Five Points Remembers 9/11

Happenings in and around Historic 5 PointsSeptember 2011

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

3

Greg Goodlow was a crowd pleaser as his group headlined the Annual Juneteenth Festival on Welton street. The legendary Charles Burell thrilled seniors at the reemerging Juneteenth Senior Luncheon.

Born in 1920, he was the first Black symphony performer in the country. Goodlow and Burell prove music is timeless.

Go Green!read 5 Points news online at

www.brotherjeff.com

Minola N. UpshawCommunity says good-bye to local Civil Rights icon

Mourners filled Zion Baptist Church to celebrate the life of community icon and civil rights activist Menola N. Upshaw. Family, friends, a host of clergy, business leaders and elected officials shared personal stories and expressed condolences. Reverend Paul Martin accompanied by his wife Agnes returned to Denver to deliver the eulogy. Referring to Upshaw’s life of service, Reverend Martin said, “Menola was a committed servant whom the Lord used until she was used up. We ought to say halleluiah for a life well lived.”

Upshaw passed quietly away at the home of her son and daughter in-law with each holding her hands as she walked into glory. The end of life care she received surrounded by love and family caused Reverend Martin to proclaim, “The one the Lord anoints, is also cared for.”

Charles Upshaw shared a conversation he had with his mother regarding organ donation. “I would consider donating everything except my eyes,” mom said. “Why your eyes” I asked? “Because at the funeral I want to look around and see whose there.” With such a beautiful home going celebration, I’m certain Menola is well pleased with what she saw.

– brother jeff

Family, friends, clergy, business leaders, elected officials and community members celebrate the life of Menola N. Upshaw

Local quilters were joined by family, friends and community for a special preview of The Freedom Quilt Experience, created in loving memory of 9/11. The event took place at RedLine, located in the Five Points area. Also in attendence was curator and conceptual designer, Cynthia Martin. The Freedom Quilt Experi-ence was commissioned by The Peter A. Kudla Family Foundation in collaboration with redLine and The Denver Foundation.

2 8 5 Points news

The Colorado Chapter of Tennessee State Univeristy Alumni Association Presents

Colorado Black College Weekend...Get on the Bus!!!

Tailgate, Football Game and More: Saturday, September 24, 2011Tennessee State University vs. Air Force Football Game

Colorado Black College Week - September 19 - 25, 2011Friday, August 19, 2011 - 6:00pm-8:00pm - Coffee at the Point (5 Points)

HBCU Colorado Alumni President Reception, Thursday, September 22, 2011, 6:30-8:00pmJing at the Landmark, 5370 Greenwood Plaza Blvd.

Black College Happy Hour/Mixer, Friday, September 23, 2011, 6:00-9:00pmMarriott Courtyard Denver Cherry Creek

Black College/Alumni Party, Friday, September 23 or Saturday, September 24, 2011, 9:00pm-UntilMarriott Courtyard Denver Cherry Creek

The Ultimate HBCU Tail Gate Party, Saturday, September 24, 2011, 11:00am-4:00pmAir Force Academy, Colorado Springs

Tennessee State University vs. Air Force Academy Football Game, Saturday, September 24, 1:00-4:00pmAir Force Academy, Colorado Springs

Delta Sigma Theta Step Show, Saturday, September 24, 2011, 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Auraria Campus event Center

HBCU Sunday Worship Services, Sunday, September 26, 2011, 10:00am-12:30pmNew Hope Church, Park Hill

sePtember 2011 8 3

5 Points news Monthly Publication - September 2011

Publisher

brother jeff

editor

Nita Henry

layout & design

Cynthia R. Martin

PhotograPhy

Lens of Ansarbrother jeff

A-Team Photography

Writers & research

Terrance “Big T” HughesKenneth DrewLakisha Rankin

Brooklyn DorseyNita Henrybrother jeff

Cynthia MartinEuda Green

5 Points News is a publication of brotherjeff.com

2836 Welton StreetDenver, CO 80205

303.297.0823www.brotherjeff.com

Do you remember Track and Field Day? I do. As a child growing up in Park Hill and attending Smith Elementary School, we would run and jump like crazy in pursuit of those wonderful colored ribbons. If you won a Blue Ribbon, it symbol-ized you were the best, what a feeling. Wow!

I was reminded of that childhood feeling in 2005 at the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Awards when receiving a Blue ribbon along with other community servants. It didn’t give me the childhood “I’m the best” feeling, but instead, I felt humbled and in awe. There I was standing with community giants such as Tom Yates and Menola Upshaw who also received Blue Ribbons.

When learning of Menola’s passing, I reflected on that humanitarian award ceremony. I remembered this master teacher’s humbleness and accessibility. I wondered how many children she pinned with Blue Ribbons. I thought about the dedication it took to work for over fifty years with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

As children we kept our Blue Ribbons and wore them until they faded. In my office, I still have my 2005 Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award Blue Ribbon. I knew that was a special moment. Now I realize just how special it was. Menola Upshaw was a Blue Ribbon woman. There will never be another like her.

–brother jeff

Menola N. Upshaw was born April 16, 1921 in St. Louis, Missouri, left to meet the Lord on September 3, 2011 in Dewitt, Michigan. A long time resident of Oklaho-ma City, Oklahoma, Mrs. Upshaw moved with her family to Denver in 1957 and resided here until 2011. She was a gradu-ate of Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, received a B.A. in education from Tennessee State University, her master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, and a specialist in education degree from the University of Northern Colorado.

