DUS June 2014

My Dad:My Dad: Denver’s ‘Godfather of Jazz’George Morrison, Jr. Reflects on George Morrison, Sr....4

Father’s Day:Father’s Day: Saying Goodbye To Two Fathers...8, 9; and Honoring Ten...17-20

Juneteenth:Juneteenth: Explore your roots and find your bones...10Black Music MonthBlack Music Month :: Entertainment On The Horizon...30, 31

Volume 28 Number 3 June 2014

Photo courtesy of the Morrison family

EXCELLENT CARE TODAYLEADS TO HEALTHIERTOMORROWS.

Kaiser Permanente is committed to providing excellent care today, which leads to healthier tomorrows.From cancer and cardiology to high blood pressure and stroke, the excellent care we provide for these

conditions and others leads to better outcomes for our patients.

From generation to generation to generation...

“I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don’t do things half-heartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results.”

– NBA Legend Michael Jordan

This month’s issue is packed with people who have put in the work. Annually, in the month of June, we celebrate Black Music Month, Father’s Day and Juneteenth. This year, June also

happens to be the month the Denver Urban Spectrum is holding its anniversary celebration and recognizing the monumen-tal work of 10 African American fathers from a broad range of careers. On June 15, the DUS program “Men of Distinction,Fathers of Wisdom” will honor their full-court press. This month George Morrison, Jr. is celebrating his 89th birthday and 66th wedding anniversary with his wife, Marjorie. In

our cover issue Morrison, Jr. reflects on his life as the son of “Denver’s Godfather of Jazz” and how his father, a worldrenowned violinist and orchestra leader, helped him set the tone for his life. As we see with social media, there’s no bettercompliment or awareness of something than to share the story again and again. While many Denver natives know theMorrison family’s story, we are proud to tell it again. The younger generations might learn something new while the oldergenerations will hopefully delight in a jazzy stroll down memory lane. In this issue our contributing writer LisaMarie Martinez shines the spotlight on Denver’s musical talent. Contributing

writer Charles Emmons explores the mission of Diaspora Mining Company to build profitable relationships between theAfrican American community in the U.S. and the African community in Africa. Columnists Wanda James and Dr. AbayomiMeeks give us insight into relevant medical issues. Lest we forget, we’ve also included a ‘Public Sale of Negroes” docu-ment (p.30) to remind us of the world Juneteenth sought to banish. When the work is all said and done, it is sometimes easy to say our heroes, legends and role models faced no obsta-

cles in meeting their successes because they made it look so easy. Booker T. Washington said it best: “Success is to bemeasured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while tryingto succeed.” And on that note, we dedicate this issue to two heroes, legends, role models and also fathers: Dr. Vincent Harding who

shared a tender heart through many battles and Cornelius Ernest Jones, Sr., who earned two BronzeStars while serving in the U.S. Army, receiving them 61 years later on May 15, passing two days later.

.Angelia D. McGowanManaging Editor

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

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

3

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Donald Sterling UnrobedEditor:It’s funny how history always finds

a way of repeating itself, déjà vu isalways present. By now everyone has seen or heard

the racist rants by NBA’s team ownerDonald Sterling. Here is a man whocontinues to feel as if he’s done noth-ing wrong and the minute he tries toapologize, his foot returns to hismouth. His comments to his girlfriendabout stop bringing those Black peo-ple to my games and stop postingthose photos for everyone to see werenot as shocking as some might think.Long before Sterling there was thisugly word called “slavery” and we allknow that history too well. Sterlingnot only feels as if he’s a plantationowner but this falls into many uglymemories of the past. (I will comeback to that in a few.) Let’s talk about Sterling’s mistreat-

ment of Blacks and Latinos by refus-ing to rent to brown skin people fromhis many apartment buildings andhow he made comments that “theysmell.” Not to mention his rant aboutMagic Johnson, one of the best NBAplayers of all time, who has went fromthe hardwood to the boardroom withhuge successes setting up businesses

and employing many people of coloracross the country. Twenty years ago I did an editorial

for the Urban Spectrum on MagicJohnson and how he battled the HIVvirus and remained positive. Johnsonhas become a role model to many nomatter how your see it. Sterling, inmany ways, confirms so much ofwhat many have said about the oldslave master. Sterling is a man thatwas sued by his team’s Black generalmanager for age discriminationregarding his pay. Can you say, “laborwith low pay or no pay,” slave ownermentality? Let’s not forget his girlfriend of

Black and Latina heritage, a womanthat basically serves as his “lust inter-est.” Yes she received gifts for herservices so to speak, but let’s dig just alittle deeper. It’s a lust that many topcorperate bosses maintain to this dayand when the brown skin sister refus-es to play that game she’s no longerperforming her duties well at the joband is let go. That reminds me ofRapper Ice Cube’s classic song“Horny Little Devil” which is self-explanatory. Once again it’s the slaveowner’s mentality of “trying to get ataste of the chocolate.”Lastly, let’s remember Sterling’s

comment to his bi-racial brown-skin

girlfriend: “You’re supposed to bewalking around as a proud white orLatina woman.” Now he wants her totry and pass for anything other thanBlack. Sterling might as well havesaid, “Do the Tiger Woods thing – justnever admit to being Black.” History has its way of repeating itself

and to hear Sterling go on and on withhis racist rants is a constant reminderthat he’s not the only owner or CEOthat feels this way. Sterling just hap-pened to have his white hood removedso we could confirm all doubt.

Dex HopesDenver, CO

Denver Urban SpectrumDepartment E-mail Addresses

Denver Urban [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected] & Information

[email protected] & Marketing

[email protected] & Design

[email protected] & Circulation

[email protected]

PUBLISHERRosalind J. Harris

GENERAL MANAGERLawrence A. James

MANAGING EDITORAngelia D. McGowan

CONTRIBUTING COPY EDITORTanya Ishikawa

COLUMNISTSWanda James

Dr. Abayomi Meeks

FILM and BOOK CRITICKam WilliamsBlackFlix

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSCharles EmmonsLisaMarie MartinezAngelia D. McGowan

ART DIRECTORBee Harris

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTCecile Perrin

GRAPHIC DESIGNERLorenzo Dawkins - Intern

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSLens of Ansar

Sweetz Photography

ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANTRobin James

DISTRIBUTIONGlen Barnes

Lawrence A. JamesEd Lynch

Volume 28 Number 3 June 2014

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 the Web site atwww.denverurbanspectrum.com.

Today, Five Points’ African-American heritage is celebrated by theBlack American West Museum andHeritage Center, the Cleo ParkerRobinson Dance Ensemble, as well asthe Blair-Caldwell African AmericanResearch Library. A number ofAfrican-American churches and busi-nesses are still landmarks in the com-munity. According to the Five PointsBusiness District, Denver’s Juneteenthand Five Points Jazz Festival drawsmore than 50,000 people every year.A history lesson is automatic after a

visit to Denver’s historic Five Points’neighborhood, widely recognized asthe “Harlem of the West” due to itslong jazz history. The cultural historicdistrict was the first predominantlyAfrican American neighborhood inDenver, and in the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s,was home to more than 50 bars andclubs, including the Rossonian Hotel,constructed in 1912 as the BaxterHotel. With a name change in 1929and the establishment of theRossonian Lounge, the hotel becameone of the most important jazz clubsbetween St. Louis and Los Angeles. The likes of Billie Holiday, Duke

Ellington, Louis Armstrong, MilesDavis, Muddy Waters, Nat King Cole,Brook Benton, James Brown, RayCharles, and Fats Domino often stagedshows at the Rossonian after they fin-ished their scheduled performances atthe Denver hotels that refused themlodging due to the racial segregationexisting at the time. These music leg-ends regularly stayed at the home ofclassically trained violinist and orches-tra leader, George Morrison, Sr. –Denver’s Godfather of Jazz. After the Denver Symphony turned

him down because of the color of his

skin, Morrison – whosefather Clark Morrisonwas a champion fiddler

in Missouri – created his own orches-tra featuring such members as JimmyLunceford, Andy Kirk and vocalistHattie McDaniel. She would laterbecome the first African American towin an Oscar for her role as Mammyin the movie, Gone With The Wind.In the 2001 fall issue of American

Legacy, an article called “The WomanWho Was Mammy” by Dibir L.Beavers states, “Her big break came in1920 (she was 25), when ‘Professor’George Morrison, one of Denver’smost popular black musicians, hiredher as a featured performer with histraveling “Melody Hounds.”The history lesson grows even more

legendary when people who were thererecall the power of those times.Remnants of a LessonGeorge Morrison, Jr., 89, was about

six years old when he started practicingthe violin under the direction of hisfather, George Morrison Sr. Like anysix-year-old boy in the world, he alsowanted to simply play. Though he hada legend in a teacher, the window in theroom where he practiced overlooked anopen lot where the neighborhood kidsplayed (without him). He played hisviolin, but sometimes with tears in hiseyes he remembers. In hindsight, Morrison Jr. says, “I

appreciate he was that strict. It paidoff in the later years. Music itself is adiscipline. It has helped in developingthe power of recall, power of memo-rization and aesthetics. It opened thedoor for many people especiallyyoung people. It has been inspira-tional and it has helped to increasecommunication.”Because of their dad, he and his sis-

ter, Marian, had many opportunitiesto meet some of America’s best jazzmusicians since these musicians visit-ed or stayed with them during theirshows in Denver. They were also ableto attend the shows.At their father’s request, both

trained in classical music through theircollege years. Morrison Jr. says, “Mydad insisted that my sister major in

music and told me to minor in music.The fall back for my sister was to teach. Imajored in physical education.”He says his father let him know that

the life of the big bands was coming toan end and being replaced with smallercombos and trios, consequently it wouldbe harder for musicians to find work.He instructed him to get into anotherarea to make another livelihood and usemusic as his background. The junior Morrison is a graduate

of Manual High School and theUniversity of Denver undergraduateand graduate programs. The GI Billfrom his military service in WorldWar II helped to pay for his education.Like his father, early in his career, heran into obstacles pursuing his careerbecause of the times. He was denied ateaching career in Denver PublicSchools because of quotas. He recallsthe human resources office saying,“We’ve already hired what we canhire for minorities.”And like his father, who created his

own rhythm in the music industry,Morrison Jr. continued in his preferredfield, but in another state. During histhree years at Paul Quinn College inWaco, Texas, he served as head of thePhysical Education and RecreationDepartment, assistant football coach,head basketball coach and dean ofmen – all at the same time at onepoint. He eventual was hired atDenver Public Schools (DPS) as ateacher and administrator from 1953to 1971, and as district administrativedirector for secondary education from1971-1989 when he retired.

The son of Denver’s Godfather ofJazz became one of the first AfricanAmerican elementary school principalsin DPS. A community and human rightsactivist, in 1969 he later was appointedby Gov. John Love to the Colorado CivilRights Commission, holding both chairand vice chair positions. Morrison alsofounded the Denver All Stars TrackTeam in the 1950s and was inductedinto the DPS Athletic DepartmentCoaches Hall of Fame.His tenacity to excel and make a

difference in his community was nodoubt instilled by his father, who diedof cancer at age 83 in 1974. He leftmemories of enjoyable times, goodmusic and a positive reputationamong professional musicians. In1940, Downbeat magazine named him“The Best Musician West of K.C.” Hislife has been recognized by the RockyMountain News, Denver Post, DenverWeekly News, and Variety magazine, toname a few. The elder Morrison also left a lega-

cy as a man actively committed to theaffairs of his community. He hadplayed his violin (along with his son)for Shorter African MethodistEpiscopal Church’s Sunday morningservices, helped establish and raisemoney for the Glenarm Branch of theYMCA, co-founded the BlackMusicians Local No. 20-623 to helpBlack musicians achieve fair wagesand hours, tutored children in stringinstruments in the public schools, andsupported Denver’s CosmopolitanClub, whose motto was “HumanityAbove Race, Nationality, or Creed.”That’s only a sampling.

Continued on page 6Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – June 2014

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George Morrison Jr. Reflects on His Jaz zy His t o ryBy Angelia D. McGowan

Photos courtesy of the Morrison family

George Morrison Jr., with daughters Vicki, Trudi and wife Marjorie Morrison

George Morrison Sr. and Jr.

George Morrison Jr.,

DPS to Partner withMSU and CU Denver toInvest in AspiringTeachers’ EducationThe Denver Public Schools (DPS) is

forging a groundbreaking partnershipwith two local universities to invest inaspiring teachers’ education whilethey are still earning an undergradu-ate teaching degree. College seniors atMetropolitan State University atDenver and the University ofColorado Denver who are workingtoward a bachelor’s degree and teach-ing license will have the opportunityto become student teacher residents ina DPS school for a full year under thementorship of a master teacher. Thisgreatly strengthens the practical learn-ing experience for aspiring teachers intheir final year as an undergraduate.The partnership will present anopportunity for student teachers towork directly with a veteran DPSteacher for the year, receiving criticalsupport, mentorship and feedbackduring their senior year of collegebefore becoming a first year teacher.The program, called the Denver

Student Teacher Residency (STR), willbe the first program of its kind in anycity in America that DPS is aware of tounite a school system and universitypartners to provide this type of inten-sive residency experience for studentsin their final year of college. The aimsof STR will be to better support andtrain new teachers in an effort to betterprepare them for DPS classrooms,leading to more successful new teach-ers and increased teacher retention.After their year of the residency, stu-dent teachers will graduate from collegeand receive priority hiring status for afull-time job in the Denver PublicSchools. By offering a full-year opportu-nity in a single classroom with a pairedmentor teacher, the STR will offer alonger, more sustained, and morefocused learning opportunity than tradi-tional student teaching opportunities.“Teaching is a very complex and

challenging – and very rewarding –job. The better we can prepare aspir-ing teachers with real-world, actualclassroom teaching experience, men-tored by a carefully selected masterteacher, the more successful newteachers will be,” said DPSSuperintendent Tom Boasberg. “I amvery grateful to Metropolitan StateUniversity and CU Denver for partner-ing with us to develop and grow thisinnovative approach and to the RoseCommunity Foundation for its generoussupport to launch the program.”“This program will provide us with

a unique opportunity to work hand-

in-hand with our university partnersto ‘grow our own’ within the contextof our diverse classrooms so that wecan meet our shared goals for studentgrowth and learning,” Boasbergadded. “With 50 percent of new teach-ers exiting the teaching professionwithin their first five years, we mustincrease our focus on teacher prepara-tion and retention. By being so muchbetter prepared, I believe our first-yearteachers will find more success and joyduring those critical first years of teach-ing and stay longer in the profession.”STR is modeled after the proven

success of Denver Teacher Residency,a program that provides a pipeline forprofessionals in other industries topursue a career in teaching whileearning a master’s degree from theUniversity of Denver. Through DTR,the Denver Public Schools has hired205 teachers to teach in hard-to-fillteaching positions such as math, spe-cial education and English-languageacquisition. The program, in its fourthyear, has demonstrated strong results,with DTR teachers outperforming

novice teachers year-over-year, which iswhy DPS believes this format forteacher preparation will have a positiveimpact on the success of college stu-dents preparing to become teachers.“The first year as a teacher is one

of the most challenging stages in aneducator’s career,” said Joel Leavins,former DTR participant and currentteacher at McMeen Elementary.“Given how much DTR benefitted meas a new teacher, I think that havingthis kind of additional support andmentorship during the critical collegeyears is a tremendous opportunity tohelp to ensure a smoother transitionfor our new teachers.”Once new teachers are hired at

