Thursday, 21 February 2013

[CPN] Great 8 News - February Issue

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A Word from Councilman Brooks

Black History Month

February is a highly anticipated month for me and not because both my mother and wife’s birthday land in this particular month, although it is a close second. I look forward to February, so we can celebrate Black History Month. It is a time for all of us, as humans, to reflect on the struggles of the past and continue working on a bright and successful future.

We are much too cynical in our contemporary society, believing that certain dates on our calendar are only to be celebrated by "those people" who share the same culture and traditions. Many people think that because they are from a different background, certain cultural celebrations do not apply to "all of us". I believe the more we learn about and celebrate all of our heterogeneous communities; the better we are as people. It is not enough that we have diversity; we must continue working on connecting our diverse communities. It is then and only then that we begin to understand the human experience.

My hope is that regardless of your background or culture, everyone would want to spend some time reflecting on the history of African-Americans and the important roles we played in our nation’s history and in creating this great country.

When talking about Black History Month it is important to know its origin. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an African-American historian, was one of the first scholars to study African-American history. He lobbied extensively trying to get schools and organizations in a special program encouraging the study of African-American history. This began in 1926 with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announcing that the second week of February would be "Negro History Week". Few individuals know that this week was chosen because it marked the birthday of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass who both played prominent roles in shaping black history.

Dr. Woodson wanted the holiday to exist purely to make sure that black history would be a part of the foundation of American history. The "Negro History Week" increased in popularity throughout the decades with progressive whites, a high interest among teachers and Mayors across the United States. After much organizing from the general public, the federal government acknowledged the expansion of  "Negro History Week" to be called Black History Month. Gerald Ford spoke in regards to this, urging Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

I am grateful for the bold, visionary leadership displayed through Carter Woodson. He had no idea that his movement would lead to so many people being inspired by those who have gone before them. His goal of acknowledging black history is now a part of our foundational American History.

I wonder what Mr. Woodson would say today? What would his advice be? I don't know, but I would assume he would continue to encourage us to be courageous in our leadership, to continue to take risks as he did, all for the greater good. Perhaps the stories below can be helpful as we embark on this journey.

The articles below are stories of some of our contemporary African- American women who have made a name for themselves and are consequently heroes in our community and the United States. Enjoy!

Birds Eye View

National Leaders

by LeviJohnsen                                                                                                             

Although it is something that should be done on a regular basis, February is a time that we dedicate to acknowledging and honoring the history and societal contributions of African-Americans. Growing up in Denver’s inner-city, I was exposed to the rich cultural legacy of the African-American community; I fondly remember learning about the great historical leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and W.E.B Du Bois. The impact of African-American leaders in our nation’s history is truly awe-inspiring. It is critical to remember the great leaders of our past, and equally important to recognize the leaders of our present.

One such leader is Majora Carter. A native of the South Bronx, Carter has been a visionary voice when it comes to urban planning, renewal efforts, and environmental justice and equality. Her motto, “Green the Ghetto,” has characterized her ambitious efforts to bring green spaces and eco-friendly economic development to low-income neighborhoods across the nation. As the executive director of Sustainable South Bronx for almost a decade, Carter advocated for job training, eco-friendly urban redevelopment, and holistic urban planning for her community.

Her hard work and collaboration brought the South Bronx its first waterfront park in over half a century, and helped spur community investment in bike and pedestrian paths, open space, and sustainable mixed-use development. As an awardee of the MacArthur ‘Genius Grant’ in 2005, Carter is a highly sought-after speaker and consultant. She is now the CEO and Founder of the Majora Carter Group, an economic consulting and planning firm that provides innovative solutions to local environmental problems through economic development. Leaders like Majora Carter are important assets to the nation, and give me hope for the future of our cities.

You can learn more about Majora Carter by visiting the Majora Carter Group or Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) websites.

 

Neighborhood Spotlight

Local Leaders   

by Brande' Micheau

Charleszine “Terry” Nelson is the special collection and community resource manager for the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. With 30 years of library experience, Nelson has been a Bookmobile Librarian, Manager of the Library Film Center, a Reference and Humanities Librarian, and was the Manger of Volunteer Services for the Denver Public Library. She is also the co-author (with Bonnie F McCune) of Recruiting and Managing Volunteers in Libraries, which has become a valuable manual for managers of volunteer programs throughout the nation. Born and raised in Denver, Nelson attended Manual High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a master’s degree in Information Technology and Library Science from Emporia State College.

