DUS September 2025 - Emmett Till

Lawrence A. James Volume 39 Number 6 September 2025

PUBLISHER

Rosalind J. Harris

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

MANAGING and COPY EDITOR

Ruby Jones

COLUMNISTS

Barry Overton

Dr. Dedrick Sims

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Elena Brown

Ruby Jones

Thomas Holt Russell

Wayne Trujillo

Gabrielle West

SPECIAL PROJECTS ASSISTANT

Tanya Ishikawa

ART DIRECTOR

Bee Harris

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jody Gilbert - Kolorgraphix

Marion Boston

Sekar Uthayasuriyan

DISTRIBUTION

Denver Urban Spectrum is a monthly publication dedicated to spreading the news about people of color. Contents of Denver Urban Spectrum are copyright 2024 by Bizzy Bee Enterprise. No portion may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Denver Urban Spectrum circulates 10,000 copies throughout Colorado. Denver Urban Spectrum welcomes all letters, but reserves the right to edit for space, libelous material, grammar, and length. All letters must include name, address, and phone number. We will withhold author's name on request. Unsolicited articles are accepted without guarantee of publication or payment.

Write to Denver Urban Spectrum at P.O. Box 31001, Aurora, CO 80041. For advertising, subscriptions, or other information, call 303-292-6446, email publisher@urbanspectrum or visit the Website at www.denverurbanspectrum. com.

MESSAGE From The Editor

This month, as students return to classrooms all over the state, it is important to understand the new challenges they will face. Understanding the educational atmosphere is our best chance at filling gaps caused by economic uncertainty, political turbulence, technological transitions and the erasure of cultural history.

When critical race theory emerged as a key area of political debate, it revealed a need for serious, structured efforts to protect history – particularly Black history. The shameful legacy of America’s treatment of Black, Brown and Indigenous is a stain on the nation’s fabric. With executive orders and efforts meant to whiten and brighten recollections of the past, it’s more important than ever to prioritize historical education, both in and out of the classroom.

For that reason, my message this month is to families and organizations that serve marginalized or underrepresented communities.

Before returning to Colorado, I lived and worked in the Deep South, where I led a program for young males of color. Racial equity and healing were embedded into the leadership-building curriculum, and history was the primary focus of our activities.

I came to understand historical education as a tool – for advancement; for collaboration; and ultimately, for freedom. It is imperative that we, as a community, share the stories of our past in our efforts to create a brighter future.

This month’s cover story, written by Elena Brown, shares the story of Emmett Till, 70 years after the young man was stripped from this world for no reason at all. Another article, written by Wayne Trujillo, features the written history of Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo creator, Lu Vason, with a look back at his life and his enduring dream. We also revisit the story of Hurricane Katrina 20 years after its landfall, remembering the stories lost in the flood.

Denver Urban Spectrum was the recipient of 20 awards last month, most of which recognize stories that contain hope and inspiration to carry our communities forward.

Our stories are our history – our survival, our resilience and the source of our cultural pride. They deserve to be protected, but more importantly, they deserve to be shared. In a nation where leaders believe history is best hidden, it is our responsibility to keep our legacy alive.

Please enjoy this month’s publication, and remember that “we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

Editor Ruby Jones

LOCKED OUT OF THE FUTURE:

How Systemic Barriers and Apathy Are Leaving Black Students Behind in the Age of AI

By T. Holt Russell

African American students and professionals are severely underrepresented in information technology, in both education and the professional world. Some of the people helping to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology replicate biases, which have consequences, whether intentional or not.

AI presents both challenges and opportunities for African Americans. Due to systemic, cultural and infrastructural barriers, African American students are being left out of the AI technological surge.

Before the emergence of AI, African American students were already behind in STEM education due to digital redlining – a practice perpetrated by ISPs that limited or denied specific neighborhoods’ internet services by avoiding investments in broadband service in

those areas. Then, there are funding gaps that eliminate resources for schools, leaving schools with old and outdated technology that only collects dust. Add to this the teacher shortages. Many schools not only lack the funds to hire teachers, but there is a mindblowing shortage of qualified STEM teachers, with some schools without STEM teachers at all.

In economically disenfranchised communities, students have limited access to technology at home and in school, which makes them less likely to develop the digital skills needed to compete for the type of jobs that will make them independent in the future.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Black families lacked reliable devices for proper learning and instructions, and we are still making assessments on the long-term damage that has been caused. The COVID-19 epidemic did not cause the current problems, but it exacerbated the already volatile situation. It cannot be argued (by a

reasonable person) that the already existing educational gaps were deepened during that time.

These are just some of the reasons why Black students are less likely to develop digital skills, pursue careers in technology or participate in a meaningful way – besides as consumers – in the AI revolution.

These reasons power the cycle of inequality. Black and poor communities are blocked from the high growth and earning potential that the field of AI offers. As Nicholas Negroponte, founder of MIT’s Media Lab, points out, “the absence of technology isn’t a neutral condition –it’s an exclusion from the future.”

Continued on Page 12

By Elena Brown

When young Emmett Till first received his father’s ring, it was too big for him. By the

A Look Back At The Catalyzing Civil Rights Icon, Decades After His Untimely Death

Till, whose nickname was “Bobo,” deserved a chance at a full life.

He did not deserve to die, less than a month after his 14th birthday.

Yet, when his body was found – so badly mutilated that he was unrecognizable – it was the ring bearing initials “L.T.” and an inscription of “May 25, 1943,” that helped his uncle identify

Louis Till had the ring made in Casablanca, Spain, while serving in the Army during World War II. After being found guilty of “general misconduct,” in 1945, the Army executed the accused soldier.

Emmett Till: Years Later

The ring — his sole possession — was returned to his estranged wife, who gave it to her son. It was the only connection young Till had to his father — a man he would never come to know; who perished as a result of the same subjugation that ultimately led to his own demise.

Unlike his father, whose death is not memorialized in photographs and news clippings, Till’s death was a stark manifestation of the deep racial hatred recorded in history books.

The same racial hatred fuels dehumanization and systemic violence against Black people even now.

70 years later, the nation is staring down the barrel of the same smoking gun, wondering when the brutality will come to an end.

A Thousand Words

The photo of Emmett Till in his final state is a cryptic reminder that whispers a thousand silent words. It represents the countless lives lost to brutality and hatred, from captivity to current affairs.

The way the young boy was murdered represents more than just physical torment. Each wound embodies the institutionalized racism that has denied Black Americans basic human rights and dignity.

The FBI autopsy results, released nearly half a century later, detail a broken skull and wrist; a gunshot wound to the head; and an eye torn from its socket. The bridge of Till’s nose was broken; and only two of his teeth remained in his mouth.

His right ear was nearly cut in half when one of the murderers used a hatchet to chop through the top of his head from ear to ear. After enduring beatings on his back and hips, his killers tried to cover their crimes by strapping a 75-pound, barb-wired cotton gin fan around his neck, before throwing him into the river.

told the funeral director, “Let the people see what I’ve seen.”

Justice Unserved

Thousands of mourners visited the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ on Chicago’s South Side to pay their respects. The sight of Till’s mutilated body left them horrified. Those who couldn’t attend were invited to review the photos in newspapers and magazines.

The injuries that led to Till’s death were an overt expression of the hatred that permeated through the South. They illuminated the depth of inequality in America.

The subsequent failure to bring his murderers to justice was a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement and a demand for national attention. When his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, made the courageous decision to hold an open-casket funeral in Chicago, she

The image of Till’s body, published by Jet magazine on Sept. 15, 1955, became one of the most iconic photographs in American history.

Only 12 days after his death, Roy Bryant and his half-brother, J.W. Milam, were acquitted by an all-white,

all-male jury after 67 minutes of deliberation.

In 1956, the pair sold their story to Look magazine for $4,000. They bragged about Southern justice and its usefulness in protecting white womanhood. Their reason for abducting Till from his great-uncle’s home was the claim that the young boy whistled at Bryant’s wife, Carolyn.

They’d tell me where to stand and where to sit. They ain’t gonna go to school with my kids. And when a n***ah even gets close to mentionin’ sex with a white woman, he’s tired o’ livin’ ... I’m gonna kill him.”

Tired o’ Livin

During the trial, Carolyn Bryant testified under oath (but not in front of the jury) that Till had propositioned her and physically touched her hand, arm and waist while they were both inside the store.

Reportedly, in 2007 – some 60 years later – she confessed to Duke University professor Timothy B. Tyson that her accusation was a lie.

Their acquittal was an unmistakable message that Black lives could be tortured and disposed of without consequence.

“What could I do? He thought he was good as any white man...I’m no bully: I never hurt a n***ah in my life. But I just decided it was time a few people got put on notice,” Milam said in a statement to the magazine.

