Oral histories in this playlist explore Colorado stories from the LGBTQ+ community.

LGBTQ+ Stories

Oral histories in this playlist explore history, culture, and community of some of Colorado's Black voices.

Colorado's Black Voices

Documenting, preserving, and celebrating Colorado's arts & leisure. Art, music, photography, amusement, toys, games, natural environmental treasures, and more!

Colorado Arts & Leisure

The Westside Memory Project: Sun Valley Neighborhood is an ongoing community-based public memory project where long-time resident families and friends of Denver's Sun Valley Neighborhood connect to share stories about the neighborhood, collect and preserve their stories and share these through a community event or art. This project is a collaboration between the History Colorado Center, Sun Valley Kitchen & Community Center, and community members from Sun Valley, supported by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Westside Memory Project: Sun Valley

Democratic State Representative Brianna Titone is the first openly transgender legislator elected in the state of Colorado and the fourth in the nation. Titone grew up in rural New York and is a geologist by profession. In this oral history, Representative Titone speaks on rural life where she grew up, the Colorado agricultural landscape, her experience in mining, and her experience as a trans representative. This oral history was collected by Fall 2020 Oral History Intern Soleil Hanberry-Lizzi.

Access the full record in Argus at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=9bcc579f-462e-4ea9-a938-42ecb7999c24

2021.17.1

Oral history of Representative Brianna Titone, 2021.17.1

As a first generation American citizen originally born in China Wong-Brown explains the way her cultural identities interact and how they intersect with her identity as a queer woman. 

See the full description and catalog record in Argus: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=60cf5795-e282-4e9d-9d2b-369ee80f205e

Oral history of Karen Wong-Brown, 2021.83.1

No Braid has been an active powwow participant her entire life, her parents having met on the powwow circuit. She is a member of the Denver March Powwow Organization and discusses how its 2020 cancellation due to COVID-19 has affected her and her powwow circuit family. 

See this in video format on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnRFR4IXCXk

See the full catalog description of this oral history in Argus at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=6512e841-8fd8-401e-b61c-c197eeb6210c

2021.9.5

Oral history of Larissa No Braid, 2021.9.5

This oral history concerns LGBTQ+ life and activism, drag culture, kink and leather culture, religion, discrimination, disability, and sexual assault in Colorado.

See the full catalog record in Argus: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=b242e127-f74b-4263-9408-422041bd832e

Oral history of Sister Cheyenne Demure, 2022.2.1

Withers talks about the importance of the Tuskegee Airmen and preserving history. 

See the full catalog description on Argus: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=a529534c-1a02-4e99-9a16-8bc10ec67871

Oral history of Jacqueline Withers 2022.149.1

Harvey is one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen.

See the full description in Argus: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=b84af92d-f097-4ff0-bb76-918399909787

Oral History of James H. Harvey III, 2022.132.1

This is an oral history of Jess E. Du Bois, the recording was taken in November of 2022 at Summit Nursing Home. Jess was the son of Melba Du Bois, and the step-son of Wink's Hamlet, who built Wink's Lodge in Lincoln Hills. Lincoln Hills was an All Black mountain recreational space in Gilpin County. Jess talks about his childhood, growing up in Five Points, his career as an artist, musician, and glass blower. Jess also plays the spoons in the recording. Jess also talks about being one of the first African Americans to operate a shop in Estes Park. This was the last recorded interview before Jess passed away.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=9df17840-ae95-4256-9700-cef65410e9eb

Oral history of Jess Du Bois 2023.33.1

In this oral history, Terri Gentry, Engagement Manager for Black Communities, talks to various members of the Owl Club. The Owl Club of Denver was founded in 1941 as a group of Black workers who turned their Saturday night gatherings into a prominent community service organization. The purpose of the club is to “promote brotherhood amongst African American men by participating in a variety of community service initiatives, to highlight the social, civic, and scholastic achievements of young Black women in Denver, and to
introduce these young women to Denver’s vibrant African American social community.” The Debutante Ball is their signature event.

