Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns

Councilwoman Ortega, Sen. Moreno: “Building back better” means an opportunity for environmental justice for all communities

It is no secret that people who live in the Denver metro area are exposed to air pollution daily and frequently at hazardous levels. We breathe in pollution from power plants, industry, oil and gas facilities, from cars, trucks and buses, and wildfires as well as out-of-state. Emissions from these facilities also lead to the […]

Posted inColoradans, COVID, Education, Health

Denver survey shows Black and Hispanic families more likely to prefer virtual learning

In late June and early July, the Denver school district asked families to make a choice: Would they want their children to stay home this fall and learn online, or would they want to send their children in person to school buildings, with safety protocols to protect against the coronavirus? The district got answers for […]

Posted inBusiness, Coloradans, News, Politics and Government

At nearly every turn in Denver, protesters confront a reason to march

Kenny White, a black man in his late 20s, joins the downtown Denver protesters near dusk. A speaker has just wrapped his exhortation to the hundreds gathered at the west steps. “This is not a black-versus-white issue,” he says. “This is an us-versus-them issue.” The words “By any means necessary” are spray-painted on the Capitol […]

Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns

Wilson: Brother Jeff has created a gathering place for Denver’s African-American community

His name alone is a Denver institution. At times, it seems that more people have heard his name than can actually recognize his face.   Yet, Jeff Fard, better known as “Brother Jeff” continues to reinvent himself, his brand and his activism. Not only is Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center on Welton Street somewhat of a landmark and […]

Posted inBook Excerpts, Culture, Food and Restaurants, SunLit

Presidents’ affinities for foods reveal their humanity, but alcohol has proven a dicier deal throughout history

The following is an excerpt from Adrian Miller’s book, “The Presidents Kitchen Cabinet.” The piece explores what Miller found in his research: that while African American chefs cooked for every president, their stories remained largely untold. Miller is an attorney, James Beard Award-winning food writer, and certified barbecue judge who lives in Denver, Colorado. Miller […]

Posted inCulture, Food and Restaurants, SunLit, SunLit Interviews

Research for “Soul Food” led author to tales of African-Americans at work on White House cuisine

“The President’s Kitchen Cabinet” celebrates the legacy of African-American presidential chefs. These fascinating people excelled at the awesome responsibility of nourishing our First Families. As both enslaved and free people, they were celebrated culinary artists in their time, family confidantes and, upon occasion, civil rights advocates. Adrian Miller is an attorney, James Beard Award-winning food […]