Dr. Downing: Charged to Be a Prophet

Happenings in and around Historic 5 PointsOctober 2011

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

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

ONLINE NOWat www.5PointsNews.com

Death By RTD Light RailMemorial Celebrates a Young Lady Full of Life

It’s diffi cult to fathom the tragedy that occurred near the intersections of Welton and 24th Streets. Floral arrangements, stuffed animals, and farewell messages written in chalk on the sidewalk tell the story of a kind, free spirited and well-loved young woman who lost her life there.

Jessica Lubken, 26, of Denver, died after being dragged by a light rail train on the afternoon of September 20, 2011. Wit-nesses recounted that she stood on the tracks and waved the light rail to stop. After the light rail stopped, she walked to the side of the train and was dragged under it as it slowly resumed forward motion.

The intersection where the accident occurred is not a designated light rail passenger boarding station, however, a train heading north must sometimes wait for a southbound train already on the single track to clear before it can continue north. If there is a signifi cant delay, passengers may be allowed to deboard. Passengers are not suppose to board the train there.

When there is an accident involving RTD, the police department responsible for that jurisdiction, in this case Denver, completes an investigation. According to RTD’s public relations department, as of October 11, 2011, an offi cial update of the incident had not yet been released by the Denver Police.

–Cynthia Martin

A memorial was placed at Welton and 24th Street celebrating the life of Jessica Lubken. Mourners pause to pay honor.

L-R Rev. Dr. Downing, Jr., Rev. Golson, Rev. Dr. Chubbs, Rev. Dr. Martin, Rev. Dr. Peters, Rev. Dr. Tyler, Rev. Dr. Jones

Reverend Eugene M. Downing Jr., D.Min., was recently installed as senior pastor of New Hope Baptist Church. Clergy, family, and friends traveled from across the nation to join in the celebration. As the nation struggles through this tough economic and social climate, Rev. Dr. Dwight C. Jones, mayor of Richmond, VA, advised Dr. Downing stating, “You must be more than a preacher. You are charged to be a prophet.”

2 8 5 Points news

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october 2011 8 3

5 Points newsMonthly Publication - October 2011

PUBLISHER

brother jeff

EDITOR

brother jeff

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Cynthia R. Martin

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lens of Ansarbrother jeff

A-Team Photography

WRITERS & RESEARCH

Terrance “Big T” HughesKenneth DrewLakisha Rankin

Brooklyn DorseyNita Henrybrother jeff

Cynthia MartinEuda Green

5 Points News is a publication ofbrotherjeff.com

2836 Welton StreetDenver, CO 80205

303.297.0823www.brotherjeff.com

The 2008 road to the White House ran down Historic 5 Points. Throughout that monumental campaign, people of all colors and backgrounds worked side at brother jeff’s Cultural Center. It was an atmosphere of selfl ess sacrifi ce, all in an effort to secure Obama’s historical presidential victory. Chants of “Yes We Can” evolved into cheers of “Yes We Did!”

Where did the time go? As President Obama fi ghts to get The American Jobs Act passed, we must continue to fi ght as well. We must fi ght against the notion that our president can move this country forward alone. Colorado is a political battleground state. Its time to roll up our sleeves and make sure our collective voice is heard. Let’s do it again!

–brother jeff

Join Patricia Duncan at theTattered Cover Book Store – LoDo15th and WynkoopWednesday, Nov. 16, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

She will discuss and sign her bookA Defi ning Moment

Let’s Do It Again!

Refl ections of the Obama Victory

5 Points and the American Jobs Act

President Obama Comes to Denver

President Barack Obama recently visited the Denver area as part of a series of stops in Western states to talk about the economy. This was President Obama’s fi rst visit to the Denver area since February 2010, when he helped raise money for Democratic Senator Michael Bennet. President Obama traveled to Abraham Lincoln High School, in one of Denver’s most impoverished neighborhoods, to talk about how his $447 billion Ameri-can Jobs Act will help modernize schools like Lincoln High all across the country. The President is proposing a $25 billion investment in school infrastructure to repair and upgrade at least 35,000 public schools because, as he said, “Every child deserves a great school and we can give it to them. We can rebuild our schools for the 21st century, with faster internet, smarter labs and cutting-edge technology.”