This oral history was collected on March 11, 2023. See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=22613510-a5ad-4a10-ab6b-6e672746d147

Oral History of Owl Club of Denver 2023.25.1

In this oral history conducted by Dexter Nelson, Chloé Duplessis talks about her work as an artist. Chloé Duplessis is an African American legally-blind artist and culture bearer. She is the creator of Denver's first accessible "I VOTED" sticker and co-creator of the noted Holding Hope mural located in RiNo Art District.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=fdc7db42-f8dc-4d54-b064-c1e2a45279da

Oral History of Chloé Duplessis 2023.51.1

This oral history of Greg & Rita Gomez is part of the Museum of Memory's Displaced Aurarians project. It was collected on December 31, 2022 by Frances Torres.

Greg and Rita Gomez Delgado recount their experiences growing up at Auraria. They shared details about their experience at St. Cajetan’s Catholic School, and St. Cajetan’s Catholic Church. Similarly, they tied in the memories of the annual St. Cajetan’s Bazaar, and the smells and food of green chili, tamales, and the queen selected every year.  As well as describing the Ave. Maria clinic and its importance to the community. When the displacement occurred they shared how it changed their world and how they have carried this with them for 50 years ago and felt that day they watched their world fall apart.

“I Am Auraria'' is the culmination of a year-long Museum of Memory project that shares the stories of the hundreds of families who were displaced to make room for the higher education campus that now stands at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=dab33ef5-3878-4155-86e0-6875052c8f59

Oral History of Greg & Rita Gomez, 2023.96.2

In this oral history, conducted by Cassie Harper, Kalyn Heffernan shares her life and activism. 

Kalyn Heffernan is a community activist, educator, queer identifying, and front person of Wheelchair Sports Camp. She was born with the genetic disorder osteogenesis imperfecta that confines her to a wheelchair. In 2016, she was given the MasterMind award by Westword magazine in recognition of her co-founding of Royalty Free Haiti. She participated in a 2017 ADAPT sit-in at Senator Cory Gardner’s office to protest a proposed bill that would have cut Medicaid. In 2018, Westword’s “Best of Denver” named Heffernan “Best Activist Musician,” and in 2019, she “sat” as a candidate in the Denver mayoral race. ColorLines named her “Eight Openly Queer Rappers to Watch.” 

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=5407daec-9afd-43cb-9468-9db146c4fe53

Oral history of Kalyn Heffernan, 2024.36.1

Kenzie Sitterud is a multimedia artist specializing in large-scale installations, commercial art, and public art environments. In this oral history, Kenzie talks about their upbringing in a religious family in Utah, being outed to their parents, making a new life with music and art in Colorado, and LGBTQ+ and DIY arts scenes in Denver from the 2000s to COVID to today. Kenzie talks about their development as an artist and some of their work at the Dairy Center, Denver Art Museum, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Meow Wolf, Breck Create, and their residencies with Redline Contemporary, Platteforum, and POST.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=35c6135a-399b-4fc6-9993-8389355488b3

Oral history of Kenzie Sitterud, 2024.81.1

Oral history of former Las Casitas resident Jesse Garcia. Jesse grew up in Sun Valley from the late 1960s until he graduated high school in the 80s and left the neighborhood to join the Marines. Jesse provides insight into what life was like growing up in Sun Valley while having to bus to schools outside of the neighborhood. He recounts living in both the neighborhood and two now demolished SV public housing developments, Las Casitas and the Sun Valley Homes. Oral History by Maria Islas-Lopez. 
Photo by Maria Islas-Lopez.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=7a1b133c-7dc9-4ac6-b049-cf7d79f45941

The Westside Memory Project: Sun Valley Neighborhood is an ongoing community-based public memory project where long-time resident families and friends of Denver's Sun Valley Neighborhood connect to share stories about the neighborhood, collect and preserve their stories and share these through a community event or art. This project is a collaboration between the History Colorado Center, Sun Valley Kitchen & Community Center, and community members from Sun Valley, supported by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Oral History of Jesse Garcia, 2024.67.1

Oral history of former Sun Valley Homes residents and Vietnamese refugees Tra, Tam, and Hong. The narrators lived in Sun Valley from mid to late 1990s to around 2018. They discuss their experiences of moving from Vietnam to the United States as single mothers with particular focus on the period of time when they were living in the Sun Valley homes. Their joint oral histories provide insights into the challenges each woman faced in navigating life in a new country where they did not speak the language, as well as their reccent experiences of being displaced from the Sun Valley neighborhood due to redevelopments. Oral history by Linh Nguyen. Photo by Linh Nguyen.

