Black History

An unusual twist on the holiday classic 'The Nutcracker' is set to open this weekend. It uses Duke Ellington’s jazz version of the famous score to celebrate the history of Five Points, which was known in the 1930s and ‘40s as “The Harlem of the West.” A conversation with the show’s director, on today’s In The NoCo.

Columbus B. Hill was a towering figure in Colorado’s barbecue history. Back in the late 1800s, his food was so good, it was served to thousands of people at the state Capitol. But these days, not many people know his name. Today we talk with barbecue historian Adrian Miller about why he wrote about the “best barbecue man in the West.” It’s part of In The NoCo’s new Holiday Book Club!

Fire Station No. 3 in Denver with a legacy of all-Black fire crews has been added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its unique architecture and ethnic heritage.

Columbus B. Hill was a legendary figure in Colorado’s barbecue history. Back in the late 1800s, his food was so good, it was served to thousands of people at the state Capitol. But these days, not many people know his name. Today on In The NoCo, Denver author Adrian Miller shares the story of the "best barbecue man in the West.”

An exhibit at the Museum of Boulder illuminates the often untold stories of Black Coloradans and their influence on our region's history – and future. On In The NoCo we hear from one of the project's creators, author and soul food historian Adrian Miller.

Juneteenth is our newest federal holiday. It’s observed on June 19, but many cities across Colorado will celebrate Freedom Day this weekend, with music festivals and community gatherings. On In The NoCo, CSU professor Ray Black discusses the meaning of Juneteenth, and the unique way he'll celebrate the holiday.

Ed Dwight, America's first Black astronaut candidate, has finally made it to space 60 years later, flying with Jeff Bezos' rocket company. The 90-year-old Dwight blasted off from West Texas with five other passengers on Sunday.

In the early 1900s, the community of Dearfield was Colorado’s largest Black homesteading site. It thrived for many years, until the Dust Bowl and the Depression pushed residents out. UNC scholar George Junne explains why it’s important to reflect on the community today.

We close out Black History Month today on In The NoCo with a look at Dearfield. In the early 1900s, it was Colorado’s largest Black homesteading site. Local scholar George Junne tells us why it’s important to reflect on that community today.

Rich historical accounts of Black life abound in many parts of the country. But in Colorado, there’s still a lot to learn about Black history. Today on In The NoCo, we hear from a curator at History Colorado who is working to uncover those stories.