Nelson has also been on the nominating committee for the historic Juanita Ross Gray Community Service award, which highlights leaders for their advocacy and community contributions.

 

 

City Wide Perspective

City Wide Leaders               by Chy Montoya

Did you know that Mrs. Wilma Webb was the First Lady of Denver to hold a political office herself? She began as a community volunteer registering people to vote, she helped impoverished families and believed that everyone should be afforded an equal opportunity when it came to education.

You can say that fighting for equality is what launched her into the political arena, which started in 1970 when she was a Democratic Committeewoman. In 1980, Mrs. Webb was appointed to finish State Representative King Trimble’s term in Denver’s House District 8.

She was one of the first African-American representatives to serve in the Colorado State Legislature and the first African-American member of the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee, which happens to be the Legislature’s most powerful six-member committee.

Mrs. Webb served in the Colorado State Legislature from 1980 to 1993. During this time she sponsored many bills, which included equality initiatives and school reform, but many people will tell you that she is best known for introducing a controversial bill (at that time) that led to making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a state holiday. This took place in 1984, which happened two years before the holiday was recognized nationally. Not only did she work hard for four years to push through this measure, but Mrs. Webb was also adamant about making sure that our young people were educated and well aware of the contributions made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Last month we celebrated the 28th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and march/parade, which happens to be the largest in the country. Mrs. Webb was instrumental in making this dream a reality.

To this day, she still remains involved as a leader and volunteer for various organizations. We would like to thank Mrs. Wilma Webb for her commitment and dedication to the Denver community.

Great 8 Events, Information and Updates

Black History Month Community Education Forum

This insightful community education event will allow the community and the school system to reflect on a critical historical period in Denver's attempt to provide equal educational opportunities to all students. In addition, there will be a viewing of the documentary film "Rebels Remembered: The Civil Rights Movement in Colorado - Our Neighborhood School" and a recognition program acknowledging educational pioneers in our city.

When: Sat., February 23rd

Time: 8:30am to 3pm

Where: Manual High School (1700 E. 28th Ave.)

The State of Black Mental Health: What's the Diagnosis?

Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center Presents The Crowning Event of Black History Month: The State of Black Mental Health: What's the Diagnosis? There will be resource booths, workshops a panel discussion and more. This event is FREE and open to the public.

When: Sat., February 23rd

Time: 3pm to 8pm

Where: New Hope Family Life Center (3701 Colorado Boulevard)

If you plan on attending, please RSVP to brotherjeff1@earthlink.net Please call (303) 297-0823, if you are interested in assisting in planning, presenting or partnering.

Denver Police Department - Dist. 2

The Denver Police Department, District 2 Citizens Advisory Board meeting is coming up next week. They will be covering crime patterns, trends and discussing prevention and intervention techniques that they are employing to reduce crime throughout District 2.  

When: Thurs., February 28th

Time: 6pm to 8pm

Where: Dist. 2 Police Station, Community Rm. (3921 Holly St.)

11th Annual Health Fair - "Empowering the Community to Live Well"

The Center for African American Health is committed to improving the health and well-being of the African-American community. Take advantage of FREE health screenings: blood pressure, vision, dental and much more. There will also be various activities, workshops and exhibits for everyone to enjoy.

When: Sat., March 2nd

Time: 8:30am to 3:30pm

Where: Renaissance Denver Hotel (3801 Quebec Street)

Please visit the Center for African American Health website for more information.

Calling all Urban Forest Aficionados and Green Thumbs

The Park People and Denver Parks and Recreation will once again be offering the popular Community Forester Training Program for Denverites. Community Forester volunteers undertake a series of workshops to learn about tree biology, planting, pruning, identification and leadership. Registration is open through February 27, 2013 and classes begin on March 2nd.

Once they’re trained, Community Foresters lead and participate in tree planting and care projects in their neighborhoods as well as activities for The Park People, Denver’s Forestry Division and the Mile High Million tree planting initiative. Community Foresters serve as urban forestry advocates within the community by participating in tree distribution and planting events; canvassing neighborhoods for new tree planting opportunities; conducting tree health checks; performing young tree pruning and serving as tree advocates in their neighborhoods.

This year’s program is sponsored by Mountain High Tree, Lawn & Landscape Co. To become a Community Forester, participants must complete all sessions.

Please visit The Park People website or call (303) 722-6262 for prices and more information.

