LOOK: Denver celebrates the first night of Kwanzaa
A true community event, the barrier between performers on stage and audience in seats was a porous one, with people streaming across the border to become part of the action. Here’s what we saw.
Esteemed elder Ms. Isetta Crawford Rawls watches from behind the curtain. The first night of Kwanzaa at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, Dec. 26, 2016. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
This year Kwanzaa, the festival of African-American culture, celebrates its 50th year. To honor this non-religious winter holiday, a team of community stalwarts including Brother Jeff Fard, Ms. Cleo Parker Robinson and Pastor Terrence Hughes, among many others, put on a celebration at Robinson’s dance studio at the former Shorter A.M.E. Church at Park Avenue West and Washington Street.
A true community event, the barrier between performers on stage and audience in seats was a porous one, with people streaming across the border to become part of the action. Here’s what we saw.
Ms. Isetta Crawford Rawls sits at the front of the theater as all of the children in the room are called to the stage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre is packed on the first night of Kwanzaa. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Heritage African Drum and Dance performer Hadiya Brown moves under the spotlight. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Jamari Robinson Hampton performs a convincing MJ to "Billie Jean." (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
A spinning dancer under spotlights. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
The crowd stands to applaud as community elders are honored on stage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
People in the crowd raise their fists. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Drummers make rhythms that move the show all night long. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
NyImah Bryant watches from backstage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Chet Sisk watches from stage right. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Living in Christ Faith Ministries' Pastor Terrence Hughes watches from behind the curtain. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Ms. Cleo Parker Robinson, the namesake of this theatre, addresses the crowd. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Ms. Cleo Parker Robinson speaks to the crowd on the first night of Kwanzaa. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
The audience reaches above symbolizing sunlight, one ingredient in making a seed grow. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Your Soul's Movement's Kalere Hines takes a bow onstage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Brother Jeff Fard directs the show from stage right. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
All of the college students in the audience are called down to the stage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Ms. Isetta Crawford Rawls reads the names of people lost this year, as provided by audience members. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Lesley Pace, Ms. Black Colorado 2017. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Mayor Michael B. Hancock watches clandestinely from the side of the theater. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Ms. Isetta Crawford Rawls watches dancers under the spotlight. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Jamari Robinson Hampton performs a convincing MJ to "Billie Jean." (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
A silhouette backstage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Brother Jeff Fard peps up dancers before the show. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Brother Jeff Fard directs the show from stage right. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre is packed on the first night of Kwanzaa. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Dancers watch from backstage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Your Soul's Movement's Kalere Hines dances onstage. The first night of Kwanzaa at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Who do developers want to be Denver’s next mayor? Here’s what public data shows
The industry has given to several mayoral and city council candidates, but developers' contributions to one mayoral candidate stand out.
Things to do in Denver this weekend, March 31-April 2
Red Rocks' 2023 concert series kicks off, Russell Square Park reopens and more!
Words to Power’s Open Mic gives teens a space to air it out and be heard for a change
"The youth are speaking but people are not listening."
You can take your boat out on Cherry Creek Reservoir starting Saturday
All you need to know about getting out on the water.
Dazzle’s new location will feature artwork from local artists preserving the history of Colorado Jazz
The delay in opening has opened up opportunities for local partnerships led by Owner and President, Donald Rossa.
What we know about the decision to reintroduce armed officers to DPS schools
What the Denver Public School board's decision from last week does and the schools where parents and students can expect to see police.
Service disruptions could be coming to an RTD line near you
Maintenance will affect the E, H and R lines, along with separate L line disruptions until October.
DU gymnastics’ scores are up and the program is breaking records just in time to host NCAA regionals this weekend
It's the first step on the road to a national championship.
Park Hill Golf Course’s future reimagined — by sixth graders
The kids were much better behaved than some adults as they discussed what they believe could be done with the 155-acre plot of land.
West Denver neighborhoods will be shaped for the next 20 years by the area plan City Council approved this week
The plan encompasses Barnum, Barnum West, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park and West Colfax.
What Denver mayoral candidates on the ballot say about safety in Denver Public Schools and youth violence
Parents and students called for more gun safety laws and security measures liked armed officers in schools in the aftermath of the East High School shooting.
What happens if candidates in the mayoral and city council races fail to get more than 50% of the vote?
In a crowded field with no frontrunner, getting above 50% would be an impressive feat.
Denver’s municipal election turnout has long been pretty bad. Maybe things will be better this year?
Do you have a good strategy to get your friends interested in democracy?
Candidates in the at-large city council race have received racist, homophobic harassment
One filed a police report after receiving over a dozen hateful letters in the mail.
Another round of the very popular e-bike rebates will be available Tuesday
Denverite's claimed almost 900 rebates last time in less than half an hour.
A very Denverite mayoral questionnaire: Kelly Brough
We asked candidates about the Park Hill Golf Course conservation land easement, Denver's future, sweeps and more.
Gut check: Has Denver’s Fair Elections Fund done what it’s supposed to?
About a dozen committees have spent more than $3 million on all of Denver’s municipal races, mostly in support of candidates.
What is a whale baleen and why is its skeleton at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science?
It likely dates back to the 1800s.
Here’s your chance to have your say on Denver’s sidewalks
The city is taking applications for a task force on Denver Deserves Sidewalks.
East High School shooter’s interest in ghost guns derailed a once-promising academic outlook
The 17-year-old student was bright with an interest in engineering, but his attitude toward guns led to repeated tense encounters with law enforcement and school officials.