DPS, they experience a variety of sup-ports, from mentoring and profession-al learning courses to classroom obser-vations and feedback, that help themlearn to engage students, deliver chal-lenging content and tailor instructionfor diverse learners so that theyachieve their full potential as effectiveteachers.“We are pleased to partner with

DPS in this innovative new program,which we see as an opportunity toprovide focus in preparing teachersfor success in urban schools. Schoolswhere the majority of MSU Denverstudents have graduated from,” saidDr. Stephen M. Jordan, president ofMSU Denver. “As the largest graduate school of

education in Colorado, CU Denver’sSchool of Education & HumanDevelopment (SEHD) looks forwardto expanding the options available toour undergraduates through theStudent Teacher Residency with DPS,”said Rebecca Kantor, dean of theschool. “This new venture will signifi-cantly enhance our rich 20-plus yearhistory of partnering with DPS to pre-pare exceptional urban teachers. It willallow our candidates to be immersedin strong DPS classrooms for evenmore time, gain their added endorse-ment in linguistically diverse educa-tion, and it will allow SEHD to moredeeply partner with district leadersaround the development of curricu-lum that is context-specific to DPS.”�


5

George Morrison, Jr.Continued from page 4More than 50 people were listed as

his honorary pall bearers in his funeralprogram.Back In The DayI wouldn’t mind being 80 again,”

says Morrison Jr., recalling his age in2005 when he was honored with sev-eral awards for his accomplishmentsas a musician and educator by suchorganizations as the Colorado BlackRound Table and Shorter AMEChurch. He received the “Men-istry”Award at the Male Choir 15th AnnualConcert at the church where he playedfor 48 years until his hearing starteddeteriorating. That year, his family held a sur-

prise birthday party for him withabout 80 of his closest friends. Also in2005, the city rededicated GeorgeMorrison Sr. Park at Gilpin andMartin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The Right Life-Long ComboThe recognitions extend to

Marjorie, his wife of 66 years. Earlierthis year, in honor of Dr. MartinLuther King Day, the CommunityCollege of Denver presented a “Saluteto Living Legends George andMarjorie Morrison.” The honor is aformal recognition of Denver residentswho have contributed to the Denvercommunity, are committed to equality

forall people, and havechampioned diversity inthe workplace, in educa-tion, in government andin the neighborhoods. Marjorie has no

musical inclinations,but she has had a lifefilled with “firsts.” Shewas the first AfricanAmerican stenogra-pher for the ColoradoState Senate; the firstAfrican Americanmayoral appointee in1955 when MayorW.F. Nicholsonnamed her to his secre-tarial staff. As Republican district cap-tain for the Park Hill neighborhood in1960, Marjorie was able to recruit fed-eral employees to serve as electionjudges, thereby integrating pollingplaces in the city. As crew leader forthe 1960 census, Marjorie recruited

and trained herteam, creating theonly AfricanAmerican team ofcensus takers inDenver.She is responsi-

ble for two AfricanAmerican’s beinghonored in the 1959city wide centennialcelebration and in1971 she wasappointed by thegovernor to a sevenyear term on theSecond JudicialNominatingCommission.During that timeshe encouraged

African American attorneys to applyfor judgeships resulting in theappointments of the first AfricanAmerican Juvenile Court Judge andthe first African American SupremeCourt Justice. Marjorie served sixDenver mayoral administrations from1947 to 1987.Between the two of them they’ve

received recognition for either theirbirthday or their wedding anniver-saries from three U.S. presidents. Music and EducationIn April, the president and CEO of

Westerra Credit Union (formerlyDenver Public Schools Credit Union)informed Morrison Jr. that the creditunion had recently rededicated theGeorge Morrison, Jr. CommunityRoom on the fourth floor of its CherryCreek building. He served more thanfive years as chair of the board ofdirectors. The letter from C. AlanPeppers states, “You have truly madea remarkable difference in the lives ofso many of our members.”His commitment to the members of

the union demonstrates his sensitivityto all corners of education.An advocate for education and a

lover of music, Morrison Jr. is disap-pointed with today’s environment forAfrican Americans in the school sys-tem. “My family was very, veryemphatic about education,” he says.“They wanted all of their children toget an education. And they providedevery means for our education.”“Unfortunately, we don’t have

enough black males getting into edu-

cation. It’s really hurting our kids.They don’t have role models takingup for them and guiding them. It’s atravesty,” he says. He admits thatpost-segregation a lot of other fieldsthat are more lucrative have openedup for African Americans, but believesthere’s so much potential to do goodin the education system, and adds thatmusic should be a strong component. “We have to get music back into

public school,” he says. “So many stu-dents have innate musical talent; andif not recognized early, it goes towaste.”Setting the ToneThe legacy of music continues in

the family. His eldest daughter VickiMorrison-Sloan, who began studyingthe piano at five years old, says, “Eventhough I have personal preferences inmusic, I was exposed to all genres ofmusic and learned to listen to andappreciate all kinds of music becausemusic is the universal language. If Ilearn to respect and appreciate themusic of many cultures, then I wouldalso learn to respect and appreciatepeople of many cultures.His youngest daughter Trudi

Morrison began playing piano andbass string around four and earned ascholarship to Colorado StateUniversity for her string expertise. Sheearned her bachelor’s in psychologyfrom CSU, a law degree from GeorgeWashington University, a master’sand Ph.D. from the University ofMichigan.Trudi, who has just retired, says, “I

found it extremely helpful to know thefamily history because it made mestrive for excellence in all things. Thatcatapulted me to serve in top post inall three branches of the national gov-ernment, including the White House. Vicki at one point tried to learn the

violin. “They, my father and grandfa-ther, would make it look so good andsound so good. I played the violin forone year, and realized I was not doingit right, and I did not want to embar-rass the family,” says Vicki, also thevocalist in the family. “I took lessonsat elementary school and my grandfa-ther taught me private lessons. I thinkhe was relieved when I put the violindown.”She is proud of the family history,

which has been documented in thebook “Colorado Families: A TerritorialHeritage,” and says that “family tradi-tions included setting high expectationto succeed in life and to make a posi-tive difference to somebody else alongthe way.”When the Morrison’s only great

grandchild Gavin comes to visit andstarts banging on the piano, Marjoriesays, “Sometimes, it actually soundslike something.”In this family, it probably is. �

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6

The historical political service offormer Denver Mayor WellingtonWebb and his wife of 44 years, formerColorado State Representative WilmaWebb, will be recognized in itemsaccepted by the new Smithsonian

National Museum of AfricanAmerican History and Culture inWashington, D.C.Smithsonian officials have

announced that the 28-piece collectiondonated by the couple includesWellington Webb’s famed tennis shoesthat he wore when campaigning in1991 for his first term as mayor.Considered a long-shot in the polls, hecaptured voters’ attention by walkingeach segment of the city and the cou-

ple’s staying overnight in residents’homes. Also donated are yard signsand other items from the campaign.He won a run-off election in 1991 andbecame the city’s first AfricanAmerican mayor. He served threeterms until 2003.Wilma Webb, who served in the

Colorado House of Representativesfrom 1980-1993, donated an historicphotograph of her with Coretta ScottKing, widow of Dr. Martin Luther

King, Jr. The photograph was taken inthe Colorado State Capitol HouseChambers as Rep. Wilma Webb ledthe intensive effort to pass the KingHoliday in Colorado and nationally.She also donated the pen presented toher by Gov. Richard D. Lamm wherehe penned the final stroke when hesigned into law in 1984 House Bill1201 - sponsored by Rep. Webb –which officially created Martin LutherKing, Jr. Day in Colorado.

They also donated historic pro-grams by Wilma Webb, of the I”Have A Dream” Dr. Martin LutherKing, Jr., sculpture created by DenverSculptor Ed Dwight and unveiled in2003 in Denver’s City Park.

The couple has initially donated 14items each to reflect their public serv-ice in Denver and Colorado.Construction of the new

Smithsonian museum on the Mallbegan in 2012 and is scheduled toopen in 2015. Exhibits celebrating thehistory of African Americans in theUnited States are now currently at agallery in the Nature Museum ofAmerican History on the Mall. �


7

Denver Water make a difference in our community.

Denver Water is committed to supporting a workforce culture of acceptance, diversity, leadership and community support.

Mike Peden, warehouse worker Patricia Williams, executive office manager for CEO Karintha Ragland, customer care specialist

We honor employees who contribute to our values and help Denver Water make a difference in our community.

We also congratulate the Men of Distinction, Fathers of Wisdom honorees:Geta Asfaw, Charles Burrell, Jess DuBois, Ed Dwight, Herman Malone, Lawrence Pierre, Roland “Fatty” Taylor, Lu Vason, James “Dr. Daddio” Walker and the Honorable Wellington E. Webb

Smithsonian Accepts Former DenverSmithsonian Accepts Former DenverMayor and First Lady Political ItemsMayor and First Lady Political Items

The Iliff School of Theologymourns the death of Dr. Vincent

Gordon Harding, professor emeritus

of religion and social transformation,

civil rights activist, author, co-founder

of the Veterans of Hope Project,

engaged citizen, and commentator.

Harding died May 19 at the age of 82

as the result of a carotid artery

aneurysm in Philadelphia, PA.“We will greatly miss our brother

Vincent and the wisdom he sharedwith us. His life-giving work of help-ing others to find their voice whenthey thought it impossible was a giftto generations of Americans and manyabroad,” said Thomas V. Wolfe, presi-dent and chief executive officer. “Wehave not only lost a friend andteacher, but a life giver to shaping themovement of history. We are thankfulthat his work lives on in the manylives he touched. His inspirationalvoice lives on in all of us.”Harding, born in Harlem in New

York City in 1931, was educated atCity College of New York, ColumbiaUniversity, and the University ofChicago. He began his life’s work as amember of the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 and as a pastor in Chicago from1955-1961. From 1961-1965, Hardingwas a representative to the SouthernFreedom Movement from theMennonite Service Committee.Working with his first wife, the lateRosemarie Freeney Harding, he wasbased in Atlanta, Georgia, where theHardings worked with the Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. and the move-ment as a civil rights teacher/activistand negotiator in South Carolina,North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia,Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Harding assisted King in many ways,but most notably in the writing ofKing’s 1967 “Beyond Vietnam: A Timeto Break Silence” the well-knownspeech against the Vietnam War deliv-ered just one year to the day beforeKing was assassinated. While in Atlanta, Harding later

served as the first director of theMartin Luther King Jr. MemorialCenter in 1968 and one year laterestablished and directed the Instituteof the Black World. The Hardings’ alsoco-founded Mennonite House, aninterracial voluntary service centerand movement gathering place.Throughout the 1960s they traveledthe South as reconcilers, counselorsand participants assisting the antiseg-regation campaigns of the SouthernChristian Leadership Conference, TheStudent Nonviolent CoordinatingCommittee, the Congress of Racial

Equality and many others. Professor Harding joined the Iliff fac-

ulty in 1981 as professor of religion andsocial transformation where he retired2004, but remained actively teachingand sharing his knowledge until hisdeath. Harding also served as a visitingfaculty member or distinguished lectur-er at many colleges throughout the U.S.,including: Drew University, SpelmanCollege, Swarthmore College, TempleUniversity, University of Pennsylvania,the Moton Center for IndependentStudies, Duke University, and thePendle Hill Study Center. As the co-founder of the Veterans

of Hope Project in 1997, Harding andhis late wife, Rosemarie, began a mul-tifaceted educational initiative on reli-gion, culture and participatory democ-racy. Through a video interview seriesand a comprehensive curriculum, theproject emphasizes workshops and

training in compassionate leadershipdevelopment in addition to a publicsymposium series. Along with his present wife, Aljosie

Aldrich Harding, he was one of thefounding members of the NationalCouncil of Elders, an organizationfocused on sharing the wisdom of eld-ers with younger social activists. Theyworked as a team in organizing hisextended visit to Morehouse Collegewhere he served as Martin LutherKing, Jr. Collection Scholar inResidence in 2012. This residencyinvolved bringing a diverse cadre ofrenowned scholars and activists to thecampus and facilitating a dialoguebetween them, Morehouse studentsand the larger community. Dr. andMrs. Harding served as peacemakerswith the Dorothy Cotton Institute,traveling to Palestine/Israel in 2012 toencourage and discover ways ofbringing peace in the Middle East.Professor Harding was the author,

co-author, or editor of more than 20books and thousands of articles. Hismost noted works include, “There is aRiver: The Black Struggle for Freedomin America,” “Martin Luther King:The Inconvenient Hero, Hope” and“History: Why We Must Share theStory of the Movement,” and“America Will Be.” Harding is survived by his wife,

Aljosie, daughter, Rachel and son,Jonathan. A memorial service is cur-rently being planned. Messages ofcondolence can be sent to: TheHarding Family, c/o The Veterans ofHope Project at The Iliff School ofTheology, 2201 S. University Blvd.,Denver, Colorado 80210. �Editor’s note: In lieu of flowers the familyasks that contributions be made to TheVeterans of Hope Project at The Iliff Schoolof Theology, 2201 S. University Blvd.,Denver, Colorado 80210 or online athttp://www.veteransofhope.org/funders/.


8

Iliff School of Theology Mourns Loss of

Dr.Vincent HardingCivil Rights Activist, Emeritus Professor of Religion & Social Transformation,Co-Founder of the Veterans of Hope Project,

Author, Engaged Citizen & Commentator

By Greta Gloven


9

Celebrating the Life of

Cornelius Ernest Jones, Sr. (also known as Neil), was born on December 30, 1928 to Ernest and Annie Jones in Newark, New Jersey. He attended NewarkPublic Schools and graduated from Central High School

Neil was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 where he fought in the Korean War as a member of the last segregated anti-aircraft battalion.He served honorably, earning two Bronze Stars and a United Nations Medal in 1953, for his distinguished service. His service in the army motivated himfor the desire to relate to and connect with people of other cultures. His father always taught him about his heritage and to take pride in being a Blackman. Through stories of his experiences in Korea, Neil passed on the values he gained from his service in the army to his children and grandchildren.

Following his service in the army, Neil went to work for the United States Post Office as a letter carrier. He enjoyed his job because it provided him theopportunity to interact with people. He got to know the people along his route; often stopping for coffee or a snack and conversation. He retired after33 years.

Loved by many, Neil was known for his engaging smile, charm, quick wit and charisma. He loved people and people loved him. His “young at heart”persona allowed him to connect with people of all ages. He conveyed his enjoyment in “living” life to the fullest through his actions. He was a family man!Neil had a deep love for his family, preferring to spend time with them more than anything else. He enjoyed taking his family on outings to parades, foot-ball games, roller skating, the Golden Gloves boxing matches, picnics, and above all else – the beach.