Schedule Your Free In-Person Advisor Visit and Receive Up To 15 Energy Efficient Bulbs

Now through March 2013 the Denver Energy Challenge, in addition to FREE energy advising, will also provide energy efficient bulb replacements (and low water-use showerheads) when you schedule in-person advising as part of the program. Call (720) 865-5520 to schedule your FREE visit.

Three out of four Denver Energy Challenge participants have made an upgrade to their home because of the Denver Energy Challenge. Sign up today and see what measures are right for your home. Bonus! A 10% tax credit has been extended towards the purchase of qualified energy efficiency improvements to existing homes.

Please visit the Denver Energy Challenge website for more information.

Heating Assistance Still Available

                                                                                                

With the cold winter months upon us, you’ve probably seen an increase on your utility bill. The good news is there is an energy assistance program that helps people afford their home heating costs called the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). The program is designed to pay a portion of your heat bill during the winter season, November 1st - April 30th. Households that qualify will receive an amount based on the cost of the heat bill, the number of people living in the home and the household income. The program also provides emergency assistance when a family receives a shut-off notice or when heat has already been shut-off.

 

The LEAP application process is simple. Simply call 1-866-HEAT-HELP, request an application, fill it out and mail it back. Hurry, the last day to apply this season is April 30th.


Please visit the Denver Human Services website for more information.

UPDATES to the Denver Child Care Assistance Program (Higher Income Guidelines & No Waiting List)

The Denver Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), a program that helps families afford child care, recently raised its income eligibility guidelines. This means more families are now eligible to receive benefits. Additionally, Denver CCAP no longer has a waiting list for CCAP, which means families that apply and qualify automatically can access benefits.

Please visit the Denver County Child Care Assistance Program website to apply on-line.

You can also request an application by calling (720) 944-KIDS/5437. Applications may be submitted to Denver Human Services, ATTN: CCAP, 1200 Federal Blvd., Denver, CO 80204

Cruise Apartments

Cruise, a 61-unit apartment building located at 1899 Gaylord Street, was recently completed and features modern, sleek finishes -- stainless appliances, modern designer cabinetry, polished concrete floors, designer lighting and hardware, in addition to many energy efficient features. There's a state-of-the-art fitness center, a community lounge and even a bicycle repair station room. In addition, they are offering a free cruiser bike to each new resident who signs a one-year lease for one of the studios, one bedrooms or two bedroom apartments. 

Cruise is located in the City Park West neighborhood, walkable and bike-able to a host of restaurants and coffee shops, including St. Mark's Coffeehouse, Il Posto, D Bar Desserts and more. And it's just 1 short block to City Park and less than 2 miles to downtown Denver. 

For more information or to take a tour, please visit the Boutique Apartments website.

Snow & Ice Removal - A Team Effort!

Here we are again…it’s time to get out your snow shovels and warm clothes. Denver is notorious for unpredictable weather, so it’s time to start planning now. Check out the Denver Public Works website for information on snow removal routes, de-icing strategies, winter trash removal and more.

This cannot be done alone, so please remember that residents are required to clear their walkways within 24 hours and businesses/apartment building owners are required to clear walkways within four hours after the snow stops falling. Please call 3-1-1 if you notice that ice is building up in your street gutter and preventing proper drainage.

Lastly, sign up to be a "Denver Snow Buddy." This is a fantastic program that matches volunteers with elderly or disabled neighbors who are unable to shovel their walks. Please visit the Volunteers of America website for more information.

You can also refer elderly or disabled neighbors to one of the following agencies:

Catholic Charities, (303) 742-0823 x2046
DRCOG Area Agency on Aging, (303) 480-6787
Senior Resource Center, (303) 235-6973
VOA Handy Man Program, (720) 264-3331 or (303) 297-0408

Ford-Warren Branch Library Temporary Closure for Skylight Installation

For the safety of staff and customers, the Ford-Warren Branch Library located at 2825 High Street, will be closed on Monday, March 25th through Wednesday, March 27th for the installation of skylights. The Branch will re-open on Thursday, March 28th at noon.

The skylights, funded by Denver’s Capital Improvement Projects Program are being replaced and upgraded to a more energy-efficient model. During the closure, customers can return their items in the book drop and hold pickup dates will be extended accordingly.

Please visit the Denver Public Library website for more information or you can visit one of their nearby branches:

  • Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library (2401 Welton St.)
  • Pauline Robinson Library (5575 E. 33rd Ave. at Holly St.)
  • Park Hill Library (4705 Montview Boulevard at Dexter St.)

NOTE: All Denver Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, March 25th for César Chávez Day
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