denver urban spectrum march 2016

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She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.-Proverbs 31:26

Its Womens History Month and as we usher in the time of year when the country focuses on women, and celebrateand honor their achievements, its also a time of learning, understanding and educating.

The journey is just beginning and for some the trek will be tumultuous. What better time than now to join nine coura-geous women who are walking in the footsteps of others with the desire to make a difference with a politically voice.DUS contributor, Charles Emmons reached out to several African American women who are hoping to help shapeDenvers political landscape in several high profile positions. Find out why they feel they are the best person to fill the seatthey are seeking.

Misti Aas shares how and why a local and well-known vocalist is stepping out on faith with starting her own long-over-due entertainment band. And Melovy Melvin talks with a health and wellness specialist who brought her expertise andexperience to the Mile High City from the UK nine years ago.

In addition to these contemporary women warriors, Theo Wilson teaches us about some historic female warriors as farback as 1583 and how they, through sacrifices and courage, help lay the groundwork and foundation for us today.

So, as you learn about women this month and understand what they did and why, pass it on and educate others.From the words of a very good friend, you have to know your history - people who dont know there history are like a

trees without roots.This is Womens History Month. Last month was Black History Month. But for US, every day is Living History

Month. Learn it, understand it and pass it on.

Rosalind J. HarrisPublisher

Volume 29 Number 12 March 2016

MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Denver Urban Spectrum www.denverurbanspectrum.com March 2016

3

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

God Responds to Donald TrumpBy Rob OkunDonald, my son,I have been troubled for some time

knowing you dont feel a need to askMe for forgiveness when youve donesomething wrong. And now, withyour strong remarks to one of mystaff, Pope Francis, I felt even moreurgency to write.I love God and I love my

church, you said last July. Thatsgood. Yet, in practically the samebreath you said you dont ask Me forforgiveness for any of your transgres-sions. You told a CNN reporter, If Ido something wrong I just try andmake it right. I dont bring God intothat picture; I dont.Dont bring Me into the picture?

Really? And then you said talkingabout Communionthat When Idrink my little wine (which is aboutthe only wine I drink) and have mylittle cracker, I guess that is a form ofasking for forgiveness, and I do that asoften as possible because I feelcleansed.Drink your little wine. Have your

little cracker? Thats how you feelcleansed?Why do you need to ask Me for

forgiveness? Pope Francis told areporter that, A person who thinksonly about building walls whereverthey may be and not buildingbridges is not Christian. This is not inthe gospel. Donald, that was anopportunity to stop, to think, to pray to take some time in deep contem-plation. At the very least, it was anopportunity to request an audience

with the Pope. Instead, you said, Fora religious leader to question a per-sons faith is disgracefulWhen theVatican is attacked by ISIS which aseveryone knows is ISISs ultimate tro-phy I can promise you that thePope would have only wished andprayed that Donald Trump wouldhave been PresidentThe Pope pray for you, Donald?Inciting peoples fallen angels is not

the road to a principled life. Callingfor a ban on Muslims entering yourcountry? Advocating spying onmosques? Considering establishing adatabase of all Muslims living in theU.S.? Thats your idea of how toMake America Great Again?You want people of faith to sup-

port you, yet you keep making divi-sive, mean-spirited remarks. A coupleof my senior people archangelsMichael and Gabriel think Imbeing too soft on you. I disagree; Ibelieve you understand where Imcoming from without My having tolash out with a mighty hand and anoutstretched arm; with great terrorand with signs and wonders.Sexist comments about women?

Racist remarks about people of color?Humiliating and denigratingMuslims, immigrants, andminorities? Saying, I could stand inthe middle of 5th Avenue and shootsomebody and I wouldnt lose vot-ers? Oy.Donald, one of my angels showed

up for a staff meeting on Friday sport-ing a T-shirt with the words, Loveand Fear printed chest high, andspaced far apart. The arrows beneath

each of the words pointed to the samephrase: You Choose. A real WWJDmoment, dont you think?A few months ago I wrote to Kim

Davis, the county clerk in Kentuckywho was refusing to issue marriagelicenses. I told her the essence of all Ido can be boiled down to two words:Love wins. Today, thinking aboutyou, Donald, Im adding two more:Forgiveness counts.If you want to feel cleansed, its

going to take more than having a littlewineand a little cracker. Its going totake actually asking for forgiveness.Be in touch, Don, when youre

ready.G

Editors note: Rob Okun is a psychothera-pist practicing in Amherst, Massachusettsand the editor of Voice Male, a nationalmagazine chronicling the transformation ofmasculinity. He writes for PeaceVoice.

Denver Urban SpectrumDepartment E-mail Addresses

Denver Urban [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected] & Information

[email protected] & Marketing

[email protected] & Design

[email protected] & Circulation

[email protected]

PUBLISHERRosalind J. Harris

GENERAL MANAGERLawrence A. James

MANAGING EDITORAngelia D. McGowan

CONTRIBUTING COPY EDITORTanya Ishikawa

COLUMNISTSOfari HutchinsonTheo Wilson

FILM CRITICBlackFlix.Com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSMisti Aas

Charles EmmonsMelovy Melvin

Sydney M. Odion-Smith

ART DIRECTORBee Harris

GRAPHIC DESIGNERJody GilbertKolor Graphix

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTMelovy Melvin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSLens of AnsarBernard Grant

DISTRIBUTIONGlen Barnes

Lawrence A. JamesEd Lynch

The Denver Urban Spectrum is amonthly publication dedicated tospreading the news about people ofcolor. Contents of the Denver UrbanSpectrum are copyright 2016 by BizzyBee Enterprise. No portion may bereproduced without written permissionof the publisher.

The Denver Urban Spectrum circu-lates 25,000 copies throughoutColorado. The Denver Urban Spectrumwelcomes all letters, but reserves theright to edit for space, libelous material,grammar, and length. All letters mustinclude name, address, and phonenumber. We will withhold authors nameon request. Unsolicited articles areaccepted without guarantee of publica-tion or payment.

Write to the Denver Urban Spectrumat P.O. Box 31001, Aurora, CO 80041.

For advertising, subscriptions, orother information, call 303-292-6446 orfax 303-292-6543 or visit theWeb site atwww.denverurbanspectrum.com.

The political sea-son is here. Most of the

media focus is on the

national race for the

presidency. More stri-

dent utterances and

accusations make the

headlines coming out

of the debates and the

Twitter accounts of the candidates.

Hillary Clinton has work to do, if she

is to become the first woman presi-

dent. History will be made if she is

successful.But politics is local, and nine

African American women in theDenver metro area are poised to maketheir own history. As the demograph-ics of the city and suburbs change,there are more opportunities for seatsin the different legislative and policy-making bodies a handful have comebefore them, and their names are wellknownVikki Buckley, Wilma Webb,Gloria Tanner, Elbra Wedgeworth,Happy Haynes, Rosemary Marshall,Edna Mosley .Now, another generation of candi-

dates is looking out for your interestsin the role of government, keepingyou safe, facilitating economic growthand educating your children. Weasked them three questions to givereaders insight into who they are andwhat they will do if elected. Some oftheir answers have been edited forlength, but every effort was made notto change context or meaning.

Question 1: Politics are local. Whatexperience do you bring to be an effectivelawmaker or policy maker to solve prob-lems in our communities, and why areyou the best person to fill the seat you areseeking?

Question 2:What is your plan to makeour communities better and participantsin Colorados prosperity?

Question 3:Who are your political(s)heroes and why?

RHONDA FIELDS, 62Colorado State Senate, District 29State Rep. Rhonda Fields was first

elected to serve the Colorado House ofRepresentatives forthe 68th GeneralAssembly in 2010.She is the firstAfrican-Americanwoman elected tothe state legislatureto representAuroras HouseDistrict 42,

Arapahoe County. In November 2014,she was reelected to her third term.Personal tragedy drove her into poli-tics when her son Javad and hisfiance were killed prior to his testify-ing in a murder trial. She fought topass House Bill 1379, which wasdesigned to help ensure the safety ofwitnesses. The bill was passed andnamed the Javad Marshall Fields &Vivian Wolfe Witness Protection Act.It is in memory of her sons

courage, confidence and heroism thatshe founded the Fields WolfeMemorial Fund, a nonprofit organiza-tion designed exclusively to promoteacademic excellence, civic engagementand community service.

#1) During my three terms in theColorado House of Representatives, Ihave worked hard to bring smart,innovative and effective approaches togovernment. I have led on passing leg-islation to strengthen ours schools,champion equal rights, create safercommunities, and promote access toaffordable housing and health care.Despite personal threats, I continue tostand up to the most extreme wing ofthe NRA and led the effort to passgroundbreaking gun safety legislation.Colorado needs bold progressive lead-ership that will not be afraid to con-front the challenges we face. I will bethat fighting voice.

#2) I will invest in people and pro-tect the values we share justice, fair-ness and community. This means pro-tecting our air, water and land. Itmeans fighting for an economy allow-ing every Coloradoan to share in ourgrowth and prosperity. It meansstrengthening our system of educationso that children have the opportunityto pursue their dreams. As Democrats,we know that a strong middle classmeans a stronger nation.Clearly Colorado needs a champion

a leader who will push open doorsto create ladders of opportunity forfamilies and individuals alike. Weowe it to the next generation to levelthe playing field, and I will never stopfighting for our childrens futures.