“As long as J. W. Milam lives and can do anything about it, n***ahs are gonna stay in their place. N***ahs ain’t gonna vote where I live. If they did they’d control the government.

Both her husband and Milam lost battles to cancer – Bryant in 1975 and Milam in 1980 – but the notorious liar was never held responsible.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Mississippi, even if she recanted her testimony, the federal government could not prosecute her for perjury. Perjury in state court is not a federal offense, and the statute of limitations for state perjury offenses expired in 1960.

The unchecked arrogance shows the lengths to which white supremacy goes to assert control

and terrorize Black communities. The injustice exposed a systemic failure, allowing violence to go completely unchecked.

Igniting a Fire

Emmett Till deserved to be 84 years old this year, which marks seven decades since his death.

The ripples of the tragic lynching resonated deeply in the growing struggle for civil rights. The images of his disfigured body sparked a wave of outrage and activism, igniting a fire inside Black Americans like Rosa Parks.

Parks, who would later become known as the iconic figure of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, was personally moved by Till’s death. In November 1955, she attended a mass meeting at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church to hear a speech by Dr. T. R. M. Howard, a lead organizer and activist who participated in efforts to bring justice for Till’s murder.

According to notes from the Library of Congress, Jesse Jackson asked Parks why she refused to move to the back of the bus.

“I thought of Emmett Till and I couldn’t go back,” she replied.

A Man Was Lynched Yesterday

The effort to pass an antilynching bill gained momentum after the murder of George Floyd in 2020. However, it would still be another two years before a significant breakthrough with the passage of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which made lynching a federal hate crime.

The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) has documented nearly 6,500 racial terror lynchings in America between 1865 and 1950. In a 2015 report titled “Lynching in America,” the organization recorded 4,500 lynchings between 1877 and 1950.

Additionally, their 2020 report, “Reconstruction in America,” uncovered nearly 2,000 more

lynchings between 1865 and 1876, bringing the total number of documented lynchings to nearly 6,500.

The 1890s saw the highest number of lynchings, with each subsequent decade witnessing a decrease in frequency. The acts, however, often became more brutal.

The Emmett Till Antilynching Act was introduced by U.S. Representative Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), who was about 10 years old when he saw the photograph of Till’s mutilated body. The moment shaped his understanding of racial injustice.

The legislation passed with an overwhelming vote of 422-3, with only Reps. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Chip Roy (R-TX) opposed.

Notes on the bill state that nearly 200 anti-lynching bills were introduced to the U.S. Congress during the first half of the 20th century – a period that coincides with peak lynchings during the Jim Crow era.

“It’s never too late to repudiate evil,” Rep. Rush said when the historic piece of legislation was signed.

Terror at Home

On Nov. 21, 2020, the Colorado Lynching Memorial Project (CLMP) unveiled a historical marker in remembrance of Preston John Porter Jr., a 15-year-old Black boy who was arrested, interrogated and tourtured in Denver in 1900. In a story similar to

that of Till, his death was connected to the brutal assault of a 12-year-old white girl.

Tensions rose in Denver after a local press outlet declared the crime was “obviously committed by a Negro,” fueling racial animosity and calls for vengeance.

Within eight days, Porter and members of his family were arrested and transferred to Lincoln County, where a mob of nearly 300 people awaited them. On Nov. 16, the mob chained the 5-foot 2-inch teenager to a railroad stake and burned him alive.

No one was held accountable for the horrific murder. The CLMP collaborated with EJI and Denver city officials to install a marker at the site of the former Denver jail, as a glimpse of hope and a reminder of the need for continued social advancement.

Around the country, there are 138 national monuments related to Till’s story. One is located at Graball Landing along the Tallahatchie River near Glendora, Mississippi, where his body was found. Another, is at the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where his killers were acquitted. The third is in Chicago, at the church where the devastating funeral was held.

A Watchful Eye on History

Under the guidance of United States President Donald Trump, budget cuts and efforts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives could jeopardize the

continued memorialization of Till and others.

In June 2025, a legal opinion from the United States Justice Department affirmed the president’s ability to revoke or shrink national monuments. This and other political developments draw attention to the need for education centered around history.

The painful truth is that Black boys continue to face disproportionate violence and racial injustice in America. Systemic and institutionalized racism has long shaped the lives of Black Americans; and despite decades of activism, there is a growing need for organizational programming that keeps these and other stories alive.

How Many More?

On April 6, 2025, in Amite County, Mississippi, 10-year-old Jordan Hill was struck and killed by a pickup truck while riding an ATV. The driver, Cody Rollinson, known for having flying Confederate flags at the entryway of his property, fled the scene. With the case not yet resolved, Rollinson was released on a $41,000 bond. His charges include possession of marijuana and leaving the scene of an accident.

Hill and Till are connected by incidents occurring seven decades apart, highlighting the troubling reality that injustice for Black boys is not confined to history.

Modern movements protesting the ongoing devaluation of Black life are fueled by a sordid, centurieslong record of racial violence. With stories like Hill’s continuing to make headlines, it is crucial to support grassroots efforts around systemic equity and education.

The Fight for Freedom

Till’s story is important to remember. The circumstances surrounding his death, though decades old, remain relevant today. They frame the Black community’s ongoing struggle to heal from the deep wounds of racism, and the tremendous weight of an enduring fight for justice.

not recorded in history books – like that of his own father – as a symbol of resilience, and a rallying cry for those who fight on. His life and death will forever be a part of the collective memory of America’s fight for freedom and dignity for all its citizens.

Till deserved to come home after visiting family 70 years ago. He deserved to dream, to build, to love and to live on in pursuit of happiness.

He deserved justice in his time, not merely remembrance after his death. ♦

We should remember him and countless others whose stories are

DARING TO DREAM: Lu Vason’s Story Finally

and Fully Told

By Wayne Trujillo

Ipast or be regarded as impressive but passé.

Howard-Cunningham assumed her late husband’s position at the rodeo’s helm, ensuring that his vision would outlive him. She wasn’t content to let his legacy become a historical curiosity.

In 2022, she shared that people “begged and pleaded that we keep the legacy going.” Stepping into the boots of her late legendary husband was a daunting task, but she grabbed the bull by the horns and set out on the path to expand BPIR’s reach and influence.

While Howard-Cunningham initially balked at assuming the reins of an ongoing BPIR, there wasn’t any indecision about figuratively putting pen to paper to share her late husband’s experiences. She wanted to do more than keep his memory alive – she desired to keep his spirit present.

A Lasting Dream

Vason possessed an preternatural ability to inspire others to overcome adversity and overwhelming odds, which is arguably the greatest legacy (and spirit) of both the man and the rodeo.

“Did I know the challenges involved?

Absolutely.”

Today, BPIR is bigger than ever with a demanding schedule that HowardCunningham describes as both “brutal” and a “blessing.”

An Enduring Salute

t’s been a decade since Lu Vason’s passing. It’s also been that long since the proverbial torch – his life legacy – passed to Valeria HowardCunningham, his widow. Founder and creator of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR), his death momentarily brought that legacy to a standstill; paused at a crossroads as his absence left the rodeo’s future in limbo with the possibility that it could pass along with him.

Fate decided that Vason’s efforts wouldn’t reside in a distant

With the July publication of Vason’s biography, “Under the Western Skies: Lu Vason, From Dreamer to Visionary to Pioneer,” the story of the late promotor’s conquests is finally etched in history.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

The magic of Vason’s legacy surpasses his leadership of BPIR.

Howard-Cunningham has worked long and hard to exalt his memory through the publishing of his life exploits. After two successive writers attempted to write the story, but “didn’t catch the flavor” or meet her expectations, she postponed rather than discard the plan.

“It took 10 years to get this book done,” she explains, pointing out that Vason’s death and the initial idea of his biography occurred within the same year.

“When Lu passed, the rodeo was not my passion. I didn’t know what I was going to do.”

Though, Howard-Cunningham, who knew him best, shares, “Nobody’s life is perfect.”

Vason’s life story reads like a roller coaster, shooting sky high before plummeting into assorted abysses with occasional spirals and swerves, only to resume a steady climb. The inevitable dips delayed progress along his journey, but never delayed the dream.

The example he set for young Black participants in BPIR mimicked his own ability to realize and reach for his dream. He devoted his time and energy to the participants with an unwavering dedication to helping them believe in their ability to fulfill dreams of their own.

Brutal and a Blessing

When Howard-Cunningham decided to continue BPIR in a leadership role after Vason’s death, she entered what she called “a White man’s world.”

Her predecessor had succeeded in creating a niche for professional Black cowboys and cowgirls on the rodeo circuit, but as a black female, she was pushing the envelope.

“Was I scared? Absolutely,” she recalls.

With Vason not physically present, the task of writing his biography required more than a ghost writer. It demanded an awareness and appreciation of the complexities riddled throughout his life.