Under the American Jobs Act, Colorado could receive up to $265,100,000 in school modernization funds for K-12 schools to support as many as 3,400 jobs. The Denver County School District, which includes Lincoln High, could receive up to $75.5 million in funds. Tax cuts in the Jobs Act will save the average working family in Colo-rado $1,740 in taxes next year.

–Brooklyn Dorsey

brother jeff along with Obama supporters and volunteers at brother jeff’s Cultural Center

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

President Obama presents the American Jobs Act at North High School Photo: Patricia Duncan

Danny Walker, Senior Librarian, Blair-CaldwellAfrican American Research Library

I’ve been employed as a librarian for 16 years and love information and giving people knowledge. Today almost everything from submitting job applications, getting unem-ployment, or accessing various services, is done online. I work with many people who have a hard time navigating computers. If the library had more resources, whether it’s people, more computers, or more time we could help peo-ple meet more needs.

Chy Montoya, Assistant to Councilman Albus BrooksPeople are looking for jobs and willing to take entry-

level positions. They are looking in new places from agen-cies to personal connections. Many say, “I’ve tried this, I’ve tried that and I’m not getting anywhere.” What I have been telling them is to get all the job training that’s out there. Take advantage of resources you don’t have to pay for and be prepared to go to work.

Dion Marrero, HomelessI use to be a skycap at the airport and think the govern-

ment should take up a strategy to create jobs for those who can’t afford to make a decent living. I work for the Denver Voice, a paper that represents homeless people. They are do-nated and if we want more we buy them for 50 cents and sell them for 2 dollars. The job market doesn’t look good, but if I stay focused; I can create a job for myself.

Former District 8 Councilwoman Carla Madison with otherObama campaign volunteers at brother jeff’s Cultural Center

Robin Wiley and others cheer the Obama Victory at brother jeff’s Cultural Center

4 8 5 Points news

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Sammy Mayfield, Blues and Five Points

Sam Mayfield along with Mr. Wonderful excite the crowd at 5 Points Club Roxy

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

Slam Nuba. This competitive performance poetry event is sponsored

by the Pan African Arts Society

2590 Washington, Denver, Colorado 80205 • 303.832.0929

What is The Blues? Ask a thousand musicologists, and you will get two thou-sand answers. “Playing the Blues is like having to be Black twice,” said B.B. King. In Denver, the answer is simple. Sammy Mayfield is The Blues. Like B.B. King, he is a multi-talented guitarist, singer and songwriter, and has performed with such greats as Big Joe Turner and Big Mama Thornton. For three decades, Mayfield was also musical director for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame soul legend, Solomon Burke.

A Denver resident, Mayfield along with his band, the Sam Mayfield Blues Review, recently played Club Roxy in 5 Points. The

evening was well attended, and reminiscent of a time when African Americans put on their finest for an elegant evening of dining and dancing in the Points. Representative of a Blues man, Mayfield was a true crowd pleaser. “He took me home to my days in the deep south,” one attendee said. “This is my music, my story and something I can relate with.”

Sam Mayfield and his Blues Review are in high demand nationwide. In addition to his live performances, be sure to listen to May-field on Saturday evenings, as he hosts “All Blues” on 5 Point’s own KUVO 89.3 FM.

–brother jeff

The Dahlia Square Senior Apartments complex, located at E. 35th Avenue and Elm Street in Park Hill, opened its doors on October 6 with a grand opening celebration hosted by McDermott Properties and the Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA).

Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock spoke to the community at the grand opening, call-ing the project a “symbol of revitalization” for Northeast Park Hill.

“Fifty years ago, Dahlia Square was the lifeblood of the Park Hill community,” Mayor Hancock said. “But anyone who has driven by the old Dahlia Square in recent years knows that the site had become anything but that. Today, with the help of community engagement, or-ganizations like DURA and the addition of the Dahlia Square Senior Apartments and Park Hill Family Health Center, Dahlia Square has been reborn and will again be an asset for Park Hill.”

