, a searingexamination ofhow the enslave-ment of African-Americans per-sisted deep intothe 20th century,

was a New York Times bestseller andwon the 2009 Pulitzer Prize forGeneral Non-Fiction. The documen-tary film based on Slavery by AnotherName, and co-executive produced byBlackmon, premiered at the 2012Sundance Film Festival, and whenbroadcast nationally on PBS in 2012was seen by five million viewers. Ithas been repeatedly re-broadcast inJanuary and February 2013. Rcently, ina special event hosted at the SupremeCourt by Associate Justice StephenBreyer, the National Endowment forthe Humanities announced thatSlavery by Another Name and threeother films related to the quest forracial equality in America will be dis-tributed this year to hundreds oflibraries across the United States.Over the span of 30 years as an

active journalist, Blackmon has written

extensively about the Americanquandary of race—exploring the inte-gration of schools during his child-hood in a Mississippi Delta farmtown, lost episodes of the Civil Rightsmovement, and, repeatedly, the dilem-ma of how a contemporary societyshould grapple with a troubled past.Many of his stories in The Wall StreetJournal explored the interplay ofwealth, corporate conduct, theAmerican judicial system, and racialsegregation. He is currently workingon a book and film examining thedesegregation and resegregation ofpublic schools in his home state ofMississippi, and exploring newresearch on false convictions and otherfailures in the current U.S. judicial sys-tem. � Editor’s note: To register or for more infor-mation, email Katie Terrazas Hoover [email protected] or call303-316-4848. For more information aboutthe book of Douglas Blackmon visit:www.slaverybyanothername.com; the film,www.pbs.org/tpt/slavery-by-another-name; and for educational materials visit:www.pbs.org/tpt/slavery-by-another-name/classrooms/history/


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Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II

A Community Conversation with Author Douglas Blackmon


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

Myra Donovan, CLU, ChFC, CFPFinancial Adviser

3200 Cherry Creek Drive South, #700Denver, CO 80209303-871-7249 - www.myradonovan.com

"Call Today for a FREEConsultation!"

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

Myra Donovan, CLU, ChFC, CFPFinancial Adviser

3200 Cherry Creek Drive South, #700Denver, CO 80209303-871-7249 - www.myradonovan.com

"Call Today for a FREEConsultation!"

Once in a cycle of starsThe Gods will possess a man like an

AvatarDivine marionette for freedom.

I saw a war machine tremble at his voiceWhen his vocal chords clapped together

You could hear his ancestors applauding.

“Amandla!” they yelled, And the Heavens cried “Freedom.”Sometimes, a man’s footsteps will make thunder back downHis smile crackles lightning in the corners of his eyes.

Madiba, will the mountains ever seem as tallNext to the tower of souls you liberated?Wrap the oppressor’s train tracks around the moonAnd make a swing the children ride to tickle the stars.

Let the rain bathe the diamond mines in beautyUntil the minors know their fallen comrades are watching.When the lion roars like the crowds, The sound ignites unjust laws,Sending them back to the Hades that scribed them.

27 years in the inferno can either melt a manOr forge him into a sword.You are Excalibur dipped in Uhuru.They bounded your arms, So you made the sanctions choke them into submission

And when your prison door flung open,Our ribs filed with Angels!The stadiums shook at the blinking of your eyes.Crown Madiba, for the world must see A man wear Saturn’s rings like a halo.

Nelson Mandela, you’ve been called homeBut does Heaven have room for your wingspan?I will know one day.

You teach me in the clouds above Mount Mafadi.But while I am down here, I fight back these

tears Thanking God for the freedom inevery breath you took.

His day is done.Is done.

The news came on the wings of awind reluctant to carry its burden.

Nelson Mandela’s day is done.The news, expected and still unwelcome

reached us in the United States andsuddenly our world became somber.

Our skies were leadened.His day is done.

We see you, South African peoplestanding speechless at the slamming of

that final doorthrough which no traveler returns.

Our spirits reach out to you Bantu, Zulu, Xhosa, Boer.We think of you and your son of Africa,

your father your One More Wonder of the World.We send our souls to you as you reflect upon

your David armed with a mere stone facing down

the mighty Goliath, man of strength Gideon,emerging triumphant.

Although born into the brutal embrace of Apartheid

scarred by the savage atmosphere of racism,unjustly imprisoned

in the bloody maws of South African Dungeons.Would the man survive? Could the man survive?

His answer strengthened men and women around the world.

In the Alamo, in San Antonio, Texason the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco,

in Chicago’s Loop, in New Orleans Mardi Gras, in New York City’s Times Square.

We watched as the hope of Africa sprangthrough the prison’s doors.

His stupendous heart intact, his gargantuan willhale and hearty.

He had not been crippled by brutes.Nor was his passion for the

rights of human beings dimin-ished by twenty-seven

years of imprison-ment.

Even here in America we felt the coorefreshing breezeof freedom.

When Nelson Mandela took the seat ofPresidency in his country where formerlyhe was not even allowed to vote we wereenlarged by tears of pride as we saw NelsonMandela’s former prison guardsinvited courte-ously by him to watch from the front rows hisinauguration.

We saw him acceptthe world’s award in Norwaywith the grace and gratitudeof the Solon in Ancient Roman Courtsand the confidence of African Chiefs

from ancient royal stools.No sun outlasts its sunset.Gut will rise again and bring the dawn.Yes, Mandela’s day is done, Yet we, hisinheritors will open the gates wider forreconciliation and we will respond gener-ously to the cries of Blacks and Whites,Asian, Hispanics, the poor who live

piteously on the floor of our planet.He has offered us understanding.

We will not withhold forgiveness even from those who do not ask.

Nelson Mandela’s Day is Done.

We confess it in tearful voices yet we lift our own to say thank you.Thank you, Our Gideon. Thank you, Our David.Our great courageous man we will not forget you.

We will not dishonor you.We will remember and be glad that youlived among us

That you taught us andthat you loved usAll!

His Day Is Done ...By Dr. Maya AngelouMadiba... By Lucifury

Sims Fayola International Academyjoined the world in honoring the lifeand legacy of Nelson Mandela, whodied on Dec. 5, 2013, by holding anessay contest for its 9th grade stu-dents. The question: “What does hemean to me and my future?”The mission of Sims Fayola

International Academy-Denver is tograduate globally competent, college-ready males who possess the knowl-edge, skills, and habits of mind neces-sary to succeed and contribute in the21st-century global environment. In addition to printing the essays

below, the Denver Urban Spectrum pre-sented gift baskets to all three essaywinners.

First PlaceAdam DuncanNelson Mandela

means the world tome and my future.He means the worldto me because hevoluntarily spent 27years in prison; healso went over hissentence and refused to be releaseduntil they changed the law (CivilRights Movement).This is significant to my life now

because it encourages me to stand upfor what I believe in. Also it makes meappreciate life and my education evenmore, knowing that kids my age weremurdered for trying to get the sameeducation and were treated the same.This is significant to my future

because its inspiration for me to be apolice officer that helps the communi-ty. Its inspiration because NelsonMandela knew what was going on inhis community and he knew there cana better way. So when I’m a police

officer and things are going wrong inmy community, I’m going to stand upfor what’s right just like NelsonMandela did.All these reasons are why Nelson

Mandela means the world to me. Itfeels good to wake up every morning,go to school, drink out of any foun-tain, and eat at any restaurant that Iwant. None of this would be possible if it

was not four out Nation Leaders.

Second PlaceCris DelatorreI have learned a

lot about NelsonMandela and whathe believed in. Heinspired lots of peo-ple, and he alsoinspired me in away I did not knowthat he could. Hehas inspired me to think about thefuture and what I can do to change itin a positive way. He has also inspiredme to think about how I can get peo-ple to change the future in a positiveway, too. He has also inspired me tostand up for what I believe in.When I think about the past I also

think about the future; the past is thepast and we can’t change it. However,we have to move one and change ourfuture. There are many ways tochange the future. One way is byfighting for what you believe in.One of the biggest things that our

society has to change is the way thatso many people my age use the word“nigga.” A lot of people don’t under-stand the meaning of the word; thatthe word is used in a hateful manner.African American males and femaleswere being punished, raped, sold and

killed when this word was created.We have to stop using the word andeducate people about why the word ishurtful and demeaning.Nelson Mandela at first did not

understand what was going on in hiscountry, but he realized it soon andinstead of just going with it, he stoodup for what was right and just. Hisprotests and voice came with a risk –he could have been killed. If he couldstand up in those times, then anyonenow should be able to stand-up fortheir freedoms. Everyone has the samerights to believe, think, and say whatthey want to. Just because we areyoung does not mean we don’t havethose rights. The one thing I canchange to better our future is to teachyoung males and females that theyshould not be afraid to stand up forwhat they believe in.Nelson Mandela has inspired me to

stand-up for what I believe in, eventhough I am young. He has inspiredme to think about the future and howto change it, but I have realized that itwill take time and lots of people withstrong beliefs to change the world.

Third PlaceAlejandro RojasWhat Nelson Mandela meant to me

and my future is that life is worthfighting for even if it means you have

to live through diffi-cult times or fightfor your rights. Forexample manyyoung kids andteenagers are fight-ing for a chance athaving an educationin developing countries. NelsonMandela was a world-wide inspira-tion. He inspired many people inSouth Africa to fight for their rights. Nelson Mandela has affected me

because he has now shown me what ittakes to get what you want; his fightfor what he believed in is an exampleof hard work. Nelson Mandela hasaffected my future by helping menotice that what I do now will affectmy future. For example, the more Imess up now the worse my life will bewhen I grow up. If I don’t fight for myright to a good education I will strug-gle to get in college and later on in life.As a Hispanic teen I have been toldthat many people don’t want me toachieve. This gives me that extra pushto prove people wrong. NelsonMandela’s goal was to rid his countryof anti-apartheid revolutionary. �Editor’s note: Enrollment at Sims-FayolaInternational Academy is underway forgrades six through 12 for the 2014 schoolyear. For more information, call 303-375-4911 or visit www.simsfayola.org.


9

Three Youth Reflect on

Mandela’s Legacy

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PRESENTED BY

LOSING THEDREAMMontbello Burns asOfficials Stand ByOp-ed by Theo E. J. Wilson

Foreclosure: It’s what’s for dinner.Unless you live in Montbello, thenyou’re on the menu. A whopping 56percent of the homes there have beenforeclosed on in the last 10 years, asopposed to 13 percent for the rest ofDenver, according to Denvergov.org.Yeah, it’s that bad! What’s worse arethose elected officials who allow thisto happen; officials whom, whengiven the choice to be public servantsor careerists, have chosen the latter.

Warning: Exposed here is a danger-ous trend of double-dealing and politi-cal back-scratching in this city. It’sabout to bring heavy losses to theaverage voter if politics and businesscontinue to mingle like this. Scary tothink that 25.4 percent of Denver’shomeless were newly homeless in2013, according to the Metro DenverHomeless Initiative. Keep in mind thatit has been a crime to be homeless inDenver since 2012. Both DenverMayor Michael Hancock and DenverCity Councilman (District 8) AlbusBrooks sponsored legislation banningthe homeless from “camping” in pub-lic. This move was conveniently timedto strike at the Occupy Movement’smomentum. Occupy’s gripe was thatregular folks can’t get ahead. Thereare almost no pensions and retire-ments left. The only way to collectsubstantial wealth is through thevalue of homes, nowadays. Thatwealth is being robbed. So, let’s put ahuman face on the foreclosure prob-lem.Meet Montbello homeowner, Linda

Donna. She grew up believing thatdoing all the ‘right stuff’ would make

her successful. You know, to put Godfirst, work hard, save money and youtoo can have the American dream;property ownership and its impliedfinancial freedom. She got pretty darnclose to that dream, too. During her 34years at Denver Water, she was able tobuy several properties from herincome; the first was in Montbello in1979. After she bought her second house,

she sub-leased the older one to a fami-ly who needed a home and to buildtheir credit. She continued this processuntil she owned the debt on fourhomes, but was fired from DenverWater for having “too ethnic of avoice,” allegedly. Donna took them tocourt and fought to keep the positionthat she created after more than threedecades of service. Her efforts wereunsuccessful. Then, the rough seas began. How

would you like to find out you’re inforeclosure because Bank of Americaput your money in the wrong accountand have paperwork to prove theymisallocated funds for more than twoyears – then tried to take the houses.With no family here in Denver, herback was against the wall. Donna hadto liquidate her 401K and savings tofight this case. What she found wasthat even when you can get a lawyer,the law firms can swindle you withoutlandishly high attorney fees.Donna started a company calledPaperWORKS 4 Seniors, LLC whichshe runs to help older homeownerscut through the fine print.The Denver Post ran a story about

homeowners paying too much onAugust 18, 2013. In that article, theyrevealed that many homeowners weregetting charged for nonexistent fore-closure cases. So, what if Donna didn’thave the assets? Where do they goonce they lose? Who is the representa-tive in charge of Montbello?Well, it turns out State Rep. Angela

Williams is over District 7, theMontbello/Green Valley Ranch neigh-borhoods. She got herself into somehot water for killing House Bill 13-1249 (the Colorado MortgageAccountably and HousingStabilization act) after publically sup-porting it. This measure could havearmed homeowners against this kindof corruption. Community activistswere outraged, including DarrenO’Connor, a member of Occupy


10

Denver and Colorado ForeclosureResistance Coalition. He tried every-thing within his constitutional rightsto hold Williams accountable for dis-arming her voters against the banks.She avoided all attempts to meet pub-lically, privately and debate the issue. O’Connor pressed on tenaciously.

He was a pit bull; one that Williamstried leashing with a temporary andunlawful restraining order. MagistrateCatherine Cary sided with O’Connor’sconstitutional right to protest and freespeech. Cary picked Williams’ faultyrestraining order apart, charge bycharge. She ruled that as a public offi-cial, Williams is subject to publicscrutiny and any attempt to silencedissent will not be tolerated in a courtof law. O’Connor won the case.I felt sad for Williams as she left the

court room. Someone convinced hershe was powerful enough to notanswer to the people. Her publicembarrassment likely resulted fromwhoever advised her to restrain dis-sent. This advisor, however powerful,is not her friend. Strangely enough and shortly after

she killed HB 13-1249, Williamsreceived an award from theIndependent Bankers of Colorado.Don’t let the name fool you, theseguys have assets into the billions.Many are listed by the FederalReserve to have interests connected tothe major banks; including mortgageholdings, some in Montbello. One canonly wonder if there is an associationwith Pat Hamill of Oakwood Homes,the top real estate holder in GreenValley/Montbello. Oakwood has themost to gain by redeveloping thatprime, near-airport land. It seemssomeone is using our public officialsas patsies, fall guys if you will. Theirsignature on legislation is quite valu-able if you want to make home snatch-ing legal. Following the moneyrevealed that all of Denver is in adownward spiral.A report published by KDVR-Fox

31 in October 2013 stated that Denverwas one of the least affordable of thetop 25 metro areas in America. In fact,Interest.com gave Denver a “D+” forthe required income-to-expense ratioto live here. A “D” means that theaverage family can only afford theaverage house when reduced to 80percent of its original cost. This wasn’tthe case just a year ago. Since Hancockhas been mayor, the living here hasgotten worse for homeowners, accord-ing to the team at KDVR. The averageinterest is rising by 16 percent whileincome is rising only three percent.We are behind the curve. Annualincome in Denver averages $61,453,yet the price of the average home is$286,500.So what’s to stop Denver from

becoming even less affordable than itis now? Currently, nothing. The trendis just the opposite. Montbello’s crisiscould soon spread to the rest ofDenver, starting with the Five Pointsarea if developers have their way. OnDecember 7, 2013 at The PointsHousing Summit and CommunityResource Fair held at Blair-CaldwellAfrican American Research Library,Five Points Business District ExecutiveDirector Tracy Winchester revealedthere are development interests look-ing to build at least 30,000 new hous-ing units in the Five Points area. Arefamilies who historically own proper-ty there complicit in this? What of thesenior centers? What of the PlatteValley projects? Once prices rise, citi-zens fall. With all these Black people being

affected in these areas, where is theDenver branch of the National UrbanLeague on this issue? Who droppedthe ball? If their main platform is jobsand housing equality, the foreclosurecrisis should have sprang them intoaction like never before. Black folksare estimated to have lost $400 billionof asset wealth in this crisis. That’s cat-astrophic, especially in Denver,because if homelessness is illegal, butpeople are losing their homes, there’sonly one place to go. According a governor’s office

report on the Colorado PrisonUtilization Study published atColorado.gov in June 20, 2013, prisonpopulations in Colorado are expectedto increase in the coming years. Thiscomes after a recent tapering off of theinmate population. What is scary isthe fact that they never said how theyknew there’d be more prisoners in thecoming years, only mentioning arecent uptick in the last three months.Sadly, the news came as a relief tothose Colorado communities relyingon prisons for their economy! That’sright; we have communities that needcrime to survive. Empty beds meanempty wallets to many Coloradans.Then it all started to make sense.