Neil also enjoyed singing, reading and reciting poetry, taking pictures, fishing, watching westerns, ballroom dancing and storytelling. He entertainedchildren and adults with stories of his life growing up, his day at work, his time in Korea, and the antics of his children. He embellished real life experi-ences, making them interesting and generally funny.

Neil believed in the adage “it takes a village to raise a child” and was the father figure in many lives. He opened his heart and home to anyone whowas in need.

He taught his children to appreciate music beyond the contemporary artists; exposing them to Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Ella Fitzgerald, DukeEllington, and the music of Porgy and Bess. Weekend house cleaning chores were made fun when he sang the songs of his favorite musicians or thosefrom Porgy and Bess, often with animation. He taught his daughters ballroom dancing to counter the influence of contemporary dances like the Twist.

Neil enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, especially breakfast with pancakes and fried whiting. Food was an important part of his daily routine.Even though he lived alone he always cooked a full breakfast and dinner. He loved meticulously organizing his cupboards and freezer making it easy toplan his meals frequently talking about what he was going to eat. Neil specifically ordered his last supper – liver with gravy and onions, rice, succotash,cornbread and a root beer soda to wash it down.

He was a humble man. When talking about his time in Korea he often said “I didn’t do anything much but I was supposed to get three medals.” Hespoke more about the Korean people and their plight, as well as his army buddies than the medals or honors. It wasn’t until his stay at The Denver HospiceCenter where he met Chaplain Brian Tidd that the significance of his service in Korea was fully understood by his children and grandchildren. After hear-ing the stories about his service in Korea, Chaplain Tidd was determined to ensure that he received any medals and honors he earned. On Thursday, May15, 2014 Chaplain Brian Tidd, on behalf of President Barack Obama, formally presented Neil with two bronze stars and a United Nations medal, 61 yearsafter they were awarded to him. Although he was unable to keep his eyes open or speak, Neil raised his hand slightly and whispered “thank you.”

He never thought he’d live to see a Black man become president and was so proud of Barack Obama that he donned his Obama hat continually throughboth elections and during his last days back and forth to the doctor’s office. It was befitting that his bronze stars and medals were presented on behalfof the first African American president, Barack Obama, even though 61 years after they were earned.

Neil was preceded in death by his wife, LaVerne Jones; second wife, Joyce Jones; parents, Ernest and Annie Jones; sister, Dolores Mackey; and broth-er, James Atkins.

He is also survived by three children: Vivian (Floyd) Kerr; Norma (Larry) Paige; Cornelius (Maria) Jones, Jr; 13 grandchildren: Yusuf, Samir, and JionniPaige, Kimberley Kerr, Tasha, Dominique and Cameron Jones; Detricia Knight, Joyce, Yvonne and Mel Whitehead; John, Jr. and Rashaad Clark; 19 great-

grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Cornelius Ernest Jones, Sr.

Sunrise December 30, 1928-Sunset May 17, 2014

Juneteenth is a significant cele-bration in the African American com-munity. And Denver has had one ofthe largest festivals on Welton Streetin the heart of the Five Points commu-nity for many years. The importanceof Blacks enslaved in Texas learningof their freedom three years after theEmancipation Proclamation is not lost. Our struggle for independence con-

tinues. Reconstruction provided limit-ed opportunities for Blacks; Jim Crowlaws in both the North and the Southwere an impediment to progress. Wegained limited equality in education,employment and public accommoda-tion, but it was nearly 100 years afterslaves learned of their freedom thatwe gained civil rights and votingrights. In 2008, the first AfricanAmerican president was voted intooffice. Progress through a lot of pain,but are we really independent?For some, independence comes

with financial freedom. Mediamoguls, entertainers, sports figures,and entrepreneurs are the most promi-nent examples of the accumulation ofwealth. As a society, we are enamoredwith celebrity, but African Americans

are significantly behind in wealthaccumulation. Our brethren on thecontinent of Africa are in the same sit-uation. African countries have thrownoff colonialism, but centuries ofresource depletion have not benefitedthem.

The struggle for economic freedomis the commonality between Africansand African Americans. Entrepreneurand businessman Leonard “Len”Murray sees African Americans asbeing more connected to Africa thandisconnected. Murray is the president

of Diaspora Mining Company, andhas been working in Africa for morethan a decade. In the time spent there,he has built strong business and politi-cal relationships. Murray considershimself Afro-centric, low key anddriven. He is also disturbed by anoticeable absence of AfricanAmerican businesses in Sub-SaharanAfrica; especially with the availabilityof tremendous business and socialopportunities. Murray recently gained status to

allow him to facilitate tremendousopportunities in West Africa. He wasappointed Economic Operator andConsultant for the Republic of Guinea.Ambassador Secretary General ofGuinea Gaoussou Toure, signed andpresented a Guinea diplomatic pass-port to Murray, along with representa-tional citizenship. This passport allowsMurray to travel throughout Africa,and other countries without need forvisas, as an official representingGuineaGuinea is like many other African

countries; much of the population hasre-located to urban centers. “Justimagine being in any city or countrywhere 99 percent of the populationlooks like you. The market is huge,”says Murray. “In every capital citythere are, at least, one million Blackpeople, but lack African American


10

Finding Your BonesBy Charles Emmons

Left to right: Official Guinea Representative Leonard “Len” Murray, Ambassador Secretary General of GuineaGaoussou Toure and Moulaye Haidara, Guinea Ambassador to the Philippians

businesses or consultants.” Murraybelieves business can be facilitatedwith Africans in anything from autoparts to construction to engineeringand infrastructure development.“Africans want to work with AfricanAmericans,” says Murray, who haspositioned himself to assist bothAfrican American and African busi-nesses with entrepreneurs who havethe desire to become internationalbusinesses. Mining and curiosity was his entree

into Africa says Murray who has beenwarmly welcomed as an AfricanAmerican. Over the years, Murray hasearned a reputation for being account-able and getting things done. Murrayis closely associated with businesspeople, and high level politicians inGuinea, Sierra Leone, Benin, BurkinaFaso, Senegal and Mali. Early on, hewas mentored in African culture andthe correct way of doing business onthe continent. Murray says he needs tobe accountable to Denver and expectsto include businesses, institutions andthe community in whatever he does.He also expects the community to fol-low his progress and hold himaccountable. Murray talks freely about trans-

porting his lessons learned, gaininglocal knowledge and skills and creat-ing a business academy. Murray hashad preliminary discussions aboutwith the Urban League ofMetropolitan Denver about an acade-my to facilitate African Americanbusiness in Africa. “I want to helpentrepreneurs further develop theirinternational expertise, and ask themto “pay it forward” with other busi-ness people. If I help you, then youcan help someone else.” “Needless to say, doing business in

Africa is trying and somewhat frus-trating due to cultural and languagebarriers. There is a preponderance ofpoor people who are more concernedabout how they will eat today,” saysMurray who feels in 10 years of doingbusiness in various African countries,there are three people I trust explicitlyand call my partners. “There are somany different business opportunitiesin every African country and a team isneeded to exploit those openings.Doing business in Africa and inAmerica is challenging and businesspeople need mentors of whom I amviewed as.” Murray says a Texas pharmaceuti-

cal businessman he met in Guineahelped position him with the Guineagovernment. With only four state-runhospitals in the capital and three hos-pital beds available per 10,000 peoplein Guinea, much of the healthcare isadministered through pharmacies.Together, they and the Capital RegionChamber of Commerce (CRCC) pro-

posed a network of clinics for remotevillages and are developing a medicalplan for the government. If you are to be successful in

America, it is necessary to have tech-nology, computers, internet and cellphones. Africans have limited accessto technology but it is growing. But,technology is not the issue. The issueis accessing electricity. Murray says,“it’s normal to be without power forsix to eight hours in any given day.What good is a computer if there’s noelectricity?” Through the CRCC,Murray and his team have begun towork with Solar Electric Light Fund toprovide off-grid power. Since Africahas an abundance of sunlight, plantsand water; the plan is to develop,green technologies and hydroelectricalternatives. Business and political leaders, in

Murray’s network, trust him like he isan African. He has enthusiasticallytaken the baton to facilitate improve-ments that will ultimately impact theeconomic well-being for Africa. Byway of example, he says, “We arebringing international companies in tobuild water projects in Guinea. We’restarting with a $35 million project,which is the smallest of five plannedprojects. This project will bring thou-sands of people clean water, and wewill show them how to maintain theirown water plant. Other water projectsand development projects amount tomore than $1 billion. We’ll providethousands of jobs, as we build, operateand transfer maintenance of variousinfrastructure projects,” he says. Murray’s diplomatic appointment

is his starting point. With more than35 years as an executive with variousFortune 500 companies, Murray is anaccomplished businessman. He isleveraging his experience to bringinternational partners to Africa. Henotes that Guinea is unique. “Guineacontrols their own currency, develop-ment efforts and destiny. Guinea is aplace to start and our goal is to movefrom one African country to another.It is time we hear good news comingfrom Africa instead of news aboutnefarious characters steeped in vio-lence and corruption, which has domi-nated mainstream media“The Central Bank of Guinea

requested that Murray and his associ-ates create a Resource Bank Refineryand Reserve. Guinea is rich in miner-als like iron, ore, gold, diamonds andother precious minerals. It is ranked#1 for its reserves of bauxite (a miner-al used to make aluminum). TheResource and Reserve Bank will man-age Guinea’s mineral reserves, whilebuilding Guinea’s Central Banks cashreserves. This minimizes the need toborrow funds from the World Bank

and other outside sources. Guinea willeliminate their debt. “America has not promoted nor

encouraged African trade relations.However, 50-plus African leaders willattend a summit hosted by PresidentBarack Obama in August,” saysMurray. “We are a mystery toAfricans and the planned summitshould help demystify who we are.Africans don’t know who we are. We,on the other hand, need to find ourbones and ancestors too. We’re notthere yet, but on our way. As we worktoward African trade and businessdevelopment, we should do littlethings first. Africans are predominant-ly French speaking, so we shouldlearn French. Language and cultureare minor barriers, which we can over-come”Economic development barriers

require innovation and Murray is par-ticularly adept at finding partners toimplement better solutions and lever-age expertise. His friend and primarypartner is a Canadian/American, RonCooper, another Black man, who isfacilitating infrastructure developmentfunding sources. Murray also identi-fied the CRCC as another strategicpartner, whose board is structured tolocate funding sources, approve andmanage various projects and increaseproject integrity.

Juneteenth symbolizes and cele-brates prosperity and what is good inthe African American community.Murray believes it is also important torecognize what is good in Africancountries. We have had prosperousBlack communities in the U.S., themost well known is the “Black WallStreet” in Tulsa, Oklahoma which wasburned to the ground in 1921. Murraybelieves it is time to reach out andleverage our knowledge and expertiseto uplift Africa from Denver.African Americans have business

acumen and Africans have unlimitednatural resources. Together, theAfrican Diaspora can become a formi-dable economic international force.We have to transport our knowledgeand acumen to them,” says Murray.With his passion for inclusion, Murrayhopes to create a means to create andsustain generational wealth for Blacks.“To get to the moon you must have aworld class control center, just like theastronauts” says Murray. He considersAfrican American and African traderelations as the trip to the moon.Murray, his partners and associatesare the control center. Along the way,he encourages us all to “find ourbones – our ancestors.” �Editor’s note: For more information aboutDiaspora Mining Company, email LenMurray at [email protected].


11

Pearls of Wisdom andPower HighlightWomen’s LeadershipBreakfastCarla Harris has nearly three

decades of experience as a financialexecutive on Wall Street and when shetook the stage at City Year Denver’srecent Women’s Leadership Breakfast,she filled the room with her expressivepersonality and immediately connect-ed with the audience; sharing her per-sonal journey to success. She offeredthe audience three power tools out-lined in her recently published book,“Expect to Win.”City Year Denver’s third annual

Women’s Leadership Breakfast tookplace on May 1 at the Denver MarriottCity Center, and featured Harris as itskeynote speaker. Harris, who is vicechair of Global Wealth Management,and managing director and senior clientadvisor at Morgan Stanley, wasappointed by President Barack Obamato chair the National Women’s BusinessCouncil in August 2013. She was recent-ly named to Fortune Magazine’s list of“The 50 Most Powerful Black Executivesin Corporate America,” and is on sever-al other lists of influential leaders inBlack Enterprise Magazine and EssenceMagazine.During her keynote address, Harris

inspired more than 800 attendees withher words of wisdom. “Becauseladies, let me tell you what I’velearned after almost 30 years on WallStreet. The way to grow your power isto give it away,” she told the crowd.“If you want to take your success tosignificance it’s all about giving ofyour intellect, your experience, yourjudgment, your wisdom to other peo-ple. So all that you have earned, allthat you continue to earn, is not just

about you. It’s about how youtouch somebody else and cre-ate that multiplier effect in your life.”City Year Denver was able to raise

nearly $150,000. The proceeds fromthe Women’s Leadership Breakfastsupport City Year’s work in eighthigh-need Denver Public Schools,where corps members serve as tutors,mentors and role models to helpstruggling students stay in school andon track to succeed.The breakfast is organized by the

City Year Denver’s Women’sInitiative, a program designed to pro-vide distinguished Denver businessand community women multipleopportunities to learn about and con-nect with the nonprofit’s work. Thisincludes professional mentoring, tak-ing part in service days, serving on theadvisory board, fundraising eventplanning, and networking with like-minded senior leaders. The DenverWomen’s Initiative also offers oppor-tunities to participate in the Women’sInitiative Mentorship Program, whichpairs initiative members with a youngadult serving as a City Year Denvercorps member for a full year of profes-sional development. The Women’s Initiative works in

support of City Year’s mission to closethe “implementation gap” in high-poverty communities – the gapbetween support struggling studentsneed and what schools have the toprovide. In 25 communities across theUnited States and through three inter-

national sites, City Year’sinnovative public-private

partnership brings together teams ofyoung AmeriCorps members whocommit to a year of full-time service inschools. Corps members support stu-dents by focusing on attendance,behavior, and course performancethrough in-class tutoring and mentor-ing, whole-school climate initiatives,and extended-learning opportunities.As part of City Year’s 10-year strategy,the organization aims to increase theurban graduation pipeline by expand-ing to cities that produce two-thirds ofthe nation’s dropouts, ultimatelyreaching more than one million stu-dents a year. The creation of City Yearwas fueled by a deep belief in thepower of idealism. “Idealism” isdefined as the belief that young peo-ple have the passion, skills, andcourage to change the world.Everything City Year does is ground-ed in this concept and the unshakeablebelief that everyone can be a part ofmaking the world a better place. Optimism and idealism aren’t just

encouraged, they’re necessary to helpadvance City Year’s mission of keep-ing students in school and on-track tograduation. City Year believes thesetraits are contagious, and strives toshare them with the communities itserves. �Editor’s note: For more information topartner with City Year in solving the grad-uation crisis in America, email AlyssaAcosta at [email protected].