The event marked exactly one year since the McDermott Properties broke ground on the first phase of project, which offers 88 affordable housing units for seniors and already has 40 of the apartments leased and occupied.

For leasing information about the Dahlia Square Senior Apartments, call 303-333-2126.– CJ Powell

Dahlia Square Grand OpeningFrederick Douglass Community Center

African Drum Circle • Potluck, Youth PoetryOpen Mic • Games • Great Conversation

Play Area for the Children •A Family Affair

Every Sunday | 2-7 p.m.

UNITYFor more information contact Deka at 213.923.2981

2745 Welton Street, Denver, Colorado 80205

L-R: Keith Holmes, Project Construction Manager, McDermott Properties, Arthur and Margaret McDermott, Co-owners, McDermott Properties, Dakar Gibbs, Senior Vice President, Bank of America

october 2011 8 5

As I have been following the Occupy __________ (you can just fill in the blank with the city of your choice) scenarios in cities across the country, I am moved by the passion and commitment that every-day Americans have around justice and equality. There are protestors that express how incensed they are about joblessness, protesters who are outraged about the de-bacles caused by big banks and big busi-nesses and protesters that are enraged about the foreclosure rates in this country. Whatever your flavor of discontent, there is someone occupying a city protest that will likely share your sentiments.

Though the most obvious similar-ity to these protests happened back in the 1960’s around displeasure with the Viet-nam War, there is something uniquely poignant about what is happening today. Today, we are not addressing something that is going on somewhere else. We are addressing our own behavior…right here on our own soil. When people…a community…a country stands up to its own behaviors and its own leadership, a powerful voice and energy is formed. It reminds me of the first time my daughter talked back to me (which, by the way, was the last time she talked back to me). It was a stunning moment in time where my leadership as a mother was challenged. Interestingly, though I had to pretend like her point was not important or appropriate

(because I was the boss), behind closed doors, I really pondered the validity of the point she was making. That took strength. I wonder if our government…our leader-ship, is doing that, too.

Employment is pivotal in stabilizing the mess that we are in. I disagree with the premise that there “are no jobs.” There are jobs. When we were in the “good times,” we were arrogant enough to determine that certain jobs were for certain people. If you weren’t “those people” then you didn’t work in “those kinds of jobs.” As we fast-forward to our present economic crisis, those same people that WE relegat-ed to certain jobs are still doing them…they are employed. And guess what, we are still arrogant enough (even in unem-ployment) to believe that certain jobs are not for us.

A couple of weeks ago, I met a young lady in my neighborhood. I’ll just tell the truth here – she was a prostitute. In my infinite wisdom, I decided to ask her why, as a beautiful young woman, would she choose a life on the street. Her answer? “Where am I gonna work? McDon-alds?!!!!” I’m thinking – GREAT IDEA. She’s thinking – NO WAY. This great divide in perspective is another element of joblessness that we must think about. Why have we decided that some jobs are not options…they are beneath us?

I’ll end with that, as I have to design my protest sign right now. It reads:

I DON’T MIND CLEANING TOILETS.

EMPLOYMENT TURNS ME ON.

–Nita Henry

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

Councilman Albus Brooks Redevelopment, Economic Sustainability

The Job of Getting JobsI disagree with the premise that there are no jobs

A new era is upon us, down here in the Five Points. The area is ready for a re-vival and I am not talking about a tent and a Preacher, although that would be cool!

When we compare what was, with what is, we see a stark contrast between the vibrancy of Welton’s past and the va-cancy of Welton’s present. In that con-trast is born the vision of a revitalized Five Points. It is not enough to sit back and reminisce about the “good ol days” of Welton. It is time to for us to get to work as a community and RE-build the cultural core of our community!

President Obama is currently cam-paigning for his jobs plan, which I fully support. All across the nation, families are struggling to make ends meet. The national unemployment rate is 9.1%. In Denver we have a better market, with an unemployment rate of 7.9%, however, families are hurting and looking for work. If we are going to recover from the recent recession, we need to make job creation our number one priority. In order to do that, areas like the Five Points must ex-perience a resurgence of energy. As the only cultural district in the entire State, it is on our shoulders to invest back into the community.