Though earlier attempts were frustrating, eventually the cliché, “third time’s a charm” rang true, and tenacity triumphed. When stepson Anton Cunningham started writing the book, the first chapter hooked BPIR’s matriarch.

“I could not believe it! He had captured the person of Lu Vason,” she exclaims, adding that the public reception has been equally enthusiastic.

She says that before Vason’s death, she promised him that his story –which he had started – would be finished and published. “I am a woman of my word,” she states. “We got it done and I’m sure he would be very proud of the outcome.”

Now with the goal accomplished, Howard-Cunningham embraces the laurels with very little time to recover or rest. She’s intent on spreading the message that runs through both the pages of the book and the events of the rodeo, highlighting details about the man, Lu Vason, and his life and impact.

“Nobody’s life is perfect,” she stresses.

“Don’t let anybody talk you out of your dream. Work and make it happen… stay focused on what’s important to you.”

A Forever Fight

Nearly 20 years ago, Vason shared his thoughts about succeeding in what once seemed a fantasy.

Despite positioning Black presence at the forefront of frontier culture through BPIR’s success, the article explained that “one gets the impression that Vason won’t be satisfied until Bill Pickett and his compadres’ present in Western folklore are recognized as easily to audiences as are the celluloid images of Roy Rogers and Wyatt Earp.”

Two decades later, there’s an inherent irony.

While Bill Pickett remains in the shadows of Hollywood luminaries like John Wayne and Gene Autry, it may be Vason – rather than Pickett – who emerges as the cinematic barrier breaker.

Acclaimed actor Glynn Turman, who was recently honored with a

star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been part of BPIR for over 39 years, wrote the introduction to Vason’s biography. The former rodeo contestant appeared at many BPIR events and when mentioned that he may take interest in a Hollywood production, Howard-Cunningham responds that she’s already “exploring opportunities to do a miniseries or movie around the book.”

Over four decades have passed since BPIR’s debut in 1984; in that time, there have been generations of dreams fulfilled through the event. Howard-Cunningham wants Vason’s story to inspire others to accomplish their dreams despite their doubts.

Vason’s spirit is still present in the ambitions of people spanning generations and continents. Now, courtesy of the efforts of HowardCunningham and writer Anton Cunningham, his story is finally and fully told. ♦

Editor’s note: “Under the Western Skies” is available for purchase at major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

ROBERT ANDREWS on Securing Aurora’s Future

By Gabrielle West

When newcomers arrive in Colorado, they often ask, “Where are all the Black people?”

Often touted as Colorado’s most diverse city, the City of Aurora is home to approximately 16.6 percent Black residents compared to 8 percent in Denver and 6 percent in Colorado Springs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 160 languages are spoken throughout Aurora Public Schools, and 30.1 percent of the city’s residents were born outside the U.S.

“The Gateway to the Rockies” is home to Colorado’s largest concentration of Black residents, and its diversity is what Aurora City Council candidate Rob Lee Andrews believes makes the state’s third-largest city a hidden gem.

If elected at-large, he plans to retain that diversity by supporting small businesses and giving residents an “opportunity to flourish and grow.”

Andrews envisions an ideal Aurora as having “a dense population;” identifying the revitalization of Colfax as a priority area. He would like to bring in more businesses, and even envisions the addition of new sports teams. He also describes developing “a downtown that flourishes and makes people want to stay.”

Fit for a Franchise

As a former athlete, sports are top of mind for Andrews who says, “We’re in the top 60 cities for population in America with no sports team, whether minor league or major league. We have nothing that attracts sales tax revenue. We’ve got to bring that in.”

It’s a vision that echoes Denver’s boom years within the last decade – a growth story that continues to unfold more each day.

Born and raised in Colorado Springs, his journey to city council candidacy was sparked by his mother, a CNA who died when he was just 17.

“She would always take me to go vote and then ask me who to vote for,” he recalls.

After early civic lessons ignited his desire and aspirations to enter the political arena, he was appointed to the Judicial Performance Review Commission by Governor Bill Ritter at age 24.

Andrews’ father, a construction worker who died when he was 28, is credited for instilling his heart for service, which he has applied through his work with Obama for America, on several boards and through positions across local, state and federal government. His extensive experience laid the foundation for his work as a social entrepreneur, and prepared him to help others knock down barriers to employment.

A Step Toward Service

In 2023, Andrews was a candidate in Aurora’s Mayoral Election. He dropped out of the race two months shy of election day, announcing that with “too many folks in the race that had similar views and values,” he didn’t want to split the vote.

His campaign for Aurora City Council is centered around three major priorities: affordable housing, economic security and public safety.

“We have to make sure fire, police, teachers, nurses have a place where they can live and work in Aurora,” he says.

“Economic security goes along with that because we’ve got to make sure that we keep people here and we have registered apprenticeships for these folks, so they have representation while

they’re working here. Lastly, we must ensure that public safety is paramount and the only way we’ll be able to do that is together.”

Fueled by his faith and supported by his wife and children, each of whom plays a role in his campaign, he is committed to his pursuit of the at-large position and efforts to shift the perception of the city.

Wanting to move the suburb from out of the capital city’s shadow, he faces an uphill battle. For strength, he leans on the words in Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

Best Foot Forward

With community outrage following the 2024 police shooting death of Kilyn Lewis, internal conflict within Aurora City Council and rising national tensions targeting immigrants and initiatives based on diversity, equity and inclusion, Andrews recognizes and welcomes the challenge of leadership. Counting the opportunity to run for elected office as a privilege, he is not backing down despite unprecedented social and political unrest.

Boasting an extensive resume and diverse experience as preparation for such a time as this, he awaits Nov. 4 with a calm demeanor, putting his best foot forward and maintaining an optimistic attitude about what’s next. ♦

Editor’s note: To learn more about Andrews’ campaign, visit www. andrewsforaurora.com/.

Work is needed to address the current problem. Exposure needs to start at pre-school and continue through the 12th grade.

Topics such as AI ethics, machine learning and data science should not only be introduced as courses but also embedded in all courses, including the common core and electives. Just as English is naturally embedded in all courses, cybersecurity and STEM in general must also be integral to every learning environment of public schools.

If the problems mentioned above were the only reason African Americans are falling behind in the AI race, it would be relatively easy to solve these issues; but, these problems have many legs.

AI is well known to display biases in some instances. We can see this in various realms, including education, law enforcement, college admissions and hiring.

Predictive analytics flags students for intervention based on biased data. Facial recognition consistently misidentifies dark-skinned students, which sometimes leads to enormous problems for African Americans. New technology – especially AI technology – is a form of ideology. People (primarily white) embed their values and assumptions into the data that AI consumes, which can reinforce and perpetuate social hierarchies. A grand master plan does not cause this, nor does there have to be a conscious effort to exclude people. It is inadvertent, primarily, like facial recognition, which was not purposely designed to discriminate or harm Black people. Instead, it was designed from the perspective and personal experience of its creators, without regard for the knowledge or input of others who will also use the technology.

AI tools represent the experience of their creators, who are predominantly white males. The upshot is that there is a cultural context missing, which eliminates the connection to nonwhites. Due to the lack of Black people on AI development teams, the new AI tools often fail to reflect the feelings,

turning in anything with just a scribble is good for them. An additional issue is that the low expectation heaped upon these students seep into their sub consciousness.

Cheating means that they are working towards a goal. Since the

language or experiences of those who were not part of the development process. Those people are mostly nonwhite and female.

There is yet another reason for concern: African American students themselves.

In my high school computer science classes, some lessons can be easily assisted by AI. However, students in my classes rarely use AI to cheat. The reason for this has nothing to do with ethics or morality; instead, it is a reaction to the lack of incentives that motivates students. They do turn in work, but the quality of that work is astonishingly formless in an embarrassing way.

Many students do not see the value in the tasks assigned to them, so

Black people should not depend on “good” white people alone to clear a problem that does not affect their own. Instead, Black people should actively participate in the labs, boardrooms and schools to significantly contribute to AI development. Even if immediate change is made, a period of growing pains will have to be endured while trying to clear the bias in the system, and the Black community will bear the lion’s share of the pain until things get on track.

Even if a miraculous change is made overnight, there will still be pain to bear for the Black community. This tells us how far African Americans are falling behind in learning the basic skills needed for survival in an increasingly technology-centered society.

As an African American teacher, I have responsibilities that go far beyond simply teaching computer science. I motivate students and convince them that my approach is relevant to their future, long-term needs. That is not an easy task.

goal in their minds is pointless, the outcomes – good or bad – will not change their life in any significant way. This is what I have experienced in public high schools in low-income areas.

Some older folks think millennials and Gen Z are tech literate just because they were born during the proliferation of technological advances of the last 40 years. In reality, they are as clueless as their grandparents. Like most generations, they are consumers of technology, not innovators.