Follow the money here: Coloradohas incentivized prisons, and theyneed to fill the beds. It is illegal to behomeless in Denver. The homeless arebeing corralled into tighter spaces anddrug use is on the rise among thechronically homeless, so they’re using,getting busted and sentenced. Morethan 25.4 percent of Denver’s home-less are newly homeless due to fore-closure, and if they cannot live withfamily they are on the streets, whereit’s illegal to “urban camp.” It’s a fun-nel, and Brown and Black people arefilling it. So where are our Black offi-cials on this? So far, they’ve been silentand complicit with the money inter-ests of their donors, primarily devel-opers and banks. They say one thing

to the people, but do another withtheir signatures.

Dear Michael Hancock: You arethe mayor of a city where soon no onewho voted for you will be able toafford to live. Property values are ris-ing faster than our income, and thepeople are falling behind. Developersare racing, bidding and building moreexpensive and opulent properties allover this great city at a pace thatmakes one wonder; what is theendgame here? To turn Denver into aplayground for the elite while thecommon man sits on the sidelines?The homeless are slowly erased;meanwhile there aren’t enough richfolks to occupy the new properties.Notice, almost nothing in this city isolder than 75 years. Unlike New York,St. Louis or New Orleans, Denverlikes to develop over its history andyou have to wonder if Five Points isnext. This is within your power tochange. This trend will turn Denverinto a “Dubai on the Platte.” A mag-nificent façade of wealth and prosperi-ty with not enough rich people tokeep it afloat, and then…the crash; thereckoning.

And why? Because politiciansallowed banks, developers and corpo-rations to use them as human shields.They call the shots in the end – notyou. They use your name, your face,your race, your legacy, reputation,

your lives, and your handwriting tomake legal a doomed monopolygame. But it was our vote that got youin this office, not the power elite. Oh,that’s right. Money is speech in thiscountry, and us po’ folks can’t seem tograb your ear. You’d probably say this picture is

not so “black-and-white.” But a fore-closure notice is very black-and-white.A restraining order is black-and-white.Frostbite is black-and-white. Jail timeis black-and-white. Why should youlive in shades of grey when we can’t?This city ain’t big enough to hurt peo-ple and get away with it. Your family,friends and associates are fallingbehind. What happens to the Blackchurches and business when theirmain patrons are pushed out? Whowill speak for us when the churches,schools, and businesses are gone?

Elected officials: Beware of thosenice folks in your cabinets talkingsweet about the future of Denver.There are more important things thanthat nice pension if you get re-elected.If you side with the money, don’tcome knockin’ on Shorter, New Hope,and Now Faith’s doors looking forvotes. Why should they elect peoplewho forget about preserving ourproud history? Smiling in our face andlocking folks up isn’t cool. We see you,and so does the law. Either reverse thetrend, or sit out next election. �


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Soon the clomping of thousandsof hooves will echo across the build-ings of downtown Denver as a paradeof livestock courses through thestreets, just as they’ve done for morethan 100 hundred years. Well beforethe 50 story buildings like the WellsFargo “cash register” tower were evera part of the skyline. This is the soundof the National Western Stock Show,celebrating its 108th year in Denverthis month. The stock show celebratesall that is cowboy, rancher and west-ern from the days of the cattle drive tothe modern rodeo today. But much ofthat history has been lost to the windand washed over with the new fromold buildings to the heritage behindthe modern-day cowboy and rancher. One of the most important parts of

that lost heritage is that cowboysaren’t just white – despite what someold western TV shows may have youbelieve. Around the stock show’s100th anniversary, promoter Lu Vasonlaunched the MLK Jr. AfricanAmerican Heritage Rodeo ofChampions as part of the stock show.“It started off about eight years ago aspart a Western National effort to bringin more culture into the complex,”

explains Maurice“Moe Betta” Wade,a cowboy who willcompete at the MLKRodeo in the tie-down calf ropingevent.Both the MLK

rodeo and theMexican RodeoExtravaganza arepart of that effort toshow that more thanjust the JohnWaynes built thewest. “Because a lot of the generalpublic has no idea that there’s such athing as a Black cowboy,” says LuVason in a previous interview. Vasoncreated both the Bill Pickett

Invitational andMLK rodeos.“The MLK or

Mexican rodeo,those are basicallygeared towardthose cowboys sothey can get therecognition that’slong been overdue,because when youlook at rodeo, youdon’t see NativeAmericans,Mexican Americans

or African Americans competing,”Wade contends, noting that the major-ity of rodeo competitors are ofEuropean decent. “But in the cattledrives of old, one in three cowboyswere of another ethnicity.” Today, partly because of the Bill

Pickett Invitational Rodeo and theMLK Rodeo that’s starting to change.With legends like Fred Whitfield andCharlie Sampson more AfricanAmericans are competing. Whitfieldwon the Bill Pickett rodeo beforegoing pro with the Professional RodeoCowboys Association – and winning iteight times, explains Wade. “I’d ven-ture to guess we’ve got 200 or 300African American cowboys that are onthe professional rodeo circuit,” hesays.“We’re gaining more reputation

with people and being acknowledgedmore,” Vason says. “The MLK is aseparate rodeo. We did that with thepurpose of joining the MLK with theNational Western Stock Show – one ofthe largest in the country. That hasallowed us to expand the knowledgeto not just the African American but tothe general market.”“I think it’s great for the African

Americans for an event to showcasethem,” says Mikala Neely, a barrelracer who’s in her first year with theProfessional Rodeo CowboysAssociation, who has previously wonher event in the Bill Pickett Rodeo.She’ll compete in the barrel racing atthe MLK Rodeo this month. “It’s greatto see the talent. There are not thatmany African Americans that partici-pate in the rodeo,” she says. At 22

she’s been going to the MLK Rodeofor years. Her parents were also rodeo com-

petitors. “My parents did the teamrope and my dad was a calf roper.And my mom ran barrels,” Neelyexplains. While part of her becoming aprofessional rodeo competitor was herheritage, another part of it was comingto events like the MLK Rodeo, shesays.The MLK Rodeo is a one-day event

that celebrates Martin Luther King’sbirthday (this year on Jan. 20) whileshowing the world and the AfricanAmerican community that people ofall walks of life were – and still are –an integral part of the cowboy com-munity. It falls in the middle of theNational Western Stock Show, whichruns from Jan. 11 to Jan. 26 this year.The MLK rodeo consists of five of themost popular events, including bulldoggin’, the event created by the leg-endary Bill Pickett wherein a cowboyjumps from his galloping horse to arunning steer and wrestles it to theground with sheer grit and determina-tion. The other events include bull ridin’,

bare back ridin’ and tie-down ropin’for the cowboys. For the cowgirlsthere’s ladies steer undecoratin’ andladies barrel racin’ and for the littlecow folk, the MLK Rodeo has muttonbustin’ where children under 50pounds ride sheep much like oldercowboys ride bulls. Wade has his favorites. “The tie-

down calf roping, that’s my big eventand of course I’m going to be favoredin that.” In that event the cowboy las-sos a running calf while riding hishorse, then dismounts the horse andties three of the calf’s legs before let-ting it go. But he enjoys all the events.“The most exciting events I find iswhen the ladies compete in thewomen’s steer undecoratin’ which issimilar to the steer wrestling and thebarrel racing,” he says. In the undeco-ratin,’ two riders work together, thecontender and the hazer, to keep asteer on course. The contender mustreach down from her mount toremove a ribbon from the runningsteer. But, Wade says, “The most pop-ular even is the mutton busters whereyou get the young kids competing andinvolved in the competition.”The MLK Rodeo continues to

attract more people every year. “I’mnot sure of what the numbers were,but I think we were pretty close to4,500 fans last year,” Wade says. “Weexpect to hopefully pack the arenawith 8,000. But we can get at least6,000 in that complex this year.” �Editor’s note: For tickets or more informa-tion on the MLK Jr. African AmericanHeritage Rodeo of Champions, call 303-373-1246.


12

MLK Rodeo, Championing theAfrican American Cowboy in

Denver for the WorldChris Meehan

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J. A. Walker Co. congratulates the 2013 Beaus and celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Jack and Jill Denver Chapter Beautillion.

Best wishes to all!

Mikala Neely

On December 22, 2013, the doorsclosed behind over 800 guests at theDowntown Sheraton’s Plaza Ballroomfor the 30th Annual Jack and JillBeautillion. These guests, dressed intheir finest formal wear, entered awinter wonderland punctuated bymulticolored dancing lights. Besidesthe 29 “Beaus,” clad in top hat andtails, and their Escorts in white ballgowns, the audience included fami-lies, teachers, school representatives,corporate and community sponsors,and dignitaries. It also included manyof the hundreds of former Beaus andEscorts that exist as a result of the 30-year history of the event. MosesBrewer, who recently retired as MillerCoors’ Community Relations Director,was spotlighted as an “HonoraryBeau” for his years of service in sup-port of the community and theBeautillion.Representatives of the Denver

Chapter each used the word “village”when referring to the gathering, high-lighting the system of support that hasbeen cultivated for the youth who willsoon be transitioning to college andadult life. “Do not forget your village,”stated Beautillion Co-chair AngelleFouther, addressing the honorees.“We look forward to the ways youwill strengthen its future generations.”Emcees Dr. Ryan Ross, Dean of

Student Retention at CommunityCollege of Denver (and 1997 Beau);and co-emcee Kyle Speller, Announcer

and Team Chaplain for the DenverNuggets helped to create an air ofboth levity and honor for the gentle-men as the presented the Beaus inalternating fashion. Amidst laughterfrom the audience, the two hosts saun-tered onto the stage while the thememusic from “Shaft” played, they dust-ed off each other’s shoulders, andoffered each other a “bro” hug beforecommencing with the program. Eachsprinkled in words of encouragementand advice for the high school seniors.Denver Chapter President Robin

Lawson announced the inauguralawarding of College Expense Awardson behalf of Jack and Jill. NathanielBradley III, Dawit Gebresallassie,Sequoyah Copeland, Justin Howard,Andrew Tillman, and Antonio Hill, Jr.were the recipients, of the awardswhich ranged from $500 to $1,000.Former Beau, Javon Brame (2005),who serves as Assistant to the VicePresident of Student Affairs atCommunity College of Aurora,announced that he is adding an addi-tional $500 of his own dollars to theamount awarded top winner–Nathaniel Bradley III. “I invite otherAlums to help make this a yearly tra-dition,” Brame stated. Before gathering with former Beaus

in a heart-warming circle on the dancefloor, 2013 honorees offered severaldances including a high-energy per-formance to a medley of songs fromthe 1980s through the present, a ball-room dance with Escorts, and a dancewith their mothers. �Editor’s note: For more information aboutBeautillion or Jack and Jill of AmericaDenver Chapter visit http://www.jack-and-jill-denver.org.


13


2

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Jack And Jill Denver Chapter Celebrated Its 30th Annual Beautillion With A

“Brotherhood Of Beaus”“Brotherhood Of Beaus”

Beaus in Medley - Men in Black segment

Beaus and Beau Alums join together in huddle

Beaus andEscorts enterthe ballroom

Beau Justin Howardand Mom VanessaHoward during Beauand Mother dance

PhotosbyJames Rowe

1920s - 1930s 1925: Attends primary school near

Qunu, Eastern Cape (receives thename ‘Nelson’ from a teacher).

1934: Undergoes initiation; AttendsClarkebury Boarding Institute inEngcobo.

1937: Attends Healdtown, theWesleyan College at Fort Beaufort.

1939: Enrolls at the UniversityCollege of Fort Hare in Alice.1940s

1940: Expelled (from Fort Hare).1941: Escapes an arranged marriage;becomes a mine night watchman;Starts articles at the law firm Witkin,Sidelsky & Eidelman.

1942: Completes BA through theUniversity of South Africa (UNISA);Begins to attend African NationalCongress (ANC) meetings informally.

1943: Graduates with BA from FortHare; Enrolls for an LLB at WitsUniversity.

1944: Co-founds the ANC YouthLeague (ANCYL); marries EvelynNtoko Mase – they have four children:Thembekile (1945); Makaziwe (1947 –who dies after nine months);Makgatho (1950); Makaziwe (1954).

1948: Elected national secretary ofthe ANCYL.1950s

1951: Elected president of theANCYL.

1952: Defiance Campaign begins;Arrested and charged for violating theSuppression of Communism Act;Elected Transvaal ANC President;Convicted with J.S Moroka, WalterSisulu and 17 others under theSuppression of Communism Act;Sentenced to nine months imprison-ment with hard labor, suspended fortwo years; Elected first of ANCdeputy presidents; Opens SouthAfrica’s first black law firm withOliver Tambo.

1953:Devises the M-Plan for theANC’s future underground operations.

1955:Watches as the Congress ofthe People at Kliptown launches theFreedom Charter.

1956: Arrested and joins 155 otherson trial for treason. All are acquittedby 29 March 1961.

1958: Divorces Evelyn Mase;Marries Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela– they have two daughters: Zenani(1959) and Zindzi (1960).1960s

1960:March 21 - SharpevilleMassacre; March 30 - A State ofEmergency imposed and he is amongthousands detained; April 8 - TheANC is banned.

1961: Goes underground;Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) is formed.

1962: January 11 - Leaves the coun-try for military training and to garnersupport for the ANC.

July 23: Returns to SouthAfrica; August 5: Arrested nearHowick in KwaZulu-Natal; November7 - Sentenced to five years in prisonfor incitement and leaving the countrywithout a passport.

1963: May 27 - Sent to RobbenIsland; June 12 - Returned to PretoriaLocal Prison, October 9; Appears incourt for the first time in whatbecomes known as the Rivonia Trialwith Walter Sisulu, Denis Goldberg,Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada,Lionel ‘Rusty’ Bernstein, RaymondMhlaba, James Kantor, EliasMotsoaledi and Andrew Mlangeni;December 3, Pleads not guilty to sabo-tage in Rivonia Trial.

1964: June 11 - All except RustyBernstein and James Kantor are con-victed and sentenced (June 12) to life;June 13, Arrives on Robben Island.

1969: July 13 - Thembekile is killedin a car accident.1970s News about Nelson Mandela is

quiet during this decade, but eventsrelevant to the anti-apartheid move-ment continued to make history.

1976: June 16 - Student uprising inSoweto to protest mandatory instruc-tion in Afrikaans, the language of thewhite rulers. Hector Pieterson,13, wasthe first student to be killed. Officialdeath toll is reported from 23 up to700.