As downtown extends to the north-east and begins a seamless integration with the communities of District 8, hav-ing a comprehensive vision and plan for

the Five Points will spur not only eco-nomic development, but community de-velopment as well. The Five Points will soon be the place where you can go for dinner, or to be entertained by world class jazz musicians. Walk down Welton with wide pedestrian friendly sidewalks, ride your bike or jump on the Trolley or Street car. You will soon be able to wander up and down Welton St. and feel connected to previous generations, as cultural cele-bration bridges that gap between past and present.

This is not just some, “pie in the sky” dream we are talking about, this is in mo-tion. We are currently attempting to se-cure funds and finalize planning to make this a reality. Stay tuned!

One thing that you will learn about me in the coming years is that I am not willing to stand for mediocrity, and I will work tirelessly to move beyond the “meet-to-meet” syndrome. In order for change to come to the Five Points, every-one must be given a voice and a seat at the table. I will ensure that this happens, and that nobody is left out of the process. Contact me I want to hear your thoughts.

I represent all residents of District 8, and I look forward to serving with you.

Councilman Albus BrooksDenver City Council District 8

2713 Welton, Steet

Denver, Co 80205

720.337.8883

albusbrooks@gmail.com

Nita Henry is the Executive Director of The Kaleidoscope Project

Serving our Seniors

Black Vietnam Veterans Association Member serves seniors at the Senior Appreciation Luncheon

5 POINTS NEWS enjoyed the plea-sure of spending a delightful afternoon with some of our favorite people. The Senior Appreciation Luncheon held at the Zion Senior Center earlier this month was a first-class event.

Guests were treated to a live per-formance by the Rudy Grant Band and Members of The Black Vietnam Veterans Association served the seniors a lunch that could rival any holiday meal; collard greens, candied yams, sliced spiral ham,

turkey with stuffing, cornbread, rolls, and the classic peach cobbler and ice cream. Zion’s own Pastor Frank Davis traveled from table to table greeting the guests while the Rudy Grant Band played light classics.

The collaboration between Forest Street Compassionate Care Center and Zion Senior Center to honor Denver’s seniors is a testament of true community dedication and love.

–Terrance Hughes

303.295.2128

2608 Welton, Denver, CO 80205www.vernharris.com

6 8 5 Points news

Business & Services Along the StripAdvertising And MArketingPure Brand Communications2745 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 297-0170

Commerce Kitchen515 30th Street, Denver, CO 80205(877) 299-9101

Architecture And interior designin SITU Design2942 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-4742

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

Arts And cultureBlack American West Museum3091 California Street, Denver, CO 80205(303) 482-2242

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BArBers & BeAuty shopsDunbar Barber Shop 2844 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-9131

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

coMMunity developMentCivil Technology Inc.2413 Washington, Denver, CO 80205(303) 292-0348

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

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

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

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

FAith BAsedAgape Christian Church2501 California, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-2454

A Word from God Ministries2845 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 297-6305

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

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

governMent oFFicesCop Shop2717 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 865-2355

Councilman Albus BrooksDenver City Council District 82713 Welton, Denver, Co 80205(720) 337-8883

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

reAl estAte & housing Public Realty2608 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 295-2128

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

restAurAnts & BArsColeman’s Diner2622 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-3389

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

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

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

retAil & servicesLil Tattoo2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 319-1814

Neat Stuff at the Black Market2547 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 382-1337

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

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

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

youth servicesHalo Center for Youth2758 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(303) 757-2368

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

Support the many businesses and services in and around Five Points.

Visit

Forest Streetc o m Pa s s i o n at e c a r e c e n t e r

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

“We don’t leave the compassion out!”

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

CALDWELL-KIRK MORTUARYServing the Denver community for 60 years.

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

october 2011 8 7

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

(303) 388-8035

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

(303) 296-3389

The Creamary908 30th St., Denver, CO 80205

(303) 295-2404

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

(303) 296-1760

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

(303) 291-1354

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

(303) 399-3730

Welton Street Cafe2736 Welton St., Denver, CO 80205

(303) 308-0860

Frank’s Kitchen2600 High St.