As we grow with AI technology, it is essential to recognize that, just as millennials and Gen Z are not the technological wonderkids they are often made out to be, African American students from those generations lag far behind their peers in other groups.

Generation Alpha, those born between 2010 and 2024, are also not the masters or beneficiaries of the technology they are associated with. In this group, apathy is even worse.

Meanwhile, the continued development of AI is being driven by people who have no vested interest in equality and inclusiveness. Most of the developers are not evil people, but you do not need to be a wicked person to do evil things. African Americans can’t assume white developers will do the right thing and police the biases being fed to AI.

I try to fight apathy by giving them real-world problems that can be at least partially solved by the use of AI as a prominent tool. Issues such as pollution, hunger, access to clean water, obesity, poverty, crime and healthcare offer great opportunities for AI tools to help solve these problems. The best way to do that is to ensure the perspectives of all people come into play.

My enemy is not a lack of Intelligence in my students; it is the learned disengagement, minimal effort and lack of engagement, which are the leading causes of my teaching misery.

There are many efforts and organizations, such as my own, Student Engagement and Mentoring in Technology (SEMtech).

SEMtech is designed to counter the reasons for the lack of African American representation in the fastestgrowing job sector in the world.

We can take pride in even the smallest achievements, but for sustainable, long-term improvement, we must unite these organizations and efforts cohesively. If it is not done this way, we will always hear great anecdotal stories of how some Black people beat the odds and became successful.

Still, behind that anecdotal evidence, there are tens of thousands more people who will remain on the outer periphery of what America considers success. ♦

TEAST HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES Milestone Anniversary

By Elena Brown

his year, East High School proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary – a remarkable milestone for one of our community’s most cherished institutions.

Since its founding, East has played a pivotal role in shaping generations of students and cultivating a culture of academic excellence, creativity and community spirit. To commemorate this historic anniversary, the administration and alumni association will host a month-long series of events, bringing together students, staff and alumni with personal stories about their experiences and the institution’s lasting influence.

Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, with a Native American Land Dedication and the reading of an updated dedication of the 100-year-old landmark building, similar to that of the school’s original opening.

The Return

Homecoming week is a chance to return home to Denver, reconnect with classmates and relive cherished memories.

On Sept. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., a Homecoming Celebration and grand alumni reunion will take place on the Esplanade, with a pep rally, games and food trucks. Students will debut floats before the 7 p.m. homecoming football game at All City Stadium.

On Sept. 20, students, alumni, families and community members will gather for a morning of food, music and memories at Breakfast in the Park. Held at the City Park Pavilion from 9:00 a.m. to noon, the event will culminate with a series of movies featuring alumni, Q&As and special appearances.

This unique festival offers a rare opportunity to celebrate the school’s powerful influence on the film industry, while honoring the talents and legacies of its most prominent alumni.

Angels Among the Stars

Trailblazing actress Pam Grier (class of 1967), known for her groundbreaking film roles, is expected to attend various events, along with Grammy Awardwinning vocalist and Earth Wind and Fire member Philip Bailey (class of 1969), and billionaire philanthropist, Robert F. Smith (class of 1981).

Over the decades, East has produced numerous distinguished alumni who

have made their mark in various fields, including Apollo 13 astronaut John L. “Jack” Swigert (class of 1949); U.S. Senator Peter C. Groff; actor and humanitarian Don Cheadle; jazz musician and educator Ron Miles (class of 1969); first African-American Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel (class of 1910); and the first actor to play Zorro, the masked vigilante, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. (Class 1901).

Whether lighting up movie screens, launching into space, topping music charts, leading in business or excelling on the court, East alumni have made their mark across industries and around the globe as political figures, military leaders, athletes and even a Miss America contest winner.

Silver Screen Celebration

According to “Flight of Angels “author and retired English teacher, Richard Nelson, the number of notable East graduates now exceeds 100 and continues to grow.

As part of the school’s 150th anniversary celebration, the school will host a special East High Film Festival on Sept. 26–27, highlighting deep connections to Hollywood and cinematic history. The two-day event will feature screenings, special guests, panel discussions and tributes to legendary alumni who have made their mark on the film industry. Screenings

Continued on Page 22

TWENTY YEARS

The Storm That Haunts New Orleans

By Ruby Jones

On any given night in New Orleans, the city comes alive.

The cobbled French Quarter, brimming with tourists, offers lively music and darkened doorways with scantily clad heauxsts luring bachelors inside.

The thick, hot air smells of good food and bad decisions, a scent etched into the noses of every passerby. Uptown bustles, hustlers hustle and jazz rumbles down Frenchman Street until the morning sun begins to rise.

New Orleans holds a special place in the hearts of all who greet it. Its history runs as deep as the murky Mississippi River; its mysteries hide in every shadow. Yet, for all its liveliness and Mardi Gras magic, recent history carries reminders of another kind.

Twenty years ago, the soul of New Orleans lay buried beneath 15 feet of water, leaving chaos and grief across 80 percent of the city.

Today, remnants of Hurricane Katrina and an unlikely barrage of broken levees can still be found throughout the Big Easy. Those who endured will always remember, while the rest of the world continues to forget.

When the Levees Broke

Life in New Orleans was a vibrant and cultural infusion of people from all walks of life, each bringing the gift

of their heritage to the food, music and movement that kept the city abuzz. Even after disaster, second lines and seasonal balls rooted in West African and European customs continue to draw crowds from across the globe.

From its origination as a gathering place for Indigenous tribes along the Mississippi, to its 1718 founding by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, New Orleans developed into a cultural epicenter. For generations, the Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Thirteenth and Seventeenth wards, New Orleans East and Tremé were home to a predominantly Black population of 67 percent, with rich traditions of song, dance, celebration and survival. The resilient communities embodied the city’s heart and soul.

But, one day the tides turned, and survival took on another meaning.

When Hurricane Katrina made landfall on Aug. 29, 2005, the city braced for disaster. What followed was worse than anyone imagined.

Fluctuating between a category 3 and category 5 hurricane, the storm’s force surpassed expectations, but it was ultimately a breach of the city’s levee protection system that caused the greatest catastrophe.

Built to protect the below-sea-level city from flooding, concrete floodwalls – or levees – along the Industrial Canal, 17th Street Canal, London Avenue Canal and more succumbed to the height of the storm surge.

Under Water

Entire neighborhoods were swallowed by water. Families scrambled to rooftops to avoid beast-, sewage- and chemical-infested floods; while many vulnerable, elderly residents drowned in their homes. With most of the city submerged, over 1,800 people lost their lives.

In the days that followed, the federal government’s lack of response turned tragedy into nightmare.

Chaos in the Crescent City

As the waters rose, chaos erupted. Thousands sought refuge in the Superdome, where conditions quickly deteriorated. The stadium that once roared with Saints fans became a cavern of desperation, filled with the stench of death and human suffering. People waited days for food, water and medical help.

“The Superdome felt like a prison,” said James Broussard, a lifelong resident of New Orleans East who spent four days inside. “You had kids crying, people fainting, no clean water. We felt abandoned, like the government had left us to die.”

Outside, desperation was met with hostility. In some predominantly white neighborhoods, like the crossriver community of Algiers, armed residents patrolled the streets, branding Black evacuees as “looters” whether they were seeking food, diapers or medicine.

Reports and investigations have since revealed vigilante violence, with white residents firing upon unarmed Black survivors attempting to cross bridges or enter areas for supplies.

“I was just trying to get baby formula,” recalls Angela Williams, a mother of three from the Lower Ninth Ward. “But people looked at us like criminals. We weren’t looting. We were surviving.”

The sense of abandonment was palpable. The U.S. government was criticized worldwide for its slow response, and President George W. Bush, who only days later flew over the devastation from Air Force One without setting foot on the ground, faced egregious backlash.

The image of the despised president looking out the airplane window became a symbol of distant leadership and neglect as Kanye West’s televised claim that “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people,” echoed feelings around the nation.

Beyond New Orleans

Although the flooding in New Orleans became the lasting image of Katrina, the hurricane itself made its fiercest landfall along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Communities from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula were leveled by the storm surge. Entire coastal neighborhoods were flattened, leaving survivors to pick through debris fields where houses once stood.

Mississippi lost more than 230 people, and tens of thousands were displaced. Casinos, fishing industries and schools were obliterated, with the bridge connecting Biloxi to Ocean Springs utterly destroyed.

Of Water and Wind

Inquiries after the storm revealed that the levees surrounding New

Orleans failed not simply from the storm’s strength, but from flawed designs and weak construction by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Investigations concluded that in spite of the hurricane, the disaster was largely manmade.

Among residents, deeper suspicions lingered. Some believed the levees were intentionally breached to flood Black neighborhoods, paving the way for development and gentrification. While no evidence has substantiated those claims, the perception fueled distrust.