#3) Apart from several local leaderswho all have played an instrumentalrole in shaping my political perspec-tive like the Honorable Wilma Webb,

Senator Gloria Tanner, State Rep.Rosemary Marshall and CityCouncilwoman Edna Mosley, myheroes growing up were the architectsof the civil rights movement. I admirepeople like Thurgood Marshall,Charles Hamilton Houston, andConstance Baker Motley. All of theseleaders demonstrated to me that pro-gressive social change was not con-fined to the streets, and that trueactivism could also be practiced in thecourtroom and legislature. Because ofthese amazing individuals I canstand up and speak up!

ANGELA WILLIAMS, 52Colorado State Senate, District 33Angela Williams is a significant

leader in the Colorado State House.RepresentingDistrict 7, she is theMajority Caucuschair, founder andchair of theColorado BlackDemocraticLegislative Caucus,and was recentlyappointed as theco-chair of the National Black Caucusof State Legislators Business andEconomic Development Committee.Before pursuing a life in public serv-ice, Williams was the principal ownerof the Angela Williams AllstateInsurance Agency for 14 years. She isnow the principal of AW ConsultingInc. Williams worked to protectColorado childrens educationalfutures by successfully opposing legis-lation that would cut school breakfastsubsidies. In addition, Williamsefforts have focused on helping home-owners experiencing enormous finan-cial burdens. She sponsored legislationexpanding the states foreclosuredeferment program and introducedthe Mortgage Foreclosure PreventionProgram Bill. She also helped negoti-ate $4.6 million in foreclosure mitiga-tion funds from the U.S. attorney gen-erals office.

#1) I have strived to listen to myneighbors concerns and then takeaction. As a mother, I will alwaysemphasize the importance of educa-tion. I was the prime sponsor on the

ASSET bill that ensured Coloradohigh school students have access to in-state tuition. I will fight to increaseschool funding, and to make collegemore affordable and accessible. In2015, I worked to tackle the distrustbetween our community and policeand passed six bills with bi-partisansupport that improved trainingrequirements, brought transparencyand required the use of body cameras.I will continue to work with commu-nity members, leaders and police offi-cers on these important issues.

#2)Having been a business owner, Iam an active supporter of small busi-nesses and passed bills encouraginggrowth and reducing barriers to theirsuccess. I will continue to help growour economy and create more highpaying, local, jobs.We must concentrate on rebuilding

the middle class, and reinforcing theAmerican Dream through increasingaccess to education and creating aneconomy working for everyone. In2015, I introduced and passed legisla-tion which created a grant program toclose an information gap the lack ofpublic awareness of the available goodjobs in certain industries. I will contin-ue to fight for equity in state procure-ment contracts, equal pay, and higherminimum wages.

#3)Michelle Obama is my politicalhero. She is a strong, smart and articu-late African American woman whorepresents community. During hertime in the White House she has madeprogress on issues important to work-ing families such as education, healthyfamilies, and higher education.

KHADIJA KATHERINE HAYNES, 57Colorado State Senate, District 33Khadija Katherine Haynes is a

native of Denver and a fourth genera-tion Coloradoan.Haynes has beenpolitically activein the Denvercommunity formore than 40years, havingworked in vari-ous politicalcampaigns ranging from school

Continued on page 4Denver Urban Spectrum www.denverurbanspectrum.com March 2016

4

Black Women Vying to ShapeCOLORADOS POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

By Charles Emmons

Sleep Tight,Sleep Tight,Eat RightEat Right

By Sydney M. Odion-SmithMSUD Nutrition Major

In honor of sleep awareness week,which starts on March 6, we are takinga closer look at the relationshipbetween our eating habits and howmuch sleep we get.Sleep is a beautiful thing, and get-

ting an adequate nights rest is ideal.According to the National SleepFoundation, Young adults ages 18 to25, and adults over the age of 25, needaround 7 to 9 hours of sleep while sen-iors over the age of 65 should aim for7 to 8 hours of sleep. Though theseguidelines are helpful, they may notbe practical for people who lead busylives. As a college student who worksand enjoys a social life, I find myselfclocking in about 5 to 6 hours of sleepper night. And, many adults who arejuggling a career, kids, or other lifeevents sacrifice their sleep in order tokeep up with everything else.However, research shows that cut-

ting the amount of hours you sleepcan actually slow you down. It hasbeen found that people, who sleepless, are more likely to eat more. Aswell as eat poorly, and gain weight. Inan article fromWebMd, based on a2012 study by the Mayo Clinic, whenpeople were sleep deprived, they atean extra 549 calories per day whichcould add up to a pound of weightgained per week.One reason for this might be due to

the effects sleep deprivation has on thebody. In 2011, research published inThe Open Respiratory MedicineJournal stated that, Sleep deprivationhas been associated with multiplephysiological changes, includingincreased cortisol and ghrelin levels,decreased leptin levels and impairedglucose metabolism. Cortisol is a hor-mone that responds to acute stress onthe body, by releasing glucose (sugar)into the system to be used as energy.Ghrelin and leptin are also hormones.Ghrelin sends a signal to the brainwhen the body is hungry. And leptinsends a signal when the body is full.While a functioning metabolismallows the body to breakdown andutilize glucose properly.

When all of these functions arethrown off from a lack of sleep, a per-son may find themselves eating inexcess; and making unhealthy foodchoices. The Perelman School ofMedicine noted in their 2011 study,that participants, who got 7 to 8 hoursof sleep per night, had a healthiermore varied diet. While those who got6 hours of sleep or less, lacked manykey nutrients in their diets. In additionto this, other research has shown thatsleep deprived people are more likelyto be fatigued throughout the day;and less likely to exercise.All of these factors can contribute

to a significant gain in weight and adecrease in health. Though the solu-

tion is not simply to get more sleep;but too sleep well. Good sleepdepends on practicing strong sleephabits.The National Sleep Foundation

reports that some of these habitsinclude not eating heavy meals 2 to 3hours before bed, sleeping in a roomthat is free of computers and televi-sions, eliminating naps, and partakingin daily exercise; but not too close toyour bedtime. Practicing these strate-gies on a routine basis will get yourbody in the habit of enjoying a better,longer sleep and making smarter,nutritious food choices. You can checkout more helpful sleep tips at sleep-foundation.org.


5

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

hp://ucm.ctsmemberconnect.net

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Sunday Worship: 8:00am (Traditional) and 10:30am (Gospel) 4VOEBZ 4DIPPM BN r8FEOFTEBZ #JCMF 4UVEZ QN

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

great fellowship and the love of Jesus Christ!

Ask about ourWomens History

Specials!Open House

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Black WomenContinued from page 2boards to initiatives and referredmeasures to presidential campaigns.Haynes is currently a principal at K-Solutions, a political consulting, lobby-ing and public relations firm. She co-founded The Urban Farm, a nonprofitorganization that teaches agriculturaland environmental education to high-risk urban youth. Haynes served as aGubernatorial Appointee to the Boardof Directors of the Scientific andCultural Facilities District; MayoralAppointee to the Denver Parks andRecreation Advisory Board; Presidentof Colorado Black Women for PoliticalAction; Co-Chair of the CitizensAdvisory Board for the StapletonDevelopment Corporation and is onthe Board of Directors of the NationalWestern Stock Show

#1) Born into a multi-generationalpolitical and activist family, I wasraised in the family business. At 18,I registered with the Democratic Partyand within weeks was appointed tothe Denver Democratic Party CentralCommittee the youngest appointeeever. I served as the director of opera-tions of the governors office duringthe Romer Administration. I recentlyserved as both the policy director andthe chief of staff of the ColoradoSenate Majority. I have a command of

policy issues ranging from affordablehousing to transportation, agricultureto economic development, and arts tomental health. I have working knowl-edge and experience in representingmy community in many arenas. Myroots and commitment are deep andstrong.

#2) Access to and the acquisition oflivable-wage jobs, quality education,affordable housing, meaningful healthcare (including mental health) andfresh food are priorities. I plan to worksteadfastly in these areas.Additionally, Ill focus on transporta-tion, sensible economic developmentand strengthening neighborhoods. Iplan to draw on my own experiencesand the wisdom of community mem-bers and others to contribute to vision-ing and planning processes, whichwill influence outcomes for citizens inSenate District 33. The district is quitediverse which brings great opportuni-ty for creative problem solving andthe challenge not to settle for one sizefits all solutions.

#3)My list of s/heroes is long andeach one I admire has given me aninvaluable piece of wisdom that I havewoven into the fabric of my politicallife. Perhaps, not surprisingly, at thetop of my list is my mother, Anna JoGarcia Haynes. Though she has neverheld elected office, her dedication tothe enrichment of this district, this

city, this state and our country isbeyond what most may know. Hermoral compass and humility haveguided my life and have set a high barthat I strive for every day. Because ofher, I am proud to be in the familybusiness.

ELET VALENTINE, 42Colorado House of Representatives, District 7Elet Valentine is a native of Denver

and grew up in theNortheast Denverneighborhoods ofCole, Park Hill,and now lives inthe Montbelloneighborhood. In1996, Valentineobtained her bachelors of arts degreein behavioral science with a minor incriminal justice from MetropolitanState College of Denver. She currentlypursues graduate studies in marriageand family therapy. Valentine spentthe last 11 years as a small businessowner of Valentine Bail Bonds, L.L.C.,as a bail bond and recovery agent andenjoys giving back to the communityand social justice issues. Otherendeavors included givingThanksgiving baskets to the elderly,advocating for children with specialneeds in her community, and volun-teering her time at other communitynon-profits.