See full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=2aa37d09-ce24-4666-8572-5191987ac76f

The Westside Memory Project: Sun Valley Neighborhood is an ongoing community-based public memory project where long-time resident families and friends of Denver's Sun Valley Neighborhood connect to share stories about the neighborhood, collect and preserve their stories and share these through a community event or art. This project is a collaboration between the History Colorado Center, Sun Valley Kitchen & Community Center, and community members from Sun Valley, supported by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Oral History of Tra Nguyen, Tam Nguyen, and Hong Nguyen, 2024.67.2

Oral history of former Sun Valley resident Roland Martinez. Roland spent most of his adolescence in Sun Valley in the 80s after his family had been moving around in Colorado. He recounts childhood memories and experiences of moving from rural Colorado to a city and later experiences of being displaced, as well as memories of living in a multicultural neighborhood, which had an influence on his decision to become a teacher at Denver Public Schools (DPS). Roland currently works as an instructor at Emily Griffith Technical College where he continues to teach and inspire new generations of students. Oral history in the HC recording studio by Linh Nguyen. Photo by Linh Nguyen.

See full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=454561cf-d200-4e80-ab72-47c4faee9d3a

The Westside Memory Project: Sun Valley Neighborhood is an ongoing community-based public memory project where long-time resident families and friends of Denver's Sun Valley Neighborhood connect to share stories about the neighborhood, collect and preserve their stories and share these through a community event or art. This project is a collaboration between the History Colorado Center, Sun Valley Kitchen & Community Center, and community members from Sun Valley, supported by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Oral History of Roland Martinez, 2024.67.3.A

Roland Martinez discusses his childhood in Sun Valley. He emphasizes the importance of community spaces such as the rec center and Fairview elementary school. Videorecording by Tomas Bernal at Fairview Elementary, 01/28/2023

See full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=e314979d-6f96-4968-9189-22fe8820eaba

The Westside Memory Project: Sun Valley Neighborhood is an ongoing community-based public memory project where long-time resident families and friends of Denver's Sun Valley Neighborhood connect to share stories about the neighborhood, collect and preserve their stories and share these through a community event or art. This project is a collaboration between the History Colorado Center, Sun Valley Kitchen & Community Center, and community members from Sun Valley, supported by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Testimonial of Roland Martinez, 2024.67.3.B

Former Fairview Elementary school principal TJ Layne recounts his experience at the school and in the community. TJ provides an outsider perspective of the Sun Valley community. He discusses the day-to-day experience of teaching at Fairview Elementary school from 2018 to 2021 and some of the ongoing funding challenges that they were facing as an educational and cultural institution. TJ also explains how his time at Fairview helped him to recognize and reconcile with his privileges. He reminisces about the joy of being an educator at Fairview and the different ways in which families and community support can provide for Fairview students. Oral history by Linh Nguyen. Photo by Linh Nguyen.

See full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=eca630fd-e7b9-4917-8f03-6d1864e1ed94

The Westside Memory Project: Sun Valley Neighborhood is an ongoing community-based public memory project where long-time resident families and friends of Denver's Sun Valley Neighborhood connect to share stories about the neighborhood, collect and preserve their stories and share these through a community event or art. This project is a collaboration between the History Colorado Center, Sun Valley Kitchen & Community Center, and community members from Sun Valley, supported by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Oral history of TJ Layne, 2024.67.4

In this oral history, Katherine Peabody discusses traditional Ute folk arts, specifically her beadwork, doll-making, and her shop located at the Four Corners National Monument near Cortez, Colorado. Peabody also talks about creating floral designs that are synonymous with Ute patterns used for leggings.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=aeb43b94-185c-4126-aadd-cea300832ba8

Oral History of Katherine Peabody, MSS.2450.CT026

In this oral history, Rodger Ewy, age 93, talks from his Boulder home about his life as a photographer; his photo work in post-WWII Europe and his BMW motorcycle; Winter Prather and others; and publishing books on Lamaze with his wife. 

Ewy describes himself as a fine art photographer, author, alpinist, industrial and scientific imager, Lamaze and childbirth educator, builder, real estate owner, and BMW motorcycle enthusiast. His photo of an IBM logo poster is at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. 

Rodger and Donna Ewy first published Preparation for Childbirth, a Lamaze Guide in 1970 that sold hundreds of thousands of copies and was reprinted in multiple languages and editions. The couple published additional books on breastfeeding, the Lamaze method, teen pregnancy,  miscarriage/stillborn/newbon loss, family-centered childbirth, and parenting.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=94904be7-4f10-4282-a15a-fb5bc4b71b96

Oral history of Rodger Ewy, 2025.92

Oral history of Brandon Maldonado recorded by Jeremy Morton.