Denver, CO 80205(303) 296-3838

Cora Fayes2861 Colorado Blvd.Denver, CO 80207

(303) 333-5551

WT Snack Shop5560 East 33rd Street

Denver, Co 80207(303) 329-0335

Five Points & Northeast Denver Restaurants

Five Points Media

Happenings in and around Historic 5 Points

Signs of the Times

5 Points continues to be an ever-changing community. Nothing tells the story more than these two signs. Zona’s Tamales also known as The Pig Ear Stand, now closed, was one of 5 Points oldest continuous businesses. Coffee at The Point fi lls Zona’s void in its own special way. As 5 Points moves into the future, it will be interesting to see what other businesses join to call this diverse and historic community their home.

EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE CORNER

Resumes that “Work for You”Quantify and Qualify

You don’t need me to tell you that unemployment is at an all time high. The com-petition for jobs is tougher now than ever. One way to get ahead of the pack is to submit a resume that more clearly outlines why you are the best candidate for the job.

After spending time as a career advisor at an institute of higher learning, I quickly learned the importance of quantifying and qualifying when preparing a resume. It’s not enough to list specifi c job details, which is what many people do. But how did your performance meet or exceed the company’s expectations? How did you personally improve a company’s bottom line? Were you an asset or just doing enough to collect a check? If you do not quantify and qualify when describing your previous job duties, it’s possible that your resume will not refl ect your true value as an employee.

Quantifying and qualifying communicates your work experience clearly, and pro-vides data (fi gures and numbers) to illustrate your successes. The following example is from the ReadySet Hired! Resume Quantify & Qualify Worksheet:

Quantifying experiences and accomplishments using fi gures and numbers (dollars, percentages, durations, etc.) will give them greater impact and more credibility. Consider the difference between the following three statements:

• Baked cupcakes• Baked 300 cupcakes in 2 hours• Baked 300 award-winning cupcakes in 2 hours, surpassing the competition by 50%

(Download ReadySet Hired! Resume Quantify & Qualify Worksheetat www.readysethired.com/chapters/chapter2 - click on worksheet tab in bottom left column of web page)

This is one of many tips that can increase your chances of nailing an interview. Go ahead, toot your own horn. Use adjectives and positive resume action verbs to describe your work history. It may take additional time, thought and effort to produce a resume at this level, but it will pay off.

RELATED ONLINE RESOURCES• www.readysethired.com• www.bc.edu/offi ces/careers/skills/resumes/verbs.html• www.jobmob.co.il/blog/positive-resume-action-verbs• www.dailywritingtips.com/resume-writing-tips

–Cynthia Martin

Denver Workforce Center at Speer1391 N. Speer Blvd., Suite 500

Denver, CO 80204

Job Seekers:Phone: (720) 865-5619Fax: (720) 865-5685

TDD: (720) 865-5636

Denver Workforce CenterYouth Services

1391 N. Speer Blvd., Suite 520Denver, CO 80204

Youth Services Phone: (720) 865-5700Fax: (720) 865-5681

DENVER OPTIONS2736 Welton, Denver, CO 80205

(720) 587-2800

The Matthews Center LLCRecruitment • Training • Placement• CDL Training and Licensing• Client Records Management• Construction Basics Training

and more...visit www.matthewscenters.comfor a complete list and detials.

3030 Downing St. Denver, CO 80205303 295-0376

8 8 5 Points news

BALLARD FAMILY MORTUARYWHEN DIGNITY IS A MUST

CremationComplete Funerals

Ship In/OutCasket Sales

720-220-2122

Over 50 members of Shorter Community AME Church’s Breast Cancer Ministry recently participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. It’s extremely important for women in the African American community to be a part of the solution for our health and wellness. According to the American Cancer Society – white women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African-American women, but African-American women are more likely to die of this cancer. However, in women under 45 years of age, breast cancer is more common in African-American women.

The consensus is that breast cancer does not have to equal a death sentence. The key to survival is early detection. Visit www.cancer.org or call (303) 758-2030 for more information. Don’t stop there, make an appointment, get screened and encourage the women you love to do the same.