#1) As a bail agent for nearly 13years, I gained experience readingstatutes, regulations, policies, writingcourt motions, and defending thoseactions in various judicial jurisdictionsacross the State of Colorado. I havebeen politically active within theDemocratic Party as a PrecinctCommittee Person (PCP) and giventestimony in front of committees at theState Legislature, Denver City Councilmeetings and the Denver PublicSchools Board of Education. At theCitizen Oversight Board, A+ meeting Iproposed an alternative plan to theclosure of Montbello High School andpublicly commented for the finalEnvironmental Impact Study (EIS) ofthe I-70 expansion plan, and in vari-ous community meetings.

#2) The Black community is at asystematic disadvantage on manyfronts in the areas of economics, edu-cation, criminal justice, and healthcare.For any piece of legislation to workefficiently the system in which weoperate, it must be changed. My num-ber one priority is improving the eco-nomic system to encompass diversityand inclusion. The State of Coloradomust take the first step and be a repre-sentation for its citizens. To accom-plish this challenging task, legislationmust be proposed and passed to makeit mandatory for anyone doing busi-ness directly and indirectly with the

State of Colorado, at a minimum, thecompanys labor force, should be rep-resentative of Colorados demographicratio.

#3) I cannot name one political hero. Ibelieve that any personwho stands upagainst political oppression nomatterthe form is a hero. It takes a lot ofcourage to stand by yourself, speak outagainst opposition, stay consistent, andstand firm in their beliefs. Those are thepeople I look up to.

MICHELE WHEELER, 60+Colorado House of Representatives, District 7Michele Wheeler has served active-

ly with various community organiza-tions, and has alsohad a long careerin the health careindustry, as well asgovernment andpublic institutions.Soon after grad-

uating fromDenver East HighSchool, she movedto Washington,D.C. to attend the School of RadiologicTechnology at Freedmans Hospital. In1979, she returned to Denver and com-pleted her bachelors degree from theUniversity of Colorado and laterearned her masters degree in urbanand regional planning. Wheeler madea substantial shift in her focus andworked in the Park Hill neighborhoodas the community justice advocate forapproximately four years. She wasalso employed by the Denver DistrictAttorneys Office as a gun violenceprevention coordinator, a position thatfocused on gun violence preventionstrategies in the Northeast Park Hill,Cole, and Montbello neighborhoods.After leaving the district attorneysoffice in 2008, Wheeler worked part-time for the Stapleton Foundation, theColorado Clinical & TranslationalSciences Institute and the Office of theIndependent Monitor.

#1)My education, experience, andrecord of working in this communityand the district for more than 20 yearsmake me the best person to fill theHouse District 7 State Representativeseat. I have been president of theNortheast Park Hill Coalition since2003. I was a community research liai-son for the Department of FamilyMedicine at the Anschutz MedicalCampus identifying health disparities.I was employed by the IndependentMonitor as their community outreachombudsman, arranging mediations ofcomplaints about the police and sher-iff personnel.

#2)My plan will be and has alwaysbeen to help people achieve their goalsand dreams by helping them toimprove their quality of life, providingour communities with the opportunity

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to make themselves better and partici-pants in Colorados prosperity. Ibelieve if the opportunity is not there,one cannot prosper or it becomesextremely difficult to do so. I will be avoice at the table, hopefully the joint-budget committee table, advocatingfor opportunities and services for you.My door will always be open. Betterschools? Better housing? Better jobs?Better access? Better environment?Together we can do this.

#3)My s(heroes) include Rep.Rhonda Fields for her faith, integrity,strength of character and witness pro-tection legislation for others; Rep.Angela Williams for her respect andability to garner bi-partisan supportfor legislation; Attorney Linda Lee forher strong legal mind; Dr. MarilynMills-Walker for her strong medicalmind; Former Sen. Gloria Tanner asthe first African American womansenator in Colorado, who sponsoredlegislation on civil rights for women;and former Rep. Wilma Webb for hertenacity in establishing Dr. MartinLuther King, Jr. Day in Colorado.

LESLIE HEROD, 33Colorado House of Representative, District 8Leslie Herod is passionate about

making a difference in the communitythrough advocacyand civic engage-ment. This passiongrew from a veryearly age as shewatched her moth-er who was an offi-cer in the ArmyNurse Corps serveher family, com-munity and nation. Herod graduatedfrom the University of Colorado atBoulder where she was elected presi-dent of the Student UnionsLegislative Council and made it hermission to create a campus climatethat was inclusive of all studentsregardless of race, class, sexual orien-tation, gender or ability. After gradu-ating, she continued to work in public

service at the Colorado State Capitol.Under strong leaders such as formerSpeaker Andrew Romanoff, formerMajority Leader Alice Madden, for-mer House District 8 Rep. RosemaryMarshall and Deputy MayorTreasurer Cary Kennedy, Herodgained direct experience in publicpolicy.Later, Herod served as a senior pol-

icy advisor to Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr., spe-cializing in social services, criminaljustice, mental health, specific issuesrelating to senior citizens, and anti-poverty issues. She met regularly withlegislators and constituents to con-tribute to the creation of just and clearpolicy and laws. After leaving govern-ment service, Herod became a pro-gram officer with the Gill Foundationwhere she led philanthropic initiativesfocusing on LGBT equality andalliance-building in communities ofcolor. She serves on multiple commu-nity boards and commissions andrecently, formed a strategic planningand community partnership consult-ing firm.

#1) Dedicating my life and career tofinding real solutions to the problemsfacing our state and our community,and utilizing my public policy educa-tion and experience, I have worked onpositive change initiatives-includingthe Five Points Main Street Initiativeand free breakfast programs for ourkids. I worked with the Coloradoexecutive and legislative branchesmaking an impact on issues in socialservices, criminal justice reform,behavioral health, issues facing seniorsand long-term solutions to addressour homeless population. Not onlyhave I worked on these issues at thepolicy level, I volunteer my time in theschools and with homeless youth todetermine how we can keep improv-ing. I will put this experience, my pas-sion, and my dedication to our com-munity to work as a state legislator.

#2)) Knocking on doors across thedistrict and attending communitymeetings, I hear consistently that peo-

ple want safe neighborhoods, goodquality schools and opportunities toparticipate in Colorados economicgrowth. I will advance policies thatkeep us safe and at the same timeadvance sensible criminal justicereform and combat mass incarcera-tion. Further, the key to any thrivingstrong community is good qualityschools. I will fight to ensure that allour kids receive the quality educationthat they deserve. Finally, we mustcreate an economic environmentwhere small businesses can thrive andwhere all members of our communitybenefit from economic prosperity, notbeing pushed out of our neighbor-hoods. I will fight for this.

#3)Honorable Rosemary Marshalland Honorable Gloria Tanner are myheroes for many reasons. As Blackfemale leaders, they did not just breakbarriers, they committed and continueto commit their time and energy tofighting for justice and to ensure com-ing generations have the best opportu-nity to succeed. I stand on their shoul-ders.All of these women have brought

positive changes to their communitiesin numerous ways. And their respons-es show a passionate eagerness to taketheir commitments to the next level.The November election is only 8months away. While that may seemlike a long time, there is little time towaste. Make a point to get to knowthese women and the other candidatesin your district. If these women areelected, it will be historical. As themetro area changes it is vitally impor-tant to stay connected. Attend meet-ings; follow them on social media;ponder your selection and then vote inNovember.

JANET BUCKNER, 69Colorado House of Representative, District 40Rep. Janet P. Buckner was elected

by a vacancy committee in July 2015 toserve the remainder of the term of herlate husband, John W. Buckner, repre-senting House District 40 in southern

Aurora. She is amember ofthe Health, Insurance& Environment andEducationCommittees.Rep. Buckner retiredfrom a professionalcareer in 2007 aftermore than three decades in medicalsales, training doctors and other hos-pital personnel as well as other salesrepresentatives. She has promised tobe an advocate on womens healthissues.Early in her career she worked for

several years as a speech and lan-guage therapist. She has a bachelorsdegree in education from Ball StateUniversity in Muncie, Ind.

#1) I have lived in Aurora since1975. The Colorado way of life is onethat I have known for 25 years now.My experience in education and themedical field led me to be an advocatefor marginalized members of society.My husband John was principal ofOverland High School and togetherwe were deeply involved in our com-munity and had an open door policyat our home. Now my open door poli-cy carries over into my life as a legisla-tor. I am always excited to hear frommy constituents and look forward tocontinuing to be a voice for my neigh-bors.

#2) This session I am sponsoringseveral bills that level the playing fieldand ensure everyones shot at success.The House recently passed my firstbill, Parental Involvement, whichallows parents to take unpaid leave toattend important academic activities.Additionally, I am co-sponsoring a billthat ensures businesses that receivestate contracts pay men and womenequally for the same work. I am alsoworking on a bill that creates a public-private partnership allowing employ-ees not currently offered access to aworkplace retirement plan to save fortheir future. These bills prepare work-

Continued on page 6


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Black WomenContinued from page 5ing families to lead stronger more eco-nomically stable lives, which in turnhelps the economy and the communi-ty as a whole.