Brandon Maldonado is an artist based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, known for incorporating a modern style into the traditional art of santos. Born in Denver in 1980, he moved to Albuquerque in first grade and has developed a strong knowledge of the history of santeros and santos in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. His family has roots in Walsenburg, Colorado, and includes relatives who were part of the Penitentes in the San Luis Valley.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal.aspx?lang=en-US&g_AACA=HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final+%7cObject+%7cSimpleSrch+%3d+%27R.48.2025%27&d=d

Oral history of Brandon Maldonado, 2025.91

In this oral history, Stanley talks about his Denver roots, his Polish family, and his work as a fine arts curator and writer. The oral history was recorded in his 3rd generation family home in Sloan’s Lake.

Stanley Cuba was born in Denver in 1948 and is a descendant of Polish immigrants. He went to Regis High School and earned a BA and MA in history and art history from Columbia. Cuba has an extensive publications record, writing books, exhibition catalogues, and articles exploring the history of fine artists in Colorado and Denver’s Polish American community, among other topics (see Cuba’s full bibliography attached to the record). He served as Associate Curator of the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art (2007-2019) and then as Associate Consulting Curator until his retirement.

His mother, Wanda H. Kugaczewski, was the first woman president of Polish National Alliance Lodge #134 and his late father, Frank I. Cuba, was president of the Polish Club of Denver. Read more about Cuba’s family in his essay, “A Lifelong Polish American Connection,” in "I Remember When...", Memoirs from the Polish American Historical Association (James Pula ed., 2025).

Accompanying image is a drawn caricature of Stan Cuba by Polish caricature artist, Julian Zebrowski (1915-2002) created in 1976.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal.aspx?lang=en-US&g_AACA=HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final+%7cObject+%7cSimpleSrch+%3d+%27stanley+cuba%27&d=d



Oral history of Stan Cuba, 2025.173.1

In this oral history recorded on April 23, 2025 with Dr. Oakleigh Thorne II, now 97 years old, he talks about his extraordinary life as an accomplished biologist, birder, environmentalist, and a cappella singer who has had a long career in conservation and environmental education. 

He was involved in the founding of the Nature Conservancy and helped establish the Thorne Ecological Institute (now the Thorne Nature Experience) in Boulder and Lafayette, Colorado. He is also the founder of Thorne Films, nature and environment-related educational films, and the subject of the documentary, The Mighty Oak. Thorne played a key role in the development of Boulder's open space program and the protection of areas like Enchanted Mesa at Chautauqua in Boulder. He has also been involved with environmental education initiatives at Naropa University and the Colorado School of Mines. He shares interesting anecdotes about meeting Chevy Chase, Ann Margaret, and other renowned figures in science and music.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=f8e800d3-b5a1-4790-8ab5-89baebed6fd4

Oral history of Oak Thorne, 2025.172

In this oral history, Chandler Romeo, an artist and community leader in Denver, talks about her arts practice, the local women ceramic artists who influenced her, and her work in community life and the arts scene. 

She grew up in Boulder and studied fine arts at Colorado State University. In the 1980s, Chandler and her husband Reed Weimer helped develop the Navajo Street Arts District and became involved in the Pirate Art Co-op and the Denver art scene, buying and renovating buildings to house artist collectives and galleries. They purchased the historic Bug Theater building and turned it into a performance and arts venue that is still operating today under the direction of Chandler's brother-in-law. 

Chandler has been deeply involved in the Denver arts community, serving on various public art committees and boards to advocate for artists and arts organizations. She received awards like the Mayor's Award for Excellence in the Arts for her efforts. In recent years, Chandler has shifted some of her focus to preserving the historic World's Wonder View Tower in the town of Genoa, Colorado, which she and a group of partners purchased and are working to restore. 

