Denver Westword | The Leading Independent News Source in Denver, Colorado

vintage photo of a man standing by a car

The History of Juneteenth in Denver

By Teague Bohlen

Jun 19, 2025

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, but Five Points was celebrating it seventy years before that.

Curious Theatre Premieres Regina Taylor’s Haunting Solo Play Exhibit

By Toni Tresca

May 15, 2025

The Golden Globe winner stars in a one-woman show exploring memory, justice and the soul of America.

Unkindest Cuts: DU Projects Hit by Science, Higher Ed Grants Purge

By Cassis Tingley

May 12, 2025

“Conducting research on DEI or women or LGBTQ communities is not some woke political agenda."

Aurora Lawmaker, Denver Activist Spar Over Police in Black Communities

By Bennito L. Kelty

May 7, 2025

Conservative councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky and Brother Jeff Fard discussed race and law enforcement after the two argued on social media last week.

Monumental Move: Colorado Legislature Approves Sand Creek Massacre Memorial at Capitol

By Patricia Calhoun

Apr 15, 2025

The monument will stand where the figure of a Civil War soldier was toppled during the 2020 protests.

Are Pearl Jam Fans Ready for the Indigenous Punk of Gregg Deal's Dead Pioneers?

By Jason Heller

Apr 9, 2025

"Being in this discussion about cultural appropriation and about representation is something that I'm very committed to."

A man dressed in red shorts and a blue shirt stands in a rustic old building.

Local Comedian Produces Netflix's First All-Native Lineup in Documentary, Now Starring in Finding the Funny

By Toni Tresca

Mar 19, 2025

Joshua Emerson is highlighting Native storytelling in Bad Indian and Finding the Funny.

Two women sit, and one stands around a wooden table.

Black Stories Matter: Aurora Fox’s Gee’s Bend Preserves History

By Toni Tresca

Feb 6, 2025

"This is not something just for me — it's so Black history is not forgotten. Every time somebody tells a story, somebody is going to learn something."

Denver's Fortieth Anniversary Marade Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

By Evan Semon

Jan 20, 2025

Despite the cold, marchers paraded from City Park to Civic Center Park.

$sc\culpture of MLK in the snow.$

Cold Won't Stop This Year's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marade

By Patricia Calhoun

Jan 19, 2025

Community leaders will gather in City Park by Ed Dwight's statue of MLK, which replaced a more controversial sculpture.

Pearl Jam to Take Denver Band on Tour in April

By Jason Heller

Dec 9, 2024

Denver punk band Dead Pioneers was hand-picked by Pearl Jam to open four East Coast tour dates next year.

Denver Black Santa Project Looking for 5,000 Toys Before December 21

By Bennito L. Kelty

Dec 9, 2024

"It breaks my heart again that we may be in a position to turn people away."

Denver City Council Declares November 14 the Day of the Black Girl

By Hannah Metzger

Nov 14, 2024

The proclamation honors the city's annual African American Young Ladies Summit.

Aurora Police Chief Addresses Criticism of Racial Bias, Trump Rally

By Bennito L. Kelty

Oct 31, 2024

"Just because you're the loudest duck in the room and you scream the loudest, that doesn't help facilitate a conversation that can be beneficial."

Panoramic mountain views on top of grassy North Table in Golden

New Map Will Help Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fund Communities Lacking Recreation Access

By Abigail Bliss

Aug 9, 2024

Aurora, Colorado Springs and Denver have "disproportionately impacted communities" when it comes to outdoor-recreation access.

police officer on top of recruit in fight

Suit Claims Denver Police Training Gauntlet Led to Recruit's Double Amputation

By Michael Roberts

Jul 30, 2024

"Saying my life has been ruined is a complete understatement. I had everything going for me in life and it was all taken away."

Police speaking and listening to protesters.

Black Aurora Councilmember Called Out for "Betraying" Protesters, Calling Them "Terrorists"

By Chris Perez

Jul 18, 2024

Councilmember Stephanie Hancock called protesters of a police shooting "bullies, terrorists, anarchists" during a hearing last week.

Green Book School Initiative Calls Out Treatment of Black Students, Boardmembers

By Chris Perez

May 17, 2024

The initiative's low scores for the Englewood School Board have sparked controversy, but the program's founders aren't backing down.

Ceremony Today Will Honor Preston Porter Jr., Colorado's Last Lynching Victim

By Patricia Calhoun

Apr 25, 2024

"We have to understand our history in order to graduate ourselves to the people we want to be."

Westword Apologizes for "Armed and Dangerous" Cover

By Patricia Calhoun

Apr 17, 2024

Youth violence is an important story. Our illustration failed this story and our community. We apologize, and have a plan to ensure it never happens again.

Racial Justice

Racist Receipt Sparks Backlash Online

Aurora Councilor Supports Police Amid Race Debate

Racial Justice

Racist Receipt Sparks Backlash Online

Aurora Councilor Supports Police Amid Race Debate

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