Over the following decades, gentrification has indeed reshaped New Orleans, with historically Black neighborhoods seeing rising rents and shifting demographics. For many lifelong residents, the city’s soul feels empty.

A Wound Unhealed

Two decades later, scars remain. Tourism has rebounded, but the city has not returned to its former glory.

Entire neighborhoods in New Orleans never recovered after their pre-storm populations scattered across Houston, Atlanta and other cities. The Black population, once its majority, has declined, as newcomers are drawn to “rebuilt” areas and cheaper home prices.

Political dysfunction has only deepened the pain left in Katrina’s wake. A string of mayors and city leaders have faced accusations or convictions for corruption, including the current mayor, LaToya Cantrell.

After being indicted for fraud and obstruction of justice on Aug. 15, the disgraced city leader’s actions reinforce a sense of betrayal among residents still waiting for full recovery.

For many, the promise of recovery feels unfinished. Blighted houses and businesses still dot neighborhoods like the Lower Ninth Ward and New Orleans East. Infrastructure remains fragile, with hurricanes and flooding continuing to pose annual threats. Despite billions spent in federal aid, the city has never fully regained stability.

A City of Beauty and Burden

Jazz clubs still open their doors each night. Mardi Gras parades still roll down St. Charles Avenue, beads glistening in the streetlights. Creole kitchens still serve gumbo and po’boys that taste like home. The people who remain hold onto the culture that has long defined the city.

Still, the burden lingers. For survivors of Katrina, the storm is not a chapter closed but a wound that resurfaces with every hurricane season, every new political scandal and every stroll past the Superdome.

New Orleans lives with two faces: the mask of vibrance it presents to the world, and the shadow of devastation that refuses to be forgotten.

Twenty years later, the story of Hurricane Katrina is far more than water and wind. It’s a tale of broken promises, systemic inequities and survival against impossible odds. ♦

COLORADO Black Women for Political Action

To Host Black Women’s Summit and 47th Annual Tribute Luncheon

By Ruby Jones

For nearly half a century, Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) has worked to ensure that Black women are participants in the civic processes that drive local advancement and nationwide change.

Conceptualized by State Senator Gloria Tanner, CBWPA was founded by 13 women in 1977, and has become one of the state’s most influential political advocacy organizations. Its mission is rooted in advancing the political, social and economic empowerment of Black women and their communities.

CBWPA’s legacy is safeguarded under the leadership of its current president, Bianka Emerson, a campaign strategist and advocate

who is guiding the organization through one of the most turbulent political climates in recent history.

Despite recent attacks on initiatives meant to create equitable conditions at every level, Emerson is motivated to continue her work as a conduit for civic engagement.

“We always show up for the concept and the idea of democracy,” she says.

“We show up for the collective.”

On Friday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., CBWPA will convene its second annual Black Women’s Summit at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel. A Youth Empowerment Summit will accompany the day’s events from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m..

The 47th Annual Tribute to Black Women Luncheon and Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday,

Oct. 4, featuring MSNBC commentator, keynote speaker and former advisor to U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Symone D. Sanders Townsend.

The events are expected to draw hundreds of participants from across Colorado, with inspiration, empowerment and a celebration of Black women’s excellence and leadership.

The 92

The theme of this year’s summit is “The 92: Rest, Resist, Repeat,” inspired by the 92 percent of Black women who cast their ballots in support of former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, during the last election cycle.

“We created that theme in homage to the 92 percent of Black women who voted in support of democracy,” Emerson says.

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“We did support the Black woman who was highly educated and qualified for the job, but we also supported the notion and idea of democracy.”

For the emboldened leader, the theme is also personal.

“After the election, I was just exhausted,” she admits.

“It was a huge letdown for Black women… I felt extremely betrayed. We showed up for democracy, but democracy did not show up for us.”

That sense of fatigue, Emerson adds, has made the need for rest and healing critical, even as Black women continue to lead movements for change.

“We can continue to protest and organize, and we organize the heck out of everything that we do, but it’s like, ‘okay, I’ve done all I can do. I need rest.’”

The Rest

CBWPA plans to use the summit to address urgent challenges facing Black women, from job losses to health disparities. Emerson notes that since January, more than 300,000 Black women nationwide have lost employment.

“How do we get above that? Is it entrepreneurship? Is it organizing to create more policy? Is it organizing to make sure that there’s a comeback in the 2026 election?” she asks.

The summit’s panels will tackle these and other questions through a wide-ranging set of discussions. Among them:

• Economic Empowerment and Wealth Protection: the protection of Black women’s wealth.

•  Reproductive Justice: Teaching Black women how to advocate for their bodies in the medical room.

•  Entrepreneurship: Encouraging Black women to explore pathways to business ownership.

•  Political Leadership: Guidance on how to run for office, write public policy and serve on boards and commissions.

•  Advocacy 101: Advocating for housing opportunities, economic opportunities, education, health disparity and criminal justice.

The Resistance

A central feature of this year’s summit is the Youth Empowerment Summit, held in partnership with the University of Colorado Wellness Center and Youth Roots.

With a curriculum designed for Black girls ages 12 to college youth, the interactive forum and workshop will introduce participants to civic duty from an early age.

“The curriculum was created specifically for us, and the theme is ‘Superwoman Syndrome: Taking Off My Cape, Saving Myself’” Emerson says.

“The whole point is making sure that our young girls understand who they are, especially in the society and the world that is telling them any and everything, with the influence of social media.”

In addition to teaching young women that their responsibility is not just to advocate for everyone else, the event will encourage them to show up for themselves.

A collaboration with the African Leadership Group (ALG) will provide additional support for girls balancing the expectations of African culture at home with the realities of American society.

The Repeat

Following the summit, CBWPA will host its annual luncheon and awards ceremony, which recognizes Black women in education, arts, public health, community service and youth leadership.

“The community has the opportunity to nominate the women who they want to see win those awards,” Emerson says.

For her, the summit and luncheon are both a celebration and a callto-action for Black women who are inspired to take a new approach –one that centers health, healing and self-preservation.

Believing that education is the true source of tangible change, she challenges herself and others to turn education into action while breaking cycles and breaching barriers. ♦

Editor’s note: To learn more and register for the summit and luncheon, visit www.cbwpa.org.

COLORADO PRESS ASSOCIATION HONORS JOURNALISTS AND INDUSTRY LEADERS AT

147th Annual Convention and Better News Media Contest Awards

By Ruby Jones

The Colorado Press Association capped off its 147th Annual Convention with a celebration of excellence in journalism, honoring winners of the 2024 Better News Contest (BNC), the 2025 Member Awards, the Hall of Fame and the prestigious A-Mark Prize for Responsive Journalism.

Local News Solutions 2025, co-hosted by the Colorado Press Association (CPA), the Colorado News Collaborative (COLab) and Colorado Media Project (CMP), drew together reporters, editors, publishers and advocates united in their commitment to strengthening local news.

“This year’s contests were fiercely competitive, and judges consistently noted the exceptional quality of work submitted,” CPA leaders said in a statement. “Each of you exemplifies the strength, talent, and resilience of Colorado journalism.”

Hall of Fame Inductees

Three leaders whose careers shaped Colorado journalism were inducted into the 2025 CPA Hall of Fame.

Jeanette Chavez dedicated her career to strengthening reporting standards and mentoring future journalists. The former managing editor at The Denver Post, helped guide Pulitzer-winning coverage of the Columbine High School shootings and contributed decades of service to local and national journalism boards.

Jerry Healey, longtime publisher and co-founder of Colorado Community Media, was honored for his role in revitalizing dozens of community papers across the Denver metro area.

Steve Zansberg, a Denver attorney specializing in First Amendment and media law, and president of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, was recognized for three decades of defending press freedom.

Denver Urban Spectrum 2024 BNC Awards

Among the many winners of this year’s BNC Contest were standout stories and campaigns across Colorado’s newsrooms.

Denver Urban Spectrum and its contributors won 20 awards in the following categories:

• Best Print Ad: Jody Gilbert, Rosalind “Bee” Harris

• Best Agricultural Story (first place): Stacy Narine, Ruby Jones

• Best Agricultural Story (second place): Elena Brown

• Best Arts & Entertainment Column Writing: Wayne Trujillo, Ruby Jones

• Best Business News/Feature Story: Ruby Jones

• Best Editorial Special Section: Ruby Jones, Jody Gilbert

• Best Feature Story: Wayne Trujillo

• Best Headline Writing: Ruby Jones, Wayne Trujillo

• Best Health Enterprise/Health Feature Story: Latrice Owens

• Best Politics Reporting: Ruby Jones

• Best Serious Column Writing: Thomas Holt Russell

• Best Sports Column Writing (first place): Wayne Trujillo

• Best Sports Column Writing (second place): Ruby Jones

• Excellence in Audio Digital Storytelling (first place): Ruby Jones

• Excellence in Audio Digital Storytelling (second place): Ruby Jones

• Best Newsletter: Rosalind “Bee” Harris, Ruby Jones

• Best Sponsorship Campaign: Rosalind “Bee” Harris

• Best Website: Denver Urban Spectrum

• Best Informational Graphic: Ruby Jones, Rosalind “Bee” Harris

• Best Page Design: Rosalind “Bee” Harris

Celebrating Responsive Journalism

The award ceremony took place on the final day of the convention, after days of lightning talks, roundtable discussions, presentations and more. Maritza Félix, an Emmy-winning journalist and founder of Conecta Arizona, delivered an inspiring keynote address, challenging attendees to work collaboratively while considering the hardships facing immigrant communities.