Mrs. Upshaw often said, “I believe I was born to be a teacher.” She was a long-time elementary school teacher and after moving to Denver switched to special edu-cation. After years in the classroom, Mrs. Upshaw became the first Black coordina-tor in the Denver Public Schools. She re-mained in that position until her retirement. In 1967 she was named, Colorado Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Upshaw was a longtime member of New Hope Baptist Church, then Zion Baptist Church, where for many years she was Sunday School Superintendent. She was very active in the national Baptist Sunday School and BTU Congress, serv-ing on the faculty.

Mrs. Upshaw had a lifelong, unfail-ing passion for gaining and preserving civil rights for African Americans and all people of color. She served multiple terms as presi-dent of the Denver National Association for

Doing the Ring Shout, circa. 1930s Members of the Gullah community express their spirituality through the “ring shout” during a service at a local “praise house.”

A Blue Ribbon Woman

Five Points Business DistrictSelects James as Interim Director

The Gullah/Geechee Experienceat Blair-Caldewell African American Research Library

Menola Upshaw Recieves Her Wings

The Five Points Business District has announced Dante J. James, Esq. as its interim executive director.

Most recently, James served as state director for the Center for Progressive Leadership, where he directed a political leadership training program. He has writ-ten or overseen the drafting of municipal ordinances, written grants, worked close-ly with legislators, testified on legislation, and built a reputation of consciously and conscientiously working with all commu-nities.

The Johnson Legacy, Inc. brings the Gullah/Geechee experience to Five Points in the form of an exhibit to raise awareness. The exhibit will be at the Blair-Caldwell Li-brary throughout the month of September. “The images you will see in the exhibit are from the trips we have taken to South Carolina and Georgia.” explains Professor Jacque-lyn Benton, director of The Johnson Legacy, Inc. “Mary Lassiter and Tanika Vaughn, are responsible for the exhibit,” she adds.

The Gullah language, a Creole blend of Elizabethan English and African languages, was born of necessity on Africa’s coast and developed in the slave communities of the isolated plantations of the coastal South. Even after slaves were freed in the Sea Islands in 1861, the Gullah speech flourished because access to the islands was by water only until the 1950’s. The Gullah language is similar to Sierra Leone Krio. Today, one hears phrases such as: Come Jine We. Ketch ob de Day. Lok Ya Wanem Shrimps. However, Gullah is more than a language or dialect – it is a culture.

the Advancement of Colored People. She was a driving force in the multi-state Re-gion Four of the NAACP, and wa a member of the National Board of Directors, and Na-tional Executive Committee of the NAACP.

She had met United States Presidents, governors, mayors, CEO’s of Fortune 500 Corporations, and yet she remained humble and down to earth. Working to mentor those willing to learn; willing to listen, console and share with those who needed a friend, Mrs. Upshaw was an outstanding and ex-emplary educator, activist, mother, grand-mother, friend and colleague. We may never see another like her.

celebrate gullah geechee culture

sePtember 6, 2011 through sePtember 30, 2011blair Caldwell library in the Cousins art gallery

2401 welton street, denver, Co 80205

“He is a proven leader in the public, private and non-profit sector,” says Board Chair Alison Wadle. “His expertise will be invaluable as we continue work to reju-venate the Historic Five Points District.”

“I am very familiar with several busi-nesses in the area and would like to as-sist in the continued development of the Welton Street corridor and the Five Points community,” says James, who received a juris doctorate from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and a bach-elor’s in political science from the Uni-versity of Central Arkansas.

The Five Points Business District (FPBD) office is responsible for the growth and development of the Welton Street corridor and the promotion and economic empowerment of the broader Five Points community. Funded by Den-ver’s Office of Economic Development (OED), the office is part of the city’s new Neighborhood Marketplace Initiative. In May 2008, the Five Points neighbor-hood was selected by the OED to be part of a pilot program designed to strengthen business districts and their surrounding neighborhoods.

Dante James, Five Points Business District Interim Executive Director

L-R: Tom Yates, Menola Upshaw and brother jeff, 2005 MLK Humanitarian AwardsPhoto: Blair Caldwell African American Research Library Collection

4 8 5 Points news

The Heart of a ServantCentral Baptist Church installs new pastor

Common Roots in BenediCt PaRk PlaCe

Community Space Available for meetings and events at no charge.

Urban Land Conservancy305 Park Avenue West, Unit B

Denver, Colorado 80205303.377.4477 • www.urbanlandc.org

The three tenants of Common Roots Shared Space: Urban Land Conservancy, Denver Preschool Program and Education Reform Now would like to extend an invitation to our neighbors to use our common space for your next meeting or event.

We are located within Denver Housing Authority’s (DHA) Benedict Park Place, a Hope 6 redevelopment of the former East Village Apartments at 305 Park Avenue West in Denver.

Our Shared Space includes a large conference room, foyer and kitchen facilities.

Please contact the Urban Land Conservancy to reserve the space for your next gathering.

•

•

•

•

Help your child enter school ready to learn!

