Sept. 21, 2023: A special report on the life and death of Elijah McClain
Elijah McClain’s death brought about reforms for law enforcement in Colorado. And the Aurora Police Department was put under state oversight, to stop a pattern of racist policing. As the trial of the officers charged in his death begins, a special Colorado In-Depth report looks at how we got here and explore what McClain’s death has taught Colorado, and the country, about police oversight.
Sept. 19, 2023: Black quarterbacks who changed the NFL; Putting the brakes on speed limits
Historically, there have been a lot of Black players in the NFL, but not as many Black quarterbacks. Marlin Briscoe was the first when he started for the Denver Broncos in 1968. We talk with John Eisenberg who wrote, “Rocket Men: The Black Quarterbacks who Revolutionized Pro Football.” Then, CDOT is changing how it sets speed limits. And the story of the Peace Corps.
From 1968 to present day, Black quarterbacks who’ve broken barriers in the NFL
Despite a high number of Black players in the National Football League, the position of quarterback has almost always been dominated by white players. John Eisenberg has written a book that provides an historical perspective. It’s called, “Rocket Men: the Black Quarterbacks who Revolutionized Pro Football.”
Colorado’s evolving arts scene, culture wars, and the journey to chart new territory as women of color
Cleo Parker Robinson is a history-making dancer, choreographer and community advocate. Dr. Brenda J. Allen is a noted DEI scholar, author and educator. Over the years, they’ve developed a deep respect for each other and a lasting friendship.
Sept. 14, 2023: Coloradan’s relief efforts in Morocco; Friends and scholars discuss arts and culture
As the death toll nears 3,000 after the earthquake in Morocco, Wendy Rubin, a Colorado educator now living in Casablanca, has watched her students organize a major relief effort. Then, esteemed dancer, choreographer and community advocate Cleo Parker Robinson, and noted DEI scholar, author and educator Dr. Brenda J. Allen, discuss the evolution of Colorado’s arts scene and culture wars.
Sept. 12, 2023: Rebuilding after the flood; How economics could save the rainforest
Flash flooding decimated Jamestown ten years ago. One resident shares how the community pulled together to rebuild. Then, migrant arrivals are increasing again in Denver. Plus, Colorado Mesa University is competing to save the rainforest. Also, new guidelines to help with childhood obesity. And a new play set at a city council meeting is filled with both comedy and mystery.
Former Colorado judge honors late mother at March On Washington’s 60th anniversary commemoration
Denver County Court judge Dianne Briscoe traveled to D.C.
Sept. 7, 2023: New effort to keep Trump off 2024 state ballot; Five generations of farmers
There’s a new effort to try to keep former president Donald Trump off the ballot in Colorado next year. A lawsuit, filed
in the federal district court for Colorado, argues that Trump can’t hold office because he has committed insurrection against the United States. Then, what kind of sustainable choices are people willing to make? Also, “Centennial” farms, toads, and the first day of preschool.
Sept. 5, 2023: Blair-Caldwell preserves Black history and rethinks libraries
The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library is reopen after a $2.8 million renovation project to make it more accessible and user-friendly. It’s one of only five African American research libraries in the United States attached to a major public library system. Chandra Thomas Whitfield takes a tour with branch supervisor Jameka Lewis.
A daughter reflects on her mother’s civil rights legacy following 60th anniversary of March on Washington
“What I thought about was all of the different people there, from across the country and different ethnicities. And the friendliness of people, we were all on the same page.”
Aug. 31, 2023: A retired Denver judge honors her mother’s March on Washington
It was a journey 60 years in the making, to honor her mother. Retired Denver County Court Judge Dianne Briscoe recently went to Washington, D.C.. for the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. She spoke with us about what’s next in the fight for civil rights, amid the stark reality of racial violence in the U.S. today. Then, predatory towing enters a new phase. And, yaks in Colorado.
Aug. 29, 2023: She fought for an equal education; now she hopes to preserve history in schools
Carlotta Walls LaNier was a member of the Little Rock Nine, a group of Black students who integrated Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas in 1957. She reflects on civil rights as teaching Black history comes under attack in Arkansas and other states. Then, keeping Garden of the Gods a welcoming place to visit. And Colorado wonders about the sounds of insects.
Colorado sets standard on judicial ethics
Once judges are appointed in Colorado, what is the code of ethics that they are expected to uphold? We brought that question to Christopher Gregory in April. He’s the Executive Director of the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline.
Diversifying Colorado’s judiciary and the importance of inclusion
of the state’s legal community have been very vocal about their desire to see more diversity on the bench. They’re also taking the time to celebrate what has been described as historic levels of diversity among those now serving, including several women, people of color, and LGBTQ people.
60 years after the March on Washington, a daughter returns to continue her mother’s legacy
This weekend marks 60 years since the March on Washington for civil rights, and thousands will return for a commemoration. Retired Denver County Court Judge Dianne Briscoe will be among them. This trip is special because her mother, Ruth Cousins Denny, attended the 1963 event.
Aug. 24, 2023: Colorado ties to Georgia indictments; Diverse judges and judicial ethics
Former President Donald Trump is expected to surrender to Georgia law enforcement today on charges that he led illegal efforts* to subvert the 2020 election in that state. Two people with Colorado ties are among the 18 other people charged in the case. Then, appointing more women to the bench in Colorado and what the state is doing to make sure judges meet the high standards of ethics. Plus, Colorado Wonders about waterfalls.