–Cynthia Martin

Breast Cancer - Race for the Cure What a Church Should Be

Diane Simpson, a 19-year Breast Cancer Survivor participated in the Race for the Curewith her daughter Shante Simpson, grandson Keirryse Simpson and Shorter AME Church.

L-R: Reverend Dr. James D. Peters, Jr., Lorene McConnell Peters,Nichelle Downing and Rev. Dr. Eugene M. Downing, Jr.

In 1922, a spirit-fi lled group of 32 men and women gathered in a building on the corner of 22nd and Arapahoe with a vision of establishing a new church. Seeking divine guidance, prayer and song fi lled the room. Reverend Joshua Gravett deliv-ered the inaugural sermon entitled, What a Church Should Be. An offering of $16.35 was collected, twelve pioneers became the fi rst congregation, and New Hope Baptist Church was born.

Nine pastors have been entrusted with New Hope’s leadership. Reverend Dr. James D. Peters, Jr., has held this position since 1978. His many accomplishmens in-clude leading the congregation through the construction of a new sanctuary, education building and Family Life Center. Now pastor emeritous, Dr. Peters recently presided over the installation service of Reverend Dr. Eugene M. Downing, Jr.,

“Members, you have the authority, under God, for the policies and practices of this church. Your responsibility is to trust God, stand by you church and its offi cers, to love your pastor and support the programs of the church,” Dr. Peters charged the congregation. “You need to pray much, as you demonstrate your love, your apprecia-tion, and strong support for your pastor.”

Dr. Downing now shepherds the vision of faith and community started nearly a century ago. He, along with his wife Nichelle and children, Tiara and Catherine, will continue the legacy of What a Church Should Be.

Dr. Downing completed his Master of Divinity degree at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. While matriculating there, he stud-ied West African theology in Ghana, West Africa. He completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Dr. Downing was the previous pastor of Sixth Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he served for eleven years.

–brother jeff

Welton Street CaféStop by and visit Mona for a home cooked southern meal

2736 WeltonDenver, Colorado 80205

(303) 308-0860

october 2011 8 9

VOTEReturn your mail-in ballot today.

Mayor Appoints Manager of Safety

Top L-R: Terrance Roberts, Cori Gutierrez and Daniel Levinson

Marvell does his part to beautify the Holly

Incoming Manager of Safty, Alex J. Martinez

PRODIGAL SON - TRUE TO MISSION

In May 2008 North East Denver’s Holly Square Shopping Center, known simply as The Holly, caught fi re, burned to the ground, and became a hotbed of gang violence. Since then, Terrance Rob-erts and his Prodigal Son Initiative have worked diligently to clean the area up and make a it a safe and beautiful place for area children to congregate and play. This month, after two weeks of painting by artists Dan Levinson and Cori Gutierrez, The Holly Square Peace Mural was completed bringing Terrance and The Holly area residents within sight of their goal. The mural covers 17,000 of The Holly’s 28,000 square feet. Two basket-ball courts and twelve peace pillars have also been installed.

Next up are a playground for chil-dren, gazebos for general community seating, and classes for area children on how to design, plan, and paint murals. Terrance Roberts and his Prodigal Son

Mayor Michael B. Hancock an-nounced that Colorado Supreme Court Justice Alex J. Martinez is stepping away from the state’s highest court to serve as the Manager of Safety for the City and County of Denver.

“The Manager of Safety is one of the most important positions in my Cabinet, particularly at a time when we must re-store public trust and confi dence in Den-

CU Gets $6.5 MillionTo Reduce Violence In Montbello

The University of Colorado Boulder announced Thursday that it has received $6.5 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fund a fi ve-year effort to reduce youth violence in Denver’s Montbello neighborhood.

The project aims to reduce rates of seri-ous violent crime and gang-related violence, in addition to self-reported rates of drug and alcohol abuse, gang participation, fi ghting, and bullying or being bullied in schools.

The CU-Boulder center will work closely with the residents of Montbello and a special community board to reduce vio-lence among those aged 10 to 24 during the fi ve-year period beginning Sept. 30.