#3)My (s)heroes include GloriaTanner, Rosemary Marshall, andWilma Webb, three African Americanwomen who served in the ColoradoLegislature. All three of these womenworked hard to pave the way forwomen like me to continue to serveColorado. They made tremendouscontributions to Colorado, andbecause of their dedication, Im nowfortunate enough to represent HouseDistrict 40. I hope to use that good for-tune to improve the lives of hard-working families in Aurora and acrossthe state.

DOMINIQUE JACKSON, 55Colorado House of Representatives, District 42Dominique Jackson currently sits as

a commissioner onthe CitizensAdvisoryCommittee forHousing &CommunityDevelopment forthe City of Aurora.In this role, theboard votes tofund various projects and develop-ments to ensure the availability ofquality, affordable housing; to createopportunities for locally-owned smallbusiness to get started and grow; andto help insure quality of life for allAurora residents. Jackson wasappointed by Denver Mayor JohnHickenlooper, and re-appointed byDenver Mayor Michael Hancock, toserve on the Commission onHomelessness. She was appointed andreappointed to serve on to theSustainability Advisory Council byMayor Hancock. Jackson is interestedin learning more about people, busi-ness and her neighbors; she has partic-ipated in several leadership trainingopportunities including: LeadershipAurora, Leadership Denver,Congressional Black CaucusLeadership Institute, and EmergeAmerica.

#1) I am running to represent myneighbors in North Aurora becausemany of the issues we face can only bechanged at the state level. I amuniquely qualified because I have per-sonally experienced many similarstruggles. Ive served on the board ofAurora@Home, the Commission onHomelessness, and the Sustainabilityand Advisory Commission and ElCentro Humanatario. These positionsrequire an ability to bring consensusto complicated problems.

#2)My plan is to focus on threemain issues: education, attainable hous-ing and amending TABOR.Empowering our teachers also empow-ers our students. We need to listen toour teachers to find out whats workingandwhats not working. It is essentialfor our citizens to be able to afford aplace to live and I believe the ability toown a home is critical to growing astrongmiddle class. Its unfortunate ourfast growing economy is hampered byTABOR.Wemust address the HospitalProvider Fee issue to free up space inour budget.

#3) Children, especially, dont knowwho they can be or what they cando if they dont get a chance to lookover the fence. I was lucky enough tosee Shirley Chisholm on TV one day.And surely, the fact that she was aBlack was the first things I noticed.But ever so the researcher, I startedlooking into her life and discoveredthat she became the person she was,not just because of her strong sense offighting for what she believed wasright (a trait I too possess), but simply,because she loved others.

NAQUETTA RICKS, 48Colorado House of Representatives, District 42Naquetta Ricks is a longtime

Aurora resident, small business-woman, innovativeand strong com-munity leader, par-ent, and graduateof the University ofColorado DenverBusiness School.As our state recov-ers from the worstrecession since the Great Depression,Colorado working families look forleaders who will focus on giving theirchildren access to tools they need tocompete in the 21st century. With abackground in auditing and financegained through her work withLockheed Martin, RegionalTransportation District (RTD) and USWest, Ricks hopes to bring that vitalexperience to ensure that the state leg-islature is accountable to Coloradotaxpayers.Ricks is treasurer of the 6th

Congressional District and a memberof the Central Committee. She is amember of the African LeadershipGroup and the Women EmpowermentGroup, working professionals servingthe immigrant community by helpingindividuals integrate into Americansociety.

#1) For more than 18 years, I haveworked in complex industries trans-portation, defense, information tech-nology and real estate. I received mybachelors degree in accounting fromMetro State University and my MBAfrom the University of Colorado

Denver. As a business owner, I bringbusiness expertise to the community. Iserved on the board of the AuroraPublic School Educational Foundation.I am a past board member of theConference of Minority TransportationOfficials Colorado and in 2015 I wasappointed to the City of AuroraCitizens Advisory Committee. I amthe president of the newly formedAfrican Chamber of Commerce ofColorado-USA. I also served as treas-urer of the African-American Initiativeof the Colorado Democratic Party.

#2) I believe being raised in Auroramakes me best qualified to address theneeds and issues of North Aurora inHouse District 42. There are manychallenges and opportunities with itscultural diversity and more than 136languages spoken in Aurora PublicSchools. Immigrants and refugeescomprise a large percentage of thepopulation in Aurora, yet our con-cerns are not heard in the StateCapitol. I will champion the cause ofeducational issues for our children.

Low graduation and high dropoutrates combined with a lack of fundinghas plagued some APS schools. I willchampion small business develop-ment, which is important to our eco-nomic prosperity and affordable hous-ing development in Aurora.

#3)My first (s)hero is my motherwho was a progressive entrepreneur.Her work with the United Nationsand the World Health Organizationbrought justice for the needs of theless fortunate in Liberia and aroundthe world. Ella Jo Baker was a brilliantblack woman whose legacy inspired awhole generation. Others include IdaB. Wells-Barnett whos passion forJustice was uncompromising; EllenJohnson Sirleaf, the first elected Blackfemale president of Liberia; LeymahGbowee, a Liberian peace activist andNobel Peace Prize winner; TawakkolKarman of Yemen, the first Arabwoman to win the Nobel Peace Prize;and Rep. Rhonda Fields for her pas-sion for justice and fairness and fordoing the right thing.


8

Editors Note: Just as we are proud of the African American women who are striving to make adifference (and history) in their communities, we are also proud of the African American menlooking to serve Colorado communities.

TONY EXUM, HOUSE DISTRICT 17Tony Exum Sr. was elected in 2012 to represent

House District 17 in southeastern Colorado Springs. Aretired battalion chief in the Colorado Springs FireDepartment, he spent 35 years making his city safer.According to his website, Rep. Exum believes opportu-nity must be available to all Coloradans, not just theprivileged few, he will fight to make sure Colorado tax dollars are cre-ating Colorado jobs that cant be outsourced and he knows that if thenext generation is going to compete in a global economy, we need toinvest in Colorado classrooms, not protect special interest tax loopholes.

Rep. Exum lives in Colorado Springs. His son Tony Jr. is a noted jazz sax-ophonist.

ERIC NELSON, HOUSE DISTRICT 42Eric D. Nelson, Ph.D., is a life visionary, entrepreneur,

former educator, and veteran community and politi-cal organizer. He currently serves his community as amember of the Aurora Public Schools Board ofEducation and served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

Although his service on the school board has beena rewarding and informative experience, Nelson has found that thereare many barriers to improving the school learning environment. As astate representative, he hopes to sweep away those barriers and givemore children the opportunity to achieve the education and experi-ences they need to reach their full potential.

As a small business owner and banker, he understands that a strongmiddle class is key to the overall economic health of our state.

Dr. Nelson earned a B.A. in psychology from Southeastern University,a Master of Social Work from Northwest Nazarene University, an MBAfrom Northeastern University, and a doctorate in organizational psy-chology from Southeastern University in Washington, D.C.

Nelson has extensive experience working with young people as a vol-unteer and mentor through his present service as a school board mem-ber and past service as a board member for Bennie E. Goodwin After-School Academic Program, a youth civic engagement nonprofit. He isalso a minister and elder at the Potters House Church of Denver.

Nelson moved to Colorado in 2000 from his native Georgia. He livesin Aurora with his three children and wife, Laura.

No Mystery WhySanders andClinton Trek toSharptonBy Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Democraticpresidential can-didate BernieSanders and rivalHillary Clintontrek to a meetingwith the ReverendAl Sharpton fortwo reasons. The first is Sharpton him-self. President Obama paid absolutelyno heed to the by now ritualistic anti-Sharpton name calling by the assortedmenagerie of right wing talk showhosts, pundits, and unreconstructedbigots who take giddy delight in spin-ning the line that he is an ego driven,media hogging race baiting agitatorand opportunist who will jump onany cause to get some TV face time.

Hes their favorite racial punchingbag in part because of who many per-ceive him to be and the influence thathe has on the street with many blacks,Latinos, the poor and communityactivists. This is a constituency that noliberal or moderate Democrat, least ofall Sanders and Clinton, can afford toignore or alienate.Sharptons appeal is his media pull

and image. The lines between the twoare hopelessly blurred. A sound bite,photo-op, rock star and Hollywoodcelebrity allure can mean as much ifnot more in determining a candidatespolitical fate than what they have tosay about global warming, the deficit,Syria, the Middle East conflicts, Russiaand North Korea, campaign reform, orWall Street domination, or even healthcare reform.The two Democratic presidential

contenders by no means are the first

politicians in need of a boost to turn tothe Rev Al. Black politicians, and vari-ous Democratic candidates haveleaped over themselves to get mugshots, endorsements, and a spot on thedais at the National Action Networksconfabs. At times, even someRepublicans have saber rattled fencesitting white voters with the dread ofSharpton.This is not to say that he is the con-

summate political king or queenmaker. But that doesnt much matterin the glare of the cameras. A beamingPresident Obama standing before abank of TV cameras with Sharpton athis side shows for the moment thatthe man who many love and manymore love to hate is in his camp. ForSharpton it showed that he wasimportant enough for Obama to wanthim in his camp.The other reason Sanders went to