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – January 2010

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12

That MagnificentMagnesiumBy Dr. S. Abayomi Meeks, DAc, LAc, BSc

You may behearing a lot latelyabout the benefits ofmagnesium.Everyone seems tobe on the bandwag-on – so much so that it almost feelslike a fad. Magnesium is one of themost important of all minerals. I con-sider it to be almost as important aswater or air. To support my view, Ioffer a quote from Dr. NormanShealy: “Deficiency of magnesium isassociated with virtually every knowndisease including heart attacks, dia-betes, depression, cancer, etc. Oralmagnesium supplements are not easyto assimilate and many take five yearsor longer to give results.” This quote highlights the importance

and lack of this vital nutrient in ouroverall health. To further magnify mypoint, I offer a quote from Dr. MarkSircus: “If you do not have sufficientamounts of magnesium, your body can-not make or utilize protein. Similarly, ifyou don’t have adequate amounts ofmagnesium, the vitamins C and E thatyou consume cannot be used.”As you can see from both of these

quotes from reputable doctors, opti-mum magnesium levels are vital toour health. Furthermore, if you eat orhave eaten any white foods orprocessed foods like white rice,spaghetti, sugar, pastries, then there isa 99 percent chance you are magne-sium deficient without a doubt.Research shows that at least 68 per-

cent of Americans do not consumethe recommended daily amount(RDA) of dietary magnesium and 19percent of Americans do not consumeeven half of the government’s RDA ofmagnesium. A lack of magnesium is a major

factor in many common health prob-lems including heart disease,migraines, ADD, autism, fibromyal-gia, anxiety, asthma and allergies. Allof these and many more have beenproven to be associated with magne-sium deficiency. Another key point:we are consuming too much calcium!The ratio of calcium to magnesiumlevels in the body should be 1:1 to 2:1(depending on individual needs). Thecurrent ratio, on average, is 10:1 withmagnesium extremely deficient andcalcium way too high. Theses miner-als counteract and balance each other.

Another key factor that influencesmagnesium levels is your body’s abili-ty to absorb magnesium. Dr. Shealystates, “Magnesium absorption reliesupon the mineral’s staying-power inthe intestines, which should be at least12 hours - if not, absorption is com-

promised drastically.”Therefore, your intes-tines must performat an optimal level.To do this, be sureto eat whole fiberfoods and main-tain your dailyintake of naturalprobiotics like kefir

or organic sauerkraut.There are multiple rea-

sons for magnesium deficiency,including the fact that pharmaceuticaldrugs deplete magnesium levels andthere is no longer an adequate amountof magnesium obtained from ournutrient-depleted foods to help restoremagnesium. There are many differentforms of magnesium to buy and takeorally. But the most absorbable ismagnesium chloride, also called“magnesium oil.”Magnesium oil is applied like a

lotion and absorbed through the skinin order to bypass the digestive tract,since magnesium moves through thesystem too fast when taken orally andif used in large doses it can cause diar-rhea, a similar process occurs whenyou mega-dose vitamin C; this doesnot occur when magnesium oil isapplied to the skin.Here are some natural sources of

magnesium: chlorella, spirulina, fish,such as halibut and mackerel, spinach,almonds, pumpkin seeds andcashews. But remember that eventhese foods must be organic, and mostdo not have adequate amounts of thevital minerals due to industrial farm-ing practices, depleted soil, or contam-inated oceans. Also keep in mind thatmagnesium is a natural relaxant andlubricant to your muscles and ten-dons, it improves your sleep and iscalming as well.Finally, there is a risk of magne-

sium toxicity when taken in excess forlong periods of time. The most com-mon causes are renal failure (in otherwords if you have kidney failure youcannot excrete this mineral effectivelyand thus should not use it in excess),hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease,lithium therapy and more. This is whyholistic medicine teaches us that bal-ance is important at all times. You can get an in-depth blood test

from your physician. Unfortunatelywe cannot totally depend on tradition-al blood tests since only 1 percent ofmagnesium in the body is actuallyfound in the blood and only .3 percentfound in the blood serum. So, clinical

blood testing does not usually identifymagnesium levels accurately, but it’s astart.To learn more about magnesium

therapy call Dr. Meeks at 303-377-2511.Editor’s note: Dr. S. Abayomi Meeks is thefounder of the Moyo Healing & CulturalCenter, a 24-year Colorado institution. Hehas been in practice for more than 27 yearswith more than 28,000 treatments. Formore information, call 303-377-2511, visitwww.LifeHealingDoctor.com or [email protected]. For more infor-mation about the Moyo Healing &Cultural Center, visitwww.AfrikanArts.org.Ed


13

The DiverseMelodies ofCannabisBy Wanda James

As I sit here and listen to rhythmof reggae and the voice of Bob Marleyand Snoop Dogg (excuse me, SnoopLion), I realize there is a music cultureof cannabis and that culture expressesitself in every genre of music. All of ushave sung “Pass the Dutchie” andeveryone has belted out their versionof “Mary Jane” by Rick James. Andthen there is my favorite smoking potsong, “Puff, the Magic Dragon.” Yes,that rascal, Puff, loved little JackiePaper frolicking in the autumn mist.There is clearly no limit on the per-formances that glorified cannabis use.Steppenwolf, Black Sabbath, RayCharles, Louis Armstrong, and evenCab Callaway made “Reefer Man”one the most requested numbers at hisCotton Club performances in 1932.So, why did Denver decide that the

Colorado Symphony Orchestra (CSO)cannot host “Classically Cannabis,” a

series of fundraisers bringing togetherpeople that have money to give away,who also share a love of Mozart andMarijuana? The idea was to bring new faces to

the CSO and raise much needed cashfor Colorado’s struggling symphony.But apparently, some city officials feltthis was sending the wrong messageand was not legally allowed.According to the Denver

Symphony, the Denver City Attorneyand the Office of the Mayor sent astrongly worded letter stating theywould stop at nothing to stop thefundraiser from happening. “We provide you with this letter to

dissuade you from hosting the event;however, if you go forward, we willexercise any and all options availableto the City of Denver to halt the eventand hold the business owners andevent organizers responsible for anyviolations of law. We are also ready tohold individual attendees responsiblefor any violations of City ordinancesor state law prohibiting public con-sumption of marijuana,” states the let-ter signed by Stacie Louks, director ofthe Denver Department of Excise andLicenses.“Look around, this is not stoner

town,” said Evan Lasky, executivevice president of the CSO, who charac-terized the series as just another

design to tap into new donors. “Wehave to build new audiences becausethe old people are dying off. We haveto fight this perception of elitism.”It would seem to be a political mis-

step to condemn an event for peoplewho are your voter base. Politicallysophisticated, lovers of classical musicand cannabis that have large amountsof disposal income would, in my opin-ion, be the voter base any mayor orgovernor would love to have.Especially in liberal Denver, wherecannabis legalization has ALWAYSwon on the ballot.“Don’t they have anything better to

do?” asked Rob Corry, an attorneywho represents the marijuana indus-try. He said the city is going out of itsway to put a kibosh on the cannabiscentered event. “You still have to buya ticket. It is still a private event. Andevery adult that comes into the eventconsents to the purpose of that event,”Corry said.After a week of political posturing,

the City of Denver relented. Sort of.The show will go on. However,according to the CSO it has to be invi-tation only. Ok, fine. The CSO willjump through hoops so that the cityofficials can feel like they protected thechildren from joint packing grandmasand bong smoking violinist.

“We are pleased the (symphony)revisited their planned events andworked to come into compliance withstate and city laws,” city attorney ScottMartinez said in a brief statementissued by Mayor Michael Hancock’soffice.And the show did go on, in grand

style. Co-organizer Jane West ofcannabis company Edible Events said$30,000 had already been secured insponsorship for the night, and CSOofficials confirmed another $20,000was garnered from attendees. TheCSO is hoping to raise $200,000 fromthe three Space gallery shows andanother, non-pot-sanctionedClassically Cannabis event at RedRocks this summer. And it bears not-ing, the crowd was well dressed, wellbehaved, not one instance of aggres-sion and they wrote checks with MontBlanc pens. Funny how Denver’s Democratic

leadership is continually standing inthe way of more business, more jobs,more money and less people in jailover events that have less issues thanthe Great American Beer Fest and Jazzat City Park.

And we are not Blowing Smoke…

Editor’s note: Blowing Smoke is writteneach month by Wanda James. She wouldlike to answer your questions. Send themand/or comments [email protected]. WandaJames is the managing partner at theCannabis Global Initiative and is a leadingadvocate in the cannabis industry. Sheworked with the regulatory process to bringmedical marijuana to fruition and wasappointed to the Colorado Governor’sAmendment 64 Task Force Work Group.Her political and professional work oncannabis reform has led to her being fea-tured in numerous national shows includ-ing The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, andon CNBC’s Marijuana USA. She and herhusband Scott Durrah, also own Jezebel’sSouthern Bistro + Whiskey Bar in Denver.


14

BLOWING SMOKE

Book a 2 or 3 bedroomBook a 2 or 3 bedroomcondo for the Winterparkcondo for the WinterparkJazz Festival and receive aJazz Festival and receive a$15 Gift Card!$15 Gift Card!See the Winter Park Jazz See the Winter Park Jazz Festival ad on Page 2! Festival ad on Page 2!

Bob Marley, the late reggae musicicon, was named last year by Forbesmagazine as the fifth top earning deadcelebrity. He is actually the onlyCaribbean artist to grace a Forbes list,which is mostly dominated by NorthAmericans and Britons.

How much is his estate worth?Reportedly, Marley’s estimated net

worth is around $130 million. As botha singer and songwriter, Marley is

credited with popularizing reggae andthe Rastafari movement worldwide.Some of his worldwide hit songsinclude “No Woman, No Cry,““Jamming,” and “One Love.“His final album, a compilation enti-

tled Legendwas released in 1984, threeyears after he died from cancer at theyoung age of 36. That album is the topselling reggae album of all time, andhas been certified, not gold or plat-inum, but diamond. Combined,Marley has sold more than 75 millionalbums in the past 20 years alone.

So how is he still making millions?Well, first of all, since its release in

1984, Bob Marley’s Legend album con-tinues to sell more than 250,000 copiesevery single year. Nowadays, much ofhis music is sold via iTunes and otherdigital retailers. And tons of his songsare bought around the time of hisbirthday every February 6 due to asmart annual campaign launched byhis estate called “Bob Marley Week.“Believe it or not, but millions of fansall around the world celebrate thisspecial week dedicated to Bob Marley.Another major factor in his annual

sales is the fact that Bob Marley is ahuge social media icon. He has nearly60 million Facebook fans, and morethan 1 million Twitter followers. Thatmeans that he has the second-highestsocial media following of any posthu-mous celebrity.And don’t forget the merchandise

and licensing deals.Bob Marley fans can buy his cloth-

ing (Zion Rootswear apparel), his per-sonalized speakers, messenger bagsand even a line of drinks bearing thename of the late music icon.Even more, his estate just signed a

multi-million dollar deal with HopeRoad Merchandising, LLC, and theywill manage all Bob Marley motionpictures, television deals, commercialendorsements, consumer licensing,digital media, and games.

Another company, Hilco ConsumerCapital, pays millions of dollars annu-ally to license other Bob Marley prod-ucts including shoes, food, collectibles,luggage, musical instruments and sta-tionery.It’s no question that the Bob Marley

business is a very lucrative cashmachine that will probably never die,but that’s what happens when youmake good music. You live on, andyour fans never let go! �Editor’s note: This article was publishedfrom Blackbusiness.org. For more detailsabout the Bob Marley Estate, visitwww.BobMarley.com


15

On-Site Registration begins at 7:30am5K and One Mile Walk/Run begin at 8:30am

REGISTER TODAYwww.destinationhealth5k.orgor call 303-355-3423

Destination Health raises money to support the Center for African American Health.

Early Bird Registration is Open! Saturday, July 26, 2014

e Pavilion at Denver’s City Park

How the

Bob Marley Estate Still Makes Millions Every Year

– Even Though He Died More

Than 30 Years Ago


16

She is God Given. She is Purpose Driven. She is a Jewel. She is Wilma Jean Gerdine Webb

Happy Birthday Wilma Jean Gerdine Webb

The Surprise... Two First Ladies... The Birthday Cake... The Birthday Dance...

Photos by Evan Semon

April marked 27 years of spread-ing the news about people of color forthe Denver Urban Spectrum. To cele-brate this milestone, DUS will presentMen of Distinction, Fathers ofWisdom, an event honoring 10African American men on Father’sDay. Special recognition will also begiven to four men from the medicalfield who will be presented with aTaking Care of US award.Honorary chairs for the event are

Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock andFirst Lady Mary Louise Lee and Moses andGwen Brewer.This celebration, featuring dinner,

live entertainment and award presen-tations, will be held on Sunday, June15 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the MirageEvent Center in Aurora. As part of thecelebration a video presentation willbe shown with sons and daughters ofthe honorees talking about theirfathers and a musical tribute will bepresented by local and national enter-tainers. The selected honorees are from all

walks of life and have provided anindelible effect on the Denver commu-nity, the United States, and for several,the world. The complete list of hon-orees include founder of the AsfawFoundation International andMcDonalds owner Geta Asfaw; interna-tionally acclaimed contrabass playerCharles Burrell; nationally known fineartist and illustrator Jess DuBois;nationally recognized accomplishedbronze sculptor Ed Dwight; owner ofRMES Communications and authorHerman Malone; former and longtimeowner of Pierre’s Supper ClubLawrence Pierre; former NBA BasketballPlayer Roland “Fatty” Taylor; entertain-ment promoter and rodeo producer LuVason; veteran radio personality James“Dr. Daddio” Walker; and former Mayorof Denver (1991-2003) the HonorableWellington E. Webb.Additionally, for their service to the

community, Dr. Bernard Gipson Sr., Dr.Russell Simpson, Dr. Johnny Johnson Jr.,and Dr. Collis Johnsonwill be presentedwith a Taking Care of US award.Entertainment will be provided by

SoBo Four and Tony Exum Jr. Singersparticipating in the musical tributeinclude Ron Ivory, Diana Castro, HaroldLee, Linda Theus-Lee, Ernest Washingtonand Vickilyn Reynolds.For tickets, reserved tables or spon-

sorship opportunities, call 303-292-6446 or email [email protected]

Geta AsfawAsfaw Foundation

International/McDonalds Owner

Geta Asfaw is a native of AddisAbaba, Ethiopia. He moved to theUnited States at age 18 to attend theUniversity of Washington in Seattle,Wash. He has been married to his wifeJanice for more than 30 years and theyhave three grown children, Elias,Desta and Abraham.Asfaw is best known as the owner of

eight McDonald’s restaurants and hisphilanthropy efforts to help humanity.He is a member of the “Global HungerProject,” an organization dedicated toending world hunger.Asfaw has sponsored a number of

activities with schools and non-profitorganizations. He created the AsfawFamily Foundation International toserve as a vehicle to give back to thecommunity, including the “Arches ofHope Bicycle Giveaway,” programwhich provides 300 new bicycles andhelmets to elementary school studentsevery Christmas season and aThanksgiving dinner for senior citi-zens. The foundation also providestuition and other important benefits toschool children in East Africa. In addi-tion, the “Aim High” scholarship pro-gram provides financial assistance toAfrican American male students.