“Montbello has more than 30,000 resi-dents and is located northeast of I-70 and Peoria Street and south of the Rocky Moun-tain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. It has experienced longstanding problems with crime and gangs, “according to the CU news release.

CDC is leading the initiative because youth violence is widely considered to be one of the most important public health is-sues facing today’s teenagers and young adults. A 2007 CDC study found that homi-cide and suicide are responsible for approx-imately one-quarter of the deaths among persons aged 10 to 24.

The proposed grant received extensive community support when it was submitted last year, including letters of support from Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Colo-rado Gov. John Hickenlooper.

The principal investigator on the proj-ect is Delbert Elliott, director of the CU Center for the Study and Prevention of Vio-lence and a professor of sociology.

Currently, the responsibility of ad-dressing youth violence falls primarily on the school systems and the juvenile justice system, Elliott said.

“We intend to create a novel combina-tion of risk assessment and interventions in a broad partnership with the community, and in collaboration with a local hospital, to address the problem of high levels of vio-lence,” Elliott said.

The fi rst year of the project will be spent collecting baseline data in the Mont-bello community and in the comparison neighborhood of Northeast Park Hill, estab-lishing a community coalition and creating a community action plan.

The second through fi fth years will involve implementing evidence-based pro-grams and strategies chosen by the commu-nity board, monitoring the programs imple-mentation and evaluating their impacts.

Initiative are defi nitely doing their part to help heal the hood.

For more information on The Prodi-gal Son Initiative or to make donations to the cause please visit www.Prodigal-SonInc.org.

–Euda Green

ver’s safety agencies,” Mayor Hancock said. “Justice Martinez brings the highest level of integrity, a deep commitment to fairness and justice, and a well-earned level of respect from the legal and public-safety communities. I am grateful he has agreed to serve the citizens of Denver in this capacity.”

The Manager of Safety provides ci-vilian oversight of the Police, Fire and Sheriff’s departments. Justice Martinez’s appointment will be effective Nov. 1. In-terim Safety Manager Ashley Kilroy will continue to serve in this capacity until Justice Martinez assumes his new role. At that time, Kilroy will become Deputy Manager of Safety.

During this time of transition, Mar-tinez will assist in the search for a new police chief for the City.

“I am thankful to Mayor Hancock for this opportunity and for his understand-ing to make the transition in a way that minimizes the impact on the Colorado Su-preme Court,” Justice Martinez said. “For over 25 years, I have worked to ensure the rightful application of the law and a high-level of safety for the people of Colorado, and I look forward to continuing my work within this new and challenging position.”

YOUTH RESOURCES:• The Prodical Son Intiative: 5405 E. 33rd Ave., Denver, CO 80207 - (303) 953-1541

• GRASP: 701 South Logan Street, Ste 109, Denver, CO, 80209 - (303) 777-3117

• Open Door Youth: 1615 California St., Ste 712 Denver, CO 80202 - (303)-893-GANG (4264)

• Denver Safe City Offi ce: 303 W. Colfax Ave. Dept. 1000, Denver, CO 80204 - 720-913-4620

ONLINEwww.5PointsNews.com

Happenings in and around Historic 5 Points

THE DREAM IS STILL ALIVE 365 DAYS A YEAR

visitwww.blackhistoryproducts.com

for a great selection ofBlack History Products

orwww.abcadproducts.com

for a wide variety of promotional products.

For more information call Birdie at 720.301.3345

10 8 5 Points news

Mother Love Community Reception

5 Points News Photo GallaryCenter for Women’s Health Annual Luncheon

Mother Love vowed to live a long life without amputation after being diagnosed with diabetes in 1990, and witnessing half her family members lose lives and limbs to the devastating disease. She was deter-mined to break the generational cycle. It was not easy changing diet, friends, and lifestyle; but in the end, it was worth it. Mother Love shed an amazing 123 pounds.

A matriarch of television sitcoms, talk radio, film, advice columns and ce-lebrity spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association, Mother Love is on a mission to help women choose life.