1977:Winnie is banished toBrandfort, a remote township. Herdaughter Zinzi goes with her; SouthAfrican anti-apartheid activist StevenBiko dies in police custody.

1978: South African Prime MinisterB.J. Vorster resigns; P.W. Botha, whoheld various political appointments inthe National Party, takes over asprime minister.

1980s1982: March 31 - Mandela, Sisulu,

Raymond Mhlaba and AndrewMlangeni and later Ahmed Kathradaare sent to Pollsmoor Prison.

1985: February 10 - Rejects, throughhis daughter, Zindzi, South AfricanPresident P.W. Botha’s offer to releasehim if he renounces violence;December 7 - Moved to Victor VersterPrison in Paarl where he was held for14 months in a cottage.1990s

1990: February 2 - ANC isunbanned; February 11 - Released;March 2 - Elected ANC DeputyPresident.

1993: December 10 - Awarded theNobel Peace Prize with FW de Klerk.

1994: April 27 - Votes for the firsttime in his life; May 9 - Elected by par-liament as first president of a demo-cratic South Africa; May 10 -Inaugurated as president of theRepublic of South Africa; December 14- Launches his autobiography LongWalk to Freedom.

1995: Establishes the NelsonMandela Children’s Fund; Encouragesblack South Africans to get behind thepreviously hated national rugby team,the Springboks, as South Africa hostedthe 1995: Rugby World Cup. After theSpringboks won an epic final overNew Zealand, Mandela presented thetrophy to captain Francois Pienaar, anAfrikaner, wearing a Springbok shirtwith Pienaar’s own number 6 on theback.

1995: The Truth and ReconciliationCommission is based on the finalclause of the Interim Constitution of1993 and passed in Parliament as thePromotion of National Unity andReconciliation Act, No 34 of 1995. Themandate of the commission was to

bear witness to, record and in somecases grant amnesty to the perpetra-tors of crimes relating to human rightsviolations, as well as reparation andrehabilitation.

1996: Divorces Winnie Mandela.1998: July 18 - Marries Graça

Machel on his 80th birthday.1999: Steps down after one term as

president, establishes the NelsonMandela Foundation.2000s

2003: Establishes the MandelaRhodes Foundation.

2004: June 1 - Announces that hewill be stepping down from publiclife.

2005: January 6 - Announces thathis eldest son Makgatho had died ofAIDS.

2007: April 13 - Attends the installa-tion of his grandson Mandla as chiefof the Mvezo Traditional Council.

2008: July 18 - Turns 90 years old,asks future generations to continue thefight for social justice.

2009: Votes for the fourth time inhis life; Attends the inauguration ofPresident Jacob Zuma on May 9 andwitnesses Zuma’s first State of theNation address.2010s

2010: Is formally presented with theFIFA World Cup trophy before itembarks on a tour of South Africa;June 17 - Attends the funeral of hisgreat-granddaughter Zenani, who waskilled in a car accident on June 11; July11 - Makes a surprise appearance atthe Final of the FIFA World -Cup inSoweto; July 18 - Celebrates his 92ndbirthday at home in Johannesburgwith family and friends; October 12 -His second book “Conversations withMyself” is published; November 18 -Meets the South African andAmerican football teams that playedin the Mandela Challenge match.

2011: May 16 - Votes in the localgovernment elections; June 21 - Is vis-ited at home by American First LadyMichelle Obama and her daughtersSasha and Malia; June 27 - Launcheshis book “Nelson Mandela ByHimself: The Authorised Book ofQuotations”; July 18 - Celebrates his93rd birthday with his family inQunu; October 21 - Is officially count-ed in South Africa’s Census 2011.2012: July 18 - Celebrates his 94thbirthday with his family in Qunu.

2013: July 18 - Spends his 95thbirthday in hospital; December 5 -Dies;December 10 - Memorial service atFNB Stadium full of tens of thousandsof people including world leaders;December 11-13 - Lies in state at UnionBuildings in Pretoria; December 15 -Buried in a state funeral at his boy-hood home village of Qunu.


14

Nelson Mandela: DECADE BY DECADE

This timeline is based on information provided primarily by the Nelson Mandela Foundation of important events in the lifeof Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela born on July 19, 1918 at Mvezo in the Transkei.

The Trumpet Awards Foundationpresents the 22nd annual TrumpetAwards, a milestone feat that paystribute to a group of history-makinghonorees who are slated to receive the2014 esteemed Trumpet Award. Thehonorees join a list of some of themost celebrated personalities in thisnation and abroad. The 22nd annualTrumpet Awards black-tie ceremonywill be hosted by Melissa De Sousa,known for her performances in TheBest Man, The Best Man Holiday, andThe Ron Clark Story; and Laz Alonso,known for his starring performancesin Fast and the Furious, Jump the Broom,and is soon to be seen in a lead role inSony Screen Gems’ Battle of the Year.The Trumpet Awards show will beheld at the Cobb Energy PerformingArts Centre in Atlanta on Saturday,Jan. 25, with the Red Carpet at 2 p.m.and the Awards Show taping at 4 p.m. The weekend of events and activi-

ties, held at the Marriott MarquisHotel in downtown Atlanta, begin onThursday, Jan. 23 with the PrayerBreakfast, scheduled for 8:30 a.m.;High Tea with High Heels, scheduledat 12:30 p.m. and the Race RelationsSymposium scheduled at 6 p.m. Aninduction of 10 new footprints will beplaced into the International CivilRights Walk of Fame. This inductionceremony is scheduled for Friday, Jan.24 at 10 a.m. at the Martin LutherKing, Jr. National Historic Site,National Park Service, located at 450Auburn Avenue (Atlanta, GA). Theprogram preceding the induction cere-mony will be held at Ebenezer BaptistChurch. The Annual Trumpet Awards was

created to celebrate and honor AfricanAmerican achievers and those whosupport the African American experi-ence. The Awards honor accomplish-ments in diverse fields including law,medicine, business, politics, the Arts,civil rights, sports, entrepreneurship,entertainment and other careers.Following is a partial list of the

2014 Trumpet Awards honorees:DeVon Franklin – Senior Vice

President of Columbia Tristar Pictures;The Honorable Kamala Harris –Attorney General of California; Deryl& Cheryl McKissack – President andCEO McKissack & McKissack; CharlesJ. Ogletree, Jr. – Professor, HarvardLaw School; Steve Pemberton – VicePresident, Chief Diversity Officer ofWalgreens; Alfre Woodard – Actress;Bronner Brothers / Bronner BrothersHair Products – Entrepreneurs;Williams Sisters – Entrepreneurs; andKenneth Gamble and Leon Huff –Award WinningProducers/Songwriters.The Trumpet Awards was con-

ceived, founded, and nurtured byXernona Clayton, who has built theAwards and Awards Foundation intoa prestigious testimonial around theworld. “We have come so far since westarted this project in 1993 and I amextremely obliged to those individualswho saw the vision and who haveworked with us for nearly 20 years.We have now joined the global com-munity and are most jubilant to bringthis event to the world and to cele-brate the achievements of those whohad an impact on our society,” saysClayton.The 2014 Footprints of Civil Rights

honorees include Bishop John HurstAdams, The Honorable Roy Barnes,Dr. John Carlos, Dr. Tommie Smith,The Honorable Perry GladstoneChristie (Prime Minister of theBahamas) , Dr. Norman C. Frances,Harry E. Johnson, Sr., RepresentativeCalvin Smyre, Thomas N. Todd andRev. Jasper W. Williams, Jr.The roll of honorees is growing

every year with the addition of otherfootprints into the International CivilRights Walk of Fame. “We will contin-ue to build upon this commemorativememorial to the civil rights strugglethat depicts the tireless efforts andpassionate concern of these deter-mined individuals,” said Clayton. � Editor’s note: For more information, call404-878-6738 or visithttp://trumpetfoundation.org/


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Front Row: (LtoR), Rev. Nathaniel Bronner, Jr.(Trumpet Award Honoree); Avarita L. Hanson; (HighHeels Honoree, Chief Justice’s Commission onProfessionalism), Bishop William Sheals (SpiritualEnlightenment Honoree); Xernona Clayton (Founder,Chairperson, President and CEO of the TrumpetAwards Foundation, Inc. and Creator and ExecutiveProducer of the Trumpet Awards); Kysha Cameron(High Heels Honoree, Ryan Cameron Foundation),Sheila Tenney (High Heels Honoree, AtlantaMetropolitan State College); Thomas W. Dortch, Jr.(Treasurer, Trumpet Awards Foundation). BackRow: Dr. John Carlos (Walk of Fame Honoree,Olympian, Educator and Activist); Dr. Tommy Smith,(Walk of Fame Honoree, Olympian, Educator andActivist); Rev. Frank Brown, President ConcernedBlack Clergy (Spiritual Enlightenment Honoree); RevJames Bronner (Trumpet Award Honoree); Rev. C.Elijah Bronner (Trumpet Award Honoree).

HOPE StudentsPrepare forCollege andBeyondBy Heather O’Mara

Making the transition from highschool to college or to the workforce isan important milestone for youngadults. However, it can be a difficultperiod to navigate. For that reason,HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op puts a strong focus on college- andcareer-readiness to ensure that stu-dents’ successes in the classroom con-tinue post-graduation. In part with its efforts to help stu-

dents develop Individual CareerAcademic Plans (ICAP) from 6thgrade onward, HOPE provides activi-ties throughout the year to help stu-dents from middle to high schoolmake crucial connections and plan forlife after graduation. “Opening the world of post-sec-

ondary planning for HOPE studentshas been monumental,” said HOPEschool counselor Kristie Richardson.“Our students are eager to go to col-

lege; however they have been discour-aged by the process.”Richardson helped coordinate

HOPE’s annual college fair, whichtook place on December 12 at theTivoli Student Union on AurariaCampus in Denver. Two hundred andfifty high school students from 11 ofHOPE’s 40+ Learning Centers partici-pated in the event. Representatives from nine local

two- and four-year schools – includingUniversity of Colorado Denver,Community College of Denver,Metropolitan State University ofDenver and more – were available toprovide information and answer ques-tions. Students received a tour of thedowntown campus and heard from apanel of school representatives whoshared advice on college and careerchoices.The event allowed students to

“experience the culture of college lifefirst-hand, make connections throughnetworking, discover that other class-mates have the same questions andfears and, ultimately, leave confidentto approach graduation with a firmpost-secondary plan in motion,”Richardson said. Meanwhile, an ambitious group of

HOPE juniors and seniors recentlyattended the Colorado SpaceRoundup, an event organized by theColorado Space Business Roundtableand the Colorado Space Coalition,which was held at the DenverMuseum of Nature and Science onDecember 4. Students met and inter-acted with aerospace professionalsand industry leaders to learn moreabout careers in the field. Lockheed Martin’s business develop-ment manager was one of the manyprofessionals who spoke with the stu-dents and offered helpful careeradvice to those interested in workingfor an aerospace organization. “Study what you enjoy,” he said.

“There are so many job possibilities atLockheed Martin. Nobody has the‘perfect degree’ to work here.“Recognizing that students’ expo-

sure to college and career paths cannever start too early, HOPE also

actively seeks out opportunities formiddle school students to help themget a head start on the planningprocess. In November, 8th gradersfrom 15 Learning Centers attended theDouglas County School District’s 2013Career Connect 8th Grade Expo inCastle Rock. The event, which drew inmore than 5,200 attendees, gaveHOPE students the opportunity tomeet with business and higher educa-tion representatives and learn moreabout their career paths of interest. Bryn, a student at HOPE’s Cherry

Creek Online, said she was mostintent on learning about jobs in veteri-nary science, but planned on exploringa variety of career paths at the event.“I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian

since I was about 7 years old,” shesaid. “I’m excited to talk to peopleabout what I need to do to achieve mygoals and have the opportunity to seeif there are any other careers I’m inter-ested in.”Dajiel, also an 8th grader at Cherry

Creek Online, said she didn’t have aspecific career in mind, and lookedforward to finding potential occupa-tions that would allow her to workwith people and be more social. Affirming the importance of college

and career preparation events, shesaid, “It’s helpful because I canexplore what I want to do for a careerand get more information on how toachieve that through school.” �Editor’s note: For more information onHOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op,call Heather O’Mara, founder and CEO ofHOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op,at 720-402-3000 or [email protected].

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16

President ObamaSends PowerfulMessage onDraconian DrugSentencingBy Earl Ofari Hutchinson

PresidentObama sent thestrongest messageon the insane wasteof the nation’s dra-conian sentencinglaws when he granted clemency to 8mostly low level drug offenders. Obama’s clemencies for their drug

crimes follow hard on the heels ofAttorney General Eric Holder’s virtu-al demand that U.S. Attorneys rethinkhow and who they prosecute for drugcrimes. That followed even closer onthe heels of Congress’s passage of theFair Sentencing Act. Before that theSupreme Court issued a ruling thatmodified the draconian sentence for aconvicted cocaine peddler. Theiractions wiped out much of the horriddisparity in the blatantly raciallytinged sentences slapped on crackcocaine users.The drug sentencing disparities

certainly have become a nationalembarrassment. But they are still onthe books. The U.S. SentencingCommission and Congress nowshould go much further and put anend to the embarrassment by totallyscrapping all sentencing disparities.They have wreaked dire havoc in

mostly poor black communities, aswell as cast an ugly glare on the failedand flawed war on drugs. Countlessstudies have shown that blacks makeup the overwhelming majority ofthose sentenced in federal court forcrack cocaine use and sale. Contraryto popular myth and drug warriorpropaganda, more than half of crackusers are white, and presumably agood portion of them are crack deal-ers as well. But it’s the heart wrench-ing tales of the legions of poor youngmen and women that have receivedsentences totaling decades behindbars for the possession or sale of a pit-tance of cocaine or marijuana. Inmany cases, they are young mothersand fathers who out of poverty anddesperation resorted to the use andsale of drugs.What has ignited even more out-

rage is that often their sentences havestood in stark contrast to the sen-tences of murderers, rapists and bank

Bryn and Dajiel, 8th gradersat Cherry Creek Online

Director Joe Rice

robbers who in many cases havewalked out of prison years before thepetty drug offenders. The sentencesgiven to the 8 men and womenObama granted clemency too was ahorrific example of that. Their mini-mum sentence was 15 years. Somewere serving life sentences. The endresult of the bloated, grotesque drug

war is that theU.S. withfive per-cent oftheplanet’spopula-tion hasnearly 25percent of

its inmates.The myths

about who uses drugs, their danger,and the injustice in sentencing havebeen amply exposed in surveys suchas one conducted by the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention on thedrug habits of Americans. It foundthat whites are much more likely touse drugs than blacks.Other studies have found roughly

equal rates of drug usage by blacksand whites. But what made the surveymore eye-catching is that it didn’tsolely measure generic drug use, butsingled out the use of cocaine andstreet drugs.The findings flew in the face of the

conventional drug war wisdom thatblacks use and deal street drugs whilewhites use trendy, recreational design-er drugs, and that these presumablyinclude powder cocaine. That againcalls into question the gaping dispari-ty in drug sentencing between whitesand blacks.In the past federal prosecutors and

lawmakers justified the disparity withthe retort that crack cocaine is danger-ous and threatening, and leads towaves of gang shoot-outs, turf battles,and thousands of terrorized residentsin poor black communities. In someinstances, that’s true, and police andprosecutors are right to hit back hardat the violence. However, the majorityof those who deal and use crackcocaine aren’t violence prone gangmembers, but poor, and increasinglyfemale, young blacks. They clearlyneed help, not jailing. The drug warriors have and will

continue to resist any effort to scrapthe blatant and deliberate racial dis-parity in drug sentencing laws. In anodd way, they have to take their hardstand. The public scapegoating ofblacks for America’s drug problemduring the past two decades has beenrelentless. A frank admission that thelaws are biased and unfair, and havenot done much to combat the drugplague, would be an admission of fail-

ure. It could ignite a real soul search-ing over whether all the billions ofdollars that have been squandered inthe failed and flawed drug war – thelives ruined by it, and the families tornapart by the rigid and unequalenforcement of the laws – has reallyaccomplished anything.This might call into question why

people use and abuse drugs in the firstplace – and if it is really the govern-ment’s business to turn the legalscrews on some drug users whileturning a blind eye to others?Obama should be applauded for

taking the long overdue and muchclamored for big step toward restoring

sanity to the drug sentencing laws.Now Congress should do whatObama has called for and once and forall end the insanity in the drug sen-tencing laws. It’s a matter of simplejustice. �Editor’s note: Earl Ofari Hutchinson is anauthor and political analyst. He is a fre-quent MSNBC contributor. He is an asso-ciate editor of New America Media. He is aweekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show onAmerican Urban Radio Network. He is thehost of the weekly Hutchinson Report onKTYM 1460 AM Radio Los Angeles andKPFK-Radio and the Pacifica Network.Follow Earl Ofari Hutchinson on Twitter:http://twitter.com/earlhutchinson


17

Rev. Dr. James E. Fouther, Jr., Pastor4879 Crown Blvd., Denver, CO 80239 303-373-0070

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The name “Mandela” inspires aworld of emotions. Capturing them allin one word is a challenge; one that theDenver Urban Spectrum presented localleaders who participated in the DenverTrade & Partnerships Mission to theSouthern African DevelopmentCommunity (SADC) in 2002. Led byDenver Mayor Wellington E. Webb, thistrade mission helped to establish busi-ness, education, health and city govern-ment partnerships between Denver andthe SADC. Below are responses fromsome of the participants.

