Colorado Experience

Meet Cleo Parker Robinson, a pioneer for Black excellence. Throughout her 53-year career, Cleo has become a cultural ambassador that has influenced the world of dance, not only in Denver, but across the globe. She has paved the way for many generations of talented dancers to take center stage and has been a true pillar of the Five Points community for over five decades.

Known for its military presence and mega-churches, Colorado Springs has seen a shift in the last decade. Major media outlets have ranked it a top destination for living and visiting. As more people flocked to Colorado Springs, its housing stock dwindled, simultaneously driving prices up and leaving many without a home. The city has responded primarily with an emphasis on law enforcement.

In part II of our series exploring homelessness in Colorado Springs, we examine the city's nonprofit and private sectors. We take a look at the city's largest shelter — Springs Rescue Mission — and how the folks the organization serves respond to its Christian programming. We also investigate barriers to accessing housing and the process of escaping homelessness.

From the beginning of their existence, many American Indian tribes have been deeply connected to the buffalo and used the buffalo as a primary source of food, clothing, tools and spirituality. The way of life for the tribes who called Colorado home changed drastically as settlers targeted American Indians and buffalo in lethal ways. Now, there's work to restore the bison to its homeland.

As the national mammal return to their homelands across the U.S., tribes like the Southern Ute are using their bison herds to feed tribal members. Behind every sacrifice of a buffalo is a cultural learning moment for all who eat bison. At the same time, several groups work to keep this incredible animal thriving into the future.

A historical look at northern Colorado's development in agriculture and how labor conditions for the Hispanic farmworkers led to El Movimiento of the 1960s. The turn of the 20th century brought thousands of immigrants, Chicanos and other Hispanic community members to the area to work in farm fields. In the 1960s, workers in northern Colorado stood up for the rights of Hispano laborers.

Roundup River Ranch Camp gives kids with serious medical diagnoses a chance to enjoy summer camp despite their diagnoses. The camp, in a valley near Gypsum, is complete with a medical facility, dining hall, cabins and, of course, many fun activities. The documentary covers the importance of the camp, the history of the land and follows two campers through their stay.

In north Denver, the 80216 zip code has been named one of the most polluted in the country. From redlining to factories and highways built through the neighborhoods, we learn what led to this unfortunate designation.

In the second part of our documentary on the 80216 zip code, we explore how residents and activists are working in different ways to fight for the future of the neighborhood.