Asfaw believes that it is the respon-sibility of every business person to beinvolved and give back to the commu-nity, “A strong community means astrong business and a win-win resultfor everyone.” He has been recognizedby a variety of organizations receivingnumerous awards and honors.

Charles BurrellInternationally Acclaimed

Contrabass Player

Charles Burrell has enjoyed an out-standing career as a bassist for theDenver Symphony Orchestra and isalso considered a master jazz bassist;one of the few musicians to have mas-tered both genres. Born in Toledo,Ohio, in 1920, Burrell was raised inDepression-era Detroit, Michigan. Hismother Denverado provided inspira-tion and direction despite the family’spoverty.In grade school, Burrell excelled in

music. When he was 12, he heard theSan Francisco Symphony Orchestra onthe family’s crystal radio. He devel-oped his skills on the bass at Detroit’sfamous Cass Tech High School andafter high school, landed a job playingin Detroit’s Paradise Valley. At the start of World War II, Burrell

was drafted into the all-Black naval

unit at Camp Robert Smalls nearChicago where he played in the unit’sall-star band. After the war, he used hisG.I. Bill to attend Wayne StateUniversity in Detroit. He excelled in hismusic courses, but was discouraged bythe racism of his advisors. In 1949,Burrell joined his mother’s relatives inDenver, and was soon hired by theDenver Symphony Orchestra. In 1965,he met his wife, Melanie, a cellist.One of the first Blacks admitted to

the faculty of the San FranciscoConservatory of Music, Burrell hasmentored and taught some of thefinest musicians in the country,including jazz pianist the late GeorgeDuke and Burrell’s niece, jazz vocalistDianne Reeves.

Jess DuBoisNationally Known Fine Artist

and Illustrator

Jess DuBois is an exceptional artist,specializing in both portraiture andlandscapes. As a Creole of Cherokeeancestry, he is renowned for his poeticlandscapes and moving portraits ofNative Americans and historic AfricanAmericans. DuBois is a native of Denver,

Colorado’s historic Five Points neigh-borhood. A member of the Art Instituteof Denver’s first graduating Class of1957, he was inducted into their hall offame in 2004. After graduation, he con-tinued his education, studying withnotable artists such as Ray Vanilla,David Lafel and Daniel Green.DuBois showed his work in his suc-

cessful DuBois Gallery in Estes Parkuntil a devastating flood in 1982caused it to close. At that time hereturned to Five Points, where hebegan to incorporate blown glass andsculpture into his repertoire.

Continued on page 18


17

Denver Urban Spectrum to Honor 10 African American Men forAnniversary Celebration; Four Doctors Recognized

Men of Distinction, Fathers of WisdomContinued from page 17In 1988 DuBois received the

Lifetime Achievement Award fromthe Denver Black Arts Festival for hisamazing ability to “project the soul ofhis subjects onto canvas.”In 1998, DuBois was commissioned

by the Metro Denver RegionalTransportation District (RTD) to createa bronze of Denver’s first African-American doctor, Dr. Justina Ford,which is located at the Light RailStation at 30th and Downing.In 2004, DuBois was one of only

three artists to receive the DenverMayor’s Award for Excellence in thearts.DuBois continues to take art class-

es, and he also teaches art tochildren. His life goal, he says, isalways “to get better and better.”

Ed DwightNationally Recognized

Accomplished Bronze Sculptor

A man whose resume reads: formerAir Force Test Pilot, America’s FirstAfrican American AstronautCandidate, IBM Computer SystemsEngineer, Aviation Consultant,Restauranteur, Real Estate Developer,Construction Entrepreneur and authorcan best be described as a true renais-sance man. However, for the last 40years, Ed Dwight has focused hisdirection on fine art sculptures, large-scale memorials and public art proj-ects. Since his art career began in 1978,after attaining his MFA in Sculpturefrom the University of Denver,Dwight has become one of the mostprolific and insightful sculptors inAmerica.Dwight, whose childhood dream

was to become an artist, was born andraised in Kansas City, Kansas. Withlittle formal art training, his first seri-ous artistic endeavor began with acommission to create a sculpture of

Colorado’s first Black Lt. Governor,George Brown in 1974. Soon after, hewas commissioned to create a series ofbronzes entitled “Black Frontier in theAmerican West.” After the success ofthis series, Dwight began to explorethe history of jazz in a sculptural form. Life experiences and passion for the

arts have shaped Dwight into the pro-lific artist he is today. The “negativespace” concept, which was developedby Dwight early in his career, can beseen throughout his Jazz Series. Thisconcept has been emulated by manyartists and now is commonplace in theart universe. To date, Dwight has cre-ated more than 120 memorials, monu-ments and public art installations, aswell as some 18,000 gallery levelsculptures. Included is the largest Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial,installed in Denver and theInauguration of History and Hope, atouring exhibit of the Obamas.

Herman MaloneRMES Communications Business

Owner/Author

Herman Malone, born in Camden,Ark., attended Jarvis University inHawkins, Texas and served honorablyin the US Air Force. He moved toDenver in 1970 and worked in corpo-rate America for a spell before startinghis own business in 1973. Malone wasa founding member of the ColoradoBlack Chamber of Commerce wherehe served as chairman; he also servedas chairman of the National BlackChamber of Commerce. Malone is president of RMES

Communications, where he had anumber of firsts for minority business-es, including the first minority firm tobe awarded a prime concessionaire intelephones at a major airport. He is a recipient of multiple nation-

al and local awards over the yearsincluding the Martin Luther King Jr.Business Social Responsibility Award. He is the author of “Lynched by

Corporate America,” a true story of

racial discrimination in the Black busi-ness community. The story hasreceived rave reviews and is beingtouted for a movie production.Today, Malone spends time men-

toring his two sons and two daughters– Leon, Miles, Pamela and Carie – andenjoying his five grandchildren.He is spiritually dedicated and

credits his achievements to his faith inGod and family upbringing. He servesas a trustee and deacon at FriendshipBaptist Church under Pastor PaulBurleson.

Lawrence PierreFormer Owner

Pierre’s Supper Club

Lawrence Pierre (known simply asPierre) was born in Edgard, La., justoutside of New Orleans. He is theyoungest of seven children, born toValcour and Coralee Pierre, onJanuary 15, 1928. He was raised by hisolder sister Elizabeth (“Bibette) afterhis parent’s death. At 15, Pierre brought vegetables

from local farmers and sold them atthe French market. He bought day oldmilk at the French market, bottled it,and sold it to people in Edgard. In order to join the army, Pierre

changed the birth year on his birthcertificate and hid his severe asthmacondition. While working in theOfficer’s Club, he learned the foodand liquor business. Pierre moved toDenver in 1945 and took advantage ofhis learned work experiences includ-ing business with Smitty’s Playhouseand Club Omni. He built cabins inLincoln Hills and a barbecue restau-rant at 1st and Sheridan for his uncleRomalis Pierre and Thomas and OllieJackson. As the manager there, he metand married a waitress named LessieNulan. They were married until herdeath in 2011.Pierre invested the inheritance from

his uncle to start his first restaurant on2701 Welton St. In 1956, he moved to28th and Tremont and opened Pierre’s

Barbeque. In 1965, Pierre purchasedSherman’s Creamery at 2157 Downingchanging it to Pierre’s Supper Clubwhere he gained national reputationfor his catfish, strong drinks and apopular hot spot for local Denverites,out of town travelers and tourists.Pierre sold the club in 2006. In

retirement he stays busy promotinghis spicy mix batter and spendingtime with his family.

Roland “Fatty” TaylorFormer NBA Player

Roland Morris “Fatty” Taylor, bornin Washington, D.C., is a former pro-fessional basketball player. A 6’0”guard from La Salle University, Taylorjoined the American BasketballAssociation in 1969. After one yearplaying for the Washington Capitals,he moved on to the Virginia Squires,with whom he spent the prime of hiscareer, tallying 3,495 points, 1,737assists, and 1,715 rebounds in five sea-sons. Taylor became known as one ofthe few outstanding defensive playersin a league known primarily for a“run-and-gun” style. On the SquiresTaylor played with former or laterNBA stars including Adrian Smith,“Jumbo” Jim Eakins and Julius“Doctor J” Erving. For one-and-a-halfseasons Taylor was a teammate ofGeorge Gervin, and Taylor has beencredited with coining Gervin’s nick-name “The Iceman” (he first calledGervin “Iceberg Slim,” which gradual-ly developed into the more familiarnickname). Big 5 Hall of Famer Taylorspent one season in the NBA (1976-77)as a member of the Denver Nuggets,and he retired in 1977 with combinedABA/NBA totals of 5,098 points, 2,563assists, and 2,524 rebounds.Most recently, Taylor taught and

coached in the Colorado high schooldistricts. He was a program coordina-tor for the Colorado Hawks for morethan five years. Taylor realized the


18

need to form his own program, whichresulted in the development of TaylorMade Playaz. Today, in addition to training

youth in basketball, Taylor is alsomanages Classics Event Center.

Lu VasonCEO, President, and Producer of Lu Vason Presents, and the Bill

Pickett Invitational Rodeo

Lu Vason was born in NewOrleans, La. and raised in Berkley,Calif. His life’s journey has beendiverse and vast including serving inthe army, working as a fashion model,newspaper reporter, movie extra,entertainment manager and eventual-ly a producer and promoter.He became the lead booking agent

for various artist in the Bay area andafter partnering with a friend inDenver, the friendship lead him toDenver permanently, where he beganworking with promoter, Barry Fey. After attending Cheyenne Frontier

Days in 1977, Vason felt the experi-ence was exciting but lacked Blackcowboys and cowgirls. His vision tostart his own African American rodeocircuit was realized in 1984, and hencethe Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo wasa reality. BPIR is the only AfricanAmerican touring rodeo in the US andthroughout the world. BPIR has trav-eled to more than 33 cities across theUS and recently celebrated 30 years.Vason is also the owner of Lu

Vason Presents, an entertainmentcompany. His idea to create a jazz fes-tival in the local Denver communitytook place in 2013, when he producedthe first Denver Jazz Fest.Vason has never allowed barriers to

hold him back and he has been recog-nized by various cities and organiza-tions from coast to coast for his contri-butions to society. He has receivedmany awards and honors, includingthe induction into the Blacks in

Colorado Hall of Fame and the 2011Martin Luther King Jr. Business SocialResponsibility Award. Vason is a pioneer and visionary.

He believes that each of us has an obli-gation to our brothers, sisters andespecially the children to expose andeducate them about the AfricanAmerican accomplishments, no matterthe industry or activity.

James “Dr. Daddio” WalkerVeteran Radio Personality

As a pioneer for Black radio inColorado, James Walker opened doorsfor hundreds of Blacks, whites andHispanics to be on the airwaves andalso get into the radio business. Walker began his radio career more

than 45 years ago in Shreveport, La.He also worked in Houston, Tucsonand Denver where he is best known asthe former owner of KDKO radio sta-tion and for his on-air personality as“Dr. Daddio.” In addition to being Denver’s first

Black radio personality and the firstBlack owner and operator of a radiostation in Denver and Tucson, Walkerhas also owned an ad agency, asphaltand sealing company, a concert andpromotion company, a nightclub, arecord store, a furniture store, a news-paper, a chain of bar-b-que restau-rants, a personalized bottled watercompany, a boutique and tax compa-ny – all with the help of his wife Pat,daughter Yolanda, son-in-law Kirk,and granddaughter Lindsay, aka“Miss Thang.” Walker is no stranger to the com-

munity he serves. He organized thefirst St. Patrick Day Parade in Tucson,Arizona; served on many boards inColorado and Arizona; and workedon political campaigns in Coloradoand other states. Most recently he wasordained as a new deacon at EbenezerBaptist Church. Walker has receivedmany awards from numerous organi-zations.

He says he has been married to thesame wonderful woman and motherof his children for 50 years.

The Honorable Wellington E. Webb

Mayor of Denver (1991-2003)

Former Denver Mayor WellingtonWebb is the only mayor in Americanwho was elected by his peers to bepresident of the U.S. Conference ofMayors, the National Conference ofBlack Mayors and the NationalConference of Democratic Mayors.Mayors of today call him “sensei”

or coach and in Ethiopia they call him“abera,” which means enlightenedone.In his published autobiography, he

writes about being a teacher, mentalhealth worker, university professor,federal administrator, state regulator,state legislator, elected city auditorand Denver’s first African Americanmayor elected to three terms from1991-2003.As a state representative, he was

known for fighting for social justiceand protecting the environment.As the city’s auditor, he restored

fiscal integrity to the office and pro-moted a new prompt payment ordi-nance for city government.As Denver’s mayor, he moved the

Mile High City out of the economicdoldrums of the late 1990s with $7 bil-lion worth of infrastructure andacquired more park space than anyother mayor, including cleaning upand preserving the South Platte Rivercorridor. In his 12 years as mayor, he

also created the Denver HealthAuthority that saved the city’s publichospital, and opened business to allpeople with the local minority andwomen’s concession program atDenver International Airport.Since leaving office, he has served

as a representative of the United Statesto the United Nations and foundedWebb Group International, a consult-ing firm.He serves as a board member for

Maximus Corp., Denver HealthFoundation, the Colorado Symphonyand Colorado Black Chamber ofCommerce Foundation. He is a mem-ber of the Delta Eta Boule and KappaAlpha Psi fraternities.He has been married to his wife,

Wilma, for 43 years and is a father,grandfather and great-grandfather.


19

CONGRATULATIONS!

FATHERS

OF

WISDOM

MEN

OF

DISTINCTION

presents the27th anniversary celebration

Mirage Event Center13250 E. Mississippi Avenue (In Aurora)Sunday, June 15, 2014

3 to 6 PMFor more information, call 303-292-6446 or visitwww.denverurbanspectrum.com, for tickets

visit http://bit.ly/1m2p4j2

Dinner � Live Entertainment � Awards Ceremony

Geta Asfaw Jess DuBois Herman Malone Roland “Fatty” Taylor James “Dr. Daddio” Walker

Charles Burrell Ed Dwight Lawrence Pierre LuvVason Wellington E. Webb

Taking Care ofUS Awards Dr. Bernard Gipson Sr.

Dr. Russell Simpson Dr. Johnny Johnson Jr.

Dr. Collis Johnson Honorary Chairs Honorary Chairs Mayor Michael B. HancockFirst Lady Mary Louise Lee

Moses and Gwen Brewer

Entertainment by SoBo Four and Tony Exum, Jr.

For sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected] or for tickets visit http://bit.ly/1m2p4j2 Tables: VIP - $1,000 (Seats 10) General - $500 (Seats 8) Community - $250 (Seats 6)

Individual Tickets: $45

Special Father’s Day Musical Tribute:

Honorees

Ron Ivory Diana Castro

Harold Lee Linda Theus-Lee

Ernest Washington Vickilyn Reynolds

Mistress of Ceremonies, Tamara Banks

Just Check It, a home managementprogram to help control blood pres-sure, is among the Center for AfricanAmerican Health’s services that willbenefit from the 4th AnnualDestination Health: Walk/Run/ Learnevent on Saturday, July 26 at thePavilion in Denver’s City Park. TheJust Check It toolkit includes a bloodpressure cuff, information on lifestylechoices, and a system to track homeblood pressure and share informationwith a doctor or pharmacist to enablebetter decisions about how to manageblood pressure. “Cardiovascular disease is the lead-

ing cause of death in the United Statesand African Americans have the high-est death rate from cardiovascular dis-ease of all racial and ethnic groups,”points out Center Executive DirectorGrant Jones. “It’s important that werecognize that there are modifiablerisk factors – high blood pressure, dia-betes and limited physical activity –and steps we can take to control ourhealth. We are here to help the peoplewe serve in community make moreinformed decisions about the foodsthey eat, activities, and other lifestylechoices.” Dedicated to improving the health

and well-being of the African-American community, the center part-ners with a wide variety of health-education and health-delivery organi-zations to develop and provide cultur-ally-appropriate disease preventionand disease management programs tothousands each year. The center is alsoa certified Connect for HealthColorado assistance site. To learn

more about the center’s programs,including Just Check It, visithttp://www.caahealth.org/index.cfm/ID/3/Programs.Destination Health combines exer-

cise, education and entertainment in amultigenerational experience. On-siteregistration will begin at 7:30 a.m. onJuly 26 near the City Park Pavilion.Following warm-up activities at 8a.m., the run/walk (5k route or one-mile course) will get underwaypromptly at 8:30 a.m. The HealthEducation Expo features more than 40booths filled with important informa-tion and resources about vital healthmatters and the special Children’sHealth and Safety Zone provides funactivities and information for families.There also will be an awards ceremo-ny and entertainment by the MaryLouise Lee Band. �

Editor’s note: Destination Health onlineregistration is available atwww.destinationhealth5k.org. Early birdpricing is available until June 20 and is just$25 for adults and children six and older.After June 20, the cost for adults increasesto $30. Special pricing is available for teams(four or more), children 6-17, adults 50+,and active/retired military. Children fiveand under are free. There also is a Sleeping-In for Health option ($15) for those unableto attend the July 26 event yet want to sup-port the center’s programs and receive a t-shirt. On-site registration is available for$35. If you would like to be a CAAH vol-unteer or need additional informationabout the Center for African AmericanHealth, contact the Center [email protected] or call 303-355-3423.


21

Center for African American HealthOffers Free Home Blood Pressure

Management Program July 26 Destination Health: Walk/Run/Learn in Denver’s City

Park Supports Community Prevention and Wellness Initiatives Year-Round

PARENTs!We want your k ids

Again!The Urban Spectrum Youth Foundation NEW summer

journalism program and camp is back for

Youth ages13-17*

Join the award-winning Denver Urban Spectrum staff for anadventure into the journalism profession of the digital age.Hands-on experience and real-world training in:

•Printmedia including news reporting, feature writing, editing,photography and magazine layout•Digital media including blogging, video clips, social mediaand online magazines•Field trips to a major media outlet, Denver governmentoffices, a major sports venue, a printing operation •Participation in the creation of a special “junior” edition of theDenver Urban Spectrum, planned, written and produced byyouth campers

LocationSims Fayola International Academy6850 Argonne St. in Green Valley Ranch

DateJuly 14-July 25, 2014

9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Cost$175.00 (Includes lunch, materials and non-refundable $35 application fee.)

For more information or to request an application, email [email protected] or call

303-292-6446*Ten participants will be selected

A Free Public School Proven to Help

Students SucceedHOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op provides k-12 students with:

Learn. Achieve. Graduate.

Call 720-402-3000 or visit www.HOPEonline.org.

The Heroes Celebration is animportant event – one that is a highlightfor the students and staff of HOPEOnline Learning Academy Co-op. Eachyear, elementary students in grades 3-5write essays to honor the heroes aroundthem—at home, school and throughouttheir community. Each Learning Centerselects a representative, and the studentspresent their essays to their heroes at thecelebration. “This is an incredibly fun and

sometimes very emotional event,” saidDr. Janet Filbin, HOPE’s Director ofStudent Achievement. “All the storiesare wonderful.”The Hero Celebration is the brain-

child of Filbin, who started the eventfive years ago. She wanted students toconsider and connect with positiveinfluences in their lives.“The people who our children look

up to are the people they will modeltheir lives after, so it is incrediblyimportant that they focus on thosepowerful influences,” she explained.

Natalie, a HOPE fifth grader fromRedeemer Learning Center looked tothe past, noting the important achieve-ments of Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinsonand Martin Luther King, Jr. And whileshe realizes that the sacrifices theseheroes made have helped make theworld a better place, the person shemost admires is her own mother.“My parents are divorced, so she

does so much for us,” Natalie explained.“She works and takes care of my sisterwith special needs, but she still finds thetime to volunteer at school and help mewith my homework.”Turning to her mother, Natalie

expressed her deep gratitude andappreciation: “Your compassion,patience and strength inspire me.Thanks for being my rock and liftingme up. Thank you for exploring theworld and life’s milestones with me.”

HOPE parents were very popularsubjects, illustrating the importance ofthe connection between school andhome. HOPE at New HeightsAcademy fifth grader Omar alsopraised his parents’ sacrifices andhard work in raising him. “My dad works so hard to support

us. And my mom is always cleaningup after us. Trust me, she workshard,” he said with a smile.Some students chose to write about

historical figures, celebrating theaccomplishments of Abraham Lincoln,Susan B. Anthony and NelsonMandela, among others. One studenteven drew the comparison betweenMartin Luther King Jr. and her ownfather, who is also a preacher and a“good man.”

For Hope at Hillcrest third graderDawnielle, the person who had thebiggest impact on her life was educa-tion-related—and fictional. She choseto celebrate Ms. Frizzle from theMagic School Bus book series, notonly because she makes learning excit-ing and fun, but also because shenever discriminates based on age, gen-der or race. “All students have an equal ability to

learn,” she explained. “Ms. Frizzle takesthe responsibility to find the bestapproach to teaching and makes it inter-esting. That is why she is my hero.”HOPE’s staff is proud of all of its

students and thankful to the heroeswho support them day in and day out.It is these influential role models whoempower HOPE students to realizetheir own potential to change in theworld. �Editor’s note: For further information onHOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op,call (720) 402-3000 or [email protected]. Heather O’Mara isFounder and CEO of HOPE OnlineLearning Academy Co-Op.


22

HOPE Students Celebratethe Heroes Around ThemBy Heather O’Mara

Natalie, with mom and mentor Glory Schutz

Hope at Hillcreststudent Dawnielle

Good Grieffor KidsPart IBy Cassandra Johnson, Sena Harjo,and Dorothy ShaplandEditor’s note: The Nest Matters (TNM) isadvice from “egg to flight” from early child-hood educators and leaders. TNM focuseson early child development from prenatal(the egg phase) through the stages of tweenswhen children prepare to leave the nest (theflight phase).

Are adults sensitive tohow children deal withgrief?“My son was 6 years

old when my fatherpassed away. Popo wasthe only man in his lifeat the time. The day hewas born, Popo wasthere to thump his fore-head as if it were amelon, saying “Oh, we’vegot a smart one here.”Three a.m. feedings, cryingepisodes, first word, first steps– Popo was there through it all.Blinded by my loss, I never thoughtabout how he was coping. To my sur-prise I learned my son was grievinglong after Popo‘s passing. I received aphone call from his 1st grade teachertelling me my son had written a shortstory about losing his Popo. There wasso much detail in his story and thepicture he drew, that it was like reliv-ing the loss all over. I never realizedhow insensitive I was to how muchgrief he was experiencing. The teacher

was just as surprised and had hisstory published.The term “Good Grief” is an idiom

for the keen mental suffering or dis-tress over affliction or loss. Dealingwith loss is a challenge for an adult,but what is it for our children? Weoften think that our young ones aretoo far removed from the reality ofdeath and incarceration to feel griefand loss the way that we do. Truth isthey know and experience more thanwe realize. If you have experienced arecent family loss, there are certainresponses you can expect, and there

are positive ways to respond andsupport your child. We allexperience differingamounts of fear, sad-ness, anger, andguilt in waves.They are no differ-ent. The youngestchild will experi-ence these feel-ings while theyare grieving. Theymay not be able tounderstand, clearlyexpress, or evenidentify these feelings

that drive their actions.Empathy is a skill that chil-

dren learn. To empathize with some-one begins with understanding whathe is feeling or what you would feellike if you were in the situation. It isnot until age four that a child beginsto associate their own emotions withthe feelings of others and age eightthat a child can grapple more complexmoral decisions. Children fear whatwill happen to them, or to others theylove. They are sad for their own loss,and are often not able to empathize

with your loss. They may be angry atthe person who has left, or at those theybelieve are responsible. They may beangry at surviving family members, oreven with themselves for somethingthey believe caused the loss. They arecapable of carrying tremendous feelingsof guilt and will believe themselvesresponsible for causing illness, death orloss, but they don’t understand thesefeelings and just act out on them.Our communities are full of ran-

dom loss – accidental death, pro-longed illness, suicide, drug overdose,violence, incarceration, terrorism,deployment to a war zone, and evendivorce or separation can produce agrief response in children. And it is upto the adults to provide the safe, nur-turing support our children need tonavigate these experiences.What can adults do?Listen and let children talk about

their grief experiences. Everyonegrieves differently, let your child sharetheir grief and feel heard.Understand that there is no set time-

frame for grief. This is not a singleevent, but a process that will taketime.Avoid lies and half- truths. They are

perceptive, and are more likely to feelthat the loss is their fault if they pickup that you aren’t telling them thewhole story.Be patient and understand that it is

very complicated to process grief atany age.Take care of your own needs as well.

Your grief needs to be expressed andaddressed so that you can providesupport to a grieving child.Next month, Part II of this article

will share “How Children Deal withGrief.” �Editor’s note: For more Nest Matters’ arti-cles visit www.thenestmatters.blogspot.com, or send an email to [email protected] and like us on Facebook.


23

Crime Prevention Efforts

Contact us for information about our youth programs that address:

Jobs Youth Activities Substance Abuse Behavioral Health Truancy Runaways Expunge Juvenile Records *for free

720-913-8961

303 W. Colfax Ave., 10th Floor - Denver, CO 80204

www.denvergov.org/safecity

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Colby’s Drawing

SpringChecklist: StepOutside AndSay GoodbyeTo WinterBy Brenda Bruce, Loan Specialist,Denver Urban Renewal Authority

Denver residents have enjoyedrelatively mild weather these past sev-

eral weeks. Temperatures have beenin the 50s, 60s and even in the 70s,offering a real spring in 2014. With theflowers set to bloom and winter all butguaranteed to be behind us, there’s nobetter time to step outside and giveyour home a quick inspection to makesure that it – and you – are ready forsummer.Here are a five outdoor items that

should be on your spring checklist toensure you’re in good shape as thewarmer weather settles in to stay.

Roof. Grab your ladder (or borrowone from a friendly neighbor) and

inspect for any damage that mighthave resulted from the winter snows.Look in particular for missing or bro-ken shingles. A damaged roof can leadto costly leaks, so if you see anythingof concern, it is important to call a pro-fessional to assess the damage andmake any necessary repairs immedi-ately.

Chimney.Now that the cold isbehind us, it’s time to close up thechimney for another season. Whileexamining the roof, take a look at thechimney’s exterior for any signs ofdamage. Also call a certified chimneysweep to have the flue cleaned andinspected so that it will be ready to gonext year.

Gutters. The fall foliage has long-since fallen, and now its time to makesure that it is cleared away as the treesblossom anew. Clean your gutters tomake sure that there aren’t any leaves,twigs or other debris clogging up theworks and make sure water is divert-ing properly away from the house.

Caulking. Since your house’s foun-dation may have shifted with the tem-perature, now is the time to inspectthe caulk that seals the gaps betweenyour home’s windows and doors. Thecaulk should not be loose or flaking,and if it is then it is time to replace it.Caulk can be bought at any homeimprovement store, and is a smartinvestment as that it keeps the insideof the home insulated from weatherfluctuations outside.

Exterior Faucets. You need tocheck the outside hose faucets for anyfreeze damage. Quickly turn the wateron and place two fingers to cover theopening; if you can stop the flow ofwater, the cold might have gotten toyour pipes. You’ll need to call aplumber to be sure. Also, go aheadand check the garden hose for anymold or rot. If you see any, time toinvest in a new one.Hopefully, you will find that your

roof, doors and pipes all survived thewinter without harm. Even if you dofind signs of damage, don’t worry. Agood contractor will be able to makeany necessary repairs and have yourhome in good shape in plenty of timeto enjoy another gorgeous Coloradosummer.� Editor’s note: If you are a low or moderate-income Denver homeowner, contactDURA for more information about fund-ing for home repairs or upgrades throughour Emergency Home Repair (EHR) andSingle Family Rehabilitation (SFR) pro-grams at (303) 534-3872 orwww.renewdenver.org.


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Mayor Michael HancockAppoints Faragher to DenverCounty CourtMayor Michael B. Hancock

announced the appointment of BethAnn Faragher as a judge to the DenverCounty Court. The appointment willfill the vacancy created by the retire-ment of Judge Raymond Satter, whowill leave the bench at the end of June.Since 2008, Faragher has served the

City and County of Denver as a full-time magistrate, most recently presidingover the protection order courtroom,which handles aspects of temporary andpermanent protection orders, includingnumerous trials. She previously over-saw the small claims, criminal arraign-ment, traffic, juvenile and general ses-sion courts as a magistrate. From 2011 to 2014, Faragher initiated

and coordinated Denver County Court’sprominent role in helping homeless vet-erans receive donations and services atthe National Guard Armory.She will begin on July 1.

Kenneth Crowley SelectedAs 2014 Young AlumnusKenneth Crowley, founder of the

Crowley Foundation, was awardedthe 2014 Young Alumnus Award from

Langston University. This is given toan alumnus who has contributed toLangston University, been a service tothe nation and community, andreached professional achievement. Crowley received the award at the

2014 Commencement ceremony onMay 15 on the W. G. AndersonFootball Stadium. AU United Selected As First U.S.Team to Compete In CubanNational School Sports GamesAthletics United is a multi-dimen-

sional youth athletic service organiza-tion committed to international healthand development through track andfield. Recently, Athletics Unitedreceived invitation from the CubanAthletic Federation to compete in the2014, 50th annual Cuban NationalSchool Sports Games and was granteda license to travel to Cuba to partici-pate. Athletics United is the first teamin history to represent the U.S. in trackand field competition. The athlete ambassadors selected

for this historic event will all be ath-letes from Colorado. The AthleticsUnited “Juegos Escolares” team willconsist of 25 athletes ages 14 and 15,all from Colorado.