After the passing of her parents, Chandler reflects on the next chapter of her own artistic and creative pursuits, though she remains committed to the arts and community-focused projects. The World's Wonder View Tower, in Genoa, Colorado, became the Friends of Genoa Tower, Inc. in 2016 and is currently under restoration as one of Colorado's Most Endangered places.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=21ffdcad-c07b-4c7e-b2c7-d24683c3037c

Oral history of Chandler Romeo, 2025.160

Listen to a little of the clips from Little Saigon Oral History collecting 

Moving to the US - Kathy Luu

Moving to Denver - Hong Tran

Grocery Shopping as a kid - Dara Chhim

Balancing heritage with assimilation - Jadyn Nguyen

Improving Infrastructure - Joie Ha 03

Overcoming obstacles through community - Hung Tran

Finding the American Dream Aaron Le

Finding an Asian American community - Jane Ly

Preserving History - Joie Ha 01

Preventing Gentrification - Joie Ha 02

Relying on the family & community - Hoai & Linh Ton Vitacane

Dreams of Little Saigon - Ivy Ha

Connecting to heritage through the stories of our ancestors - Joie Ha 04

Community is Necessary - Vietnamese Clip Mai Duong

The joy of speaking the language - Thien Tai 02

A mother's advice for future generations - Phuong Luong, Mimi Luong

A wish for Little Saigon- Kim Le 02

Advice for future generations - Phung Luong Mimi Luong 01

Difficulty in sharing stories - Kim Le 01

Feeling like an outsider - Mickey Ha

Far East Center connects me to my heritage - Madalyn Drewno 02

Depicting Little Saigon through art - Madalyn Drewno 01

Journey to Denver - Vichol & Sumalee Chinsomboon

Time to retire - Anonymous 01

(Vietnamese) Arrival in the U.S Anonymous 02

How my family got here - Anonymous 03

Longing to know my heritage - Anonymous 04

My dad worked hard to take care of us - Anonymous 10

In this oral history, Lynn Beseck, a former journalist and nurse, recounts her involvement in a civil disobedience protest during the 1997 strike by United Steelworkers against Oregon Steel in Pueblo, Colorado. As the wife of a steelworker and a member of the community affected by the strike, Bizek participated in the protest at Oregon Steel's corporate headquarters in Portland, where she and other women locked themselves to the building's pillars. Though the protest was planned to be a peaceful act of civil disobedience, the women were arrested and detained for several hours before being released. Bizek later spoke at events, including the Ludlow Massacre Memorial Service, to share the story of the "Women of Steel" and highlight the ongoing struggle for workers' rights. The summary describes the impact of the strike on the Pueblo community and the personal and professional sacrifices made by Bizek and others during this period.

Steel City: 1980-2004 is an exhibit, at the El Pueblo History Museum, first and foremost about Pueblo, and its community. The Bessemer Steel Mill has over the last 140 years touched the lives of almost every Puebloan, and the economic hardships and labor conflicts that began in the 1980s struck their community hard. Steel City shows how Puebloans banded together to support each other through these difficult times, showing perseverance and solidarity through bankruptcy, labor disputes, and a historic seven year strike.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=1fe1ca02-996c-4b5b-b77e-41d32b5004ac

Oral history of Lynn Beseck, 2025.200.3

In this oral history, Arthur Yarbrough Jr., a lifelong resident of Pueblo, Colorado and a third-generation steelworker at the CF＆I steel mill discusses his family's history in the mill, the impact of the mill on the Pueblo community, and his own experiences working there, including the difficult layoffs and strikes in the 1980s and 1990s. Yarbrough describes the camaraderie and mutual respect among the diverse workforce, as well as the challenges of working under the new ownership of Oregon Steel in the late 1990s. Despite the hardships, he reflects positively on his time at the mill and the way it shaped his perspective.

Steel City: 1980-2004 is an exhibit, at the El Pueblo History Museum, first and foremost about Pueblo, and its community. The Bessemer Steel Mill has over the last 140 years touched the lives of almost every Puebloan, and the economic hardships and labor conflicts that began in the 1980s struck their community hard. Steel City shows how Puebloans banded together to support each other through these difficult times, showing perseverance and solidarity through bankruptcy, labor disputes, and a historic seven year strike.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=a7a0cb17-2b5f-49b1-ad31-a3b89e02de4c

Oral history of Art Yarborough, 2025.200.4

In this oral history, Joel Buchanan, a retired steel worker, recounts his experiences as a union activist during a lengthy strike at the CF＆I steel mill in Pueblo, Colorado in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He describes the vibrant steel worker community in Pueblo, his involvement in the union, and the challenges the workers faced as the steel industry declined. Buchanan discusses the three-year strike, the union's corporate campaign against Wells Fargo Bank, and the eventual settlement that provided a large back pay settlement for the workers. Despite some lingering tensions, Buchanan reflects on how the strike ultimately led to the mill becoming one of the cleanest and safest steel producers in the country.