“Women are nurturers and caregivers who take care of everybody. We will take care of our husbands, boyfriends, sisters, mothers, grandmothers, Miss Smith down the street, and even our ex-husband’s new wife’s baby cause the baby don’t have no babysitter,” she humors before delivering her key point. “We will take care of every-body before we will take care of ourselves.”

Mother Love delivered this timely message as the keynote speaker for the Center for Women’s Health Research, An-nual Community Luncheon. She was also

the guest of honor at a community recep-tion held at the Center for African Ameri-can Health. The two organizations have joined forces in the fight against diabetes.

Lucille Johnson, Director of Health Initiatives for the Center for African American Health, highlighted the power of community partnerships stating, “The Center for Woman’s Health, work with diabetes and cardiovascular disease has synergy with our programs such as Focus on Diabetes and Project Power.”

The Center for Women’s Health Re-search directed by Dr. Judy Regensteiner, provides funding to further the careers of scientists focused on understanding heart disease and diabetes in women. “We are excited about research and bringing it to-gether with community,” says Dr. Regen-steiner. “Working along with the Center for African American Health is a wonder-ful and exciting partnership.”

The American Diabetes Association reports an estimated 11.5 million women over the age of 20 in the U.S. have diabe-tes, and one-third of them remain undiag-nosed. Diabetes can be managed. “It can be done!” says Mother Love. “You don’t have to be depressed by diabetes, nor feel like you have to tackle it all by yourself. You can CHOOSE to Live!”

–brother jeff

Mother Love Brings Love to Denver

Mother Love sheds 123 pounds

WHAT IS DIABETES?Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus),

or simply, diabetes, is a group of dis-eases characterized by high blood glu-cose levels that result from defects in the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin.

For more information contact Center for African American Health at (303) 355-3423 or Center for Women’s Health Research at (303) 724-0305.

october 2011 8 11

COMMON ROOTS IN BENEDICT PARK PLACE

WHO WERE THE FREEDOM RIDERS?

The Freedom Riders are coming to Denver, the exhibit that is. 50 years ago beginning in May of 1961, a Non-violent movement was started called the “Free-dom Riders”. Individuals of all races, backgrounds, and social economic classes from the north and then from all over the U.S, traveled to the southern states to ride buses together challenging the Jim Crow laws of the South. They were met with vicious physical attacks, imprisonment and bus burnings from the Ku Klux Klan, Police Offi cers and ordinary citizens who wanted to keep the status quo of Jim Crow in their cities and states.

In a time where Denver Broncos are considered heroes for simply playing a children’s game for pay, real heroes such as Charles Biggers, a Navy Veteran who left Colorado University, Boulder to join the Freedom Riders, go unrecognized. Like many others Biggers was arrested July 7, 1961, for attempting to enter a

white lunch counter in the Jackson bus station. The men and women of the Free-dom Riders movement laid everything on the line for the Civil Rights of others, the true defi nition of Hero.

Come learn their story, the Blair Caldwell African American Research Li-brary is hosting the Freedom Riders ex-hibit November 2 – 28, 2011. During this time the Library will have a Photo exhibit on display, a variety of free to the public programs and workshops, and a fi lm series.

–Terrance Hughes

Description and Photo by Fredrick Burger: Anniston, Alabama, a white mob awaited the arrival of the fi rst bus bearing the Freedom Riders at the Greyhound station. The mob who pursued the bus, fi re bombed it and held the doors shut preventing riders from exiting the burning bus. Finally an undercover policeman drew his gun, and forced the doors to be opened. The mob pulled the Freedom Riders off the bus and beat them with iron pipes. The bus became engulfed in fl ames, and was completely destroyed.

Blair-CaldwellAfrican AmeicanResearch Library

2401 Welton, Denver, CO 80205(720) 865-2401

Community Space Available for meetings and events at no charge.

Urban Land Conservancy305 Park Avenue West, Unit B, Denver, Colorado 80205

303.377.4477 • www.urbanlandc.org

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

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

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

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

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Neat Stuff at the Black MarketFeaturing Unique Items for Every Occasion

Visit us todayfor a special holiday gift

your loved ones will cherish.2547 Welton, Denver, CO 80205

303.382.1337

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRDBy Christopher Sergel

Based upon the novel by Harper Lee

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