As the convention drew to a close, organizers reaffirmed the event’s core mission to bring together anyone “who cares about the future of local journalism and civic life.” In the spirit of shared purpose, the convention featured immersive dialogue, collaboration and recommitment to sustaining strong, community-focused newsrooms in turbulent times. ♦

Editor’s note: To learn more about the Colorado Press Association, visit https:// coloradopressassociation.com/.

DUS PUBLISHER NAMED OUTSTANDING BUSINESS LEADER

Rosalind “Bee” Harris Wins PRSA Colorado Gold Pick Award

Denver Urban Spectrum (DUS) Publisher, Rosalind “Bee” Harris, was honored with the Outstanding Business Leader Award at the 2025 PRSA Colorado Gold Pick Awards, the state’s top recognition for excellence in public relations and communications. The awards ceremony, held Aug. 6 at the historic Grant-Humphreys Mansion, drew professionals from across the region to celebrate the industry’s best campaigns and leaders.

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Colorado Chapter has hosted the Gold Pick Awards since 1966, making it one of the longest-running and most respected communications award programs in the nation.

PRSA Colorado is among the largest chapters in the national PRSA network, serving hundreds of communications professionals across corporate, agency, nonprofit and government sectors. The organization provides professional development, networking opportunities and industry standards that guide ethical and impactful communications throughout the state.

The 2025 event was emceed by Denver media personality and motivational speaker Mark McIntosh,a well-known advocate for community health and resilience following a lifesaving kidney transplant.

Presenters included Paul Raab, managing partner of Linhart PR, Marcus Weaver, executive director of Lower the Barrier Colorado, and

Russ Pecoraro, vice president at the Butterfly Pavilion. Students from the University of Colorado and Colorado State University also participated as volunteers and presenters, underscoring the organization’s emphasis on developing the next generation of communicators.

Harris’s award recognized her leadership as co-founder and publisher of DUS , a publication launched in 1987 with the mission of “spreading the news about people of color.” For nearly four decades, the newspaper has provided coverage of Denver’s Black community, elevating voices often excluded from mainstream media.

Harris’s civic involvement extends beyond publishing. She has served on the boards of cultural and civic organizations, and has been the recipient of numerous honors, including induction into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame in 2020.

The PRSA Colorado Gold Pick Awards showcase the strategic power of public relations in shaping conversations across industries. Each year, campaigns are judged on research, planning, execution and measurable results, reinforcing PRSA’s mission to advance the profession through accountability and excellence.

Additional Special Award honorees include:

• Doug Hock, Swede Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award

• Jake Kasowski, Ayers Chapter Service Award ♦

• Jason Evans, Jane Dvorak Mentor of the

• Jennifer Quermann, Sharon Linhart PR Person of the Year

Editor’s note: To learn more about PRSA, visit www.prsacolorado.org.

COLORADO WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME Honors

Funds Raised to Support Statewide Educational Outreach, “Women in Tech” Initiative and Legacy Preservation

The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (CWHF) marked its 40th anniversary on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, with an evening of inspiration, history and celebration, at the Asterisk event space in Denver. The milestone event brought together inductees, community leaders, cultural partners and supporters to honor four decades of elevating the stories and achievements of Colorado’s most remarkable women.

Founded in 1985 by visionary leader M.L. Hanson, the Hall has inducted 205 trailblazing women whose courage, innovation and leadership have shaped Colorado and the world.

In a special moment during the celebration, Hanson was recognized for her extraordinary contributions with an official proclamation from the State of Colorado declaring M.L. Hanson Day, honoring her life’s work in preserving and uplifting the stories of Colorado women.

“M.L. has been, and continues to be, a dedicated and passionate voice for preserving and honoring the accomplishments of Colorado women. We are proud to continue her legacy,” says Barb Beckner, CWHF Board Chair.

The anniversary celebration featured the highly anticipated premiere of Great Colorado Women: 40th Anniversary Film. Introduced by CWHF Film Series Executive Producer, four-time Heartland Emmy winner and former CWHF Board Chair, Betty Heid, the moving documentary captures the enduring legacies of inductees past and present.

Guests also enjoyed the hall’s iconic hallmark portrait exhibits, offering an intimate view into the lives of women whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the state’s history.

Attendees participated in live and silent auctions, including a spirited paddle raise. The money raised will directly support CWHF’s educational programs, traveling exhibits, Women in STEM initiative and public outreach efforts, ensuring that the stories of Colorado’s great women continue to inspire future generations.

Funds will also sustain the tradition of commissioning the hallmark portraits as lasting tributes for each inductee.

With increased public interest and viewing requests for the custom, legacy-preserving works, the organization hopes to secure a permanent home for the Hall that would allow year-round portrait displays in an inspiring and educational community space.

“This 40th anniversary is a celebration of the extraordinary women we have honored, and a recommitment to our mission,” says Beckner.

“The funds raised tonight will allow us to expand our educational outreach, share these transformative stories more widely and inspire girls and women to see themselves as leaders and change agents. We look forward to the day when our beloved inductee portraits are housed in a permanent exhibit.”

The Hall also announced that nominations are now officially open for the 2027 Class of Inductees, inviting the public to submit names and profiles of exceptional women who have made a lasting impact in Colorado through leadership, service, innovation or influence.

Over the past four decades, CWHF has become a vital resource for educators, historians and the public, offering dynamic storytelling, curriculum programs and community engagement opportunities that elevate the contributions of women across every sector of society.

About the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame

The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame’s mission is to inspire by celebrating and sharing the enduring contributions of Colorado’s extraordinary women.

Since its founding in 1985, the nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization has honored 205 inductees from all walks of life, preserving their stories through

educational outreach, exhibits and public programs that encourage future generations to dream big, break barriers and make a difference. ♦

Editor’s note: For more information on the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, to support its educational programs, submit a nomination or learn about upcoming events, visit www.cogreatwomen.org.

WELLINGTON WEBB ENDORSES MANNY RUTINEL

Manny Rutinel for Colorado’s 8 th Congressional District

On July 18, Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb announced his endorsement of State Representative Manny Rutinel for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District. The endorsement places Rutinel on the same early-endorsement congressional slate as Representatives Joe Neguse (CO-02), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Jason Crow (CO-06), signaling growing Democratic unity behind Rutinel’s campaign.

“Manny Rutinel currently serves in the Colorado House of Representatives for District 32. I will be putting on my tennis

shoes to help this qualified young man be elected for the 8th Congressional District seat,” Webb said.

“Raised by a single mother, Manny in high school worked manual jobs and donated blood plasma to help pay the bills. Despite the challenges, he went on to graduate from Johns Hopkins University with a master’s in economics and earn a law degree from Yale Law School. Manny speaks fluent Spanish and understands the great needs of a younger generation of Coloradans and those from all economic backgrounds. His voice is needed in Congress.”

In addition to the meaningful endorsement, Rutinel leads the Democratic primary in fundraising, having raised nearly $1.6 million to

date – more than three times his closest competitor and more than all of them combined. In CO-08, the largest Latino district in Colorado with a nearly 40% Latino population, Rutinel is well-positioned to win the primary and take on Gabe Evans in November 2026.

Colorado State Representative Manny Rutinel launched his campaign to unseat Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08) in late January 2025. Since then, he has amassed endorsements from over 60 elected officials and community leaders in Colorado, as well as more than 300 volunteers. In addition to having the largest Latino population in Colorado, CO-08 also has the only Latino member of Congress.  ♦

Editor’s note: For more information about Manny and his priorities, follow him on Facebook @MannyForColorado or Instagram/Twitter @MannyRutinel or visit www.MannyForColorado.com.

Continued from Page 13

will take place at the Sie Film Center, along with a VIP reception and panel discussion featuring special guests.

Past, Present & Future

The 150th anniversary events are made possible by the dedicated efforts of East’s alumni network and the East Angel Foundation.

According to their website, the East Angel Foundation “exists to preserve and promote East High School’s past,

present and future.” Their mission supports students and faculty through grants, scholarships and direct assistance programs. The foundation’s unwavering support represents the loyalty and pride felt by past and present attendees.