Discover yourFamily Star.Enroll your child today in Denver’s finestyear-round Montessori School

Open, welcoming atmosphere for familiesFull-day, year-round schoolsMulticultural community with dual language programBilingual, highly-qualified teachersBirth through six years of ageExcellent student to teacher ratiosBright, open classroomsHigh-quality services for children with disabilities and special needsHighly nutritious and varied meals

You are invited to take a tour of our classrooms. Call 303.477.7827 to make an appointment or visit for more information.

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

Rev. Dr. Henry L. Armington, Sr. Pastor Central Baptist Church

Stop by Crossroads Theater every first and last Monday of the month for

Slam Nuba. This competitive performance poetry event is sponsored

by the Pan African Arts Society

2590 Washington, Denver, Colorado 80205 • 303.832.0929

Rev. Dr. Henry L. Armington, Sr. has been installed as the new pastor of Central Baptist Church. He grew up in the small rural area of Jefferson Texas and accept-ed his call to pursue ministry at the age of 13 ultimately becoming the youngest preacher ever in Jefferson to be licensed and ordained as a minister.

The congregation joyfully and lov-ingly entered into a covenant with their new pastor and accepted the charge of a spiritual fellowship of love, care and compassion with a promise to trust Dr. Armington, Sr. as a person of prayer who

desires to lead them according to the per-fect will of God.

Dr. Armington, Sr. graduated from Bishop A.L Hardy Theological Seminary with both the Master of Ministerial Arts and the Doctor of Ministry degrees. He is married to the former Katherine Dixon of Belcher, Louisiana with two children born to their union—Henry Jr. and Jarvis.

Central Baptist Church2400 California Street

Denver, Colorado 80205303.296.6618

www.cbcdenver.org

sePtember 2011 8 5

As a child, I was fortunate enough to have two parents who understood the power of capturing history. They were pretty progressive for their time and clear about the necessity of having the past at our fingertips throughout the generations. I didn’t understand it then, but I do now.

My mother is the consummate histo-rian. She preserved every part of my life growing up. I’ll start with the fact that she scrapbooked every report card that I ever received, from kindergarten to my doc-toral program! If anyone wanted to check my academic credentials, she could pro-duce a fully-bound coffee table book with every grade I’ve ever received in my life. Back then, they gave grades for conduct. I consistently received “Talks too Much” ratings throughout my academic career. no surprise there.

My mother thought artistic works should be preserved. She has scrapbooks of all artwork that I produced since 1st grade. I’m torn, as I believe some things should land on the refrigerator door and then quietly and subtlety to the trashcan. She kept everything. Pictures made from rice…rice glued to the paper and then painted. Rice from 1966. There are family portraits that I did in finger paint. Things were OK until my “brand new little broth-er” came along. The pictures started to look Satanic. I wasn’t happy to have him join our family after being the only child

for eight years! I didn’t paint a nice pic-ture. My mother saved them anyway. She knew we’d eventually love each other.

The best of all of her “preserva-tions” were the series of cassette tapes of me having conversations with my father. They were me at 5 years old asking my dad interview questions and sometimes even telling him his socks stank. It is amazing to hear your voice from 45 years ago and to think that today; you might even be saying the exact same things.

My mother saved every costume that I wore in ballet recitals, the kindergarten marching band, the “tip-toe-through-the-tulips” and the “raindrops keep falling on my head” routines, etc. She has them neatly boxed, labeled and wrapped for us to laugh about and yes, in Atlanta there were kindergarten marching bands! I played the sticks.

As I look back on all of the care and love that my parents put into preserving my past, I pray that we, as a community can do the same in preserving that which has made us who we are and what we can be. Our community history must be pack-aged with care. our historians must be honored with love. We have to understand that our rice art from 1966 has everything to do with whether or not we will even have art in 2012. Our “tip-toe-through-the-tulips” costume should be a reminder of the relevance of dance and music in our history and what it will take to keep it a core part of our future. Our 1967 report card, should remind us that we have much progress to make in our educational sys-tem. In some cases, we are teaching with 1967 resources and mentality in a 2011 world. Lastly, there should be a marching band…a strong one where the drum beats for excellence in our community…where even kindergarteners have sticks that beat for our future. March…march…march on for our future.

–Nita Henry

Talkn’ With Dr. DaddioSaturdays 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Councilman Albus Brooks A Western Spirit in Northeast Denver

History In The MakingMarch On For Our Future

Denver is a diverse city, yet most people do not know the impact that Af-rican-Americans had in the early years. Most people picture big-bearded, burly miners and “Little House on the Prairie” type families. They typically do not know about the impact that African-Americans have had in Denver’s rich history; I was previously unaware of the legacy left be-hind, and it has been a joy for me to learn of the full history of the American West.

When you travel the country and tell people, “I am from Denver, Colorado” they immediately think about John Den-ver’s “Rocky Mountain High”, cowboys, snowy mountain peaks, bucking broncos-and the Denver Broncos. Several years ago, I used to think that this was a nega-tive image for Denver; not everyone in the Mile High City wears cowboy boots and 10-gallon hats. However, as I traveled the state on the campaign to elect Governor Hickenlooper, and as I walked the streets of District 8 on my own campaign, I be-gan to get a sense of the western spirit that distinguishes Denver from other cities. We are determined pioneers, blazing trails for a better future.