Harlem to meet Sharpton and Clintonmet with him too is not brain surgeonstuff. It can be summed up in threewords: the black vote. From virtuallyday one of each candidates campaign,the black vote has never been far fromtheir calculation. Clinton has a longmemory. She knows that SouthCarolina is as New Hampshire andIowa an early primary state. Black vot-ers make up the majority ofDemocratic voters there, and in the2008 battle with then Democratic rivalObama, her campaign came ungluedthere.This time around shes spent count-

less days courting any and every blackDemocratic official she can to makesure that doesnt happen again.Sanders after establishing himself as areal contender has moved quickly totry and make up ground with blackvoters in the state. South Carolina isno anomaly. Blacks make up either themajority or near majority of theDemocratic vote in several otherSouthern states and those states pri-maries will follow close on the heels ofSouth Carolina. A big win in thesestates will do much to seal the nomi-nation for either one.Beyond the immediate importance

of the black vote this election goaround, the black vote has been theDemocrats trump card in every elec-

tion for the past half century, win orlose. Black voters have been so reli-able, maybe too reliable, thatDemocrats have been repeatedlyrapped for plantationism; that is fortaking the black vote for granted andoffering little tangible benefits inreturn for their unyielding support. Ifblack voters had not turned theDemocratic primaries in 2008 into avirtual holy crusade for Obama, and ifObama had not openly in the SouthCarolina primary and subtly in pri-maries thereafter stoked the blackvote, he would have been just anotherfailed Democratic presidential candi-date. The fight for the White Housethen may well have been between2008 GOP presidential candidate JohnMcCain and Clinton.This bears heavily on a brutal racial

political reality. The emergence ofTrump and Cruz as real threats tograb the GOP presidential nomination,their thinly disguised anti-immigrant,anti-Muslim and anti-woman pander-ing, the droves of ultra-conservatives,and evangelicals that buy this line,and their stoking the fury of lowerincome blue collar white workers dis-illusioned, disgusted and hostiletoward government, have made theblack vote loom bigger still in theDemocrats 2016 calculus. Theres littlemargin of error with this vote. Clintonor Sanders needs a reasonable facsimi-le of the November 2008 black voteoutpour to win the White House, saveas many Democratic seats as possible,and serve as a partial shield againstthe extreme peril that a Cruz orTrump triumph would pose to every-thing from a total right-wing takeoverof the Supreme Court to a gut of theAffordable Care Act.That horrific prospect is more than

enough to speed any Democratic pres-idential candidate to trek to anyonewho can help make sure that doesnthappen. In this case, that someonehappens again to be Sharpton.Editors note: Earl Ofari Hutchinson is anauthor and political analyst. His latest bookis Trump and the GOP: Race Baiting to theWhite House (Amazon Kindle) He is a fre-quent MSNBC contributor. He is an asso-ciate editor of New America Media. He is aweekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show onRadio One. He is the host of the weeklyHutchinson Report on KPFK 90.7 FM LosAngeles and the Pacifica Network


10

EEvery caterpillar goes throughits own path of metamorphosis. Once

it spins its own cocoon, it emerges as a

unique and beautiful butterfly tak-

ing flight with grace and confidence

into a new world of possibility.Emerge Linda Styles who began

singing professionally at the age of 14,with a group called The Sweet andSticky Band. Their first gig was at TheInferno Lounge, a nightclub in KansasCity, Missouri. On break, the musi-cians had to sit on the side of the stagebecause they werent old enough to beanywhere else in the club. The talentof the young singer had begun to trulyblossom, and from that moment, shenever looked back.The Kansas City native was born

into a musical family. Styles motherwas a professional singer, whostopped her singing career to start afamily. Her daughter never had achance to hear her sing as she diedwhen Styles was very young. I madea vow in my moms honor that Iwould never stop singing, recalledStyles. Regardless of where life tookme, I vowed I would continue to pur-sue this dream. And with Gods bless-ing, I have.The versatile singer has carried

forth this promise, working independ-ently, and with various bands andvocal groups over the years. Styles hasshared the stage with countless localand national artists, including RonIvory and the Miles Apart Band,Hazel Miller, Dotsero, HaroldMelvins Blue Notes, KimWaters,Nelson Rangell, Tommy Thomas,Donald Harrison, Atlantic Star, ThePlatters, The Drifters, The Coasters,and Latin Jazz Pianist Eddie Palmieri.In 1999, Styles co-wrote and pro-

duced her first single CD self-titledLinda, and in 2001, participated in acompilation CD with Eric Epps, LifesStory, co-writing and performing sixsongs. She released her CD Youre theOne in September 2005, and is current-ly working on her next CD releasescheduled for fall 2016.Styles was honored in 2003 by the

Colorado Black Women for PoliticalAction at the 24th Annual Tribute toBlack Women Luncheon, receiving theCultural Arts award in recognition ofher outstanding service achievements

and contributionsto the Denver com-munity.Over the past

several years,Styles has beenmost known as avital part of RonIvorys musicalensembles, fromSuite ti to One onOne. She originallybegan singing withIvory in the fall of1999, having metthrough a mutualfriend when Ivorywas looking for asinger.Linda is the epitome of a team

player in any band, said Ivory. Shehas your back. We became very goodfriends.In 2006, Styles made the decision to

take a hiatus from secular music andsing exclusively gospel. In 2012, shecame back to her once familiar style ofmusic. God told me it was time to layit down for a moment. After six years,I had an awakening and I felt it wasok for me to pick it back up again.Styles returned to working with Ivory.In addition, she has continued to workwith other local musicians.As much as Styles has gained from

and enjoyed this portion of her career,an evolving inner voice began tospeak to her, with a message that con-tinued to become louder. It was timefor Styles to become her own musicalindependent entity.Styles recent journey of transfor-

mation had a defining moment duringthe summer of 2015 when she attend-

ed a concert in SanDiego. Sitting inthe audience, Ithought I can dothat, reflectedStyles. Why am Inot doing whattheyre doing? Irealized the onlyway for me to getto where they are isfor me to make ithappen. I have todo the work. I haveto get a bandtogether. Its timefor me to takeresponsibility forme and my career.

Styles started putting the wheels inmotion and shared with friends, fami-ly and colleagues her intention offorming her own band. The over-whelming support she received fromeveryone, including other musicians,was reinforcing and motivated her tocontinue to take her goals, and herself,to a new level.Ive had people ask me over the

years why I didnt have my ownband, said Styles. I wasnt ready yet.I was comfortable and loved workingwith Ron. Now I need to start writingmy own ticket.Moving towards her dream and

rebirth is what Styles is relentlessly onher course of action to achieve. TheLinda Styles Band currently consists ofSkip Lynch on drums, Ken Nieves onguitar, Michael White on bass guitar,Paul Taylor on keyboards, and Stylesand Shelley McMillion on vocals.Their debut public performance willbe at Jazz at Jacks March on 24.

The Linda Styles Band will play thearea club scene, as well as participat-ing in many other venues such as fes-tivals, wedding receptions, privateparties, and other events. The bandplans to become known for a varietyof genres; jazz, R&B, dance, pop,gospel, and perhaps even some coun-try.Styles visualizes her new band to

be outside the box and to develop itsown brand of creative flair. I wantour music and performances toalways be a dynamic and memorableexperience, said Styles.Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin,

Patti LaBelle, Natalie Cole, NancyWilson and Anita Baker are amongStyles greatest musical influences. Sheadmires the soulful female legendsand their powerhouse voices, andStyles prides herself in stretching her-self to sing close to anything in almostany key.Her greatest strength is she is very

diverse, said Ivory. Linda can singabsolutely anything.The unfolding development of The

Linda Styles Band is its own metamor-phosis. The questions of who they are,what will truly set them apart, andwho they will ultimately become isstill a mystery that Styles embraces inthis amazing transformative journey.The continuing evolution of this deter-mined and distinct artist, and that ofher band, will be an exciting discoveryfor everyone to behold, as she spreadsher wings on her own path. Editors note: For more information, visitwww.lindastyles.me and follow her onFacebook at www.facebook.com/linda.pouncilstyles.


11

Linda Styles:An Unfolding Journey of Transformation - By Misti Aas

L to R: Paul Taylor, Ken Nieves, Linda Styles, Shelley McMillion, Skip Lynch, andMichael White Photo by ??????????

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The Greater Denver Chapter of theNational Association of HealthServices Executives (NAHSE) held its3rd Annual Second Look for MinorityScholars in Medicine event at the BlairCaldwell African American Library onFeb. 4. An exhibit titled Black HealthLEGENDS, recognizing the historicachievements and contributions ofBlack medical pioneers in the develop-ment and growth of Americas healthcare system was displayed.The exhibit was sponsored by

Denver Chapter members PatriciaWebb, former national NAHSEPresident, Executive Vice Presidentand CHRO, Catholic Health Initiativesand Rosalyn Carpenter, FoundingDenver Chapter President, ChiefDiversity Officer, Catholic HealthInitiatives.Patrick Green, FACHE, Denver

Chapter President said, NAHSE is anorganization that has been instrumen-tal in developing some of our mostinfluential Black healthcareexecutives. Our commitment is to con-tinue this legacy here in Denver. OurMinority Scholars in Medicine eventsupports the good work being done

and bridges anotable collabora-tion with localhealthcare organiza-tions, universities,and businesses tobring minorityphysicians to theDenver area. In 2015, match

results for theDenver HealthResidency inEmergencyMedicine (DHREM)

and Second Look forMinority Scholarswas highly successfulresulting in appli-cants returning toAurora and Denverto gain a strongersense of the commu-nity and its diversity.The 3rd Annual

Second Look forMinority Scholars inMedicine event isdesigned to helprecruit more diverse

medical residents to Denver. This is acollaborative effort of Denver Health,University of Colorado Hospital,University of Colorado School ofMedicine, CU Office of Inclusion andOutreach, Childrens HospitalColorado, and Denver Chapter ofNAHSE.Founded in 2012, the Denver

Chapter, NAHSE is one of 28Chapters across the country. NAHSEhas become the premier professionalassociation for Black executives in thehealthcare field and was establishednationally in 1968 for the purpose ofpromoting advancement and develop-ment of these leaders as well as elevat-ing the quality of healthcare servicesrendered to minority and undeservedcommunities.Editors note: For information aboutbecoming a Denver Chapter NAHSE mem-ber (individual or business) email ChipNeilson, J.D., Denver Chapter MembershipChair at [email protected]. Formore information about Black Health LEG-ENDS email Dr. Andre Lee [email protected] or visit Blackhealth-legends.com.