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Udall Announces New Staffand Key AdvisorsU.S. Sen. Mark Udall welcomed

four new advisors and staff to hiscampaign. The new additions to theUdall for Colorado team include newadvisors former Denver MayorWellington Webb, former DenverCouncilwoman and current DenverDowntown Partnership ChairwomanElbra Wedgeworth, as well as newDirector of Outreach Alexis Crewsand Director of Opposition ResearchErnest Bailey.Wellington Webb is the former mayor

of Denver, the firstAfrican American to beelected to that position.He is active in nationaland state Democraticpolitics and has been aguest lecturer atHarvard University’sKennedy School of Government.Elbra Wedgeworth is a

proud East Denvernative, and her profes-sional experience in theprivate and public sec-tors spans more than25 years. Among hermany accomplish-ments, Wedgeworth has served asboth the president of the Denver CityCouncil as well as the chair of hostcommittee for the 2008 DemocraticNational Convention in Denver. She isalso the first person of color to serveas chair of the Downtown DenverPartnership Board of Directors and iscurrently serving as the president ofthe Denver Union Station ProjectAuthority Board of Directors.During the 2012 elec-

tion, Alexis Crewsworked for the Obamacampaign in Denver. Agraduate of SpelmanCollege, Crews workedon voter registration ini-tiatives in Coloradobefore joining the Udall campaign.

Ernest Bailey studiedpolitical science andhistory in Nevadawhere he worked onthe Obama campaignand as an educator.Now living in Arvada,Ernest worked in ColoradoDemocratic politics before joiningUdall for Colorado.Carrousels, Inc. DenverChapter InstalledOn April 26, Carrousels Inc, a

national social organization, installed

its 22nd chapter in the organization’s58 year old history.Carrousels operates as a national

social organization with chaptersthroughout the country. Carrousels wasfounded in August 1956 by Glenna L.Watson and the late Betty Brewer. Whiletaking their infant children for a dailyouting they talked about how enjoyableit would be to have a group of specialfriends with whom they could plan andparticipate in different social activities.By the end of their walk, Watson and

Brewer decided to bring together someof their friends to discuss forming agroup. It was agreed that the club’s pur-pose was to strengthen friendships andto carry out social activities for theenjoyment of members and friends. Thenaming of the club was discussed, andafter several meetings (and names), itwas decided that Carrousels depictedthe atmosphere of love and happiness,and a carefree spirit which always exist-

ed whenever they came together.Telecoms Package Signedby Gov. Hickenlooper John Hickenlooper signed four of

the five telecommunications billspassed by the House and Senate thisyear to modernize telecommunicationregulation, expand rural broadbandservices and protect public safety. The bills, which are all sponsored inthe House by Rep. Angela Williams(D-Denver), include: •HB14-1327 which streamlines per-

mitting, construction, modification,maintenance and operation of celltowers, fiberoptic lines and otherinfrastructure. These technologyupgrades will have the biggest payoffin rural areas that will benefit fromincreased broadband coverage. •HB14-1329 deregulates voice over

internet protocol (VoIP) and internetprotocol (IP), but preserves the Public

Utilities Commission (PUC) regulationof the 911 system. •HB14-1330 updates telecommuni-

cations terminology and definitions instate statute to reflect the technologicaladvances made over the last 20 years.•HB14-1331 deregulates basic tele-

phone service, but allows the PUC toset maximum rates and to reregulatebasic service if the need arises. It alsosubstantially reduces the High CostSupport Mechanism, a subsidy forrural carriers, and passes a portion ofthe savings on to consumers. HB14-1328, also sponsored by Rep.

Williams, reallocates the High CostSupport Mechanism to fund ruralbroadband expansion was signed by thegovernor in Gunnison, Colo.


27

NEWSVIEWS

Rep. Angela Williams addresses the crowd at a press conference on the west stepsof the Capitol as left to right: Sen. Larry Crowder, Sen. Jeanne Nicholson, Sen. LoisTochtrop and Gov. John Hickenlooper look on and other stakeholders stand behind.

Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – January 2010

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Belle��

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

Politics, class, romance and raceare some of the subjects explored inBellewhich is inspired by a true story.Beautifully acted and well put

together, the film follows Dido Bellewho is raised as an English aristocrat. The illegitimate offspring of a slave

woman and a white Royal Navy offi-cer, Belle was raised by her uncle, theLord Chief Justice of England (TomWilkinson) in their ancestral estate in18th Century England. Her lineageaffords her certain privileges, yet herstatus prevents her from the traditionsof noble social standing.What makes the film remarkable is

that it delves into a part of unfamiliarhistory. Dido Belle is not a fictionalcharacter and was the first mixed-racewoman to be raised as an English aris-tocrat. But since there’s much we don’tknow about her life, director AmmaAsante has filled in the blanks byfocusing on a love story between herand an aspiring lawyer and anti-slav-ery activist (played by Sam Reid). As aresult, the film is more of a dewyromantic film set far from plantationsor slave ships of the time and moreamong the English upper class, wheredecisions about slavery are beingslowly deliberated.

Still, its superbly acted and well puttogether for there’s so much packedinto its 1hr 45 minute runtime. Thesocietal constraints placed uponwomen in Georgian England, race,class and gender, which are all deftlyexplored and cleverly interwovenmake it worth the ticket price.

The Retrieval��

Samantha Ofole-Prince“The very first thing that stuck

out to me was the writing,” saysTishuan Scott who stars in the histori-cal drama The Retrieval.A compelling and historically fasci-

nating film that follows a 13 year-oldBlack boy who retrieves runawayslaves, Chris Eska’s script illuminatesanother dark chapter of slavery andemancipatioThe year is 1864, and Marcus

(Keston John) and his young nephewWill (Ashton Sanders) earn a modestincome retrieving runaway slaves.Their setup is a simple one. They gainthe trust of runaway slaves and thenbetray them to the bounty hunters formoney. The story opens when Will(Sanders) asks to be sheltered withother escaped slaves who are hidingin a farmyard. Welcomed and offeredfood and bedding, he awaits theirslumber before quietly leaving andbetraying them to an awaiting slavehunter (played Bill Oberst Jr), whorewards him for the deed.For their next assignment, the duo

is sent to retrieve Nate (Tishuan Scott)an escaped slave enlisted by the Unionarmy to dig graves for dead soldiers.Armed with a false story about hisbrother who they claim is gravely ill,they convince Nate to return withthem. On the way back, things go hor-ribly wrong, and Will and Nate findthemselves on the run. As the bondbetween them unexpectedly grows,Will’s loyalty is challenged by thefather-figure role Nate effortlesslyassumes, and he becomes consumedby conflicting emotions as he faces agut-wrenching decision to eitherbetray the father figure he’s finally

found, or risk being killed by hisemployers.A slow and quietly absorbing film,

it’s a coming-of-age drama that haswon numerous film festival awards,including the Special Jury Prize forActing at SXSW (South by Southwest)and the International Critics Prize atthe Festival de Cinéma Américain deDeauville.“The heart of the story is this 13

year-old boy played brilliantly byAshton who does a magnificent job,”shares Scott. “We focus on humanityin this film and everybody can identi-fy with Will.”Writer/director Chris Eska (August

Evening) manages to weave an impres-sively historical tapestry without everlosing sight of the story. Befitting itsmood, much of the sprawling melo-drama unfolds on the back drop of theCivil War and unlike 12 Years a Slavea semi similar tale of slave kidnap-ping, there is little need for the brutali-ty normally seen in movies of that elk.“I take my hat off to the team of 12

Years a Slave for the scene that wasdone when Patsey was whippedbecause that absolutely had to be seen,but our film did not need it,” Scottsays. “There has been so much bloodshed, but with Nate and Will andMarcus, we are not focusing on slav-ery but a human story seen throughthe eyes of a 13 year-old boy.”

The Retrieval offers a fascinatinginsight into the moral dilemma thatcomes with betrayal. With vivid workfrom a stellar cast, notably Scott andSanders, this is a movie that renders apowerful conclusion.

Million Dollar Arm��

By J.R. Johnson

Million Dollar Arm follows thetrue story of JB Bernstein (Jon Hamm),a sports agent whose firm is on its lastleg. As his agency continues to dwin-dle, JB puts all his eggs in one basketin an idea called the Million DollarArm – a competition that sets out tofind India’s first professional baseball

player. When JB finds his two pitch-ers, Rinku (Suraj Sharma) and Dinesh(Madhur Mittal), he takes themhalfway across the world to Americawhere they train in hopes of gettingsigned by a major league baseballteam.

Million Dollar Arm is heartfelt andfilled with moments of sentiment andexcitement. The tone sets a feeling oftriumph and desire for these twounderdogs. But much of the emotionis overlapped by the comedicinstances that eventually take over thefilm. The jokes aren’t a disadvantageto the movie, but they do serve as dis-tractions that shorten the core of thefilm.The baseball side of the movie

comes in a modest dose. The behindthe scenes charades are playful and alittle more playful than one wouldexpect, it fits the tenor of the movie,but it’s not going to fulfill the averagefan’s desire. Still, the focus is on theRinku and Dinesh trying to accom-plish an immense goal, but the stakesdon’t feel as high without the presenceof the major leagues instead of talkingheads.

Million Dollar Arm isn’t the sportsfilm that fans have been dying for, butit does have a fun comedic-vibe that isperfectly geared for families.

Brick Mansions� 1/2

By J.R. Johnson

Summer is approaching and pop-corn movies will soon hit theaters infull force. As usual, a few of themtrickle out earlier than most and BrickMansions is leading the charge.In one of Paul Walker’s last per-

formances, Walker plays Damien anundercover cop in a future that hasforced Detroit worst neighborhoodinto its own territory. Damien isrecruited to infiltrate the territoryknown as Brick Mansion, to stop adangerous scheme that would endwith the devastation of the entire city.But only with the help of an ex-concan Damien hope to complete his task.

Brick Mansions isn’t the type of filmthat offers the most brainy of plots,that’s also not what it set out to do.But there are some parameters thatneed to be met in order for the narra-tive to actually consider itself a story.Brick Mansions doesn’t even attempt tomeet any of those boundaries. It’smore focused on visuals more thananything else.Post-production seemed to be a

part of the film that lacked any enthu-siasm as well. The editing, especially

REEL ACTION


28

Ground RulesMust See............��It’s Worth A Look.....��See At Your Own Risk.��Don’t Bother.....................�

Editor’s note: Samantha Ofole-Prince is anaward-winning writer and contributor tomany national publications and isBlackflix.com’s Senior Critic-at-Large.J.R. Johnson is a Journalism student atMetropolitan State University of Denverand Blackflix.com’s intern.LaurenceWashington is the creator ofBlackFlix.com.

Belle

The Retrieval

Million Dollar Arm

in regards to the audio, are not donewell at all. Voiceovers with mis-matched lip movements and incoher-ent scene cuts run rampart throughoutthe film. It feels like a rough draft.Walker and his co-star David Belle

are fun to watch, but there isn’t muchroom for the possible chemistry theycould’ve had, instead we are givensomething that feels forced and unbe-lievable.The stunts seem to be the main pri-

ority of the film. A couple backflipshere and there, and maybe some wall-running thrown in to some hand-to-hand brawls make for nice eye-candy,but that can only distract for so long.The only faith left lies within the char-acters, and there’s none.

Godzilla��

By J.R. Johnson

The King of the Monsters is back,and his return is nothing less thangigantic. After 16 years of dormancy,and a few other attempts in between,Godzilla has finally been given adecent stage to stomp all over.In the most recent incarnation, the

story of Godzilla unfolds through theeyes of Ford Brody (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a young soldier and hisfather, Joe (Bryan Cranston) who hasdevoted the backend of his life tochasing a faceless source of destruc-tion. When he finally uncovers thecause, the realization of what’s tocome is unimaginable. After the dis-covery, Ford sets on a worldwide jour-ney to do anything he can to protecthis family and stop the monstrositiesthat threaten them. But they are toobig to handle alone.

Godzilla follows a formula built bythe early films that birthed the fran-chise. It’s a concentrated story that is

meant to do one thing – bring onGodzilla. Although the film does teasehim, and the other creatures in thefilm until key parts in the story arerevealed, the wait is more than worthit. Godzilla’s presence is massive. Andthanks to new age technology, everyspectacle is fashioned in a way thatbrings the monster to life in a refresh-ing way.Aside from Aaron Taylor jumping

from disaster to disaster, in an effort totry and get home to his family, thecharacters are just pushing towardsanswers and setups created in aneffort to build a history for the crea-tures involved. Even though this canbe a little exhausting in certainmoments, it’s all worth it and clenches

a significant amount of value for thestory. Like many monster movies orfilms built around spectacles, thehuman element isn’t the focus, and itshouldn’t be. It’s called “Godzilla” for areason, and it delivers on that purposein nearly all fronts.

Godzilla is a fine start to a hopefullygrowing franchise that captures theessence of the iconic beast.

The Other Woman��

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

A film which is bound to strike achord with people from all walks oflife, there’s plenty of laughs to be hadin “The Other Woman.”Infectiously entertaining, this come-

dy that features three great leadingladies circles around Carly Whitten(played by Cameron Diaz) who dis-covers her latest boyfriend is a mar-ried man. When she accidentallymeets the wife he’s been cheating on(Leslie Mann), they both discover athird woman (Kate Upton) is alsocaught up in his lies and conspire to

give him what he deserves.The film is a standard and pre-

dictable one – three flipped-outfemmes who make life hell for theman who scorned them, but what isentertaining are the laughs we getalong the way. As the story begins, wemeet Carly (Diaz), a tough-as-nailsNew York lawyer with a strict set ofrules when it comes to men and rela-tionships. When she meets Mark King(played by “Game of Thrones” starNikolaj Coster-Waldau), she lets herguard down and begins to fall for him.But when he cancels a date citingplumbing issues at his home, shemakes a spontaneous visit to thehouse clad in high heels and wieldinga plumbing tool-kit only to discoverthat he has a wife, Kate (Mann).Instead of directing their outragetoward one another, Carly and Katebond over their joint enemy, and, witha little help from Amber (Upton), a

third woman caught up in Mark’s lies,they plot a mutual revenge.Directed by Nick Cassavetes (“The

Notebook”), it’s a film about femalesolidarity that balances comedy with abit of fantasy. Despite a plot that’salmost too preposterous for the mate-rial and a script that goes on a tad toolong, it is a good-hearted, simple-minded comedy about femaleempowerment with some very funnymoments. Some of their vengefulactions include dipping Mark’s tooth-brush in the toilet, swapping hisshampoo with hair remover, slippinghormone pills in his morning smooth-ies and dropping laxatives in hisdrink, but of course there is the finalact of revenge that hits him where itreally hurts – his pocketbook.Don Johnson makes a brief appear-

ance as Carly’s father while NickiMinaj injects a bit of humor as Carly’ssassy secretary, Lydia.