The traditional stereotype of a cow-boy is influenced by images of John Wayne and Clint eastwood. neverthe-less, anyone who has studied the true his-tory of the Centennial State will tell you

that many of the original cowboys of the American West were African-American and Mexican-American. As a black man representing a diverse district, it inspires me to know that the courageous spirit that defines our city is characterized in large part by the hard work ethic of people who looked like me.

As a newly elected official, I feel a bit like an urban pioneer myself, blazing a trail towards a better city. Along the way, there will be tough trials and cold winters, but it is with the triumphant spirit of the Black American West that I lead the great District 8.

As a district we stand together, and it is from that place that I lead and form policy.

Representing District 8 with this spirit, I will lead development in the Five Points; I will promote the growth and sustainability along Colfax; I will help revitalize areas like the Holly and Dahlia Square; I will encourage the progress of Arapahoe Square.

There are several large opportuni-ties for the district; Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital’s new $623 million project is currently Denver’s largest development. With the new RTD P3 hard rail connect-ing downtown to DIA, there will be over $1.3 billion poured into our district, and it is my job to ensure that you are fully represented at the table.

This is a defining moment for our district.

Councilman Albus Brooks

Denver City Council District 8

2713 Welton, St. Denver, Co 80205

720.337.8883

albusbrooks@gmail.comNita Henry is the Executive Director of The Kaleidoscope Project

As part of our ongoing commitment to seniors, 5 POINTS NEWS sponsored an ice cream social at Barney Ford Senior Center. Much insight and wisdom was gained as we served up various flavors and heard fabulous stories and histories.

Countless treasures were obtained while sitting at the feet of our elders and learning first hand the history of the many legends of Five Points and beyond. Many of these legends reside within Barney Ford. If you would like 5

POINTS NEWS to visit your senior facil-ity, contact us at 303.297.0823.

Barney Ford Senior Ice Cream Social

Left to right: Doreatha Russell and her mother, Elvira Thomas

DID YOU KNOW...Barney L. Ford, grew up enslaved and later became a pivotal Black leader in the early history of Colo-rado. He was a pioneer, business-man, civic leader and politician who actively fought for civil rights and Colorado statehood.

6 8 5 Points news

Business & Services Along the StripADvERTISING AND MARKETINGPure Brand Communications2745 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-0170

ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGNin SITU Design2942 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-4742

Studiotrope2942 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 308-1144

ARTS AND CULTUREBlack American West Museum3091 California Street, Denver, CO 80205(303) 482-2242

Blair-Caldwell Library 2401 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 865-2401

brother jeff’s Cultural Center 2836 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-0823

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance 119 Park Avenue West, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-1759

Frederick Douglas Community Building 2745 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(213) 923-2981

Stiles African American Heritage Center, Inc.2607 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80205(303) 294-0597

AUTOMOTIvECourtesy Auto728 East 26th Avenue, Denver, CO 80205(303) 861-4417

BANKINGUS Bank 2701 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-4742

Wells Fargo2559 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-7786

BARBERS & BEAUTY SHOPSDunbar Barber Shop 2844 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-9131

Five Points Beauty and Barber2757 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 298-1078

Franklin Stigers Afro Styling2755 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-9055

Hope for a Change Beauty and Barber Shop2737 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 434-9092

McGill’s2843 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-1977

Mr. Puff2754 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 404-8154

New Look Barbers2825 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-9192

BARSClimax Lounge2217 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 292-5483 CLEANERSC & B Cleaners & Hatters2748 Welton, Denver CO 80205(303) 297-9544

COMMUNICATIONSWireless Express610 26th St., Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-1788

COMMUNITY DEvELOPMENTCivil Technology Inc.2413 Washington, Denver, CO 80205(303) 292-0348

DISPENSARIESAlternative Medical Foods2752 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-2425

Denver Kush Club2615 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 736-6550

The Silver Lizard2860 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 862- 7940

ENGINEERINGTriunity Engineering2444 Washington St., 3rd Flr, Denver, CO 80205(303) 953-0320

FAITH BASEDAgape Christian Church2501 California, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-2454

Central Baptist Church2400 California, Denver, CO 80205(303) 292-6618

Kingdom of God Christian Center2485 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 293-2233

GOvERNMENT OFFICESCop Shop2717 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 865-2355

Denver Motor VehicleFive Points Plaza2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 865-4600

HEALTH & HUMAN RESOURCESbrother jeff’s Community Health Initiative 608 26th St., 2nd Floor, Denver, CO 80205(303) 293-0024

Denver Options2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 587-2800

Grupo Esperenza Y Fe2545 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 297-0749

Guidance Behind the Walls608 26th St., Denver, CO 80205(303) 317-2800

Healing Life’s Pains2515 California St., Denver, CO 80205(720) 275-3383

The Kaleidoscope Project 2499 Washington, Denver, CO 80205(303) 647-5599

Hope Communities2543 California, Denver, CO 80205(303) 860-7747

LEGAL SERvICESBenford Bail Bonds 728 E. 26th Ave., Denver, CO 80205(720) 275-0619

Crawford Law Centre2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 457-5035

Cooper & Dorancy, LLC3025 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 831-1021

Jenkins Krol2850 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-8480

Kiovsky and Duwaldt2820 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 293-2300

