The gift of historic newspapers helps preserve the day-to-day lives of Denver’s Black citizens
The Denver Star newspaper chronicled the lives of African Americans living in the Mountain West region between the years 1913 to 1963. The Denver Public Library and other institutions had attempted to preserve the Denver Star, but there were always gaps in that record. Now, the generosity of one woman ensures this chapter in history will be preserved for generations to come.
Feb. 27, 2023: Backcountry skier’s avalanche survival story; Poetry as a catalyst for change
A backcountry skier shares his harrowing story of surviving an avalanche and reflects on choices. Then, the Pikes Peak poet laureate uses poetry as a catalyst for connection and to foster change. Later, as Black History Month comes to an end, we share the story of Shirley Smith, whose book is “Mama Bear: One Black Mother’s Fight for her Child’s Life and her Own.”
From baseball phenom to Colorado community leader: The life and legacy of William ‘Bay Bay’ Richardson
“He ended up just where he wanted to be.”
Feb. 23, 2023: The legacy of William Richardson on and off the baseball field
For decades, the name William Richardson meant something special to kids growing up in Denver. He provided hope by giving them opportunity at the local YMCA. But this was actually the second part of his extraordinary life. We share the never-before-told story of a Denver man who made sports history, Black history and American history.
Feb. 21, 2023: For autistic students, an opportunity to keep career dreams in-TACT
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Americans with autism experience substantial unemployment and underemployment. It’s what drives Danny Combs, the founder and CEO of the Englewood-based TACT, which helps students on the spectrum gain skills to work in fields like the automotive industry, carpentry and welding. Combs’ son Dylan is on the autism spectrum.
Feb. 16, 2023: Colorado’s evolving history with guns and gun laws
From the founding of Colorado to modern mass shootings, there have been many changes to state gun laws over the years. CPR News public affairs reporters Bente Birkeland and Andrew Kenney explore how the past informs the present in the latest episode of Purplish. Then, Andy’s continued investigation into how the state’s red flag law affected a family in Denver.
Feb. 14, 2023: Turkish native recalls 1999 quake and helping now; Paying it forward with ‘lasagna love’
Last week’s earthquake in Turkey brings back powerful memories for Turkish native Beyhan Maybach, of Lakewood. In 1999, Maybach was in Istanbul, when another earthquake toppled a nearby city and she joined the relief efforts. Then, an organization born out of the pandemic called “Lasagna Love.”
Feb. 9, 2023: Center at CU Boulder aims for inclusion and empowerment; Rep. Buck takes on Big Tech
The Center for African and African American Studies, known as “the CAAAS (the cause),” officially launched this month at the University of Colorado Boulder. Then, Republican Representative Ken Buck talks with CPR’s Washington, D.C. reporter Caitlyn Kim about taking on big tech. Plus, “The Secret Comedy of Women.” And, the Colorado Repertory Jazz Orchestra celebrates Nat King Cole.
Feb. 7, 2023: Denver students share their feelings about the beating death of Tyre Nichols
Tyre Nichols’ death at the hands of Memphis officers raises questions about police brutality and internalized racism. CPR host Chandra Thomas Whitfield visits a classroom where students share their views on the case and looks at how it’s touching their teacher, who sees it as an opportunity to teach history as it’s made. Also, what exactly is “internalized racism”?
Feb. 2, 2023: Exhibit explores origins of Colorado; Black ski summit marks 50th anniversary
The U.S. border with Mexico used to run straight through Colorado, until a war in the mid-1800’s. The treaty that ended the war and created the region we live in and know today is going on display at History Colorado. Then, the National Brotherhood of Skiers marks fifty years on the slopes this weekend in Colorado with an ongoing mission: inclusion in all snow sports.
A 50 year effort to create inclusion and diversity in snow sports
The National Brotherhood of Skiers marks its 50th anniversary in Vail starting this weekend with its annual Black Ski Summit. Its mission is to create inclusion and diversity in skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports.
Jan. 31, 2023: How Colorado’s red flag law is used, or isn’t; The quest for an asteroid
A CPR investigation finds uneven application of a law that allows temporary confiscation of guns from people who pose a threat. Then, the legislature could consider several gun-control measures. And, astronomers are on the lookout for an asteroid that’s 500 million miles away. Plus, a University of Colorado graduate stars in “Wakanda Forever.”
A CU grad takes a star turn in “Wakanda Forever”
“Wakanda Forever,” the sequel to Marvel’s superhero blockbuster “Black Panther,” is on its way to $1 billion in global box office sales. University of Colorado graduate Aba Arthur is one of the stars.
Jan. 26, 2023: Ensuring election integrity; Why are Black teachers leaving the classroom?
County clerks met this week to discuss ongoing efforts to ensure election transparency and integrity in Colorado. Then, developments in the trials of those involved in the death of Elijah McClain in Aurora. And, Systemic explores why so many Black teachers are leaving the profession.
Jan. 24, 2023: From conviction to clemency, one woman’s story; Teen on mental health in schools
Robin Farris is the first Black woman to receive a form of clemency in Colorado in thirty years. CPR race, diversity and equity reporter Elaine Tassy spoke with her and her attorneys, as well as the sisters of Beatrice King, who was killed, about the possibility of early release. Then, one teen’s take on mental health in schools. And a Colorado Wonders question about the state’s songs.
Jan. 19, 2023: Help for people with OCD; Black infant mortality in Colorado
Continuing our exploration of emerging treatments for mental health challenges, we look at promising help for people with obsessive compulsive disorder — and how that same treatment might work for addictions. Then, Black babies –and those who birth them — are dying in record numbers in Colorado. A Denver organization is working to raise awareness of the issue.
