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Connecting People to People - January 2023

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The Million Man March and the January 6, 2021 Attack on the Capitol

A nation’s glaring hypocrisy exposed to the world

By Alfonzo Porter and LaQuane Smith

Since the founding of the nation, America has historically been a contradiction in terms. While professing in its founding documents that “all men are created equal” with equal protections under the law, millions of American citizens have not always enjoyed the country’s enormous wealth and bounty. Many may suggest that the conversation regarding the disparate treatment of white and Black Americans is old and tired, and represents the country’s past. These people believe the discussion is best left to the history books.

Message from the Editor

Happy New Year!

It’s 2023. My, oh my! 2022 is over. But it was packed full of activity as everyone picked back up their lives, moving fast forward after being held down for far too long by COVID-19 restrictions. The end of the year didn’t disappoint, offering so much to talk about here in Colorado – and DUS will – as we move throughout the new year. For this issue, DUS Editor-n-Chief Alfonzo Porter and contributor LaQuane Smith collaborate to offer a re-examination of the dichotomy that exists between the treatment of two populations in a more contemporary framework – The Million Man March (on October 16, 1995) and the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. Contributor LisaMarie Martinez shares a piece on how misgendering (or the usage of the incorrect pronoun) can affect a person’s mental health and sense of belonging in the world. Contributor Wayne Trujillo gives us an update on the upcoming 2023 MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo of Champions celebrating African American cowboys and cowgirls. Contributor Brittany Winkfield’s conversation with Julia Rich, the principal of KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy, details how she pushed through COVID-19 as a mother and an educator.

Our “Around Town”’ photo collage captures good times from the DUS pre-show reception at the Newman Center for Damien Sneed’s “Joy to the World: A Christmas Musical Journey.” Our publisher, Rosalind “Bee” Harris also caught up with radio pioneer James “Dr. Daddio” Walker at Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center where he was signing his new autobiography called “Radio in My Soul.” It was beautiful to see the community support such a legendary figure in the Mile High City. 2022 definitely saw people getting out and about making up for lost time. The year also saw the loss of many who are near and dear to us. It is in their memory that we refuse to slow down. It is in their memory that we keep moving forward and live.

This first edition of the year is dedicated to the life and memory of Doyle James, the father of publisher Rosalind “Bee” Harris. His life is reflected in the tribute, A Song for My Father, written by her brother Dante J. James.

Angelia D. McGowan

Managing Editor

Ropin’ in the Past, Present and Future: The MLK Rodeo’s Multigenerational Embrace

By Wayne Trujillo

“Bigger! Better! Bolder!”

The excited and emphastic alliteration announcing the 2023 MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo of Champions on the website of its parent and sponsor, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR), isn’t subdued. Scheduled for January 16 at the Denver Coliseum, the event celebrates 17 years, while Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is celebrating 39 years.

Misgendering & Mental Health

By Lisa Marie Martinez

Today’s email signatures include them. They are on name tags at conferences. Their appropriate usage can make or break someone’s day. They are pronouns. Unfortunately, many people are still confused about the importance of using the right pronouns with family, friends and co-workers. How does the use of incorrect pronouns impact a person’s mental health and their sense of belonging in the world?