On Sept. 15, the 60th class reunion of 1965 will be held at the Carla Madison Rec Center, further adding to the celebratory environment.

Denver’s Historic Hallways

Continuing to top local and national “best public high schools” list, East’s

towering campus is a symbol of city history.

In 1874, Arapahoe School opened its doors to Denver students, named in recognition of the local Arapahoe tribe. In 1877, the school celebrated its first graduating class of only seven students.

In 1881, a more permanent home was established between Welton and Stout Streets. “Old East,” was officially known as East Side Denver High School, and it remained in its downtown location until 1925.

After moving to its new, current location, “Old East” was demolished to make room for the Federal Building and U.S. Custom House.

Designated a historic landmark in 1991, the present building was designed by Denver architect George Herbard Williamson in the “Jacobean” style. It is modeled after Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, with a central clocktower rising to a height of 162 feet. The clock weighs over a ton, and despite being over 75 years old, its intricate four-faced mechanism continues to keep remarkably accurate time.

The story of East High is recounted in the “Tower History Room” museum, along with valuable memorabilia, antique sports uniforms, photographs and letters.

A Sesquicentennial Celebration

East’s 150-year legacy is steeped in an ongoing commitment to excellence and a grand vision for the future. As the institution prepares to look back at its history, a 150-year time capsule will add to the excitement and draw the community closer to its legacy.

With the support of its thriving alumni network, the school continues to nurture young minds, champion community values and stand as a symbol of resilience, progress and unity.

Denver’s cherished “Home of the Angels” is filled with tradition and generations of fierce pride. Holding a special place in the hearts of its alumni, its future is brighter than ever. ♦

Editor’s note: To learn more about the 150th Celebration, visit www. eastangelfoundation.org.

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THE POWER Why Boys Need a Vision for Their Lives

Submitted by Dr. Dedrick Sims

of Purpose

September is a month of new beginnings. The new school year is underway, sports seasons are kicking off and those long, unstructured summer days have given way to more routines and responsibilities. For boys, especially those balancing academic pressures, social influences and personal challenges, this shift offers something powerful: a chance to reset, refocus and build a clear vision for their lives.

When a boy finds his “why,” everything changes. Suddenly, there’s a reason to show up, to put in the work and to say “no” to the wrong invitations.

Purpose isn’t just a fancy, motivational buzzword. For many boys –and especially boys of color – having a sense of direction can be the difference between thriving and simply surviving.

The Turning Point

At 15, a young man named Marcus was drifting. He was skipping classes, hanging with the wrong crowd and spending more energy clashing with teachers than learning from them.

His mother was at her wits’ end; his teachers were concerned; and Marcus didn’t see the point of any of it.

Marcus’s journey wasn’t perfect, but it had a turning point – and once someone encounters a turning point, they can’t unsee the road ahead.

Why Purpose Matters for Boys

When young men have a sense of purpose, grades improve, risky behaviors drop and resilience grows.

Purpose fuels persistence for those who need to see a clear and concrete target before they begin to take things seriously. When they understand how today’s actions connect to tomorrow’s goals, they’re more willing to push through.

Purpose builds resilience for when life throws punches; it gives boys a reason to get back up and swing again.

Then, one day in a mentoring session, he began talking about his dreams. Not the “what do you want to be when you grow up” surface question, but “what kind of man do you want to be, and how do you want the world to remember you?”

Over the next few weeks, he started setting goals – small ones at first, like passing a class he’d been failing in. He began talking about becoming an emergency medical technician.

The new dream gave him something solid to reach for, and it changed how he moved through life.

Purpose shapes identity for boys of color, serving as a shield against stereotypes and a compass toward self-determined futures. It’s not just about “what I want to do,” but “who I am and why I matter.”

The Barriers Boys Face

discover, define and pursue their purpose through direct programming, leadership development and systems change work that addresses the root causes of inequity.

Finding purpose isn’t easy. Many young men face a minefield of challenges from fragmented support systems with a lack of consistent mentors or safe spaces to dream; low expectations that quietly tell them “you can’t;” cultural disconnects in schools that fail to affirm their identity; and the weight of trauma, family struggles, community violence or economic hardship, that can push them into survival-mode instead of vision-mode.

This is why parents, educators and mentors can’t leave a boy’s sense of purpose to chance.

The Sims-Fayola Foundation’s Approach to Purpose

The Sims-Fayola Foundation has spent more than a decade creating spaces where boys of color can

Central to that work is the Sims Framework, a seven-pillar model built on cultural identity and belonging, equity-centered instruction, agency and advocacy, systems awareness, affirmation and high expectations, best practices of mentoring boys of color, and culturally centered pedagogy.

These tools and daily practices help young men connect the dots between who they are, what they value and where they’re going.

How Adults Can Help Boys Find Their “Why”

There are five effective ways to help boys lock in on their purpose:

1. Ask Better Questions: Replace “What do you want to be?” with “What problems do you want to solve?” or “What mark do you want to leave on the world?”

2. Expose Him to Possibilities: Show him careers, skills and experiences he may not know exist.

3.Connect the Dots: Help him see how small decisions – what he studies and who he hangs out with – stack up toward his bigger goals.

4.Affirm and Expect: Speak life into him and show belief in his potential; hold him to high expectations and help him get there.

5. Model Purpose Yourself: Live with purpose so he can see it in action – boys learn more from what is done than what is said.

A Community Challenge for September

To further explore purpose, sit down for a 30-minute “purpose session.”

• Step1: Ask about their dreams; there are no limits and no judgment.

• Step2: Ask what kind of man they want to become.

• Step3: Help them write a onesentence purpose statement.

• Step4: Put it somewhere visible so it’s a daily reminder.

Boys with purpose are harder to knock off course. They may still stumble, but they know where they’re headed. The role of an adult isn’t to hand the next generation a dream, it’s to help them uncover their own.

When a boy knows his “why,” figuring out the “how” gets easier. When a generation of boys knows their purpose, the ripple effect will change our schools, our communities and our future. ♦

Editor’s Note: To learn more about the Sims Fayola Foundation, call (720)557-8443 or visit www.sffoundation.org.

SCORE MORE

The Smart Homebuyer’s Credit Playbook

Submitted by Barry Overton become an authorized user on a trusted person’s credit card – typically a family member or close friend.

In today’s real estate market, and especially in competitive areas like Denver, having strong credit isn’t just a nice to have. It’s often the deciding factor in whether a prospective buyer gets approved for a mortgage, how much will be paid in interest and even the types of homes available for purchase.

Improving credit doesn’t have to take years. With the right moves, meaningful progress can be made in a matter of months, or in some cases, weeks. Below are seven strategic, lesser-known ways to strengthen a credit profile before house hunting.

1. Become an Authorized User on a Strong Credit Account

One of the fastest ways to add positive history to a credit file is to

When added to an account, payment history, credit age and utilization ratio can all be factored into an authorized user’s credit report.

The key is to make sure the card has a low balance relative to its limit – ideally under 10% – and zero late payments. This strategy can produce noticeable score improvements in as little as 30 to 60 days, potentially unlocking better loan terms when applying for a mortgage.

Pay Less

2. Use a Credit Builder Loan Through a Local Credit Union

For those with a “thin” credit file –meaning there’s not much history – a credit builder loan can be a gamechanger.

Offered by many community banks and credit unions, this type of loan works in reverse: borrowers receive a small amount that is held in a locked savings account, then the borrower makes monthly payments toward it.

At the end of the loan term, the savings are returned with a new record of on-time installment loan

payments on a credit report. This boosts credit scores and diversifies credit mix, something mortgage lenders value when assessing risk.

3.Negotiate “Pay forDelete” Agreements on Collections

Simply paying off a collection account doesn’t automatically erase it from a credit report, it just changes the status to “paid,” which still carries a negative impact. That’s where a “pay for delete” agreement comes in.

An individual or credit repair specialist can contact the collection agency and offer to pay the balance in exchange for them removing the account entirely from the credit history. Not all agencies agree to this, but when they do, it’s one of the most powerful ways to clean up a file for mortgage approval.

ParticipantsNeededInTheBlackCommunityHealthAssessment

Black residents (18 & older) who reside in the City and County of Denver are invited to complete the Black Community Health Assessment survey. The goal is to collect data that will inform interventions, programs and services specific to the Black community. This study is being conducted by Principal Investigator Genene Duran, PhD, MHA, CPH, and is being supported by research partners at Metropolitan State University College of Health

and Human Services, Denver Health’s Department of Integrated Care, and Colorado Health Institute. The Black Community Health Assessment (BCHA) will inform the Black Community Health Improvement Plan (BCHIP) and will be used as a template to conduct CHA’s in other specialized, vulnerable, and medically underserved communities.