29

REEL ACTION

Brick Mansions

Godzilla

The Other Woman

By LisaMarie Martinez

To recognize Black Music Month,this month the Denver UrbanSpectrum takes a look at four localartists who may be considered new onthe horizon even though they havebeen in the industry for many years.

SMILE...with LindaTheus-Lee

Linda Theus-Lee grew up with aspeech impediment and so by the ageof eight she had difficulty speakingbecause of a stutter. She receivedextensive speech treatment. She wasable to sing along to songs withoutstuttering. Theus-Lee is from Los Angeles by

way of Louisiana. In high school shewas part of a 100-plus member choir.She performed with her trio in jukejoints. Her trio, featuring the bass,drums and keyboards, performedrhythm and blues, jazz, blues, pop,musical theatre types of music and bigband. During her career she hastoured around the world. She hastoured Korea, Japan and Europe. Sheperformed with The Platters in LasVegas and Canada, and with the lateLouise Burke’s big band in LosAngeles. She has traveled to Hawaii aspart of the cast of Sistas andStorytellers, written by Sheryl Reneeand Coco Brown.Through her day job as a program

coordinator for the University ofColorado at Denver, Theus-Lee is ableto do outreach, affording her theopportunity to speak to diverse audi-ences and “to inspire.” As a volunteerspeaker, through the university, she

speaks on the importance of self, edu-cation, and the tenacity to never giveup on dreams “no matter what,” saysTheus-Lee, who earned her bachelor’sin business and master’s in social sci-ence from UCD.“I’m always trying to reinvent

myself, not only to make my life betterbut to also make someone else’s lifebetter. For my life, I’ve been studyingthe guitar for the last three years. Ilove song-writing, I love writing,”says Theus-Lee, who often writes andpractices her guitar while hanging outat the Botanic Gardens. “We shouldalways be on a continuum; to continueto grow, to continue to be more thanwhoever we even think we are. Wecan do so many things, not just forourselves. Sometimes people just needa smile. Everyone deserves a smile; asmile is a blessing.”National artists, India Arie and

Raul Midon, have served as inspira-tion for Theus-Lee’s love of song-writ-ing and wanting to play the guitar.“I’ve been doing this music for the last35 years. I just continue to grow andgo,” says Theus-Lee, who primarilyperforms at private parties andfundraisers. “The older I get, the moreenergy I have and the better I sound.I’ll never give up on myself or on themusic because it feeds my whole soul.I’ll continue to do it until the goodLord says ‘Service well done.’ ”

RitualsTheus-Lee does vocal exercises and

focuses on being in a calm positivestate before her performances. Formore information, visitwww.lindatheus-lee.wix.com/linda.

RELEASE...with ErnestWashingtonProfessional singer, Ernest

Washington, started out in the musicindustry as a young boy playing thedrums. He thought he wanted to be apercussionist or a professional drumplayer while growing up in a family ofnine kids in his hometown of St. LouisMissouri. He entered talent shows andsinging contests, and also competedfor his school as a percussion-ist/backup singer. Think Temptations.Those experiences led him to using

his mother’s stove as a makeshiftdrum; the drumsticks were formedfrom tree branches. His (single) moth-er Sylvia Walker could not afford tobuy him a drum set.“Whatever I could beat on I was

beating on, visualizing I had my owndrum set. I used tree limbs and beaton plastic and steel trash cans. That


30

Spotlight on Musicians inDenver’s Local Music Scene

was one of my dreams, to be a profes-sional drummer,” says Washington,who has a music degree from theUniversity of Missouri. To make a better life for himself

and his family he moved to Denver.He worked together with Brenda, themother of his two daughters. He is thefounder and lead singer of ErnestWashington and the RendezvousCrew, which is made up of nine to 10members: percussionist, bass player,keyboard player, saxophone player,back-up vocalists and drummer.“Our genre of music is rhythm and

blues, funk, jazz, hip hop, blues andsoft rock. We’re a high energy band,we love to perform. My goal is to takethe audience’s breath away on everysong and we do,” says Washington,who has performed at Jazz at Jacks,the Kasbah and the Soiled DoveUnderground. He is working on his third album

‘Love Is Not Lost,’ and has not forgot-ten his inspiration. “My beautifulmother has inspired me to be my best.She always told me that in her heartand eyes that she’s always believed inwhat I’ve done. My school musicteacher Walter Young inspired memusically.” He adds that he is“intrigued by the style, words, anduniqueness of Nat King Cole and EllaFitzgerald.”A mentor and teacher in Aurora

Public Schools, Washington does notperform for the fame or fortune.“Music is about touching souls andbringing people together. It’s notabout making a dollar, but about shar-ing a gift God has given. It’s meaning-ful, and spiritual to me; music is arelease, and can change peoples’moods. I always tell my audience,‘without you there is no me.”

RitualsBefore a performance, Washington

drives to the lake, runs, or works outwhile listening to music.His next performance is at Jazz at

Jacks in downtown Denver on June 28and Frisco, Colorado on July 4. For more information, visit

www.ewjazz.us.

BELONG...with CicelyO’Kain

Singer, songwriter, performer andrecording artist Cicely O’Kain is aDenver native. She started her seven-year music career performing at Jazzat Jacks. While seeking out venues toperform in, she put together her firstalbum, “MsUnderstood.” She is in theprocess of writing and recording forher second album, which can be foundon ITunes, Amazon.com andRhapsody. She also has songs onYouTube. She has performed from LosAngeles to New York and locally atthe Soiled Dove Underground, theParamount and the Gothic Theatre. “I like to experience all types of

music, and like hip hop, rhythm andblues, rock and opera music. I like toincorporate a little bit of all thosestyles of music if the venue or event,calls for that,” says O’Kain, who earli-er this year wrote and performed atribute song, entitled “Faith,” forDenver’s First Lady Mary Louise Lee.She has opened for national artistssuch as Keith Sweat, Joe and Kindred.She will be in a play at Cleo ParkerRobinson Dance Theatre the end ofthis month. “Entertaining gives me a sense of

belonging,” says O’Kain, whose moth-er passed when she was seven. “I

remember she had a beautiful voice. Iinspire to be like my mother, Debbie;my hero.”The hairstylist by day says, “When

I’m on stage I’m completely free; I’mperforming for my next breath. I’mblessed to say I’m working on both ofmy passions.”Her words of wisdom to everyone

are, “No matter how young or old youare, how seasoned you are, whateveryour dream is, I’ve learned: just beokay with it. It may differ with whatyou’re currently doing; it may just notseem it would be right because youmay be so settled into something else.But if that is where your heart reallyis, it’s so important to follow that, andbe unafraid. “She adds, “Believe in yourself and

don’t feel like you’re gonna’ comeacross as cocky or conceited becauseyou know you’re qualified. Do itthrough the tears, the uncertainty,through the naysayers, whatever it is,and do it now.

RitualsBefore a performance, O’Kain guz-

zles three bottles of Aquafina water,shakes her body if she feels nervousand designates at least one hour to bein total silence. For more information, visit

www.cicelyokainmusic.com

TRANSCEND...with D ThaMan ProjectD. Williams (D Tha Man Project) had

wanted to be an entertainer since hewas very young, playing football inhigh school. During his sophomoreyear in college he decided to pursuehis musical desires. In 2004 theDenver native and hismusical partner CliftonDavis formed agroup calledGubmentCheeseProject.They metwhileworkingto helpat-riskyouthinDenver. Prior

to theGubmentCheeseProject,Williams per-formed in sev-eral groups. Onein particular, TheCool eMCee’s, wasformed by a partnershipwith his cousin and a friend underthe umbrella of Attiq Entertainment

Agency. While working on the firstalbum for The Cool eMCee’s, Williamsasked Davis to do some studio workwith the group. It marked the begin-ning of their musical collaborations.Williams has worn many hats in theproject writing songs, rapping andcoordinating production to being thevisionary. “My inspirations are constantly

changing in life because I’m a fan ofmusic and I am a creator,” saysWilliams who appreciates artists likeIce Cube, Madonna, The Beatles aswell as Earth, Wind and Fire. They“represent the ability to transcend; tobe creative.” The debut album of Gubment

Cheese Project, “Music,” representscollaborations with several musicians.It can be found at the Denver recordstore Twist and Shout, Amazon.comand ITunes. Their second album enti-tled “Old Dogs No Tricks” is in itsfinal stages of production. Davis playsflute, the melodica, built tracks in thestudio, and used electronic instrumen-tation. Williams feels entertaining is a call-

ing. “Entertaining to me is like a sirenthat calls to me, I love it, and I heedthe call,” says Williams, who has per-formed at Denver’s People’s Fair, theBluebird Theatre and the OgdenTheatre.

RitualsWilliams spends his downtime lis-

tening to live music in support ofother local artists. For more information, email

[email protected]. �


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Scott United Methodist PresentsRetirement Concert CelebrationThe Scott United Methodist

Church, at 2880 Garfield St. in Denver,along with Director of Music MinisterE. Hayward Hobbs presents the ScottUnited Methodist Church WesleyanChoir in concert on Sunday June, 22 at 5 p.m. The concert will announce andcelebrate the retirement of PastorAaron Black and will present a serv-ice of anthems, hymns and gospelmusic featuring some of Denver’sfinest guest singers and musicians.For more information, call 303-771-

2641.The International RockyMountain Funk OutThe first International Rocky

Mountain Funk Out will be a two-dayfestival in honor of the American artform known as funk. Joining from TheNetherlands is SevenEleven and fromStockholm Sweden, The NeonRomeoz. They will share the stagewith Con Funk Shun, Karyn White,The System, LA Sky and The RickJames Stone City Band Revue,TeCheetah Lopez and The L.A. AllStars, Dotsero, American Idol/TheVoice finalist Wade Brown, Brick, DJ’sRicky O, Al “Your Pal”, Capn ChrisHill, DJ Chonz, along with a specialtribute to the Fender Rhodes ElectricPiano featuring artists from the hitfilm “Down The Rhodes” The FenderRhodes Story. Also, Michael Jackson’slegendary guitarist from the JenniferBatten’s Forever Dangerous Tourwillpay a tribute to the King of Pop.This event will be held Saturday,

July 5 and Sunday, July 6. Hosts willbe actors Mario Lopez and ObbaBabatunde.For more information and tickets,

visit www.internationalfunkout.com,www.sjrmediagroup.com, or email [email protected] 8th Annual Benefit Dinner The African Heritage Celebration

(AHC) will present an evening of cul-ture and charity at the 8th annual din-ner and silent auction. All proceedswill benefit education projects in thevillages of Senegal, Africa. The cele-bration will be held Friday, June 13from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hyatt RegencyDenver at the Colorado ConventionCenter, located at 650 15th St. inDenver. Keynote speaker will be Dr.James Jackson, founder of ProjectCure. The Griot Masters Ensemble ofColorado will provide entertainmentalong with other guest artists. TheHyatt Regency will prepare anddonate Seneglese cuisine. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at

the door.

For more information, tickets orreservations, call Mohamadou Cisse at720-732-4638, Kevin Miller at 303-882-8389 or Vance Johnson at 303-321-2470.Discover Your Family StarFamily Star is an early childhood

education program serving low-income families in Northeast andNorthwest Denver. Enrollment is openfor center based or home based pro-grams. There are low numbers ofteacher to child ratios, and all food,formula, diapers, and wipes are pro-vided. Family Star is Qualistar rated, aDPP provider and accepts CCAP andTANF child care payments. The homebased program is year round for ages0-5. There are two child care centerswith immediate openings; open from7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday throughFriday.Locations are at 2246 Federal Blvd.

in Denver and at 2940 Curtis St. inDenver. For more information, call303-477-7827, 303-295-7711 or visitwww.familystar.net.Father of the Year Awardsand Golf Tournament Families across Denver have been

submitting the names of exceptionalfathers since February, and after a rigor-ous judging process, the 2014 Father ofthe Year will be announced on June 14.The Father’s Show Resource

Program is hosting its fifth annualFather of the Year event with a golftournament, silent auction, and awardluncheon, Saturday June 14 at the ParkHill Golf Course, 4141 E. 35th Ave. inDenver. The golf tournament begins at7:30 a.m. and the luncheon begins atnoon. This year’sguest speaker isformer Broncorunning backReggie Rivers.The purpose of

The Father’s ShowResource Programis to providefathers, single or married, with a one-stop resource of information that canassist them in raising their children,positively and productively. For more information and tickets,

visit www.thefathershowrp.org. Onlythe first 100 golfers will be accepted.Cost is $125 per person.Launch Of STEM Connect 2014Making science, technology, engi-

neering, and mathematics (STEM)matter for the next generation ofSTEM professionals is one goal ofSTEM Connect, a program of the Dr.Justina Ford (JF) STEM Institute inNorth Denver.The JFSTEM Institute recognizes

the urgency of STEM education for


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COMMUNITY NOTES

girls and women of color from eco-nomically disadvantaged communi-ties. STEM Connect aims to establish amuch needed support system forBlack STEM professionals throughnetworking and mentorship opportu-nities, mobilizing leadership, and rec-ognizing the achievements of profes-sionals in the STEM workforce.STEM Connect will be headed by

medical writer Tanya Russell, Ph.D.The launch of STEM Connect will

be held Saturday, June 14 from 12 to 2p.m. at the JF STEM Institute, locatedin the Benedict Enrichment Center onthe first floor of Thomas Bean Towersat 135 Park Ave. West in Denver. JF STEM Institute will also host its

annual “We Are STEM” summercamp from July 21 to 25 for girls ingrades 3 to 6. For more information, visit

www.jfsteminstitute.com or emailDeborah Sims Fard at [email protected] Education Network’s2014 Father’s Day Rally Prostate Health Education

Network’s Annual Father’s Day Rallyin partnership with churches hasbecome the largest and most visibleprostate cancer education and aware-ness effort with a focus on Black

America – reaching more than 1 mil-lion persons in 2013.United Church of Montbello locat-

ed in Northeast Denver, 4879 CrownBlvd. in Denver is partnering withPHEN to host The 6th Annual RallyAgainst Prostate Cancer at each serv-ice on Father’s Day, June 15 at 8 and10:30 a.m. For more information, call Mary

Davis, Ph.D. at 303-884-5651 or [email protected] Hill Village WestCommunity Design FairThe Park Hill Village West

Community Desing Fair will beSaturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 2p.m., 4100 Albion St, Denver.Community members are invited to

come and shape the development ofthe six acres of land on Smith Roadand Colorado Boulevard. View thethree proposed designs for the areasand make your opinions known.There will be food, beverages,activties, and giveaways for the wholefamily. This event is presented by The

Denver Foundation, Urban LandConservancy, Together Colorado,Radian, GES Livewell, and FRESC.For more information, call 303-300-

1790.


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COMMUNITY NOTES

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

h�p://ucm.ctsmemberconnect.net

Lost Your Joy?

Sunday Worship: 8:00am (Traditional) and 10:30am (Gospel)

Find it again at the United Church of Montbello! Come as you are and get connected to your best self through

great fellowship and the love of Jesus Christ!

303.355.4979

P.O. Box 39163 H Denver CO 80239

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TICKETS AND INFO AT

DUS June 2014

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