MEDIAChannel 122900 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-1212

Denver Weekly News2937 Welton, Denver, 80205(303) 292-5158

5 Points News2836 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-0823

Free Speech TV2900 Welton, Denver CO 80205(303) 442- 8445

KUVO2900 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 480-9272

Urban Spectrum2727 Welton, Denver CO 80205(303) 292 6446

REAL ESTATE & HOUSING Public Realty2608 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-2128

Wise-Harris Arms Apartment Complex605 26th Avenue, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-7530

RESTAURANTS & BARSColeman’s Diner2622 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-3389

M&M Bar2621 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-0424

Tom’s Cafe800 E. 26th St., Denver, CO 80205(303) 388-8035

Welton Street Cafe2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 308-0860

RETAIL & SERvICESLil Tattoo2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 319-1814Neat Stuff at the Black Market2547 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 382-1337

Uptown Market 2721 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 993-7701

SCHOOLSTubman-Hilliard Global Academy2741 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 542 8238

vENUESCervantes Masterpiece Ballroom2637 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-1772

YOUTH SERvICESHalo Center for Youth2758 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 757-2368

Tom’s Cafe800 E. 26th St., Denver, CO 80205

(303) 388-8035

The Creamary908 30th St., Denver, CO 80205

(303) 295-2404

Bogey’s on the Park2500 York St., Denver, CO 80205

(303) 291-1354

Coleman’s Diner2622 Welton St., Denver, CO 80205

(303) 296-3389

M&D’s Café2000 E. 28th Ave., Denver, CO 80205

(303) 296-1760

A&A Fish2896 Fairfax St., Denver, CO 80207

(303) 399-3730

Welton Street Cafe2736 Welton St., Denver, CO 80205

(303) 308-0860

Frank’s Kitchen2600 High St.

Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-3838

Cora Fayes2861 Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80207

(303) 333-5551

Five Points & Northeast Denver Restaurants

Support the many businesses andservices in and around Five Points.

sePtember 2011 8 7

Denver Cruisers Hit the Points

710 East 26th Avenue, Denver, CO 80205 • 303.521.5555 • www.coffeeatthepoint.com

Zion Hosts Senior Appreciation Luncheon

Join Forest Street Compassionate Care Center and Zion Senior Center as they honor seniors with an afternoon of free entertainment, food, raffles, and door prizes.

Come prepared to receive a good home cooked meal especially prepared and served by Forest Street staff that con-sists of collard greens with ham hocks, candied yams, spiral ham, turkey with stuffing, cornbread, rolls, and peach cob-bler with vanilla ice cream.

The luncheon will take place on Fri-day, October 14, 2011 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm with the sounds of the Rudy Grant Band at the Zion Senior Center. This will be followed up by a low impact fitness exercise demonstration by R.U.A. Pro Fitness. The Zion Senior Center is located at 5151 E. 33rd Avenue, Denver, CO 80207. Please plan to come out an enjoy yourself.

Forest Street Compassionate Care Center is a 24 hour African American skilled nursing facility nestled in the resi-dential community of Park Hill located at 3345 Forest Street. Services include: short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled

2444 Washington St., Denver, Colorado 80205Ph. 303.832.5000www.fivepointsbusiness.org

Happenings in and around Historic 5 Points

Denver cruisers were developed in 2006 as a social activity. The Denver Cruiser Ride is an amazing place to meet up with friends on a weekly basis, as well as meet a whole host of characters that come out every week to share some fun and memorable times.

If you are new to Denver, or want to escape the humdrums of your everyday life, these Wednesday rides are a great way to unplug, get on your bicycle and spend an eve-ning smiling and stirring up fun.

More than basic biking, each ride has themes like cowboys and indians, famers and farm animals, circus, angel and devils, and rave (that came right here to our very own 5 Points). “I had never seen so many lights and bikes in one area in all of my life,” commented one bystander. “It was amazing.” Upcoming themes will be Lederhosen & Bierleichen (In Celebration of Oktoberfest), pirates, sea men and sea nymphs, monster mash and ski bums and ski bunnies.

You can sign up for the cruiser alert and receive weekly emails or visit them online at www.denvercruiserride.com for details and the week’s theme. Denver Cruiser Ride can also be found by visiting Facebook and Twitter.

–Lakisha Rankin

Hundreds of bikers descend on Five Points as part of Denver Cruisers Night Out

Visit

Forest StreetC o m Pa s s i o n at e C a r e C e n t e r

and see why US News & World Report rates us one of America’s best nursing homes

“We don’t leave the compassion out!”

Maya Wheeler Community Outreach Liaison3345 Forest Street, Denver, CO 80207ph: 303.393.7600 • www.forestst.org

nursing, physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapies, memory care for Alzheimer’s and dementia, respite and hospice care.

Zion Senior Center is a place where seniors can meet together, receive servic-es, and participate in activities that will enhance their dignity, support their inde-pendence and encourage their involve-ment in and with the Denver Community. The weekly calendar includes activities such as: low impact exercise, nutrition and chronic diseases classes, dance, fall prevention workshop, bingo/domino’s, and computer classes. For more informa-tion call 303-333-5746.

