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From early settlements along the banks of Cherry Creek to present-day enclaves, Denver’s African-American community has grown right alongside the Mile High City, sharing in its history every step of the way. That journey, speckled with tales of businessmen and Buffalo Soldiers, tap dancers, doctors, musicians and entrepreneurs, unfolds in...

By Susan Froyd

May 29, 2008

Audio By Carbonatix

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From early settlements along the banks of Cherry Creek to present-day enclaves, Denver’s African-American community has grown right alongside the Mile High City, sharing in its history every step of the way. That journey, speckled with tales of businessmen and Buffalo Soldiers, tap dancers, doctors, musicians and entrepreneurs, unfolds in a fascinating visual panorama in African Americans of Denver, a new addition to the Images of America series from Arcadia Publishing. Written jointly by La Wanna Larson of the Black American West Museum and MSCD historian Ronald J. Stephens, this volume is laden with vintage photos from local public and private collections that not only retrace the footsteps of historical figures, but also document everyday life in the Five Points neighborhood and elsewhere.

Larson and Stephens will discuss and sign copies of the book at a pair of events hosted at the BAWM, 3091 California Street, this weekend (one, at 5:30 p.m. tonight, features cocktails; the other, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow, will serve tea). Copies can be pre-ordered for $19.99 through the museum by calling 303-292-2566 or visiting www.blackamericanwestmuseum.com.
Fri., May 30, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 2008

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Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

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