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Jan. 2, 2026: Legacy of Cherry Creek: Growing Up Black in Denver’s Transforming Neighborhood

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Historic black and white photo shows people in the foreground looking at a flooded creek with a home askew on the shore.
Denver Public Library/Western History Collection/ X-29336
View of a Cherry Creek flood in 1864.

The legacy of Cherry Creek is rooted in Black history and it played a pivotal role shaping Denver into the city that it is today. Chandra Thomas Whitfield moderated a panel discussion called "Legacy of Cherry Creek: Growing Up Black in Denver’s Transforming Neighborhood" in front of an audience this past spring. It was hosted by Arapahoe Libraries to reflect and share the personal stories of four life-long Colorado residents whose families called Cherry Creek home, and some who still do: Former Denver County Judge Gary Jackson; his uncle, Warren Scott, a retired U.S. Post Office Manager; Trudi Morrison, a retired lawyer and former Deputy Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. Senate; and Cleo Parker Robinson, the renowned founder and artistic director of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in Denver.

Photo shows four people seated next to a moderator in front of a dark purple curtain.
Arapahoe County Libraries
Colorado Matters Host and Producer Chandra Thomas Whitfield moderated a panel sponsored by Arapahoe Libraries: "Legacy of Cherry Creek: Growing Up Black in Denver’s Transforming Neighborhood," about the historic Black roots of Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood. Panelists included Retired Senior Denver County Court Judge Gary Jackson; Gary's uncle, Warren Scott, a retired US Post Office Manager; Dr. Trudi Morrison, retired lawyer, former Deputy Sergeant at Arms of the US Senate; and Cleo Parker Robinson, founder and artistic director of Denver-based Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.
Historic black and white photo shows a field of dirt and debris behind a short cement wall.
Denver Public Library/Western History Collection/X-29364
Tree planting, the city dump, and houses along Cherry Creek, 1920.