Save the DateSenior Appreciation Luncheon

Friday, October 14, 201111:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

5151 E. 33rd Ave.,Denver, CO 80207

RSVP - 720.202.6898

8 8 5 Points news

Top L-R: Former Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll, Dr. Elaine Smith, Annointing in MotionBottom: L-R: C.J. Smith, Eddie Koen, Karl Pennington

MO’ BETTA GREEN MARKETPLACE

CHARITY’S HOUSE MINISTRIES FUNDRAISER

Are you looking for fresh, organic vegetables in the 5 Points? Well The Mo Betta Green Marketplace has what you’re looking for. Are you looking for hand-made or one of a kind jewelry, journals, books, ties, clothing and more? Mo Bet-ta Green has that too. Are you looking for free cooking demonstrations or new, healthy, delicious recipes? Maybe you’re even interested in starting your own small chicken/egg farm. You guessed it. Mo Betta Green can help you with that too. Located in the 2505 Welton St Park and Ride lot, The Mo Betta Green Market-place is happening three more times this year.

Started this year by caterer extraordi-naire Beverly Grant, The Mo Betta Green Marketplace is an excellent opportunity to purchase food that is truly good for you without having to travel far from your home or having to spend an arm and a leg. Well you don’t have to worry about that

at Mo Betta Green. All of the fruits and vegetables are:

• Traceable• Organic• Local• Delicious

So check them out. You have been TOLD.

–Euda Green

Beverly Grant, Founder of Mo’ Betta Green Marketplace

Is there life after incarceration for Af-rican American men? The answer is yes and it starts at Charity’s House Ministries, a community ex-offender transitional housing program located om Five Points, founded by Rev. Dr. Elaine Smith and First Lady Eddie Mae Woolfolk of Agape Church.

An evening of entertainment and fun-draising was held at Crossroads Theater in support of their Second Chance Men-toring Program.

According to Dr. Smith, participants of Second Chance receive mentoring from other African American men volun-teers while in prison, and then they are pa-roled directly to Charity’s House and the Second Chance Program.

The mentorship continues and par-ticipants receive empowerment coaching from CJ Smith, and Frank McWorter. The two facilitate a 12 Step Fitting Back In/Step Up program. Second Chance also

provides case management, job skills training and counseling.

The program length is around six months but it is based on the client’s needs. Individuals 18 and older are quali-fied to attend. Dr. Smith said, “The goal is to help African American families. If the head of the house can get healthy then the entire family has a chance to be made whole.”

Charity’s House is actively seeking African American men who are willing to be mentors to men who are taking their “Second Chance” at life.

–Terrance Hughes

Charity’s House Ministries3022 Welton, Denver, CO 80205

Tel 303-291-0275CharitysHouse@msn.com

CharitysHouseMinistries.org

With Special Guest Sheldon JohnsonPerforming LIVE! at The Roxy in Historic Five Points

“It’s A Sonja’s Way Event”Saturday, Sept 24, 2011

2549 Welton St. • Doors at 7PM Showtime 8PMTIckets $20 Advance • $25 Day of ShowTickets available at Ticketwest locations.

Congratulations Misti Aas

The Colorado Association of Black Journalists (CABJ) is a professional orga-nization representing all walks of the news media. Formed in 1987, its purpose is to provide a support network for its members and direct access to the mainstream me-dia for the African-American community. CABJ is dedicated to telling the complete, balanced and unbiased story of our com-munity.

On July 22, CABJ held its 18th Annual Media Awards and Scholarship Banquet, with the theme “Telling Stories – Back to Basics.” Nadia Gedeon, CABJ president, said “we tell stories and share those glimps-es into people’s lives that make us think,

that inspire action, teach, evoke emotion, and have potential to change lives.”

Misti Aas received a Multimedia Scribes in Excellence Award for her Octo-ber 2010 cover story in the Denver Urban Spectrum, Brother Jeff Goes International with HIV/AIDS Awareness. The article tells the story of Brother Jeff’s Denver roots, his history of evolving activism, and his continuing work on the front lines of HIV/AIDS both locally and in Kenya.

“I was very honored to be chosen for this award and it belongs to both Brother Jeff and me,” said Aas. “It is his story of his tireless efforts - I was only giving it a writ-ten voice.”

Misti Aas, 2011 Scribes in Excellence Multimedia - News Award Recipient

Mo’ Betta Green Marketplace

2505 Welton Street

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Saturday

September 3rd & 17th October 1st & 15th

sePtember 2011 8 9

In a special summer ceremony Natasha Molock was honored and recognized as one of Metropolitan State College athletic elites and was inducted into the 2011 Hall of Fame. Molock played woman’s basketball from 2001-2005 and solidified herself as one of the best women’s basketball players in school history, ranking at or near the top of several career records at Metro State.

No player has come close to her record of 455 steals, over 200 more than the second -place total. Molock also ranks second in assists with 367 and third in points with 1,301. The total steals from her sophomore, junior and senior seasons rank as the top three single season totals at Metro State.

Molock was a first team All-RMAC selection in her 2005 senior season and was the three-time All-East Division pick. She will also be inducted in to the East High School Hall of Fame in October.

Former US Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney was a special guest lecturer at brother jeff’s Cultural Center. McKinney served six terms as a member of the United States House of Representatives and was the first Black woman to have represented Georgia in the House.

McKinney gained national attention as an outspoken critic of the Bush administra-tion, her views on the 911 US attacks, and her leaving the Democratic Party ultimately becoming the Green Party’s 2008 presidential candidate.