AwakeningDr. Faye Rison,Retired Nurse andCollege Professor

DignityAllegra “Happy” Haynes, Director ofCivic and Community Engagement atCRL Associates

FreedomRosalind “Bee” Harris, Publisher Denver Urban Spectrum

GraceHerman Malone, Owner RMES Communications

HistoryJoel Boyd, Senior BusinessDevelopment Manager, REMAX World Headquarters, LLC


18

MANDELA REFUSES

FREEDOM UNTIL ALL ARE FREE

By Wellington E. WebbBy Wellington E. WebbRocky Mountain News, Sunday, April 7, 1985

(This column ran when Webb served as executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies)

As we march and protest the dehumanizing political system of South Africa called apartheid, wemust not forget the inspiration and leadership provided by Nelson Mandela – one who has sacrificed his

entire life fighting the system of apartheid, a system of total disenfranchisement. Black South Africans aredeprived of citizenship, land ownership, organizing rights, equal access to housing, schooling, medical care and

job opportunities. Blacks must pay for education that is free to white South Africans; only 3 percent of blacks whobegin elementary school complete high school. Blacks can enter white areas in the country only with proper pass

identification; an average of 250,000 blacks are arrested annually for pass violations.In a country where blacks make up more than three quarters of the population, they are allocated only 13 percent of

the land. That 13 percent lies in the remote reservations (bantustans) where the whites still control the police, most privateenterprises and most sources of public funds. More than 3 million blacks have been forced to resettle in the bantustans

since the hateful policy was instituted more than 30 years ago; thousands of families have been uprooted as the governmenttouts the new “homelands” with sham ceremonies of independence.

One of the most effective and articulate protesters, Nelson Mandela is beloved not only in South Africa but throughout theworld for his opposition to the policy of apartheid. Nelson Mandela, a freedom fighter who has spent the past 22 years in prison should, not be forgotten. His message is simple: free-dom and peace for all South Africans. At the age of 25, he founded the Youth League of the African National Congress. When theNationalist Party came to power four years later with its policy of apartheid, the African National Congress responded with boycotts,strikes and other forms of civil disobedience. In 1952, the ANC initiated the defiance campaign, and targeted six apartheid laws forcivil disobedience action. That campaign was highly effective, and mobilized the people to take political action against the govern-ment. The government responded by banning Mandela; although he could not participate in public functions, he kept busy as alawyer representing many of his fellow black victims of oppression. In 1956, not long after Mandela and 3,000 others had gatheredin support of the Freedom Charter stating that South Africa belonged to all who lived in it, Mandela was arrested and accused ofhigh treason for his participation in the defiance campaign. After a four-year trial, in which he was the defendant, the witness andthe defense counsel, he was acquitted on all counts.

In August 1962, Mandela was sentenced to a five-year prison term; two years later he was sentenced to life imprison-ment for his participation in a national strike and acts against the South African government.Now, at the age of 66, he remains a hero to those South Africans who believe that all South African people should shareequally in their country‘s wealth, and should have equal rights regardless of ancestry.

There is not much difference between South African Foreign Minister Pik Botha, or Bull Connors of the civil rightsmovement of the ‘60s or Adolf Hitler of Nazi Germany. The issue is still the same, depriving a race of people their

freedom because their skin color hap pens to be black. In the case of South Africa, the irony is the majority popu-lation is black.

On Jan. 31 of this year, Nelson Mandela rejected release from prison where he has been held in a cellsince 1964. Even after 22 years in prison, Mandela has not lost his compassion for his people’s free-

dom. Mandela, in a letter, stated, “Let the prime minister show that he is different. Let him guaran-tee free political activity so that the people may decide who will govern them,” Mandela said.

“Let him say that he will dismantle apartheid.“ With that, Nelson Mandela elected to stay in prison. That is commitment,

and I, as one American, salute his commitment, honor his dedication andsolicit support of all Americans to continue his struggle until

apartheid is dismantled forever.

TheLegacy ofMandelain OneWord

“Neatest Man I've ever met.”-Sculptor Ed Dwight

HumilityPeggy Wortham, Retired,Mayor’s Office WebbAdministration

IndomitableMartelle Chapital-Smith

LegendDennis R. Chrisbaum, Director,International Trade Finance, Office ofInternational Trade, U.S. Small BusinessAdministration

LiberatorSamuel Batey, Ph.D., Education Consultant

PerseveranceJerry A. Boyd, Broker/Owner, MetroBrokers, Metroplex Realtors, Inc.

ProfoundGin Butler, Forest City

Enterprise Ambassador

ResoluteBarbara Batey, Ph.D.

Education Consultant

RemarkableVeronica “Lynn” Boyd, Retired, MetroBrokers, Metroplex Realtors, Inc.

SplendidLeRoy O. Smith, Africa Bis et al, Business Owner

Nelson Mandela and MeBy Wilma J. Webb

When I reflect on Nelson Mandela, the imprisoned political prisoner who sacrificedthe prime par t of his life for the cause of freedom to Black South Africans, I think back on

the struggle to end apar theid in South Africa. I think back on the struggle to free Mandela, who waswilling to die to free South Africa. I think back on so many people across the world, including the people of

my own home in Denver, Colorado, USA, saying that apar theid was as wrong and evil as slavery. I remember that day in1992 when Nelson Mandela was freed from prison; it was the same day that I was reintroducing my bill to lawfully disinvest

stocks of American companies who were doing millions of dollars of business in apar theid South Africa. Black elected officialsand people of good will across America were pushing for sanctions against South Africa and disinvestment of U.S. stocks of companies

doing business in South Africa. There were protests all over America, including Colorado, where I spoke and par ticipated, in an effor t toeducate the public about apar theid, this atrocious crime against humanity. Just as the Mar tin Luther King, Jr. Holiday was finally won to cele-brate his life and work, which really represented the hundreds of millions of African Americans who were the descendants of African American

slaves, victims of racism, bigotry, hatred, and discrimination, apar theid was finally abolished and Madiba was freed. When I think of Mandela’s notselling out on any of his principles regarding justice, brotherhood, freedom, and righteousness while being imprisoned for 27 years on Robben Island,

which mirrored those same evils as those we endured in America, how could we not join this struggle?I am proud of the fact that many of us in America acted to show that we cared about freedom for the people of South Africa. We demonstrated. I

joined in the demonstrations. We spoke out against the atrocities of apar theid. We fought for sanctions to be imposed on the formerly existinggovernment of South Africa. We did what we could do to show worldwide opposition to apar theid.

One of the highlights of my life was to meet President Nelson Mandela, along with my husband, Mayor Wellington Webb, at the United StatesState Dinner held by President Bill Clinton on October 4, 1994, in President Mandela’s honor. We were seated with Sheila Sissulu, who

would soon be appointed by President Mandela as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States.Nelson Mandela, as of December 5, 2013, now belongs to eternity where such great world leaders as Washington, Lincoln, Gandhi, and

King abide. He belonged to the world – to us – for 95 years. We are the better because of his life. We owe him a debt ofresponsibility for a future which continues to represent the principles for which he lived and for which he was willing to die.

Who was Nelson Mandela? Agapean; supra-servant; humble; strong; dignified; persuasive; courageous; brilliant; stubborn; determined;dedicated to purpose; humorous; royal; kind; loving; romantic; fatherly; athletic; patient; humanitarian; distinct; leader; exemplary;

admired; respected; beloved, and …

With high respect, honor, and admiration,

Wilma J. WebbColorado State Representative, 1980-1993

First Lady of Denver, 1991-2003

MANDELA REFUSES

FREEDOM UNTIL ALL ARE FREE

By Wellington E. WebbBy Wellington E. WebbRocky Mountain News, Sunday, April 7, 1985

(This column ran when Webb served as executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies)

As we march and protest the dehumanizing political system of South Africa called apartheid, wemust not forget the inspiration and leadership provided by Nelson Mandela – one who has sacrificed his

entire life fighting the system of apartheid, a system of total disenfranchisement. Black South Africans aredeprived of citizenship, land ownership, organizing rights, equal access to housing, schooling, medical care and

job opportunities. Blacks must pay for education that is free to white South Africans; only 3 percent of blacks whobegin elementary school complete high school. Blacks can enter white areas in the country only with proper pass

identification; an average of 250,000 blacks are arrested annually for pass violations.In a country where blacks make up more than three quarters of the population, they are allocated only 13 percent of

the land. That 13 percent lies in the remote reservations (bantustans) where the whites still control the police, most privateenterprises and most sources of public funds. More than 3 million blacks have been forced to resettle in the bantustans

since the hateful policy was instituted more than 30 years ago; thousands of families have been uprooted as the governmenttouts the new “homelands” with sham ceremonies of independence.

One of the most effective and articulate protesters, Nelson Mandela is beloved not only in South Africa but throughout theworld for his opposition to the policy of apartheid. Nelson Mandela, a freedom fighter who has spent the past 22 years in prison should, not be forgotten. His message is simple: free-dom and peace for all South Africans. At the age of 25, he founded the Youth League of the African National Congress. When theNationalist Party came to power four years later with its policy of apartheid, the African National Congress responded with boycotts,strikes and other forms of civil disobedience. In 1952, the ANC initiated the defiance campaign, and targeted six apartheid laws forcivil disobedience action. That campaign was highly effective, and mobilized the people to take political action against the govern-ment. The government responded by banning Mandela; although he could not participate in public functions, he kept busy as alawyer representing many of his fellow black victims of oppression. In 1956, not long after Mandela and 3,000 others had gatheredin support of the Freedom Charter stating that South Africa belonged to all who lived in it, Mandela was arrested and accused ofhigh treason for his participation in the defiance campaign. After a four-year trial, in which he was the defendant, the witness andthe defense counsel, he was acquitted on all counts.

In August 1962, Mandela was sentenced to a five-year prison term; two years later he was sentenced to life imprison-ment for his participation in a national strike and acts against the South African government.Now, at the age of 66, he remains a hero to those South Africans who believe that all South African people should shareequally in their country‘s wealth, and should have equal rights regardless of ancestry.

There is not much difference between South African Foreign Minister Pik Botha, or Bull Connors of the civil rightsmovement of the ‘60s or Adolf Hitler of Nazi Germany. The issue is still the same, depriving a race of people their

freedom because their skin color hap pens to be black. In the case of South Africa, the irony is the majority popu-lation is black.

On Jan. 31 of this year, Nelson Mandela rejected release from prison where he has been held in a cellsince 1964. Even after 22 years in prison, Mandela has not lost his compassion for his people’s free-

dom. Mandela, in a letter, stated, “Let the prime minister show that he is different. Let him guaran-tee free political activity so that the people may decide who will govern them,” Mandela said.

“Let him say that he will dismantle apartheid.“ With that, Nelson Mandela elected to stay in prison. That is commitment,

and I, as one American, salute his commitment, honor his dedication andsolicit support of all Americans to continue his struggle until

apartheid is dismantled forever.

“Freedom”

Denver Urban Spectrumpublisher, Rosalind “Bee” Harrisat the cell of Nelson Mandela atRobben Island in 2002.

Photo by Dr. Faye Rison

In 2002, under the leadership of DenverMayor Wellington Webb, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to organize and manage adelegation of more than 60 business and com-munity leaders to South Africa.

In preparation for the trade mission, MayorWebb gave me a copy of Nelson Mandela’s“Long Walk to Freedom.” The book andMandela’s presence were the driving force fora successful trade mission. In addition to lay-ing the groundwork for future economic devel-opment opportunities, the delegation donateda year’s supply of milk to expecting mothers atChris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, helping toprevent the transmission of the HIV/AIDS virusfrom mother to child during breast feeding.

Our visit to Robben Island, both an uncom-fortable and inspirational place to visit, was thehighlight of the trip and helped me to under-stand Mandela’s incredible vision for a modernSouth Africa. The foresight of Mayor Webband First Lady Wilma Webb to engage Denverin the success of a post-apartheid South Africawas nothing less than extraordinary.

Now, with the passing and homecoming ofMandela, I look back on the trade mission asan achievement ahead of its time. I wasn’t 30years old when we embarked on this mission.I am forever grateful for the opportunity. Restin peace Mandiba.

Joel Boyd, former Mayor’s Assistant on AfricaMayor’s Office of Economic Development and

International Trade


19

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2014 MLK CELEBRATION EVENTSDr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Celebration

“Remember! Celebrate! Act! - A Day On Not A Day Off” Theme: “Renewed Dedication To Humanity”

(All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.)

Monday, January 13Event: Press Conference/Launching of Torch and MLK Colorado

Time: 11 a.m.Place: The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library

2400 Welton St. in DenverPOC: Vern L. Howard 720-971-1329, or Terry Nelson 720.865.2404

Event: Aurora’s Mayor Steve Hogan – ProclamationTime: 7:30 p.m.

Place: Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Ave.POC: Barbara Shannon Banister 303-739-7580

Tuesday, January 14Event: 26th Annual MLK, Jr. 2014 Humanitarian Awards and Lifetime

Achievement Awards & Colorado Symphony Orchestra King Celebration Concert

Time: 6 to 9 p.m.Place: Boettcher Concert Hall Denver Performing Arts Complex

14th and Curtis StreetsPOC: Vern L. Howard 720-971-1329, Terry Nelson 720-865-2404

Friday, January 17Event: The 23rd annual MLK Peace Awards & Breakfast

Time: 8 a.m.Place: Tivoli Turn Hall Auraria Campus

Guest Speaker: TBDPOC: Alton Clark [email protected]

Cost: $7 for students, $14 for adults

Event: Aurora Community of Faith breakfast –Time: 8 a.m.

Place: Aurora Municipal Center, City Café15151 E. Alameda pkwy. Speaker: Dr. James Peters

POC: Barbara Shannon Banister 303-739-7580 Tickets $15, RSVP to 303-739-7580

Event: Aurora Community of Faith BreakfastTime: 9 a.m.