To participate in the survey, visit: https://diarhs.org/survey/.

4. Add Nontraditional Payments to Your Credit Report

Rent, utility bills and even streaming service payments aren’t typically included in a credit score unless a consumer take steps to add them.

Tools like Experian Boost or rentreporting services can link payment history directly to a credit file.

If bills have been consistently paid on time for at least a year, adding them can give a credit score a healthy bump and show lenders that a prospective buyer is reliable with recurring obligations that mirror the responsibility of a mortgage payment.

5. Ask Your Lender About a “Rapid Rescore”

Sometimes, timing is everything. If a buyer is in the middle of a home purchase and quickly pays down a large debt, or if errors have been successfully removed from a credit report, there’s no time to wait for the next monthly reporting cycle.

Through a mortgage lender, a buyer can request a rapid rescore, which updates a credit report in just a few days. This can be especially valuable if trying to qualify for a better interest rate before locking in a loan.

6. Increase Credit Limits Without Increasing Spending

A credit utilization ratio is the percentage of available credit being used and makes up roughly 30% of a credit score. By increasing credit limits (without adding new charges), consumers lower this ratio and improve their score.

Most banks allow requests for credit limit increases online, often without a hard inquiry. Aim to do this at least six months before applying for a mortgage, and pair it with disciplined spending habits to maximize the benefit.

7. Dispute Outdated or Inaccurate

Negative Items

Credit reports are not immune to errors. From incorrect late payment records to outdated collections that should have fallen off years ago, inaccuracies can drag a score down unnecessarily.

By law, negative items like late payments generally fall off after seven years, while bankruptcies can take ten.

Review credit reports from all three bureaus, dispute any errors in writing and track disputes to ensure they’re resolved before applying for a mortgage.

Why This Matters in Today’s Market

In a housing market where affordability is tight and interest rates can vary significantly based on a credit profile, every improvement can translate into thousands of dollars

saved over the life of a loan. A buyer with a credit score of 760 or more may qualify for an interest rate that’s 0.5 percent lower than a buyer with a score in the mid-600s. On a $500,000 mortgage, that difference could mean over $100,000 saved in interest over 30 years.

Next Steps for Buyers

Improving credit for homebuying is about being in the strongest possible financial position.

Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people will make. By strategically improving credit in the months leading up to a purchase, buyers can open the door to better rates, smoother approvals and a stronger long-term financial position. ♦

Editor’s note: Barry Overton is a Denver-based real estate advisor, veteran, and mentor. Contact him at 303-668-5433.

DPS FOUNDATION Takes the Lead on My Spark

Denver to Expand Access to Youth Enrichment Programs

The Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation proudly announces it will assume leadership of My Spark Denver, a transformative program originally created by the City and County of Denver, Mile High United Way, and Gary Community Ventures to increase access to afterschool and extracurricular activities for middle school students.

Launched as a pilot program in 2023, My Spark Denver provides eligible DPS middle schoolers who qualify for free or reduced lunch with $1,000 per year on a My Spark Card, allowing families to choose from over 200 local programs including sports, arts, dance, tutoring and STEM. By putting funds directly in families’ hands, the program removes financial barriers, promotes positive youth development and allows parents to invest in the experiences that matter most to their children.

“We are honored to continue the incredible work started by the City of

Denver, Mile High United Way, and Gary Community Ventures,” says Sara Hazel, President & CEO of DPS Foundation.

“My Spark aligns perfectly with DPS Foundation’s mission to increase opportunity and access for all DPS students, particularly those who have been historically underserved. Together, we’re helping young people ignite their passions, explore new interests, and thrive beyond the classroom.”

Since its launch, My Spark Denver has already shown a powerful impact:

• 80 percent of participating youth say they feel more connected to adults and friendships with peers.

• Families report stronger engagement, with 14 percent more adults always knowing where their child is after school.

• Students show increases in selfconfidence, physical activity and a reduction in screen time.

• Local enrichment providers, especially in underserved neighborhoods, have seen boosts in enrollment and revenue.

“My Spark Denver helps working families access and choose the types of enrichment activities that set kids up for success, both inside and outside the classroom,” says Santhosh Ramdoss,

President and CEO of Gary Community Ventures.

“At Gary, we incubate bold solutions that meet real community needs and then partner with organizations that can steward those solutions for longterm success and greater impact. With its proximity to kids and families, the DPS Foundation is the ideal partner to ensure My Spark can impact even more kids well into the future.”

With approximately 11,500 eligible middle schoolers in DPS, the DPS

Foundation expects to serve between 25 to 35 percent of eligible students annually under the updated program structure.

About the Denver Public Schools Foundation

Committed to realizing every student’s potential, Denver Public Schools Foundation removes barriers, provides support and unlocks opportunities in the classroom and beyond. DPS Foundation helps ensure

that investments in our public schools are directed in the most effective, impactful and lasting way. Denver Public Schools Foundation believes when all students have the opportunity to develop their talents and become engaged and contributing members of our community, our society thrives. ♦

Editor’s note: To learn more about the DPS Foundation, visit dpsfoundation.org. Applications for My Spark are available at mysparkdenver.org.

HOPE IGNITES Colorado

Building Pathways to Educational Equity

By Ruby Jones

With a new name and a renewed commitment to its mission, Hope Ignites Colorado –formerly Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado – is marking a pivotal moment in its nearly four-decade history. The rebrand reflects the organization’s expansive vision, and the transformative impact it has on the lives of the students it serves.

Hope Ignites Colorado is part of a global network with affiliates in the United States and Latin America, serving more than 1,200 young people annually. Locally, the organization works with middle and high school students, college students and alumni, offering academic, financial and emotional support from adolescence through career launch.

The nonprofit’s programs address the opportunity gap by providing consistent mentorship, collegepreparatory resources, life skills training, scholarships and access to internships. All participants, or

“scholars,” are first-generation collegebound students, and many come from low-income households. The organization focuses on creating an environment where students of color can thrive academically, personally and professionally.

Through its Academy Program, Hope Ignites Colorado connects with high school scholars four to five times per week, offering tutoring, academic guidance, leadership opportunities and personal development activities. Once students transition to higher education, the College Program ensures they continue to receive guidance and resources, from tutoring and financial aid navigation to professional networking.

100 percent of Hope Ignites Colorado scholars graduate from high school, and for the past five years, 96 percent of graduating seniors have enrolled in college.

Summer of Opportunity

This summer has been filled with opportunities designed to prepare students for academic and professional success.

As the 2024-2025 school year came to an end, scholars at Regis Jesuit High School and Aurora Central High School participated in a College Essay Boot camp, refining application essay-writing skills with the assistance of community partners and mentors.

In June, scholars visited the office of the food, retail and ticketing company, SSA Group, to learn about their jobs, internships and the work they do nationwide. They also visited a local Comcast studio, learned about different career paths at an in-house panel and

attended a special demonstration at Medtronics’ Hugo Lab.

Each year, rising high school seniors from across the Hope Ignites network travel to partner universities to participate in Envision U, a college prep event that brings together over 60 peers. The weeklong program focuses on future planning, leadership development and community building. Students also meet with admissions representatives from more than 20 colleges and universities across the country.

Building A Brighter Future

Hope Ignites Colorado’s work extends well beyond high school and college graduation. Alumni remain connected through mentorship, career assistance and leadership opportunities. This lifelong network helps ensure that students continue to build fulfilling careers and contribute to their communities after earning degrees.

The organization’s annual Success Starts with Hope fundraising breakfast, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25, will showcase the impact of its programs and highlight the stories of scholars whose lives have been transformed. The breakfast will bring together community leaders, supporters and alumni to celebrate the program’s success and raise funds to sustain and expand services.

Proceeds from the event will fund scholarships, academic support and enrichment opportunities like Envision U and the STEAM + Business camp. These resources are critical for youth who are forging paths to higher education without the benefit of

family experience navigating college admissions, financial aid or campus life.

The Spark Continues

By providing continuous support from middle school through college and into careers, Hope Ignites Colorado helps ensure its scholars are equipped to succeed in competitive academic and professional environments. The combination of rigorous academic preparation, life skills training and mentorship enables students to overcome barriers and realize their full potential.

The rebrand to Hope Ignites Colorado symbolizes the energy, vision and future the organization is building with – and for – its scholars. While the challenges facing first-generation and low-income students remain significant, so does the spark that drives them forward.

Hope Ignites Colorado’s programs, events, and ongoing alumni network serve as the foundation for that spark, fostering resilience, determination and achievement. The organization’s commitment to access, opportunity and a network of caring adults ensures that every scholar it serves has the tools and support needed to navigate the path to higher education and a brighter future. ♦

Editor’s note: To learn more and register for the Success Starts with Hope breakfast, visit hopeignitescolorado.org.