12

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Minority Scholars in Medicine Event Highlights Historic Medical AchievementsExhibit Highlights Achievements of Black Medical PioneersExhibit Highlights Achievements of Black Medical Pioneers

Rosalyn Carpenter, Deidre Johnson, Executive Director, Center for African American Health,Patrick Green, and Dr. Andrea Boudreaux, Catholic Health Initiatives Executive Fellow Photo by Vern Howard

NAHSE keynote speaker, Mark MurrayMD, Interventional Neurologist, CenturaHealth and Denver NAHSE PresidentPatrick Green

Health andWellness IsLooking Goodand FeelingHealthyBy Melovy Melvin

Angels may not come when you callthem, but theyll always be there when

you need them.

-Author Unknown

When you meet Angel Nixon,you quickly realize her beauty andhumour transcends three continents.She was born in Ghana, West Africa,where she went to school and workedin the fields. After graduation fromcollege she worked as a secretary for acouple of years. Later, she became apolicewoman, serving for a number ofyears before deciding that travellingwas next on the list so she travelledthroughout Africa. Like many people, it took Angel

sometime to find her true passion. Inher early 30s, she decided to becomean aesthetician so she could helpwomen who had been using danger-ous chemicals on their face and bodyto beautify themselves. Realizing thatdream, Angel migrated to Englandwhere she worked as a secretary toput herself through an aesthetic col-lege. After graduation, she worked inspas until she was able to pursue thedream of owning her own business.She opened her first beauty clinic inEast London which led to openinganother clinic in Central London.

After establishing two successfulbusinesses, Angel met and fell in lovewith an American from Denver. Nineyears ago, she sold her two businessesand moved to join her husband in theMile Hi City Denver. Once here,Angel went through the U.S certificateverification process and received heraesthetician licence in Colorado andbegan introducing to the Denver areathe innovative computerised VIP BodySystems she used in the UnitedKingdom for 12 years. Its not just about looking good

its about health and wellness, Nixonexplains about EuroSlim Centre, herclinic that specializes in modern slim-ming/weight loss and anti-aging tech-niques that focus on overall health.She says, The LectroGym systemworks for both men and women withtheir desire to reduce body size andlose weight. Through the use of smallelectronic pads, the muscles are stimu-lated through a unique movement thatcreates a contraction and stimulationmuch like a crunch. In addition, asqueezing and wringing out effect isproduced that enables the rapid elimi-nation of fluids and soluble substancesin the treated area. This muscularworkout also stimulates the metabolicprocess and immediately starts toburn carbohydrates and fat. A 30minute session is like exercising forfour hours.In addition to losing weight on var-

ious body areas, this equipment canalso help to reduce back pain andaches.Health and wellness goes skin

deep. Angels Bio-Skin ResurfacingTechnology is an advance version ofmicrodermabrasion in which aninfrared light heals the surface skinimmediately. By the time the processis completed, all the redness is goneand you are left with none of the irri-tation that sometimes is a side effect ofmicrodermabrasion, she says. Inother words, you wont have a glow-ing sunburn appearance when youleave. When used all over the face andneck, you come away with an evencolor tone without the patchiness thatcan occur with spot treatments. Sheadded, It stimulates the skins naturalregeneration process and providesoverall rejuvenation. I want people tolook and feel good, she says. Wedont want to just cover up the marks.We want to remove the marks, min-imise pore size, firm and tighten theskin so clients feel comfortable with-out makeup.EuroSlims Bio-Skin Resurfacing

process includes the stimulation of thefacial muscles, which work to reducedeep wrinkles, crows feet and frownlines and gets rid of active acne andthe marks it leaves behind. In addi-tion, sagging jaws and double chins

are tightened, while swelling and bagsunder the eyes are reduced when usedtogether with a collagen facelift mask.To support the achievements obtainedthrough using the systems, a widerange of products are available to useat home.Next is Angels Parafango system

which begins with exfoliating thewhole body to start the detoxificationprocess by applying an AHA AminoSerum for cellulite and Crme AminoFirm for weight loss followed by lay-ers of Parafango mineral-rich sea mudcontaining healing ingredients beforewrapping the body in a warm Infraredblanket. This treatment works on thelymphatic and helps drain the lymphand fats from the body naturally andallows weight loss two to sevenpounds in just one session.Many people seeking ways to reduce

cellulite and to eliminate the unwanteddimples that sometimes decorate thebody on the thighs and butt can experi-ence a breakthrough with AngelsEuroSlim Cellutronic cellulite removalequipment. It uses a combination oflong infrared with deep electronic tissuestimulation to start a natural process ofreleasing trapped body fluids in the fatcells and the connective tissues of theaffected areas to breakdown cellulite fatcells. Angel says, A block of treatmentsis recommended to achieve lastingresults.

EuroSlim Centre, weight loss andday spa offers a number of services toaccommodate clients busy lifestyles.Clients can experience healing andrelaxation from aromatherapy mas-sage sessions that Angel says she pro-vides personally. She says using herInfrared Sauna before the massage isextremely healthy.These and other services and prod-

ucts are available to help with weightloss and overall health. The mosteffective product is the Weight LossDrops where clients can lose a pounda day when followed with a healthyeating program. Angel says, I coach

on best diet and to incorporate intoindividual eating habits and lifestyles.She recently added to her program,Ionic foot detox a toxin removal forwhole body cleanse.Her newest treatment, the

Universal Contour Wrap Spa, is abody wrap that Angel has dubbed as ano-more-liposuction. After a visitfor free consultation, clients will learnwhat treatments are best to achievetheir desired results.She explains that a combination

with Cavi-Lipo treatment for naturalsculpting, face a body, works to dis-solve cellulite and reduce body cir-cumference with skin tightening effect,

without surgery. Angel guarantees theloss of at least six inches in just twohours. I want to help others discovera new you so they can be confidentand put their best foot forward. Andmost important, its not just aboutlooking good, its also about gettinghealthy.Editors note: For a free consultation, moreinformation on the affordable treatments, ora free consultation with session ofLectroGym, visit www.euroslimcentre.comor call Angel at 303-997-6601. EuroSlimCentre and spa is located at 155 Cook St.Ste. #100, Cherry Creek, Denver CO80206. Free parking available.


13

Parafango System

Ultrasonic Facial

Black his-tory can be prettydepressing. Loss,after loss, afterloss. Colonialism,slavery, lynching,bombing, and victim-hood seems tobe the narrative of our people, evenfor those well versed in the subject.This is just bad for morale. It seemswe are a people helpless to effectivelydefend ourselves against violentoppression. What if I told you nothing could be

further from the truth? What if I toldyou the Black man and woman are themost feared fighting machines on thisEarth? That our capacity for warfare isso bottomless, so devastating, that thestability of the Western world hingeson forgetting how formidable we arein armed combat. Theyve known thissince Nubian queen Amanishaketosent Emperor Augustus packing lick-ing his wounds after her archers shothis army dead. Theyve known sinceAfrican fighters dominated the Romangladiator arena.Consider this: Due to the transat-

lantic slave trade, a great number ofhealthy, strong people were takenfrom the terrain, and yet the Blackrace holds the vast majority of theAfrican continent, a very large andvaluable piece of real estate. Whatsthe reason?Sure, some environment factors

thwarted European expansion, butother tropical places with similar envi-ronments were still conquered.Despite what history says manyarmed conflicts against the Europeansfell decidedly in favor of the Africanson both sides of the Atlantic. Thisresilient spirit deflected Europesattempt to decimate the population innumbers enough to repopulate theland with themselves. This is no smallfeat considering what was done to theNative American, the AustralianAborigines, the Polynesians, theTanzanians, and virtually every otherBrown race that crossed path with thewar machine of European

Imperialism. Lets examine some ofthese victories that shaped the face ofthe modern world, even though theywere obscured from most White his-torical texts. Lets start with Queen Nzingha of

Angola, 1583 to 1663, who soundlydefeated the Portuguese, stop-ping their expansion of the slavetrade into southern-centralAfrica. After her brother provedto be a weak leader in theface of the slave traders,she reportedly poi-soned him andascended thethrone. Shefought themfor theremainderof her life,buyingguns frommultipleEuropeaninterests and suc-cessfully arming the Africans.The effect of herthwarting thePortuguese may never befully calculable. We do not know whathavoc they would have wreaked, orhow far they would have expandedslavery into central and southernAfrica. She stopped them, not withsinging or clapping or praying, butwith sound military strategy, diploma-cy, and determination.Then, there is the case of Palmares,

a city of runaway slaves formed in themountains of Brazil from roughly1605-1695. Aided by Native Brazilians,runaway Africans built and effectivelydefended a colony where ex-enslavedAfricans could live free for almost acentury. Only when the Portuguesejoined forces with the Dutch and sur-rounded the city of Palmares, andafter suffering heavy losses, did theyfinally destroy the city; but not the cul-ture. To this day, the descendants ofthe African and Native Brazilians liveon the land they fought for, and thePalmares culture is alive and well. Now, to the Caribbean. Queen

Nanny of the Ashanti tribe was cap-tured with her four brothers andenslaved in St. Thomas Perish, Jamaicain the early 1700s. She and her broth-

ers escaped into the Blue Mountains,and killed British slave catchers thatperused her. She started leading slaverevolts, recruiting Africans, and estab-lished several maroon colonies in theBlue Mountains. The legend of QueenNanny of the Maroons struck fear inthe heart of the British with her talesof witchcraft and shape shifting intobirds. The likely explanation of herpowers is a thorough knowledge ofherbs retained from her Ashanti back-ground, and astral projection, the sup-posed ability to project consciousnessoutside of the body, even to spy onthe enemy. The Maroons brokered thefirst slave peace treaty with the Britishin 1738, forcing the empire to grant

them their freedom.The Maroon colonies of Jamaicaexist as self-governing communi-ties to this day.