Place: City Café, 2nd 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy,Keynote Speaker: Dr. James Peters, colleague of Dr. King

Tickets $15, RSVPPOC: Barbara Shannon Banister 303-739-7580 & T.A. Mayes 720-329-4553

Event: 29th Annual MLK Social Responsibility Awards LuncheonTime: 11:45 a.m.

Place: Marriott City Center Downtown DenverCosts: Individual seating $75.00

POC: Stephen Straight 720- 323-3333 or 980-468-1488Guest: Dr. Derek Barber King, Sr., (nephew of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Saturday, January 18Event: MLK Marshall Training for Marade

Time: 10 a.m.Place: Denver Waste Water Building 2000 West 3rd Ave.,

Denver, CO (1st floor)POC: Silke Hansen 303-308-1969

(Lunch will be served)


20

DOCUMENTARY RECOUNTS 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF DENVER CIVIC CONSULTING VISIT OF

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Relive the excitement, controversy, insights and reflection on the 50th Anniversary of theonly official civic consulting Denver visit by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. remembered in the encoretelevision documentary, When a King Came to Town, 7 p.m., Sunday, January 19 on Channel 6,Rocky Mountain PBS. This visit was four months following the historic March on Washingtonfeaturing his celebrated “I Have a Dream” address, which also held its 50th Anniversary remem-brance of that event last August.

“We first touched upon the story with a mention in our double EMMY nominated feature doc-umentary, “Spirit at the Mountaintop,” said producer Adam Dempsey. “Viewers responding tothat story, a survey history of African American’s in Denver, kept expressing their curiosity of whyDr. King visited Littleton as well. Our subsequent research led to this sequel, When a KingCame to Town.

An outreach project of the Denver Human Relations Commission, Dr. King’s consulting con-tract had been challenged by the Denver city auditor but was held legal by the city attorney. Histhree-day itinerary included a consultation with then-Denver Mayor Tom Currigan, addressingcivic and business leaders, speaking to the community at-large and making a side trip toLittleton, the only Denver suburban community ever visited by the renowned civil rights leader.

“What makes this a unique and important story is although African Americans were alsoinvolved, this civic consulting visit was driven by Denver’s Anglo residents and is one of only afew produced stories of this type involving Dr. King,” producer Dempsey added. “The story alsotouches other visits here by Dr. King, including his controversial press conference on theVietnam War.”

When a King Came to Town shares insights from Attorney Dick Young, former leader of theDenver Human Relations Commission and Dr. Ellie Greenberg, leader of the Littleton group,with perspective by Dr. Vincent Harding founder of the Veterans of Hope Project with retiredDenver Post journalist Fred Brown setting the city scene at the time of the visit. Dr. Harding alsoreveals Dr. King’s little-known plan to connect with America’s Hispanic community and includesscenes with activist Rudolfo “Corky” Gonzales.

When a King Came to Town is produced by Habari Media Arts, a projects unit of One AccordMedia Arts based in Denver, Colorado. The production was made possible through the principalsupport of US Bank, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, Comcast, and Falkner USA withthe additional support of CH2M-Hill, and Jefferson-Pilot Communications.


21

Are you pregnant or parenting a child under two?Contact Healthy Start for details about this free program!

(303) 360-6276 x2200 or [email protected]

WHAT CAN YOU DO?Be healthy before, during and after pregnancy: Reduce stress Connect to a support system Get prenatal and medical check-ups Eat a healthy diet, with plenty of fruits and

vegetables, drink plenty of water, and maintain a healthy weight

Take a multi-vitamin with folic acid (a B vitamin) every day

WHAT CAN HEALTHY START DO? Share more information and support on

topics related to a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby

Connect you to community resources (medical and dental care, counseling services, housing, food and clothing)

Provide your baby with the best possible start in life!

3340 Downing St. Denver, CO - 303-294-0319A Locally Owned Affiliated Food Store (#1661) - We Buy Together To Sell For Less!

We welcome CreditCards, Food Stamps,& Check CashingWestern UnionATM Cash Machine

Money Orders for 69 CentsOPEN EVERYDAY8 AM TO 8 PM

On “Soul Food” Meat Bundles for the Holidays!

Chitterlings, Hams, Pork Chops, Chicken, Beef! Save!

Event: MLK, Jr. Holiday Commission Scholarship Program and DinnerTime: 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Place: MLK, Jr. Library, Community Room, 9898 E. Colfax AvenuePOC: Vern L. Howard 720-971-1329, Terry Nelson 720-865-2404

By invitation only

Sunday, January, 19Event: Highlands Ranch, Community 2014 Unity Walk and Reception

Time: 2 p.m.Place: Fox Creek Elementary School, 6585 Collegiate Dr., Highlands

Ranch, COPOC: Tani Hansen 303-387-0556

Event: 29h Annual Ecumenical ServiceTime: 6 p.m. Place: TBD

POC: Dr. Sandra Moore-Mann 303-961-7687

Monday, January 20Event: 15th Annual Dr. MLK, Jr. Breakfast Celebration

Time: 9 to 11 a.m. BreakfastPlace: Arapahoe Community College (In main Dining Hall)

5900 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120POC: Jamie Crisp 303-797-5881

Cost: $15 for Adults, $5 for children 12 and under

Event: 29th Annual MLK MaradeTime: Gather at 9 a.m. program starts at 9:30 a.m.

Place: The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I Have a Dream Monument, DenverCity Park, concluding at Civic Center

“Get to Cleanin’, Remembering Memphis” (Day of Service CommunityProject) Volunteers needed to remove litter from the Marade route and

surrounding neighborhoods immediately following the MaradeTime: 1 p.m.

POC: Shyretta Hudnall 720-317-3802, Jacqui Shumway 303-744-7676, SilkeHansen 303-308-1969 or Vern L. Howard 720-971-1329

[email protected] & [email protected] this year old cellular phones, non- perishable food and children books willbe collected. The phones will be refurbished and donated to battered woman

shelters. The food will be donated to local food banks.

Event: 29th Annual “Dinner for Those Who Hunger”Time: 3 to 6 p.m.

Place: Volunteers of America, Sunset Park, 1865 Larimer, Denver, CO POC: Jim White, Volunteers of America 303- 297-0408 cell 720-299-0222

Event: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Day of ServiceStart Planning Your Project Today! Visit www.MLKday.org

“EVERYBODY can be great, because EVERYBODY can serve”,Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

POC: Toya Nelson PH: 303-866-2524, [email protected] Skinner, Senior Program Officer PH: 303-866-2565,

[email protected]

Event: Painting The Seed Growing the SeedTime: 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Place: Evie Dennis Campus Building 1 West CommonsPOC: Syliva Bookhardt [email protected] 303. 229.1997 or

Ani Reddy [email protected] 970-310-4526

Event:MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of ChampionsTime: 6 p.m.

Place: National Western Stock Show Coliseum4655 Humboldt St. Denver 80216

POC: Lu Vason 303-373-1246 or Vern L. Howard 720-971-1329

Tuesday, January 21Event: Honoring our Community Leader Tuskegee

Airmen Col John MosleyTime: 12 p.m.

Place: Metro State University of Denver

At the summit of Vail Pass two buses stop ina rest area on a chilly, but sunny Presidents Dayweekend Friday morning. Nearing 60 people stag-ger and stretch going out into the air still in asleepy stupor from an early morning departurefrom Denver. A voice commands them to “movetogether, so we can get this done and get back onthe road.” Click, click, snap, snap and the picturesare taken.

Such has been the routine for the last 25 years forthis group from across the country attending theannual Ski Bonanza organized by Robert AndersonWilliams of the Denver Hampton University AlumniAssociation. Now, after raising more than $200,000for scholarships that have benefitted 175 students,the founder of the event, Robert Anderson “Treebob”Williams received his final lift ticket to a heavenly skitrail on December 12 while playing golf in Florida, justa few days following a golf outing he’d organized for60 people, while also in the midst of signups for the2014 ski trip.

A native of Brooklyn, New York, like many otherColoradoans, Bob with wife Constance transplant-ed themselves to Denver in from Niagara Falls,New York.

Atlanta resident Deborah Strane reflected, “Thefirst time I met him, it was like someone you’veknown all along and he knew how to have fun. Hegave the ski trip a feel of a family reunion, facilitat-ing introductions, new friendships and bonds. Hehad a sixth sense for putting together non-judg-mental, down to earth people and didn’t care whatyou did, nor your status back home, just how wellyou mixed with the group. And when the trip wasover and you were leaving, you knew you werecoming back the next year.”

With his wife Constance, Williams early morn-ing power walks around Aurora’s Utah Parkbecame the stuff of neighborhood legend. Onemorning a Parkside resident stood on the sidewalkindicating she had to see who comprised thisgroup. “I could hear them before I could see themand they sounded like they were having such agood time,” she stated. No question, they were another Treebob-led crew. On their 2012 SkiBonanza trip, Bob and a few skiers encountered U.S. Vice President Joe Biden near Aspen and ofcourse Bob invited the VP to the ski trip, took a picture and posted it on his Facebook page withpride. True story.

“Bob is good at keeping secrets, his, no one else’s,” long time friend and historic re-enactorSteve Shepard laughingly states. “His favorite companion was Facebook so anything you told himmight end up there,” he continued with a hearty chuckle.

His service to the community wasn’t limited to the legendary ski trip. School students at Phillipsand Crawford Elementary along with Hallet Academy in Denver and Aurora Public Schools

received tutoring in English and math from Bobthrough the years. He and his wife opened theirhome many summers for non-resident studentsworking internships in Denver. A renowned eventplanner, okay, party planner, Bob Williams was thecenter of leading scholarship fundraising events forhis fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, being a lifelongmember. His legendary smoked turkey and salmonis a delight at the annual Alpha White Linen eventeach August.

“Treebob was a master at smoking (food) andyou could smell that aroma everywhere, so youknew it was good,” says Alpha fraternity brotherSam Peguese. “And after the event, the fight wason for the flavorful turkey bones for soup,” headded. With his three backyard smokers, he’d alsosmoke turkeys and salmon for many friends forThanksgiving

Bob supported numerous community causesand events, usually by purchasing tickets, tablesand direct contributions as he did with his earlysupport of then statehouse candidate now Rep.Jovan Melton, representing Aurora. Unselfishly,he’d share the tickets and tables with others, oftennot going himself.

“Bob talked a good game and loved playinggolf, but kept his scorecard close to the vest,” saysfellow golfer Leon Gibson. “Although he kept hiscard, he’d add it up and verbally tell you what heshot. Just taking it with a grain of salt. He wasn’tcheating, just trying to keep up,” Gibson addedwith a chuckle.

Treebob’s legacy continues through his wifeConstance, son Robert Jr. and daughter ChawnteWilliams Howard, her husband Enrico and their chil-dren Micha and Joshua, along with a host of otherfamily and a literal legion of friends across America.In every community reside those who make a differ-ence, and others who can match or exceed them butare very reserved about it. Bob Williams was one ofthem. The community of real good fun now needs anew chair of the board, with big shoes to fill as BobWilliams has left the building.

Annually, the Epsilon Nu Omega Chapter ofAlpha Phi Alpha Sorority selects the unique group

of 12 men for their M.O.D.E.L. (Men of Distinction, Excellence and Leadership) Service Awardsand recognized them in a calendar. The 2014 month of June M.O.D.E.L. man is Robert A.Williams.

Yep, a perfect fit. No question. - Adam Dempsey

Editor’s note: Denver Urban Spectrum publisher, Rosalind “Bee” Harris was a participant in the AfricanAmerican Leadership Institute Class of 1992 along with Robert “Treebob” Williams. She dedicates this issueto his memory. She is pictured below with “Treebob” at the recent Daddy Bruce Thanksgiving reception.


22

Robert “Treebob” WilliamsA Community Sequoia

September 16, 1945 – December 12, 2013

Reception at Bogey’s.Epworth Foundation’s Annual “Daddy Bruce” Randolph Feed a

Family Thanksgiving Program Events

Dr. Major William TappanMarch 18, 1924 - November 13, 2013

Dr. Major William Tappan was born in Chester, Pennsylvania on March18, 1924 and raised by his parents in Roselle,

NJ. After graduating high school, heearned a bachelor’s degree (1945)

and Ph.D. (1948) from HowardUniversity in Washington, DC.

During the Korean Conflict, heserved his country as a dentist forthe United States Army. In 1953 hereturned to Roselle and openedand operated his own practiceuntil 1964. After successfully oper-

ating his practice Dr. Tappan com-pleted a one-year dental residency

with the New Jersey StateDepartment of Health as part of his

graduate education at ColumbiaUniversity where he earned a master’s

degree in public health.In 1967 Dr. Tappan accepted a position in Denver, CO as the Director

of Dental Services for Denver General Hospital, known today as DenverHealth. As director, he became an advocate for the use of sealants inpediatric dentistry and began applying them in the 1970s. He alsoworked as a dental consultant for Region 8 of Job Corp. During his 30-year tenure, he received many awards for his selfless dedication in themanagement of seven city wide dental clinics. Some of the awardsreceived are the Myron Allukian Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award forOutstanding Achievements in Community Dental Programs by theAmerican Association for Community Dental Programs and the Dr.Bernard F. Gipson Sr. Health Leadership Award from the Center forAfrican American Health. Dr. Tappan assured that good dental carewas a part of the Salud Family Health Centers in Colorado, in addition toserving on their board. He was vice president of the National Networkfor Oral Health Access for 14 years and a leading advocate for theinclusion of dental healthcare in community health centers. He was verywell known and respected in the dental public health community ofColorado.

After he retired from Denver Health in his 70s he wanted to continueto serve the community. He opened another dental practice calledDental Access Center to continue serving the under privileged peopleof Denver.

Dr. Tappan had many passions outside of dentistry. He was most pas-sionate about gardening. One of his last projects was the Oasis Projectwhose focus was bringing farm produce to food deserts. He was also atalented artist and enjoyed carving gourds and painting.

Dr. Major Tappan is survived by his wife of 23 years, Maria Tappan,and many step-children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.


23

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(This article was originally published in theJune 2001 issue of the Denver UrbanSpectrum following a trip by a delegationof business owners who traveled to SouthAfrica earlier that year. It has been editedfor space.)

How could it be that at last, I wasdescending the stairs of a gigantic747/400 jetliner onto the tarmac ofJohannesburg International Airport. With 16 other colleagues, business-

men and women brought together byCivil Technology, Inc.’s business man-ager Carl Bourgeois, the Denver Tradeand Investment Mission (DENTIM)arrived in South Africa in February foreight days of meetings designed to ini-tiate business and personal relation-ships for promoting commerce withour South African friends and busi-ness counterparts. Guided by that African spirit, I

stepped off the plane, wrestling withdisorientation due to the lack ofhumidity and sweltering heat. I wasgreeted with the words “Welcomehome, my brother.” It was all I coulddo not to kiss the ground.In the terminal, Jimmy Ntintili,

African owner of “Face to FaceTours,” greeted our delegation andsupervised the loading of our luggageonto the motor coach that was to takeus to our hotel in Sandton, a new,affluent suburb of Johannesburg. The five-star Sandton Sun

Intercontinental hotel was fabulous. Aconvention center and a world-classshopping mall with exotic boutiques,restaurants, and a business centermade it an all-inclusive facility. Theservice was excellent, staffed primarilyby people of color. After a brief rest, we again boarded

the motor coach and headed for ourwelcome reception at the home of leg-endary jazz trumpeter, HughMasekela. Arriving in the rain to a tra-ditional African welcome of a songand dance performed by local area

residents again sent me into emotionaloverload.Among the guests were Charlene

Hunter-Gault, of American NationalPublic Radio fame, and her husbandRon, who have a permanent residencein South African. Opportunities for me to network

with Africans from their tourismindustry were abundant. I was grate-ful to be participating in the potentialdevelopment of tour products withmy African counterparts that wouldserve to re-unify Africans of theDiaspora through creative innovationof travel packages designed especiallyfor the Rocky Mountain regions’African-American market.