She recently returned from a fact finding mission from Libya along with several in-dependent journalists and has risked her life abroad on several occassions. Reflecting on confronting fear in the face of power and controversy, McKinney recalled slain activists Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, stating, “I do not have the right to be afraid, if I am going to live up to the example of those whom I consider my heroes.”

Natasha Molock Enters Hall of FameFormer Congresswoman visits 5 Points

Former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney speaking at brother jeff’s Cultural Center Natasha Molock honored

Deejay Total Recall from South Carolina

ballard Family mortuaryWhen dignity is a must

Sub. MISSIon AnD CervAnTeS brIng To FIve PoInTS BASS INvASION 3 : FESTIvAL IN THE STREETS

Black Genealogy Search Group of DenverCremation

Complete FuneralsShip In/OutCasket Sales

720-220-2122

A two day music festival dubbed Bass Invasion 3 was held along the 2600-2700 blocks of Welton in front of Cervante’s Masterpiece Ballroom. Lightrail service

was suspened as festival goers enjoyed an eclectic array of sounds largely driven by intense bass driven music.

The Black Genealogy Search Group of Denver, (BGSG) will host a Heritage Festival “Remembering The Past by Cel-ebrating Family” on October 22, 2011 from 10 a.m - 4 p.m. at the Denver Central Library, Conference Room, Lower Level, 10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, 80204.

Speakers will be Leslie Anderson, Reference Librarian, Special Collections, Alexandria Library, Alexandria, VA. Dr. Derrick Hudson, PhD, Hennebach Assis-tant Professor, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO. and James K. Jeffrey, Gene-

alogy Collection Specialist, Denver Pub-lic Library, Denver, CO.

There will be family exhibits from the BGSG members and other genealogy oriented organizations–Colorado Genea-logical Society, CGS Computer Interest Groups, national Archives and records Administration and the Black American West Museum.

Directors, Terry Nelson, Blair Caldwell Library and Jim Kroll, Western History/Genealogy, Denver Public Li-brary have also been invited.

2547 Welton, Denver, CO 80205 • 303.382.1337

CongratulationsHall of Famer

Natasha Molock

Neat Stuff at the Black MarketFeaturing Unique Items for Every Occasion

Save-the-Date2011 Jamboree

Saturday, October 22, 2011 • 8:00 p.m. until MidnightSt. Cajetan’s Event Hall on Auraria Campus900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80248

Featuring Rudy Grant & the Buffalo Riders Presented by Beckworth Outdoors and The Black American West Museum

For more information call 720.242.7428

10 8 5 Points news

CALDWELL-KIRK MORTUARYServing the Denver community for 60 years.

2101 Marion St., Denver, CO 80205303.861.4644 • www.caldwellkirk.com

“When God opens a door of opportu-nity to do something meaningful, you may not hear the melodious sound of harps playing or behold lights beaming through the cracks of a door as it opens. It may be as simple and quiet as someone asking you to do a project, and something in your heart knows that the answer is yes. That’s how The Freedom Quilt Expereince be-came a part of my journey,” reflects Five Points resident, Cynthia Martin.

The Freedom Quilt Experience is a commemoratory collaboration created in loving memory of 9/11. Designed and cu-rated by, Mrs. Martin, the project began as a brief conversation between herself and PJ D’Amico, Executive Director of Red-Line. Its 10 panels share a single concept interpreted individually by the fiber artists and quilters commissioned to complete it.

Members of the Rocky Mountain WaShonaji Quilt Guild, African Ameri-can Quilters and Collectors Guild, Matt and Judy Lanza, Karen von Phul, Mary ellen Lassiter, Helen Kearney and netta Toll, Terry Gonzales, all local, and Sisters in Fiber who live in Massachusetts, make up the team of master quilters who were called upon to bring The Freedom Quilt

Expereince concept to life.It’s hard to believe that ten years have

elaspsed since the September 11, 2001 ter-rorist attacks. While there are many theo-ries pertaining to what actually happened and who was responsible, let’s hope they can be laid to rest long enough to realize that no matter which theory wins out in the end, there is one thing that remains a fact; many lives were lost and many lives were affected. Likewise, many people from diverse backgrounds were able to come together.

The Freedom Quilt Experience has provided people in our community with an opportunity to connect and reachout to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11. We’re proud of the community members who took part in completing The Freedom Quilt Experience, which not only debuted at redLine, but also spent time hanging from the third floor of the rotunda in the Colorado State Capital.

The Freedom Quilt Experience was commissioned by The Peter A. Kudla Family Foundation in collboration with RedLine and The Denver Foundation.

–Five Points News

Islam, the second largest and fastest growing world religion, is a monotheistic faith comprising of nearly 1.5 billion ad-herents called Muslims.

Muslims observe two yearly eids–religious festivals. Eid ul Fitr is in honor of the conclusion of Ramadan, the Holy Month of fasting and Eid ul Adha com-mences following Hajj, the annual jour-ney to Mecca.

eid ul Fitr was celebrated this month with an estimated twenty thousand Mus-lims praying in unity at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. The soc-cer venue was transformed into a virtual United Nations.

Denver Muslims worship near 5 Points at Masjid Shuhadda and Masjid Taqwa, 2950 Downing and 3400 Albion respectively.