Honorable mention inAfrican military history includesthe nation of Ethiopia, never tobe conquered by Italy, or anyEuropean power. Hannibalof Carthage, who crushedthe Roman army on ele-phant back, is also brightspot. Of course, HaitisToussaint Louverture,the Zulu of SouthAfrica, and queen YaaAsantewaa of theAshanti were allfamously formidableagainst the war

machines of the West. But, perhaps the greatest secret

in Black history is the war that trulyended American

slavery, and it wasnt the CivilWar. That conflict was the most publicof the wars over slavery. The GullahWars or Seminole Wars were hiddenfrom history, or reported as IndianWars. In fact, General Thomas Jessupreported, Throughout my operations, Ifound the Negroes the most active anddetermined warriors, and during theconferences with the Indian chief, Iascertained that they exercised analmost controlling influence over them.This, you may be assured is a Negroand not an Indian war.These wars were actually slave

revolts so massive, so comprehensivein scale, that it forced Whites into mili-tary conflict over the dangerous insti-tution of slavery. In fact, had therebellion of Denmark Vesey not beenfoiled by cowardly Negroes, the entiresouthern region of the country mightbe in the hands of a free Black nation.The Gullah wars were fought from theSea Islands of South Carolina downinto the Florida territory which wasowned by Spain. At the Florida bor-der, the Spanish trained and armedthem to defend the border againstAmerica. The Creek Indians and the

Blacks combined and became theSeminole, a Creek word that meansRunaway. They established, NegroFort. From there, they staged raids,sacking and burning plantations.Blacks started fleeing, not north, butsouth the Florida border. Africanswere leaving in such droves it wasweakening the economic infrastruc-ture of the South. General Andrew Jackson was sent

in to solve the problem. Negro Fortwas destroyed in 1816, but the conflictwas just beginning. Spain sold theFlorida territory, and the United Stateswanted the Seminoles gone. Whenthen Chief Osceola refused to leave,the war was inevitable. Chief Osceolajoined forces with the greatest Blackhero this country has never known: aman intentionally erased from the his-tory books for fear his example mayinspire a spirit of rebellion. His namewas John Horse. John Horse was alarge Black man of African andSpanish heritage. An unstoppablewarrior and expert negotiator, hespoke English, Creek, and Spanish.Together, he and Chief Osceolamounted the Second Seminole War.The Second Seminole War raged

from December of 1835 to August1842. So taxing was this war, that it isestimated that it took two thirds ofavailable military resources to putdown the rebellion, employing thearmy, navy, and marines. It cost morethan $30 Million, which was morethan the U.S. GDP at that time, andkilled over 1,500 American Soldiers.At the end, Chief Osceola was cap-tured and executed, but John Horseescaped. He negotiated the firstemancipation for rebellious Americanslaves, and they settled in theOklahoma territory in 1838. Then in1848, America went back on its agree-ment, and John Horse and his band ofover 100 Black Seminoles escaped tothe Mexican border. He became ageneral in the Mexican army, and wasknown as Juan Caballo. They gottheir own land in Mexico on July 12,1850. He was never captured, neverexecuted. The Seminole still have sixterritories in Florida, and the GullahSea Islands are still in the hands offree African people. These are the stories we need to be

telling our children. Liberation is morethan singing, praying, and clappinghands. Our people have never beendocile; thats a myth. A trail of bodieslay in the wake of Black fighters whowould not put up with oppression. Uniquely, women play a major role

in the entire history of African libera-tion and empire. Its up to us to keeptheir names and legacies alive, theirlegends made into books and movies.May their sacrifice, cunning, andcourage inspire our actions today.


14

The Battles We Won:

Successful Warfare inBlack History!By Theo E.J. Wilson

LincolnHills,From Necessity toOpportunityThe history of Lincoln Hills began

in 1922 when the Lincoln HillsDevelopment Company (LHDC) wasformed by Denverites E.C. Regnierand Roger Ewalt, African-Americanswho sought to build a resort, in theRocky Mountains of Colorado, formiddle class African- Americans. Atthe time of its founding, Lincoln Hillswas the only vacation resort west ofthe Mississippi River owned by andcatering to African-Americans. Onlytwo other resorts in the United States,Idlewild in MI and Oak Bluffs onMarthas Vineyard, MA, also cateredto African-Americans at that time,however Lincoln Hills is the only oneto have been planned from inceptionand developed by an African-American owned company. Growth of Historic Lincoln Hills Area The historical Lincoln Hills resort

area extended more than 100 acres intotal and more than 600 lots were soldin the 1920s and 1930s. Most lots weresmall, only 25 feet by 100 feet and soldfor $50 to $100. Typically, they hadcabins erected on them or were usedas campsites. Owners were dispersedthroughout the United States but itscore ownership group, by far, wasfound within the African-Americancommunity of Denver. The LincolnHills resort area saw several distinc-tive periods of growth and use. Thefirst began in 1925 when ObreyWendall Winks Hamlet and his wifeNaomi Hamlet began their construc-tion of Winks Lodge, also known as

Winks Panorama, which wouldbecome the first full service resort inthe growing area. Completed in 1928,Winks Lodge consisted of three-storiesand with six bedrooms. As it was one of only a small hand-

ful of resort hotels that catered toAfrican-Americans, Winks Lodgedrew many of Americas most notedAfrican-American creative luminariesincluding Count Basie, DukeEllington, Lena Horne and BillyEckstine who would visit WinksLodge before and after their perform-ances in the Five Points jazz venueswithin Denver. Extending beyondmusic, Winks lodge hosted readings,similar to the literary salons of theHarlem Renaissance, which featuredsuch national treasures as LangstonHughes, Zora Neale Thurston andCountee Cullen. The Lincoln Hills resort and Winks

Lodge community continued to enjoya strong existence and role in the livesof many African-American familiesthroughout the Great Depression,post-World War II and up until themid-1960s. Fast forward to today.Lincoln Hills Cares (LHC) is a

coalition of public charities that enrichlocal communities through environ-mental awareness, a connection to cul-tural history, STEAM (Science,

Technology, Engineering, Arts andMathematics) education and healthylifestyle options.The mission of LHC is to create

unforgettable Colorado experiencesfor youth by creating a connection tocultural history, science, technology,art and environmental conservation.The program imparts knowledge,encourages thinking and empowersyouth who would otherwise not havethe opportunity, due to economic,social or family circumstances.LHC also shares a world-class fly-

fishing experience with military serv-ice personnel and their familiesthrough the Anglers of Honor pro-gram, which aims to show thanks andappreciation for their service, and aidin the recovery and rehabilitation ofour heroic veterans. In addition to

working with veterans, LHC providesa Fly Fishing therapy program forpatients from Craig Hospital.Using the Lincoln Hills property,

located on South Boulder Creek inBlack Hawk as a backdrop, LHCincorporates subject-matter experts toguide participants through hands-onlearning experiences dedicated to out-door education and environmentalconservation. Participants explore andlearn about everything from waterconservation, wildlife, botany, wet-land ecology, gold panning, dancing,fly-fishing, horseback riding, and therich, cultural history of Lincoln Hills.In addition to the youth and mili-

tary veteran programming, LincolnHills Cares carries on the tradition ofthe Nizhoni Summer EquestrianProgram, providing youth and teengirls with life-enhancing confidencethrough equestrian training and theTeamWorks Youth Work Program, asummer intensive work and educationprogram for teens.In 2015, more than 1200 kids and

adults participated in various activitiesand to this date more than 600 mili-tary veterans and their families haveparticipated in fishing activities thathelp in the recovery process.Lincoln Hills is one of Colorados

hidden treasures that need to beuncovered and shared by all. Editors note: For more information, callLHC Managing Director J.R. Lapierre at720-504-9754 or visitwww.LincolnHillsCares.org.


15

Get FREE tax preparation assistance from the Denver Asset Building Coalition! Families earning less than $55,000 and single filers earning less than $35,000

can qualify for this free service.