Spirits were high on the way backto the hotel despite the rain, thesqueaking brakes of our motor coach,and the inoperable windshield wipers.Ntintili, our African guide providedus with laughter and informationabout the history of the region and itspeople. On Monday, those of us who had

made contacts during the previousevening’s reception conducted follow-up meetings with our contacts. I spentmy time with Ntintili because of themany similarities between Face toFace Tours and my tour guide compa-ny, A Private Guide.Several other DENTIM delegates

joined Ntintili in his fine Volkswagenvan to tour the historic township ofSoweto. We visited the market place;an orphanage; the only block to housetwo Nobel Peace Prize winners –


24

Reflections Reflections on on

South Africa By Sid Wilson

Nelson Mandela and Bishop DesmondTutu; the home turned museum thatwas once shared by Nelson andWinnie Mandela; and a youth culturalfacility. We lunched at Wandies, themost famous shebeen (a residentialdwelling turned into a bar, restaurant,or nightclub) in Soweto.On Monday evening, our delega-

tion attended a reception hosted byPeter Vundla, chairman of the AfricanMerchants Bank, where DENTIM keyplayers, Gin Butler, Deputy Directorof Colorado Office of InternationalTrade; Happy Haynes, Denver CityCouncil member; and Carl Bourgeois,business manager of Civil Technology,explained the purpose of the mission,thanked our hosts, and introduced theremaining DENTIM delegates.The visit on Tuesday morning to

Pretoria provided some contrasts tothe urban experience in Johannesburg;which is a large bustling city of severalmillion people a mile above sea levelthat serves as the banking and indus-trial heart of the nation of SouthAfrica. Pretoria is strikingly beautiful,not as hectic, and is the administrativecapital of the nation. Here, our delega-tion visited South Africa’s ReserveBank where reserve bank officialsgave us an overview of the SouthAfrican economy.

We visited the AmericanEmbassy, a stand-alone fortress on ahill in the upscale neighborhood ofPretoria that contains the embassies ofmany nations, most of which arehoused in attractive unimposing largeVictorian structures. Due to aggressivecontract security personnel, we werediscouraged from taking pictures ofour embassy. Inside, embassy staffmembers briefed us on economic,political, and security matters. Embassy staff advised us to exercise

a high degree of caution in our travels,especially in “Joburg” because of thehigh level of poverty and drug-inducedcrime. Those of us who know life in thebig cities felt the dangers were no moreor no less than those in comparablysized cities in our own country.Picture taking opportunities at the

Union Buildings, the seat of the gov-ernment’s administrative activities inSouth Africa, were special because thebeautiful gardens provided apanoramic view of Pretoria’s spectacu-lar world-class skyline. With thefoothills in the background many ofthe delegation commented on the sim-ilarities to our views in Colorado. Re-boarding our motor coach, we

drove through Pretoria as we headedto the first-class highway that wouldtake us to lunch. Arriving at the Caroza Rose Farm,

about 15 miles outside of Johannesburg,and home to our hosts Mr. and Mrs.

Peter Davidson, was a treat. Our lunch-eon was held under a beautifully deco-rated tent with gorgeous white table-cloth settings and rose displays. Afterlunch, the delegation retreated to one ofthe farm’s meeting rooms where wewatched a Power Point presentation ofthe plans for Masekela’s cultural andheritage center. Afterward, we touredthe Caroza Rose Farm – seven acres oflarge green houses that contain varietiesof roses that are sold around the world.

On Wednesday, I met an oldfriend, Buzz Cooper, who I last sawalmost 15 years ago in Los Angeles.Buzz, a musician “back in the day,”now lives in Sandtown, South Africa,as an ex-patriot. He owns a manufac-turing plant that produces hair curlingirons and the electric ovens used toheat the curling irons. After touring Buzz’s facility, we

understood the scope and issues facinghis business. Previous funds obtainedthrough international developmentfunding organizations earmarked forBuzz’s factory apparently didn’t filterdown in their entirety to the designatedrecipients. As a result, workers had tocontinue manufacturing the products byhand, which created quantity and quali-ty control problems. In addition, securing the plant from

theft was a serious issue. Just daysbefore our visit, thieves made off withspecialized tool-and-die machinery,and Buzz had to lay off most of hisstaff until replacement equipmentcould be purchased. While the thievescan’t use the tools, selling them wouldmean more food for their families. I don’t know how things will work

out for my old buddy, but visiting himgave me another view of the everydaylife of a person I could easily identifywith. That night, we were guest at the

palatial estate of the gracious FeliciaMabuza Suttle, the African TV talkshow host, often referred to as theOprah Winfrey of South Africa. Later we went to the fabulous Gold

Reef City Casino for a theater per-formance of the musical productionAfrican Footprints, which, hopefully,would travel to the States. A late nightprivate dinner reception with livemusic was held for us in the casino’sfive-star restaurant, Back of the Moon.Hugh Masekela joined us and accom-panied the band on trumpet andpiano as we danced and dined theevening away. On our last day in Johannesburg, I

met with Logan Govender ofConsolidated Travel based in Durban,in the offices of Ebony Consultants, Inc.Here, with ECI’s Sonny Tarr andPenrose Nconco, we obtained the infor-mation and requirements for develop-ing tour products that would fulfill A

Private Guide’s long-held desire to pro-vide socially responsible tours designedto re-unite Africans of the Diaspora withAfricans on the continent. It is abundantly evident to me that

African Americans collectively are nei-ther different, nor incompatible withcontinental Africans. We differ only inlocation. Incredibly beautiful does not begin

to describe Cape Town. Vibrant, clean,and exotic, graced by mountains andtwo oceans – the South Atlantic andthe Indian. In stark contrast, I discov-ered during a subsequent tour of thearea while “window shopping” forinvestment property, this feeling doesnot apply to the bleak windsweptplains just a few miles to the east ofthe city where the squalor of the mil-lion-plus African inhabitants living inthe townships provide a lasting indict-ment to apartheid’s legacy. At the Cape Chamber of Commerce

and Industry, we were met by SamMontsi, chairman of the board;Professor Thomas, local economyexpert; and Peter Golding, propertyexpert for Pam Golding Properties, alarge international realtor of upscaleproperties. They presented an overview of the

local economy, and they set the stagefor an afternoon session where localbusiness people provided us withadditional networking opportunities.Our morning itinerary included a

visit to the American Consulate office.Our briefing with Larry Farris,Counselor on Commercial Affairs,who is originally from Pueblo,Colorado, and with Mary Leonard,our consulate’s Political andEconomics Office, was casual andinformative. Briefings complete, we ate lunch at

a new mall that would raise the envyof the affluent shoppers at our ownPark Meadows and Cherry Creekmalls. Afterward, we finished ourafternoon round of meetings withlocal African entrepreneurs at theCape Chamber. Our final reception was held at the

lovely home of Sam Montsi and hiswife, where we again engaged in net-working amid the ambiance of lushmountain greenery that enclosed ourhost’s property.

Later, several delegation mem-bers visited a local nightclub, “Marco’sPlace,” where African food, music,and dance provided a perfect end toan exhilarating day. With our mission winding down,

and no official business to conduct,most of our delegation toured CapeTowns’ fine wine country on Saturdaymorning. Delegation representativeand financial consultant DarrellBarnes received an invitation to an

awards presentation, where he metand dined with Nelson Mandela. For me, one of the most magical

moments of our trip happened whenDr. Wil Miles, Happy Haynes, and Ivisited Camps Bay Beach, just over themountain from our hotel. While sitting at our pavement table

along Victoria Boulevard adjacent to themagnificent beach, we saw a Black manin a Denver Bronco football jersey head-ing our way with a woman. A few sec-onds later, who should appear butTerrell Davis, on holiday and just “chill-in” in Cape Town with his mother andbusiness manager, the guy in the Broncoshirt! We Denverites created quite ascene as we laughed and joked, tookpictures, and remarked on what a crazyworld we live in.

On Sunday, we were scheduled toleave Cape Town for home. Some ofthe group opted to do a motor coachtour of area highlights, including anAfrican game preserve and RobbenIsland, where Nelson Mandela wasimprisoned for more than 20 years.Others shopped for African jewelry. Back from his memorable meeting

with Nelson Mandela, Darrell and Iexplored the real estate market withPeter Golding and then go sightseeing– looking for investment properties. On the flight back to the States, I

reflected on how this journey fulfilleda sacred task and was a sincere emo-tional response induced by the spiritof Africa’s call to return home. It is unreasonable to expect all of us

to heed the voice of the African spirit,but for those who feel it, A PrivateGuide, Inc. was prepared to developinnovative and social responsible tourproducts to merge the psychic needsof the Afro-centric traveler with thevitality of the re-emerging SouthAfrican nation.What else can a brother do?

Editor’s note: Special thanks to CarlBourgeois, Happy Haynes, Gin Butler, JoelBoyd, Leroy Smith, Dan Muse, and the pio-neering, efforts of Mayor Wellington Webbfor leading the way.


25

Movie Reviews

By Kam Williams

Excellent@@@@@. ��Very Good@@@@.. ��Good@@@@@@... ��Fair@@@@@@@.. �Poor@@@@@@@. No stars

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom��

Idris Is Impressive in InspirationalAdaptation of Revered Icon’s

Autobiography

Nelson “Mandiba” Mandela (IdrisElba) secretly started writing his auto-biography “Long Walk to Freedom”while still serving what he had everyreason to believe might very well be alife sentence on Robben Island. Thelawyer-turned-spokesman for the out-lawed African National Congress hadbeen convicted of treason for trying todismantle South Africa’s racist regime. But he was indeed freed following

27 years in prison of imprisonmentwhen the bloody civil war was on thebrink of bringing an end to Apartheid.At that point, Mandela assured theapprehensive white minority thatdespite the fact that, “Fear has madeyou an unjust and brutal people, whenwe come to power, there will be norevenge.” Soon thereafter, he was democrati-

cally elected the nation’s first blackpresident, assuming the reigns ofpower in 1994. And that transition tomajority rule did prove to be smooth,with the help of pardons for crimesagainst humanity being granted by theTruth and Reconciliation Commissionto guilty parties from both sides of theconflict. Directed by Justin Chadwick,

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is anepic biopic chronicling the rise, incar-ceration and ultimate redemption ofthe revered political icon. VersatileBritish actor Idris Elba exhibits therequisite combination of outrage, dig-

nity, empathy and steely resolve need-ed to portray the picture’s complextitle character convincingly. Still, since Mandela spends the bulk

of the movie behind bars, much of theaction revolves around his wifeWinnie’s (Naomie Harris) efforts toraise their children while serving as aleader of the movement in her hus-band’s absence. Sadly, the decades-long separation eventually took a tollon their marriage, between the denial

of conjugal visits and Winnie’s resort-ing to ruthless methods to silence sus-pected snitches. This film easily eclipses a biopic

covering the same subject-mattercalled Winnie Mandela. Released just acouple of months ago, that relatively-pathetic disappointment co-starringTerence Howard and Jennifer Hudsonas Nelson and Winnie, respectively,was marred by the protagonists’ atro-cious accents as well as by a godawfulscript. By contrast, this inspirational adap-

tation of Mandiba’s autobiographymore than does justice to the legacy ofthe triumphant freedom fighter whomade so many selfless sacrifices onbehalf of his people.

Rated: PG-13 for sexuality, intense violence,disturbing images and brief profanityIn English, Afrikaans and Xhosa with subtitlesRunning Time: 146 minutesDistributor: The Weinstein Company To see a trailer for Mandela: Long Walk toFreedom, visit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tyo-XeVcan4

A Madea Christmas��

Tyler Perry’s Back in Drag forAdaptation of Holiday-

Themed PlayMabel “Madea” Simmons is the

moralizing, motor-mouthed senior cit-izen created and first introduced onstage by the incomparable Tyler Perry.The compulsive granny is a self-right-eous vigilante who can’t help but

intervene on the spot whenever shesees an innocent victim being bulliedby a sadistic villain. At the point of departure in A

Madea Christmas, the eighth screenadventure in the popular film series,we find her working as Mrs. SantaClaus in a downtown Atlanta depart-ment store. The seasonal job affordsthe politically-incorrect impersonatoran opportunity to shock kids and theirears-covering parents with a profusionof her trademark off-color asides andEnglish-mangling malapropisms.Soon after she’s unceremoniously

relieved of her duties, Madea decidesto drive with her niece, Eileen (AnnaMaria Horsford), to tiny Bucktussle,Alabama to spend the holidays withthe latter’s daughter, Lacey (TikaSumpter), the local schoolmarm. What neither of them knows is that

Lacey recently eloped with a likablelocal yokel, but failed to inform hermom about the marriage becauseConner (Eric Lively) is white. She fearsher mother might object to the interra-cial liaison. Complicating matters fur-ther is the fact that coming along forthe ride is Oliver (JR Lemon), Lacey’sex-boyfriend who’d like to rekindle alittle romance. Meanwhile, Oliver has told his par-

ents, Buddy (Larry the Cable Guy) andKim (Kathy Najimy) about the nup-tials, and they are arriving soon fromLouisiana, so something’s gotta give.But rather than come clean, Laceyenlists her new in-laws’ help in hidingthe truth. Unfolding in accordance with the

age-old “One Big Lie” TV sitcom for-mula, A Madea Christmas is a pleasant,if predictable, modern parable pep-pered with plenty of humorous asides.Tika Sumpter and Eric Lively manageto generate just enough chemistry tobe convincing as shy newlyweds.But the production is at its best

when Madea and equally-outrageousBuddy are trading barbs toe-to-toe.For instance, when he tries to tell “theone about the two rabbis and the blackdude,” he’s cut off by Madea asking ifhe’s heard “the one about the straybullet that kills the redneck for tellingthe story about the two rabbis and theblack dude.”Sassy sister squares-off against

backwoods hillbilly for lots of harm-less laughs!

Rated: PG-13 for profanity, crude humor andsexual referencesRunning Time: 105 minutesDistributor: Lionsgate Films To see a trailer for A Madea Christmas, visit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SLe_EIpeWI

Black Nativity��

Jennifer Hudson Steals Showin Screen Adaptation ofLangston Hughes Musical Naima (Jennifer Hudson) is a sin-

gle-mom struggling to pay the rent onthe apartment she shares with sonLangston (Jacob Latimore), 15, who’sthe same age she was when she hadhim. Back then, she was as headstrongas he is now, which explains why sheran away from a good home in Harlemto raise him alone in Baltimore.Today, upon receiving an eviction

notice, cash-strapped Naima reluctant-ly sends the rebellious adolescent inneed of a father figure to New York tolive with her parents, Aretha (AngelaBassett) and Reverend Cornell Cobbs(Forest Whitaker), prominent mem-bers of the black community. ButLangston lands in trouble even beforethey have a chance to pick him up atthe bus station, so they end-up havingto bail him out of jail.Is it too late for anyone to make a

difference in the rebellious juveniledelinquent’s life? Can the Cobbs mendthe fractured relationship with theirlong-estranged daughter? WillLangston belatedly bond with theabsentee father he’s never known? These are the pivotal questions

raised in Black Nativity, a modernmorality play based on the LangstonHughes musical of the same name.Adapted and directed by KasiLemmons (Eve’s Bayou), the film fea-tures an engaging soundtrack sprin-kled with evocative onscreen perform-ances by cast members includingMary J. Blige, Nas and Tyrese, thoughall pale in comparison to those byJennifer Hudson.Fair warning to theatergoers ordi-

narily operating on CPT. Don’t take

REEL ACTION


26

Mandela

Black NativityA Madea Christmas

the risk of arriving too late to catch theincomparable diva’s unforgettableopener, “Test of Faith,” a showstopperevery bit as memorable as her heartfeltrendition of “And I Am Telling YouI’m Not Going” as Effie in Dreamgirls. A timeless parable as memorable

for its uplifting spirituals as for itsmoving message about the importanceof faith and family.

