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Reasons to Love Denver 2021: Democracy in Action
Coloradans know how to practice democracy. For evidence, look no further than our state s gold-standard voting system and the politicians who go to bat for the nation s best interests. Corinne Anderson and Lindsey B. King •
July 1, 2021
1. Because there’s nothing more American than baseball except maybe democracy.
On July 13, the Midsummer Classic will, for the second time, be played at Coors Field. Baseball fans who were prepared to catch the game from seats in Atlanta’s Truist Park learned on April 2 that they’d need to change their travel plans when MLB decided it wasn’t down with the restrictive voting laws which President Joe Biden called “Jim Crow in the 21st century” the state of Georgia passed in late March. Although MLB commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. didn’t go as far as to say Colorado’s record on voting rights had something to do with the decision, we have our suspicions. Senator Michael B
Reasons to Love Denver 2021: Much-Needed Distractions
These local movers, makers, and four-legged friends brought us delight when we needed it most. Angela Ufheil, Luke Guillory, Philip Clapham •
July 1, 2021
DJ Erin Stereo spent the year playing charity benefit streams and hosting a radio show with KGNU, because, well, house music was on lockdown, too. Stereo mixes sassy, gripping electronic sounds that, when heard with your eyes closed, transport you to the dance floor at Tracks. Tune in (SoundCloud: ErinStereo) at home and vogue like no one’s watching.
Ramakhandra | “Andromeda Soup Dumpling”
Didn’t think the harp had soul? Let Ramakhandra blow your mind. The group, which played summer shows in support of racial justice, also debuted a self-titled album. Its second track lays out the group’s singular sound: Funky drums, bass, and futuristic synths deliver a soothing yet challenging listen. It’s unlike anything else so much so that the band has described it a
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Reasons to Love Denver 2021: Athletics a Mile Above the Rest
Even through a pandemic year wrought with adversity and defeat, these local athletes inspired us to reach great heights. Danielle Atkin and Spencer Campbell •
July 1, 2021
1. Because these local athletes have given us something to cheer for after seeking their own silver or gold or bronze linings in the yearlong delay of the Tokyo Summer Olympics.
Ben Pinkelman,
Favorite Local Park: Cherry Park, Centennial
Pinkelman was prepared to push through a back injury and limp his way into the games in 2020. Instead, as soon as the delay was announced, he flew home for surgery. During recovery he attempted to learn Japanese and juggling but hardly touched a rugby ball. He considered it a rare chance to miss his sport and believes the mental break prepared him to take on his second Olympics and the world.
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Reasons to Love Denver 2021: Acts of Compassion
It s been pivotal past year for Denver, as the city faced overlapping crises and began to reckon with harmful parts of its past. While plenty of work still lies ahead, Denverites still found ways to show our neighbors we care. Corinne Anderson, Daliah Singer, Madi Skahill, Spencer Campbell •
July 1, 2021
1. Because we know when it’s time to name-drop.
Naming is power. And this past year, Denverites used it to reckon with the racist legacies that plague our city, one local symbol at a time. From Sunnyside’s La Raza Park (the moniker bestowed on what was Columbus Park is a nod to the area’s history as a center of Chicano activism) to Denver South High School’s new Raven mascot (formerly the Rebels), we are finally acknowledging that everyday places and symbols can be (not so) hidden harbors for hate.