To learn more and find a location nearest you,visit vwww.DenverABC.org or call (303) 388-7030.

fDrop-off/pick-up site: 3399 Holly St., Suite #130, Denver, CO 80207

(This location, inside Vickers Boys & Girls Club in Northeast Park Hill, just down the hallway fromthe Mi Casa Innovation Lab will be open January 28 through April 7,

every Thursday from 10 to 4pm.)

ADL Honors EducationAdvocates at Annual CivilRights Awards ReceptionThe Anti-Defamation League

Mountain States Region honored threeadvocates of educational opportunityand access at the 34th Annual CivilRights Awards Reception on Feb. 24 atthe Denver Art Museum. The hon-orees were Carlotta Walls LaNier andLeslie and Noel Ginsburg.

Carlotta Walls LaNier is one of theLittle Rock Nine. At age 14, Carlottawas the youngest of nine African-American students to integrateCentral High School in Little Rock,Arkansas in 1957. She was the firstblack female to graduate from CentralHigh School. In 1999, Carlotta and theother members of the Little Rock Ninewere awarded the Congressional GoldMedal by President Bill Clinton. She isa Denver resident and president of theLittle Rock Nine Foundation, a schol-arship organization dedicated toensuring equal access to education forAfrican-American students. She is theauthor of, A Mighty Long Way: MyJourney to Justice at Little RockCentral High School.

Leslie and Noel Ginsburg have dedi-cated their energy and financialresources to ensure that at-risk youthhave equal access to educationalopportunities. Noel is a foundingmember and past President of theColorado I Have A DreamFoundation, and Leslie, a board mem-

ber since 2007, is the current BoardChair. Through the Foundation, theGinsburgs have sponsored 42 inner-city children to help them obtain apost-secondary education.The ADL Mountain States Region

has presented civil rights awards to 57Coloradans since 1982.The Anti-Defamation League, found-

ed in 1913, is the worlds leading organi-zation fighting anti-Semitism throughprograms and services that counteracthatred, prejudice and bigotry.Denver Public Library HonorsAfrican American LeadersThe Denver Public Library honored

three African American communityleaders at the Juanita GrayCommunity Service Awards and theBlacks in Colorado Hall of Fameinduction ceremony. The event washeld at the Ford-Warren BranchLibrary in North Denver and kickedoff the librarys celebration of BlackHistory Month.A former library staff member and

community advocate, Juanita Grayhelped start the Blacks in ColoradoHall of Fame in 1973. The Juanita Grayaward honors African American men,women and youth who make out-standing contributions to the DenverMetro area and who exemplify theideals and spirit represented by Grayscommitment to the community. Thefollowing were honored at the event:Juanita Gray Award Winners

L. Elaine Neal - With a passion forhelping juvenile offenders, L. ElaineNeal spent 28 years with the DenverJuvenile Court as a probation officerbefore retiring and entering a secondphase of her career. She now research-es placement options for defendantsfacing sentencing and consulting onjuvenile matters. She is a member ofthe Colorado Chapter of the NationalAssociation of Blacks in CriminalJustice and in 2012, organized theEmpty Plate Project which supportsfood bank networks across the coun-try. She spends a great deal of timevolunteering for civic and professionalorganizations such as the DenverPolice Officers Foundation Board,Steps to Success and the District FiveDenver Police Department CitizensAdvisory Board. She was honored in2014 as a Walk of Fame Inductee bythe National Association of Blacks inCriminal Justice. Neal is a native ofRoanoke, Virginia and has spent thepast 44 years in Denver with her hus-band, Bill.

Jireh Pulley (Youth Award) -A senior atGrandview High School in CherryCreek, Pulley applies drive and pas-sion for both schoolwork and commu-nity organizations. She is enrolled in

honors and advanced placementcourses and serves as team captain forthe girls basketball team and is a rep-resentative for the Climate Team andCherry Creek Schools District AffinityLeadership Team. Her civic workfocuses on the Aurora Teen Court,Link Crew, No Place for Hate (Anti-Defamation League) and the UrbanYouth Ministries. Blacks in Colorado Hall ofFame InducteeThe Honorable Karen M. Ashby joined

the Colorado State Public DefendersOffice in 1983 and had the distinctionof being named the first AfricanAmerican woman appointed to a statecourt position in the judiciary in 1998when then Governor Roy Romerappointed her to the Denver JuvenileCourt. She was later named the pre-siding judge of the court untilGovernor John Hickenlooper appoint-ed her to the Colorado Court ofAppeals in 2013 and again served asthe first African American woman tobe appointed to this appellate court.She was named Judge of the Year bythe Colorado Court Appointed SpecialAdvocates in 2006 and the Excellencein Practice Award, Juvenile Officer in2012 by the Colorado Department ofHuman Services. She received her J.D.degree from the University Of DenverSturm College Of Law. She is marriedto attorney Mitch Baker and they havetwo children, Zoe and David. Successful Mardi Gras ThemedGala Celebrates D&I Leaders On Feb. 6, The Center for Legal

Inclusiveness (CLI) hosted their sec-ond annual Mardi Gras themed galaThe Ball for All@Magical Mardi Gras,at the Sherman Street Event Center inDenver. Members of the corporate,legal, government, and nonprofit com-munities came together to celebratethe CLI mission of advancing diversityand inclusiveness in the workplace.The Inclusiveness@Work Awards,

presented by CLI, aims to recognizethose organizations and individualswho are advancing diversity and cre-ating cultures of inclusion in ourworkplaces and community. The fol-

lowing winners were announced atthe Gala:Individual Category - Deborah Ward

White, Executive Director, ColoradoMultiEthnic Cultural ConsortiumNonprofit/Government Agency

Category - Aurora Mental Health CenterLaw Firm/Legal Department

Category - Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP Corporate Category - Newmont Mining

CorporationThe Lifetime Achievement

Inclusiveness@Work Awardwas thenpresented to the Honorable Wiley Y.Daniel, Senior United States DistrictJudge for the U.S. District Court forthe District of Colorado. He remindedthe audience that as a community wecan accomplish the goal of an inclu-sive society by staying humble andworking together.In addition to a silent auction and

charitable donations, CLI raised fundsto support a stipend for a law studentto attend the Legal Inclusiveness andDiversity Summit in May.Urban League Guild PresentsScholarships To AwardeesThe Urban League Guild of

Metropolitan Denver presented bookscholarships to students of AfricanaStudies at Metropolitan StateUniversity of Denver on February 17at MSUDs 33rd Annual Black WorldConference at the Tivoli StudentUnion on the Auraria Campus.The Urban League Guild presents

the annual awards to students selectedby the faculty of the MSUD AfricanaStudies Department for their commit-ment to Africana studies and partici-pation in the department.This is the fourth year of awarding

these scholarships. The Urban LeagueGuild of Metropolitan Denver raisesthe funds to make these scholarshipsavailable through community eventsand fund-raisers.The Urban League Guild of

Metropolitan Denver is an auxiliary tothe Urban League of MetropolitanDenver and support programs of theUrban League through volunteeractivities and community relations.

HATS OFF TO...


16

The Honorable Wiley Y. Daniel receives the Lifetime Achievement Inclusiveness@Work Award

A Defining Moment NowAvailable In Soft CoverDenver-based photographer and

author Patricia Duncan announced therelease of her book,A DefiningMoment: BarackObama - TheHistoric Journey to1600 PennsylvaniaAve, an introspec-tive look at BarackObamas historicpath from a risingstar in theDemocratic Party tothe nations firstAfrican-Americanpresident, in softcover.A Defining

Moment is a 184-page pictorial coffee table book, whichcontains more than 300 never-before-seen photographs and speeches,chronicling President Obamas story-book rise from a junior U.S. Senatorfrom Illinois to the first African-American president U.S. history. Hisascendency began with a strategic visitto Colorado to campaign for U.S. Rep.Ed Perlmutter in 2006 and caught thesupport of Colorado Democratic Partydelegates and rainmakers two fatefulyears before capturing the nominationfor president in 2008.Duncans softcover book features

an array official coverage of the his-toric 2008 National DemocraticConvention in Denver. The book com-prises speeches delivered by promi-nent Democratic Party luminariesincluding the late U.S. Sen. EdwardKennedy, Congressman John Lewis,Hillary Clinton, and former PresidentBill Clinton, First Lady MichelleObama, Martin Luther King III,among others. A new chapter, In theBeginning President Barack Obamawhich contains pictures and his firstState of the Union Address and the

first commencement speech asCommander and Chief has beenadded in the soft cover edition.Duncan received inspiration to

publish her first book from the sageadvice from her sister, the lateHonorable Vikki Buckley, Coloradosfirst African American and twice elect-ed Secretary of State who said If youhave a dream and a goal, you must goafter it; stay focused and accept thegood with the bad. You may getknocked back two steps before youcan take one step forward, but dontquit! If you work hard and keep Godfirst in your life, you will persevere.Forever Stamp Honors RichardAllen, Founder of the AfricanMethodist Episcopal ChurchThe U.S. Postal Service kicked off

the national observance of BlackHistory Month withthe dedication of aForever stamp hon-oring preacher,activist and civicleader Richard Allenfor his inspirationallife and profoundcontribution toAmerican history. The stamp is the 39th in the Postal

Services Black Heritage stamp series,which began in 1978 with a stamphonoring abolitionist Harriet Tubman.It coincides with the 200th anniversaryof Allens founding of the AfricanMethodist Episcop

denver urban spectrum march 2016

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