Rated: PG for menacing, mature themes andmild epithetsRunning Time: 93 minutesDistributor: Fox Searchlight To see a trailer for Black Nativity, visit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfhu1JnE

Te Hunger Games: Catching Fire��

Sequel Finds KatnissForced to Compete inAnother Death MatchDespite only being introduced in

2008, The Hunger Games trilogy has socaptured the collective imagination ofkids the world over that it has alreadyeclipsed Harry Potter as the best-sellingchildren’s book series of all time.Suzanne Collins’ post-apocalypticadventure is set in Panem, a disturb-ing dystopia marked by the brutalsubjugation of the overwhelmingly-poor majority by the very powerful,privileged few.In the first installment, heroine

Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence)grudgingly participated in a winner-take-all death match against otherteens, each representing his or herhome district. Known as the HungerGames, the annual competition isstaged as entertainment ostensiblydesigned to distract the masses fromtheir pitiful plight. Wise beyond her years, underdog

Katniss emerged triumphant at theend of the first episode by virtue of acombination of craftiness, compassionand her skills as an archer. However,she did break a cardinal rule by spar-ing the life of her co-winner, Peeta(Josh Hutcherson), her friend andmale counterpart from District 12. At the second installment’s point of

departure, we find the pair embarkingon a government-sponsored victorytour around the country. However,when their speeches stir up revolu-

tionary fervor in the crowds, a vindic-tive President Snow (DonaldSutherland) breaks a promise by draft-ing them to take part in the QuarterQuell, a tournament of championscomprised entirely of former HungerGames winners. So, it’s not long before they’re back

in training for another free-for-all, thistime engaging elite opponents blessedwith gifts ranging from fang-like teethto uncanny intuition to chameleon-likecamouflage to the ability to harnesselectricity. Each of the entrants, knownas tributes, is introduced by CaesarFlickerman (Stanley Tucci), the festivi-ties’ unctuous master of ceremonies. Once the pomp and circumstance

of the decadent opening ritual are outof the way, the relatively-gruesomemain event begins. Allegiances areforged, and bargains are made, fol-lowed by literal and figurative back-stabbing in a desperate contest whichultimately mandates a cruel betrayalof any loyalties. For all its frenetic action, this

uneventful installment neverthelesssuffers slightly from a classic case ofinbetweenie-itis, since it basicallyserves as a bridge to the trilogy’s excit-ing conclusion. A water-treadingsequel that achieves its goal of satiat-ing the fans’ bloodlust while whettingtheir appetite for the franchise’s grandfinale.

Rated: PG-13 for profanity, intense violence,frightening images, mature themes and a sug-gestive situation Running Time: 146 minutesDistributor: Lionsgate Films To see a trailer for The Hunger Games:Catching Fire, visit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNDBJtGw3Pc Or:http://www.thehungergamesexplorer.com/us/epk/catching-fire/videos/catching-fire-final-trailer

Out of the Furnace��

Ex-Con Searches for MissingSibling in GruesomeRevenge Thriller

Russell Baze’s (Christian Bale) isstuck in a dead-end job at a ruralPennsylvania steel mill rumored to beclosing soon. He’s not in a position toabandon the Rust Belt in search of

greener pastures, between having tocare for his terminally-ill, widowedfather (Bingo O’Malley) and a kidbrother (Casey Affleck) suffering fromPost-Traumatic Stress Syndrome.Military veteran Rodney, Jr. hasn’t

been able to make the adjustment backto civilian life following several toursof duty over in Iraq. In fact, he hasn’tbeen the same since their mother died. Because of a burgeoning gambling

debt, Rodney has agreed to participatein fixed street fights being staged bythe bookie (Willem Dafoe) he owes alot of money. Trouble is he becomes soblinded with rage after beingpunched, that he can’t be relied uponto throw a contest as promised. Russell is so desperate to save his

troubled sibling that he’s even willingto pay off Rodney’s I.O.U. in incre-ments on his modest salary. But eventhat plan goes up in smoke the dayRussell is arrested for manslaughterafter driving under the influence. By the time he’s paroled, Rodney’s

disappeared, and is rumored to havebeen abducted out of state by a ruth-less gang of drug dealers led by asadistic Ramapo Indian (WoodyHarrelson) with a short fuse. The localpolice chief (Forest Whitaker) is sym-pathetic, but has no jurisdiction in

Jersey, which leaves Russell no choicebut to take the law into his own handswith the help of hard-nosed Uncle Red(Sam Shepard). Written and directed by Scott

Cooper (Crazy Heart), Out of theFurnace is a gritty revenge thrillerunfolding against the telling backdropof a decaying American landscape.Thus, almost overshadowing the des-perate search at the center of the storyis the sobering specter of an agingnational infrastructure irreversiblypast its prime.While the gratuitous violence goes

over the top occasionally, the film nev-ertheless remains highly recommend-ed, at least for folks with a cast ironstomach. For, the veteran cast of thischaracter-driven splatterfest proves tobe as adept at delivering dialogue asdispensing street justice. A gruesome showdown between

warring clans reminiscent of an old-fashioned, backwoods feud betweenthe Hatfields and the McCoys.

Rated: R for profanity, drug use and graphicviolenceRunning Time: 116 minutesDistributor: Relativity Media To see a trailer for Out of the Furnace, visit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhsGY8jZnR4

REEL ACTION


27

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The Hunger Games

Out of the Furnace

The NestMatters TurnsOne-Year OldBy Cassandra Johnson, Sena Harjo,and Dorothy Shapland

January kicks off the New Yearand marks the first birthday of TheNest Matters. The Nest Matters wasbirthed by a group of Early ChildhoodLeaders dedicated to sharing the latestresearch in Early ChildhoodEducation and Child Developmentwith [caregivers, parents, grandpar-ents, family & friends] that care, edu-cate and serve children of color. Inhonor of our first birthday we wantyour first steps for enrolling yourchild into a school to be successful. It’sas easy as 1, 2, 3.

Step 1Enroll into a “Right Fit” schoolColorado is a School Choice for

Kids state, which means Coloradokids can “open enroll” into hundredsof public schools. In the past, childrenwere either placed in their neighbor-hood school or bused to anotherschool in another neighborhood.Parents who wanted options had tofight to place their child in a school oftheir choice. Now parents have thechoice. Parents with multiple childrencan place their children at differentschools if they want each to have theperfect fit school. In Denver, theSchool Choice offices can help youselect a school and complete applica-tion paperwork. The first round ofapplications is now being acceptedand the deadline is January 31, 2014.Let the School Choice officers helpyou determine the best placement foryour students!

Step 2Enroll into a “Right Fit” financialassistance program

Childcare Assistance - Have littleones and want to enroll your babyinto a quality-rated child care pro-gram, but overwhelmed by themonthly expense? Colorado ChildcareAssistance Program (CCAP) offersfinancial assistance for low-incomefamilies for child care services.Perhaps you have a toddler and needa quality-rated early childhood pre-school program. Preschool programstypically run only 2.5 hours each day,which are not realistic times for work-ing families. If you have preschoolers,CCAP can help pay the before andafter care expense. Contact your localDepartment of Human Services to seeif your family qualifies.

Tuition assistance - If you live inthe city of Denver and have a pre-schooler that has one more year beforehe or she is eligible to enter kinder-garten contact the Denver PreschoolProgram for tuition assistance. Thisprogram provides Denver families(regardless of income) with preschool-ers that are kindergarten boundtuition credits to a quality preschoolprogram of their choice. They alsohelp families find quality rated pre-school programs in their area.

Scholarships - Scholarships forkindergarteners? Yes, there are schol-arships for kids starting kindergarten.ACE Scholarships provides scholar-ships for low-income students as earlyas kindergarten through 12th grade.Families should have the right toselect the “right” choice school fortheir child regardless of their incomelevel. ACE Scholarships offers a list oftuition based schools to help familiesfind the right fit school along withscholarships to assist with tuitioncosts. The application is time sensitiveso contact ACE Scholarships today tofind out when their applicationprocess opens and if you quality.

Step 3Enroll a “Right Fit” eager learnerChildren are born with a passion to

learn and everyday experiences play ahuge role in an ability to develop thedifferent skills they’ll need to be suc-

cessful in school. As caregivers it’s ourduty to foster their learning experi-ences to help them develop thoseskills in order to understand how theworld works, manage emotions, andbelieve in themselves. There are fourkey areas children need to develop tobecome eager learners:

Language and Literacy Skills - Startearly with building a child’s languageand literacy skills. Talking, readingaloud, and singing all help childrenunderstand the use of language andstimulate their ability to communicate.Introducing books as early as infancyhelp create a love for books and readingand also provides the foundation fordeveloping literacy skills.

Thinking Skills - Children naturallyreact to the world around them andtheir brains develop more and morecomplex ways of figuring things out.They quickly learn cause and effect,when I drop my spoon it hits theground. Allowing your child to learnabout how things work and talkingwith your child about what he isdoing requires them to think andprocess information. You can createteachable moments every day. Forexample when you take the spoon thathit the floor and place it in the dishwa-ter show your child how it sinks. Now

your child is learning about objectsthat float and sink and the differencebetween liquids and solids.

Self-Control - Our article lastJanuary shared the developmentalstage of achild’s brainunder the ageof four yearsand why theylack self-con-trol. Babiesnaturally acton emotionswithout theability to manage their feelings. Teachacceptable behaviors and help yourchild learn to soothe himself. Thecalmer a child feels the more in controlhe will be. Some kids require physicalcontact such as hugging or rocking,while others prefer to be put down fora minute. The best way to help a childstay calm is by staying calm yourself.Steer away from always telling a childwhat he can’t do, instead be sure totell and show him what he can and isallowed to do. For example if he’s notallowed to throw balls in the house trywadding up some old newspaper intoballs and giving him an empty waste-basket to throw them into. This willhelp channel his energy in an accept-able way without taking away fromhis interest.

Self-Confidence - The key to a childachieving success in school is self-con-fidence. When children believe inthemselves they are more eager totake on new challenges. Children needa strong sense of security to developself-confidence which is crucial forgetting along with others, learning toshare, and making friends. Ways tohelp in this area include establishingroutines which will allow a child tofeel safe and in control because theyknow what is going to happen next.Being in a school setting requires fol-lowing many routines. Children needto do things over and over before theysucceed, so make time for plenty ofpractice. �


28


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Colon Hydrotherapy Great Way To Start The New YearBy Nanana Evelyn Gordon

Colon hydrother-apy, also known ascolonic irrigation andhigh enema, is proba-bly one of the mostmisunderstood natu-ral or wholistic healing modalities. Itis a procedure, which when properlyapplied, can make a major positivedifference in almost everyone’s healthstatus. Although volumes can be writ-ten to explain this extremely beneficialprocess, I will limit my comments todefining what it is, some details aboutthe actual procedure and commentson the benefits.Colon hydrotherapy is an ancient

technique for assisting the body torelease accumulated solid, liquid andcellular waste. The earliest records ofthis process being used were found inthe history of Kemetic (Egyptian) peo-ple who noted its benefit in treating amultitude of ailments. Their use ofcolonic therapy was central to theirpremise that disease begins in thecolon (large intestine). In our modernculture we are exposed to toxins con-stantly via impurities in food, air,water and chemical substances. Thesetoxins can accumulate in the body andbe found in fatty tissue, joints, arteries,muscles, liver, gall bladder, lungs, kid-neys, skin, etc. Although the kidneys, skin, liver

and lungs perform an eliminativefunction and aid in riding the body oftoxins, the colon (large intestine) hasthe potential and ability to eliminatelarge amounts of toxins quickly andeasily. Hence, the flushing or cleans-ing of the large intestinal tract sup-ports good health maintenance andaids in reducing disease processes. The colon or large intestine is the

last five to six feet of intestinal tract

and ends with the rectum and anus.The actual procedure is done by gen-tly infusing, warm, and filtered waterinto the colon via a sterile, lubricatedspeculum that has been inserted in therectum.The procedure will last approxi-

mately 45 minutes and does not creatediscomfort or pain. Preparation for theprocedure might include following aspecific diet and or taking certainherbs proceeding the session. Theintent of the procedure is not toencourage “bowel movement” butrather to efficiently and quicklyremove toxins before they feed backinto the body via healthy tissue andthe blood supply system attached tothe colon. The return of toxins into thebody is what is known in the wholisticarena as “autointoxication.” Toxinscreate a wide range of physical andemotional symptoms and can becomethe foundation for disease.There are numerous benefits of

colon hydrotherapy. Here are a few:•Increased muscle tone and peristalticactivity of the colon•Aids in hydrating the body•Increased energy level•Increased blood flow and circulation•Decreased tension and irritability•Reduced gas and bloating•Reduced sinus and/or lung congestion•Aid in restoring bowel muscle toneColon hydrotherapy is not a “one

shot” miracle cure for any ailment. Itis most effective when used in con-junction with proper diet, exercise,specific herbs and other wholistic ther-apies such as acupuncture. Also, itmay be necessary to have several ses-sions particularly in cases of long termor severe constipation. �Editor’s note: Nanana Gordon is a CertifiedNutritionist, Certified Colon Hydro thera-pist and Certified Iridologist. She has beenpracticing in the wholistic field for 20years, 17 of which have been in her ownbusiness. For more information, call 303-863-9670, email [email protected], or visitwww.source-healing.com.


29

“You Are My Starship”“Saturday Night Special”“Romantic Journey”“This Is Your Life”

Taylor Made Presents, A Funk Above the Rest, andExecutive Concerts presents...

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Learn. Achieve. Graduate.

A Free Online Public K-12 School Proven to

Help Students Succeed

Denver Preschool ProgramPreschool Showcase January 11

It’s not too soon to be thinkingabout preschool for next year. Denverfamilies can find out about tuitionsupport and choose from more than250 licensed preschools across theDenver-metro area in one place at theannual Preschool Showcase sponsoredby Denver Preschool Program (DPP).The event, which is free, runs from 9a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan.11 at theSheraton Downtown Hotel on the 16thStreet Mall, 1550 Court Place. Familieswill receive discounted parking in theSheraton. Free light refreshments, fam-ily-friendly activities and entertain-ment will also be offered.Since the 2009-2010 school year,

annual evaluations of DPP graduateshave revealed that the vast majority –90 percent – are leaving preschoolready for kindergarten academically,socially and emotionally. Nearly 70percent of Denver’s 4-year-olds areenrolled in DPP.For more information, e-mail

[email protected], call 303-595-4DPP(4377) or visit dpp.org/showcase.Ethnic College CounselingCenter Announce Tour DatesThe Ethnic College Counseling

Center announced the dates for its17th bi-annual tour of HistoricallyBlack Colleges and Universities(HBCUs). Beginning March 27, stu-dents will tour 13 HBCUs inTennessee, Alabama and Florida,returning to Denver on April 6. Thiseducational and informative tour alsoprovides an opportunity for studentsto visit and study local African-American history in the cities visited.The cost of the tour includes round-

trip airfare from Denver, hotel accom-modations, luxury bus transportationbetween schools, 2-3 meals per dayand all entrance fees to museums andsightseeing tours (except DisneyWorld and Universal Studios).For more information, call Pensal J.