The Five Points Community Remembers 9/11 Muslims Unite in Prayer Ending Ramadan

5 Points Remembers 9/11

L-R: PJ D’Amico, Cynthia Martin, Jonathan Martin, Jayda Martin and Peter Kudla Imam Kareeem prepares Muslims for the unified prayer service

Quarterly Grief SeminarSaturday, October 8, 2011 at 11 a.m.

oleta Crain enrichment Academy2102 Marion St., Denver, CO 80205

5 Points News Photo GallaryMuslim Eid Prayer Service

sePtember 2011 8 11

Martin Luther King MemorialOn the 48th anniversary of Dr. King’s famed, I Have A Dream speech, that took

place Wednesday, August 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at the Na-tional Mall in Washington, DC. It was the day after hurricane Irene slammed the east coast including Washington, DC and where tens of thousands of people from around the world would brave the uncertainty of the weather. They paid tribute to this nation’s best known soldier of peace by visiting a grand Memorial and Monument dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., also known as the conscience of America.

The monument displays a determined Dr. King with a written speech rolled in his left hand and his arms folded right over left; the exact posture Dr. King would take before delivering a well thought-out speech or sermon.

The monument shows Dr. King projecting from a block of stone; projecting from the stone of injustice into the light of peace, hope and love for all mankind. The look of Dr. King’s face spoke to his belief that “if we respect each others human rights there would be no need for civil rights.”

On the walls of the monument as well as on the three sides of the sculpture are quotes from Dr. King’s speeches, sermons and letters. Much has been said about the inscription on the left side of the figurine and that it misquotes Dr. King by saying “ I WAS A DRUM MAJOR FOR JUSTICE, PEACE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS.” I, for one, feel that this is exactly who Dr. King was however, if this is a direct quote then it is incorrect. The full quote is below for you to read for yourself.

“Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won’t have any money to leave behind. I won’t have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind. And that’s all I want to say.”

To view more photos of the monument one of the artist and the many people that were there, please visit my website http://www.photoreflect.com/store/thumbpage.aspx?eid=1V9M0044

–Vern L. Howard ChairmanDr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Colorado Holiday Commission

Vern Howard, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission

“Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice.”

For two weekends in late Septem-ber and early october, internationally renowned Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble brings another first to Denver with the premiere of Cleo Parker Robin-son’s DREAMCATCHERS: The Untold Stories of the Americas.

An entirely new work, DREAM-CATCHERS focuses on the experiences and stories of historic visionaries of both North and South America: African Americans, native Americans, and both Hispanic and Latin Americans – includ-ing women, explorers, cowboys, soldiers, trappers, and traders of color. Weaving an exciting tapestry of cultures through the magic of dance, storytelling and music, DREAMCATCHERS captures the imagi-nation of audiences of all ages, allowing them to see new aspects of these fabled individuals and their stories.

As with much of her work, Cleo Parker Robinson has drawn heavily upon her own experiences growing up in a mixed-race family in Denver. Part of her inspiration has come from her father, Jon-athan “JP” Parker, who not only worked as a cowboy in rural Colorado but also, as one of Denver’s first prominent African-American actors, took on the portrayal of the legendary James Beckwourth. Parker robinson was also inspired by the tradi-tions of the great storyteller, Opalanga Pugh, who, over the years, preserved and shared many of the tales of not only the African diaspora, but also the American

West, Mexico, and South America. The idea of DREAMCATCHERS

was something Parker Robinson had car-ried for many years, but now, due to fund-ing in part by a 2011 neA Grant, her vi-sion can become reality. Parker Robinson is already thinking that what she will be presenting as a one hour ballet -- as part of her Fall 2011 Concert “DREAM SONGS” -- will continue to grow and evolve over the next few years into a full evening’s work, much as her family favorite “Gran-ny Dances to a Holiday Drum” has done.

Parker Robinson says she believes DREAMCATCHERS will help audiences “discover what’s so beautiful about the history of the Americas.” With its dream-like imagery and nonlinear narrative, it intentionally inhabits a place “between what we’ve been told and what we’ve dreamt. In the middle of that we discover and create our own new levels of truth.”

Prior to its debut in Denver, excerpts of DREAMCATCHERS will be per-formed by the Ensemble during the 2nd annual Takitimu Festival (http://takitimu-festival.co.nz/) in New Zealand. CPRDE is the first American dance company to be invited by New Zealand’s indigenous people – the Maori - to perform at this prestigious event. Of the decision to share this very regionally inspired work at a venue across the globe, Parker Robinson says, “We wanted to dig into and find the richest, most universal celebration to el-evate us as individuals and as a society.”

DREAMCATCHERSCleo Parker Robinson’s Newest Work Illuminates the

“Untold Stories” of the Americas

Dr. Martin Luther King

Are you interested in engineering?Do you need help in math?

Then CABPES is the place for you.

REGISTRATION FOR PROGRAMS

CURRENTLY GOING ON!

Call the CABPES office for registrationinformation and materials:

303-329-6251

Class Space Limited!!!www.cabpes.org

CABPES offers the following programs:

Junior Engineers, Tomorrow’s Scientists - JETS* Aerospace Engineering * Computer-Aided Design* Architecture * Construction Engineering* Civil Engineering * Electronics* Computer Programming and Web Design * LEGO Robotics

Math Enrichment Program - MEP* Individual Tutoring * Skills Development

SAT & College Preparatory Program* Aerospace Engineering * Computer-Aided Design