In this episode Ramon del Castillo shares the story of naming and claiming La Raza Park in North Denver. In addition to reading his original poem, “A Strut Down Memory Lane,” Ramon describes decades of activism and the power of community in transforming people and places. Listen to hear an inspiring account of overcoming obstacles and envisioning a more equitable and diverse city.

Ramon is a retired professor who taught at Metropolitan State University of Denver for 35 years. He served as the Director of El Centro de las Familias and the PODER Project at NEWSED. Ramon was the Chair of the Master's Program of Nonprofit Management at Regis University and of the Chicana and Chicano Studies Program at Metropolitan State University.Read more of Ramon’s poetry here: https://coloradopoetscenter.org/poets/castillo_ramon/ 

For a transcript and to learn more about the Building Denver Initiative visit www.HistoryColorado.org/Building-Denver. 

Mention this podcast to receive $2 off admission to Building Denver: Visions of the Capital City--an upcoming exhibition at the History Colorado Center beginning May 29, 2021.

Ramon del Castillo reads “A Strut Down Memory Lane in North Denver,” an original poem that celebrates culture and reflects on stories of solidarity and community. Ramon pays tribute to the North Side and gives listeners a glimpse into gentrification, displacement, and intergenerational wounds of colonization. 

Ramon is a retired professor who taught at Metropolitan State University of Denver for 35 years. He served as the Director of El Centro de las Familias and the PODER Project at NEWSED. Ramon was the Chair of the Master's Program of Nonprofit Management at Regis University and of the Chicana and Chicano Studies Program at Metropolitan State University. Read more of Ramon’s poetry here: https://coloradopoetscenter.org/poets/castillo_ramon/ 

For a transcript and to learn more about the Building Denver Initiative visit www.HistoryColorado.org/Building-Denver. 

Mention this podcast to receive $2 off admission to Building Denver: Visions of the Capital City--an upcoming exhibition at the History Colorado Center beginning May 29, 2021.

Rain or shine, Jonathon Stalls’ regular commute takes him along Colorado Boulevard and through City Park. In this episode, Jonathon performs his original poem “Empire Lines” and offers pedestrian perspectives and visions for dignity in the Mile High City. 

Jonathon spent 242 days walking across the United States in 2010 and has continued to move alongside thousands of people for thousands of miles. He is an artist, social entrepreneur, advocate for social, economic, and racial justice, LGBTQIA+, Creator of Intrinsic Paths and Pedestrian Dignity, and Founder/Member of the Walk2Connect Co-op. You can learn more about Jonathon’s work at www.IntrinsicPaths.com and www.Patreon.com/IntrinsicPaths.   

For a transcript and to learn more about the Building Denver Initiative visit www.HistoryColorado.org/Building-Denver. 

Mention this podcast to receive $2 off admission to Building Denver: Visions of the Capital City--an upcoming exhibition at the History Colorado Center beginning May 29, 2021.

Jonathon Stalls reads his poem “Empire Lines” inspired by experiences of living and walking alongside Colorado Boulevard. This poem is dedicated to all who move by foot or by wheelchair as their primary form of transportation in the city of Denver.

Jonathon spent 242 days walking across the United States in 2010 and has continued to move alongside thousands of people for thousands of miles. He is an artist, social entrepreneur, advocate for social, economic, and racial justice, LGBTQIA+, Creator of Intrinsic Paths and Pedestrian Dignity, and Founder/Member of the Walk2Connect Co-op. You can learn more about Jonathon’s work at www.IntrinsicPaths.com and www.Patreon.com/IntrinsicPaths.   

For a transcript and to learn more about the Building Denver Initiative visit www.HistoryColorado.org/Building-Denver. 

Mention this podcast to receive $2 off admission to Building Denver: Visions of the Capital City--an upcoming exhibition at the History Colorado Center beginning May 29, 2021.

From tagging dumpsters in alleyways to painting murals in Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District, Josiah Lee Lopez shares his story of growing up on the West Side. Josiah’s memories invite us into the intersections of art and gentrification, the changing flavors and tastes in the city, and the loss of childhood friends and familiar faces.

Josiah Lopez uses the street as inspiration for his work. Whether murals, graffiti, or graphic design, his art touches on the complicated narratives of urban identity. Josiah received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Colorado at Boulder and his work has been shown across the United States since 1998. See Josiah’s murals and more: https://www.josiahleelopez.com/ 

For a transcript of this episode and to learn more about the Building Denver Initiative visit www.HistoryColorado.org/Building-Denver. 

Mention this podcast to receive $2 off admission to Building Denver: Visions of the Capital City--an upcoming exhibition at the History Colorado Center beginning May 29, 2021.

Josiah Lopez uses the street as inspiration for his work. Whether murals, graffiti, or graphic design, his art touches on the complicated narratives of urban identity. Josiah received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Colorado at Boulder and his work has been shown across the United States since 1998. 

Josiah performs his original poem, “West Side Excursions” inspired by his adventures growing up in Denver’s Baker and Lincoln Park Neighborhoods. Josiah wrote this piece after the death of his friend Rocky, who introduced him to the West Side.

See Josiah’s murals and more: https://www.josiahleelopez.com/ 

For a transcript of this episode and to learn more about the Building Denver Initiative visit www.HistoryColorado.org/Building-Denver. 

Mention this podcast to receive $2 off admission to Building Denver: Visions of the Capital City--an upcoming exhibition at the History Colorado Center beginning May 29, 2021.

In this episode, Kenya "Mahogany" Fashaw performs her poem, “Change Gon’ Come” and shares stories that transport us to Juneteenth celebrations, spoken word performances at brother jeff’s community center, and places lost to gentrification on Welton Street. Kenya gives us a glimpse into the places that have built the Five Points community. 

Kenya is a spoken word artist and an award winning playwright. She believes in telling stories that have been untold. Her art was nurtured in the heart of the Five Points community and Welton Street in Denver, Colorado. 

Follow her work at: 5280artistcoop.com on Instagram @Mahoganyfashaw and YouTube: Mahogany Fashaw 

For a transcript of this episode and to learn more about the Building Denver Initiative visit www.HistoryColorado.org/Building-Denver. 

Mention this podcast to receive $2 off admission to Building Denver: Visions of the Capital City - an upcoming exhibition at the History Colorado Center beginning May 29, 2021.

Kenya "Mahogany" Fashaw is a spoken word artist and an award winning playwright. She believes in telling stories that have been untold. Her art was nurtured in the heart of the Five Points community and Welton Street in Denver, Colorado.

Kenya reads her poem “Change Gon’ Come” inspired by Sam Cooke and the Five Points neighborhood. Kenya wrote this poem after George Floyd’s murder and the summer 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.Learn more about Kenya "Mahogany" Fashaw and follow her work at:

• 5280 Artist Coop
• Instagram @Mahoganyfashaw 
• YouTube: Mahogany Fashaw