McCray, the Ethnic CollegeCounseling Center, at 303-751-9731.

Young To ConductPerformances In Denver

Joseph Young is increasinglyregarded as one of America’s risingyoung conductors. His recent engage-ments include the ColoradoSymphony Orchestra, TucsonSymphony, Charleston SymphonyOrchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic,Delaware Symphony Orchestra andOrquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa daMúsica. In 2013, Joseph was a Semi-finalist

in the Gustav Mahler InternationalConducting Competition (Bamberg,Germany). Recently concluding histenure as Resident Conductor of ThePhoenix Symphony, Joseph dedicatedhis energy and passion to audiences ofall ages. Joseph maintained a leadingrole in the development of the Familyand Education Series and conductedregularly on the orchestra’s classicsand pop concert series. Young will be conducting at the fol-

lowing events: Tribute to Dr. MartinLuther King, Jr. on Jan. 14; John, Paul,George & Ringo on Jan. 24, ParamountTheatre; and Dianne Reeves on Jan. 25,Boettcher Concert HallFor more information, visit

http://www.josephfyoung.com/Whittier ECE-8 HostsCommunity Open HouseWhittier ECE-8 School, located at

25th and Downing St. in Denver,invite families and community mem-bers to their Community Open Houseon Thursday, Jan. 16, from 6 to 7:30p.m. Visitors will have a chance totour the school, see examples of class-room work, talk with classroom teach-ers and meet Whittier parents.Whittier ECE-8 is proud to be in its

3rd straight year as a “Green/MeetsExpectations” school within the DPSSchool Performance Framework.Whittier is especially excited to high-light its middle school (6th-8th grade)which is ranked as one of the top mid-dle schools in all of DPS for its excep-tional academics.The evening will begin in the

Whittier auditorium at the East end ofthe school. For more information or toschedule a personal school tour, con-tact Karen at 303-986-5929 or [email protected].


30

COMMUNITY NOTES

Rocky Mountain PBS characters Clifford,Curious George and Buddy the Dinosaur will beon hand to meet and take pictures with childrenduring the Denver Preschool Program’sPreschool Showcase.

NCNW Denver SectionRecognize 2013 HarambeeHonoreesThe National Council of Negro

Women (NCNW) Denver Section pre-sented the 22nd Annual Founder’sDay Harambee Brunch last month.This annual event recognizes theachievements of women of color andyouth who exemplify the legacy setforth by the organization founded byDr. Mary McLeod Bethune in 1935.The Honorable Elbra Wedgeworth

was the keynote speaker who current-ly serves as the Chief Government andCommunity Relations Officer forDenver Health, Colorado’s primaryhealth services institution. Proceeds from the annual Harambee

Brunch provide funding for the DenverSection to continue its mission to lead,develop, and advocate for women ofAfrican descent as they support theirfamilies and communities.Paige Signs Letter of Intent

Rangeview High School seniorguard, Jeremiah Paige, signed hisnational letter of intent to play basket-ball at Colorado State University. Hewas recognized with at a ceremony inRangeview’s Media Center.Paige is one of Colorado’s highest-

rated prospects in the Class of 2014.Last year he averaged nearly 20 pointsper game as well as 4.3 rebounds, 3.6assists and 2.1 steals. He participatedin the Show all-star game featuringColorado’s top 20 players.Jeremiah’s grandfather Larry Paige,

and great uncle, Floyd Kerr both areCSU basketball alumni.

Mayor Hancock Appoints AshleyR. Kilroy as Executive Directorof Marijuana Policy in DenverMayor Michael B. Hancock

announced the appointment of AshleyR. Kilroy as Executive Director ofMarijuana Policy for the City andCounty of Denver. In this position, Kilroy will recom-

mend, administer and implementmedical and retail marijuana policiesfor Denver. She will oversee and coor-dinate all marijuana-related activitiesof various city agencies, employees,boards and commissions.Kilroy is currently serving as interimManager of Safety. She will assumethe full-time position of ExecutiveDirector of Marijuana Policy on Jan. 1when Deputy Chief of Staff StephanieO’Malley becomes Executive Directorof the Department of Safety.Kilroy’s professional background

includes work as an attorney, media-tor and investigator. She has extensiveexperience as a public servant, includ-ing serving as Deputy Manager of theDepartment of Safety, Senior CityAttorney for the City and County ofDenver, Deputy General Counsel forDenver Public Schools, and as anAssistant County Attorney forWashington County. Kilroy is a licensed attorney in the

State of Colorado and received a J.D.with Honors from Tulane UniversityLaw School, New Orleans, Louisiana.Stephanie Y. O’Malley AppointedExecutive Director of theDepartment of SafetyMayor Michael B. Hancock

announced the appointment ofDeputy Chief of Staff Stephanie Y.O’Malley as Executive Director of theDepartment of Safety (formerlyManager of Safety) for the City andCounty of Denver, effective Jan. 1. TheExecutive Director of Safety providescivilian oversight of the Police, Fireand Sheriff’s departments.

As Deputy Chief of Staff to MayorHancock, O’Malley engaged in a hostof matters of public concern on hisbehalf, including direct engagementwith Denver’s Police, Fire, andSheriff’s departments, as well as withthe Office of the Independent Monitor;collective bargaining; M/WBE consid-erations; arts and culture; homeless-ness; business operations; and com-munity engagement.Interim Safety Manager Ashley

Kilroy will continue to serve in thiscapacity until Jan. 1. At that time,Kilroy will return to her previousposition as Deputy Director of theDepartment of Safety.A Denver native, O’Malley grew

up in the City Park West neighbor-hood. She graduated with honorsfrom Howard University inWashington, D.C., with a Bachelor’sdegree in Business Administration.She is a licensed attorney in the Stateof Colorado and received her J.D.from the University of Denver SturmCollege of Law.From 2007-2011, O’Malley served

as Denver’s first elected DenverCounty Clerk and Recorder. As anappointee of former Mayor JohnHickenlooper, O’Malley was Directorof the Department of Excise andLicenses from 2003-2007.Two Coloradoans HonoredBy President Obama asOutstanding TeachersPresident Obama named 102 math-

ematics and science teachers as recipi-ents of the prestigious PresidentialAward for Excellence in Mathematicsand Science Teaching. This year’sawardees represent all 50 states, theDistrict of Columbia, Puerto Rico, andthe Department of Defense EducationActivity. The educators will receivetheir awards at a Washington, DC,event in the coming year.Recognized from Colorado were

Elizabeth Grabois, Denver (Science)and Joan Standefer, Boulder (Math).The Presidential Award for

Excellence in Mathematics and ScienceTeaching is awarded annually to out-standing K-12 science and mathemat-ics teachers from across the country.Winners of this Presidential honor

receive a $10,000 award from theNational Science Foundation to beused at their discretion. They also areinvited to Washington, DC, for anawards ceremony and several days ofeducational and celebratory events,including visits with members ofCongress and the Administration.Nominations for the 2014 PAEMST

are open through April 1, 2014. Formore information about PAEMST,please visit www.paemst.org.


31

HATS OFF TO

The 2013 Harambee honorees pictured are left to right Cleareatha Harris (Salute to Black Women Award), Gerie Grimes (Dr. Mary McLeodBethune Legacy Award) President Elizabeth Lee, Tiara Wilson (Dr. Dorothy I. Height Youth Leadership Award), and Jaida Rollins (Dr. DorothyI. Height Youth Leadership Award).

Urban League PresidentLandri Taylor ResignsAfter restoring the Urban League of

Metropolitan Denver’s foot print backto relevancy over the past fiveyears, Landri Taylor, President of theUrban League of Metropolitan Denver(ULMD), tendered his resignationeffective January 10, 2014. Taylorleaves the ULMD in a much betterplace today than when he arrived onMay 1, 2009. “I’m proud to haveplayed a role in restoring the presenceof one of Denver’s historic civil rightsorganizations. I thank the board andmembers for supporting my servicethese past 5 years.” ULMD boardchair Wayne Vaden thanked Taylorand said “Landri’s professional andpersonal contribution is directlyresponsible for bringing relevanceback to the Urban League ofMetropolitan Denver. The boardthanks him and his family for makingthe ULMD what it is today.” Taylor, who was recently elected to

the DPS Board of Education, plans toreturn to the private sector.About The Urban LeagueThe Urban League of Metropolitan

Denver was established in 1946 andsince that time has worked tirelessly tocreate a level playing field for African

Americans and others of all ethnic andcultural backgrounds who reside inthe greater Denver metropolitan area.Its continuing mission is to assist thosein need with securing a first class edu-cation, achieving economic opportuni-ty, and obtaining equal respect of civilrights by providing exceptional pro-grams and services in a highly diversi-fied city. The National Urban League is a his-

toric civil rights organization dedicatedto economic empowerment in order toelevate the standard of living in histori-cally underserved urban communities.Founded in 1910 and headquartered inNew York City, the National UrbanLeague spearheads the efforts of its localaffiliates through the development ofprograms, public policy research andadvocacy. Today, there are more than100 local affiliates in 36 states and theDistrict of Columbia, providing directservices that impact and improve thelives of more than 2 million peoplenationwide.New Innovation Lab OffersBusiness & Career Training inNE Park HillDesigned to support economic

advancement of the residents ofNortheast Park Hill, the Innovation

Lab will offer individual and small-group career training and small busi-ness development services in the newNancy P. Anschutz Center at 33reAvenue and Holly Street, home to theBoys & Girls Club.Open to the community as of

November, the Innovation Lab offersan array of career and business sup-port services via one-on-one sessions,self-guided skill modules, and groupworkshops. The Innovation Lab isequipped with 14 laptops and meetingspace. In addition to class offerings,the Innovation Lab is a space for com-munity members to utilize as needed– for brainstorming sessions, individ-ual study or meetings.Programs at the Innovation Lab

will focus on four aspects of careerand business training:•Career Planning – résumé and

cover letter writing, job searching,interview preparation•Entrepreneurial Counseling –

starting a business, writing a businessplan, marketing support•Financial Literacy – money man-

agement, budgeting, understandingcredit, saving plans, financial productsand services•Technology Training – computer

navigation skills, internet and email,online research and•Microsoft Office programsThe Innovation Lab was developed

in partnership with the Holly AreaRedevelopment Project (HARP), acoalition of community representa-tives tasked with finding the best useof the Holly Square space to servefamilies in Northeast Park Hill.By offering business and career

training services to all the diversemembers of the Northeast Park Hillcommunity, the Innovation Lab strivesto help families and individualsadvance their economic success, there-by contributing to the health andvibrancy of the neighborhood.The Innovation Lab is operated by

Mi Casa Resource Center, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to help-ing hardworking Denver familiesachieve their economic goals throughcareer training, business developmentservices, afterschool youth programsand supportive services.For more information on the

Innovation Lab, call 303-388-8213. TheInnovation Lab is located at 3399Holly St., Suite 134.Essence MagazineAnnounces 2014 SummerInternship ProgramEssence Communications Inc. hosts

summer interns through the Time Inc.Summer Internship Program. The pro-gram is a 9-week paid learning experi-ence where students will receive on-the-job training that will enhance theireducation and prepare them for afuture career in the media industry. Applicants must have an interest in

media and issues related to African-American women to intern atESSENCE magazine. They are lookingfor students who are diligent, self-motivated and extremely detail-orient-ed to take on various opportunitiesthroughout departments in both thePublishing and Editorial divisions. Interns will receive a bi-weekly

stipend, will be assigned to onedepartment but will be exposed toother areas of the company, and areexpected to find their own housing. Itis suggested that they contact theirschool’s career center for informationon temporary housing in the NewYork City area. They can contact NewYork City area colleges and universi-ties to ask about renting a dormitoryroom for the summer. The deadline to apply is January 31,

and only one application per personwill be considered. For more details and/or to apply for theEssence Summer Internship, visit:www.findinternships.com/2013/10/essence-communications-internship.html

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NEWSVIEWS

Letters,Continued from page 3eliminated Osama bin laden and otherTaliban leadership. He turned around the U.S. auto

industry; eliminated catch-22 in payequality laws; expanded stem cellresearch; expanded health coveragefor children; created recovery.gov, aWebsite run by independent board ofinspectors general looking for fraudand abuse in stimulus spending. These are a few accomplishments

President Obama after five years with-out help from the Republican Party.Today or the past year (2013) the econ-omy has created 2,309,000 jobs. We aremoving in the right direction; thehousing market in on an upturn andunemployment is moving downward. In his weekly address on

November 23, 2013, President Obamasays our economy is moving in theright direction. We have cut ourdeficits by more than half, businesseshave created millions of new jobs, andwe have taken significant steps toreverse our addiction to foreign oiland fix our broken health care system. You consider president Obama’s

performance “abysmal,” your analogyreminds me of the man who had ques-tions regarding the person’s genderthat donated him a heart. Therightwing pundit and Republicans

would rather see the country fail thanthe president save it from destruction.Call it “race card” if you desire, it’s afact; between 1877 and the mid-1960sJim Crow (apartheid) was the name ofthe racial caste system practice in thiscountry. Prior to 1960 most AfricanAmericans could not vote and had vir-tually no access to higher education.Although the civil rights and votingrights acts (1964 and 1965, respective-ly) addressed the legal issues, and leg-islation like the CommunityReinvestment Act opened banking tored-lined areas, programs to eliminatedisparities have proved to not be ade-quate. Every Caucasian benefits from this

– even people who arrived to theUnited States yesterday. Under JimCrow, African Americans were rele-gated to the status of second class citi-zens. Between 1960 and 2009, we elect-ed our first African America president.Oprah did not choose or play the“black race card.” Like Oprah, thepresident and yourself, you aredescendants from Africa (Adam/Eve).

Ted Moore Denver

Snow Buddy Program NeedsMore Buddies For SeniorsEditor:I am writing you today to tell you

about the Snow Buddy Program in theDenver Metro area and our need formore volunteers. The Snow BuddyProgram serves limited-income sen-iors who are 60 or over. The programshovels sidewalks and walkways aftertwo or more inches of snow for sen-iors who are unable to do so for them-selves and cannot afford to hire snowremoval companies. The mission ofthis program is to keep seniors safeand prevent falls during the icy wintermonths. Additionally, the programhelps seniors avoid the costly cityfines that accrue because of theirinability to shovel the sidewalks. Thisservice is offered to seniors free ofcost. Last year, we served 76 seniors infive counties with this program. The Snow Buddy Program goes

beyond shoveling. Our volunteersoften visit with the seniors to makesure they are doing well. Most of theseniors on our program live alone andsome feel isolated because they are notable to get out of the house often; hav-ing interactions with their “snow bud-dies” can really brighten their days.Volunteers also report any concernsback to Volunteers of America, whichcan offer other services, like the Safety

of Seniors Handyman Program andMeals on Wheels. The Snow BuddyProgram, put simply, is helping sen-iors remain living independently intheir homes longer by preventing dan-gerous falls during the winter andproviding supportive services. The Snow Buddy Program relies on

volunteers in order to help the seniorsin the community; without volunteers,the program would not exist. Thereare many seniors who need assistanceshoveling this winter. So, the SnowBuddy Program is looking for volun-teers in the following areas:Montbello, Park Hill, Five Points,Southwest Denver (80219 zip code –Westwood neighborhood in particu-lar), Littleton (around Santa Fe), SouthCommerce City, and Federal Heights.Volunteering can be done individuallyor as a family.If you are interested in volunteer-

ing, contact the Snow Buddy Programat 720-264-3379 or [email protected] or visit ourwebsite at www.voacolorado.org/. You will be matched with a senior

who needs help and lives within twomiles of your home for the remainderof the winter season.

Amelia Sidinger Program CoordinatorSnow Buddy Program Volunteers of America


33

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