
Activist Lex Dunbar talks finding community and authenticity with Black Pride Colorado
“Just seeing a bunch of Black queer and trans folk was, for a person like me who grew up how I grew up, it was life-changing.”

June 20, 2024: A Half Century of Pride Stories
When Denver celebrated its first Pride 50 years ago, about 50 people took part. Now that number is 500,000. On a special Colorado Matters, we share “A Half Century of Pride Stories,” reflecting on the past while looking forward to the future.

June 19, 2024: Celebrating Black culture and history while building community through trivia
To commemorate the Juneteenth holiday, we’re re-sharing an event that highlights Black culture and history while building community along the way. “Black People Know Things” is a trivia night held monthly at local breweries. We sat in on a special Colorado Black history edition in February at Spangalang Brewery in Five Points.

June 18, 2024: Colorado’s ‘Red Flag’ gun safety law used inconsistently; JoFoKe bares her soul on stage through music
When it comes to Colorado’s so-called “Red Flag” gun violence prevention law, where you live often dictates when it’s used, if it’s used at all. Then, her family’s musical legacy goes back four generations, but JoFoKe isn’t relying on that as she makes her own mark, baring her soul on stage. For Black Music Month, we re-share our February interview with the Denver singer/songwriter. Plus, a big fossil find near Colorado Springs.

‘Honoring Fatherhood’ program provides resources, support to help Colorado dads be more active in their children’s lives
Colorado Matters spoke with the Denver Indian Center on its “Honoring Fatherhood Program” and how it aims to help Native American fathers become more present and active dads in their children’s lives.

Filipino American Community of Colorado celebrates culture and history with annual festival
“Resilience” is the theme of this weekend’s Padayon Philippine Festival in Edgewater. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Filipino American Community of Colorado, one of the oldest Asian-American non-profits in the state.

June 13, 2024: A COVID-19 checkup; What it means to be an active and engaged father
There’s been a slight uptick of the COVID-19 virus in wastewater around the state. We’ve tapped an expert to ask why. What’s the latest protocol for testing? And what about vaccines? Then, a plan to clean up fossil fuel combustion. Also, Father’s Day is this weekend, but what does it mean to be an active and engaged father — and why does it matter?

June 11, 2024: Marking a milestone of ideas for a better world; Harnessing the wind in Colorado
This month, the Aspen Ideas Festival marks 20 years of thought-provoking conversation, from students to celebrities to global leaders, exchanging ideas for a better world and human experience. Then, how high-dosage tutoring is helping students rebound from the pandemic learning gap. And answering a Colorado Wonders question about harnessing the wind.

Aspen Ideas celebrates 20th milestone of thought-provoking conversation and inspiration
The Aspen Ideas Festival brings together change-makers — from singers and scientists to students and Nobel Prize winners — to share ideas about what’s shaping our world: the opportunities, the challenges, and finding common ground.

June 6, 2024: How technology could change farming amid worker shortages; 80 Something fights ageism and stereotypes
Colorado farmers can’t find enough workers. Is technology like Artificial Intelligence the answer, and what are the trade-offs? Plus, incentives add up to buy or lease an EV. Then, “80 Something” is a vibrant new exhibit featuring artists over the age of 80. Also, learning to navigate Denver without GPS. And helping teens embrace wellness.

June 4, 2024: Major medical trial in Colorado on potential benefits of psilocybin after decades of barriers
When people with cancer are facing the prospect of death, anxiety can consume their precious days. A medical trial in Colorado aims to change that with a drug that was once forbidden. CPR’s Andrew Kenney explores how researchers are reopening the door to psilocybin, and what it’s meant for one young mom, in Colorado In Depth.

No, you can’t stop your car in the middle of the road during a hailstorm
Here’s how to keep yourself and your vehicle safe when hail is falling.

May 30, 2024: Selling plasma for income; Local stars return to Colorado with U.S. Women’s Soccer
When money’s tight, some people sell their plasma. People can get up to $200 per donation. We’ll explore the ethical implications with a CU-Boulder professor who studied who donates and why. Then, 50 years ago this week, six young Chicano activists were killed in a series of bombings in Boulder. Later, marking the 70th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision ending segregation in public schools, with one of the Little Rock Nine. And, three hometown heroes return to the pitch with U.S. Women’s Soccer.

May 28, 2024: ‘After Action,’ a veteran fights a different battle; Reexamining the path of an 18th century explorer
She fought terrorists around the world as an analyst for the Army. But after being exposed to hazardous chemicals during her service, Elba Barr is now engaged in a different battle: to get health care and benefits from the U.S. government for herself and other veterans. Then, retracing the final journey of 18th century Captain James Cook while reexamining exploration and colonization.

Interview: ‘There’s a place at the barre for everyone,’ says a Denver-native pioneering Black ballerina in new book
Karlya Shelton-Benjamin was a part of this pioneering group of ballerinas who thrived amid discrimination and exclusion in the world of dance. She shared her story with Colorado Matters.

Where did Latinos sit on the bus during segregation? A Colorado history professor weighs in on that question asked in a poignant one-person play
Colorado Matters sat down with retired professor Ramon Del Castillo to gain more insight into the question and the role Latinos have played – and continue to play – in social justice movements.