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.
Addressing Black infant mortality in Colorado
Black babies. — and those who birth them — are dying at disproportionate rates in Colorado. The reasons are varied, starting with basic access to health care and extends far beyond that.
Jan. 17, 2023: New CSU president lays out goals; MLK’s influence worldwide
A new president, Amy Parsons, will soon lead Colorado State University. We’ll ask about her priorities and the challenges of recruiting a diverse student body. Then, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s influence in places around the world, including Northern Ireland. And, the people who shine shoes at DIA. Also, hip hop music from the American South.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s impact spread far beyond the US
As the nation marks the 37th annual observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, a look at King’s influence outside of the United States. James Walsh, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Colorado Denver, found King had an impact on demonstrators who took a stand on the tumultuous conflict in Northern Ireland.
Jan. 16, 2023: A home for Black culture at CU Boulder; Twins use their voices to inspire
A new center at the University of Colorado Boulder puts the focus on African and African American Studies and creates a space to build community. On this Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, we re-share Chandra’s visit just before the center opened in the fall. Plus, twin brothers at East High School use their voices to inspire others on the national speech and debate stage.
Jan. 9, 2023: Lawmakers are back. What will they do this session?
A legislative preview as the first gavel falls. Then, Republicans are outnumbered at the Capitol. We speak with GOP leaders about policy and strategy. Plus, a new exhibit at the Clyfford Still Museum. And, a concert to honor recipients of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Awards.
Jan. 6, 2023: Democrats on collaboration, gun safety, wildfires, funding, & working with Gov. Polis
Heading into next week’s legislative session, Democrats hold all three branches of Colorado’s state government. But they insist collaboration with Republicans will help define decision-making. We ask Senate President Steve Fenberg and Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie about gun safety, wildfire response, education and state funding, and working with Gov. Jared Polis.
Dec. 23, 2022: Our 7th Annual ‘Holiday Extravaganza’ brings love, laughter, and light
The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns for a seventh year. Singer/songwriter Neyla Pekarek headlines, after a banner year of musical theater. The rabbi at one of Colorado’s oldest synagogues celebrates the light of Hanukkah. Meet some real winners from Colorado Springs. And dance to a Kwanzaa beat with an intergenerational troupe of Black women.
Dec. 13, 2022: What’s next as Orion returns to Earth; A Bridgerton Experience
The Orion spacecraft splashed down last weekend. Coloradans helped design and build it. Then, how the LGBTQ community fares in traditionally conservative Colorado Springs. Plus, a Colorado nonprofit helps people afford solar power. And, “The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience” taps into pop culture and speaks to diversity and inclusion.
‘The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience’ taps into pop culture and values diversity
“The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience,” is an immersive event that taps into the pop culture experience of the popular Netflix show while speaking to the value of diversity and inclusion. Superfan LaTrice Owens of Colorado Springs joined Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield for the experience.
Dec. 8, 2022: Remembering Club Q victims; The pandemic and atypical eating disorders
Daniel Aston and Derrick Rump, killed in the shooting in Colorado Springs, were considered the heart of Club Q. They were recently lauded by friends, family and coworkers. Then, it’s well-known that the pandemic added new mental health challenges for people. That includes eating disorders like anorexia, where the number of cases is increasing.
Dec. 6, 2022: Ensuring insurance equity; Fashion designer creates inclusion and connection
Colorado is the first state with a law designed to ensure underrepresented communities are not overcharged for insurance. Then, we talk with the founder of Latin Fashion Week Colorado about how he uses visual art and design to create inclusion. Also, college faculty who don’t have tenure say they’re at a breaking point at the state’s public universities because of huge pay gaps.
How kernels of corn inspire haute couture and others stories of inclusion with the founder of Latin Fashion Week Colorado
It’s been a busy year for Norberto Mojardin. He’s the creator of Latin Fashion Week Colorado and responsible for creating one of the largest Dias de los Muertos displays in the nation in metro Denver. He’s a hair stylist and a visual artist. He streams a cooking show! And by the way… he’s also a brand new father.
Dec. 1, 2022: High country snow outlook; Celebrating snow sports history in Colorado
Is this week’s snow a sign of things to come in the high country? Then, few people get as excited about ski season as John Dakin; now he’s been inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Museum Hall of Fame. Plus we get a tour of that museum in Vail, which shares the history and stories of the state’s outdoor snow industry. And hop on board the Polar Express in Golden.