Steel City: 1980-2004 is an exhibit, at the El Pueblo History Museum, first and foremost about Pueblo, and its community. The Bessemer Steel Mill has over the last 140 years touched the lives of almost every Puebloan, and the economic hardships and labor conflicts that began in the 1980s struck their community hard. Steel City shows how Puebloans banded together to support each other through these difficult times, showing perseverance and solidarity through bankruptcy, labor disputes, and a historic seven year strike.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=b1d095eb-9f63-4daa-b165-bba11dfd5e84

Oral history of Joel Buchanan, 2025.200.5

In this oral history, Burnie Zercher and John Winkley, who were involved in the construction and modernization of the steel mill in Pueblo, Colorado from the 1970s to the 1990s, discuss the evolution of the steel industry, the challenges faced by the mill during bankruptcy and restructuring, and the resilience of the Pueblo community in adapting to the changes. The summary highlights the key events, technological advancements, and the personal experiences of the interviewees in navigating the ups and downs of the steel mill's operations over the decades.

Steel City: 1980-2004 is an exhibit, at the El Pueblo History Museum, first and foremost about Pueblo, and its community. The Bessemer Steel Mill has over the last 140 years touched the lives of almost every Puebloan, and the economic hardships and labor conflicts that began in the 1980s struck their community hard. Steel City shows how Puebloans banded together to support each other through these difficult times, showing perseverance and solidarity through bankruptcy, labor disputes, and a historic seven year strike.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=c9550988-39c5-492c-90e6-e7cbbc283618

Oral history of Burnie Zercher & John Winkley, 2025.200.6

In this oral history, Juanita Martínez and José Arsenio Martinez, a married couple from Colorado discuss their family's history, including their parents' migration from New Mexico, their experiences as migrant workers, and the challenges they faced. The interview also covers the couple's involvement in the struggle for land rights in the San Luis Valley, the importance of water rights and management in their community, and the educational and professional achievements of their five daughters. Throughout the interview, the couple emphasizes the values of honesty, integrity, and community that they have instilled in their family.

Steel City: 1980-2004 is an exhibit, at the El Pueblo History Museum, first and foremost about Pueblo, and its community. The Bessemer Steel Mill has over the last 140 years touched the lives of almost every Puebloan, and the economic hardships and labor conflicts that began in the 1980s struck their community hard. Steel City shows how Puebloans banded together to support each other through these difficult times, showing perseverance and solidarity through bankruptcy, labor disputes, and a historic seven year strike.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=4e15f416-b26c-4ba5-bfa7-733d87b1990e

Oral history of Jose and Juanita Martinez, 2025.200.7

In this oral history conducted by Acoma Gaither, Novuyo Masakhane discusses her life as a professional writer, artist, and filmmaker for over 25 years in Denver. Masakhane highlights her family history and artistic journey. She was raised in the African American sacred and secular dance traditions and began performing at the age of three. Her study and work are focused on understanding the realm of trance possession through dance/movement as it shows up in indigenous spiritual systems. Masakahne attended Sonoma State University in Northern California for Dance Theatre, Naropa University of Boulder for Dance Therapy and Filmmaking at the American Film Institute of Los Angeles CA. In 1990 Novuyo co-founded the Moyo Nguvu Cultural Arts Center, in Denver, Colorado, where she served as the artistic director, choreographer and teacher for eight years. Within those eight years she also co-authored and produced the “Moyo Rites of Passage” program which served over 500 youth within Colorado and became a nationally recognized program. Novuyo emphasizes the importance of patience, discipline, and connection to nature for young artists and creatives. She believes artists have a responsibility to bring "color" and creativity into the world.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=8b1238f8-93a4-4998-8ee3-029299eb0ab8

Oral History of Novuyo Masakhane 2025.186.1

Mel Silva and his wife own the Waci-Ci trading post in Ignacio, Colorado. In this oral history, he shares his experiences growing up in Ignacio, Colorado as part of a Hispanic family with deep roots in the area. He discusses the racial tensions and conflicts he faced in school, his transition to embracing Native American spirituality and culture, and his entrepreneurial ventures over the years, including running a jewelry wholesale business, a cattle ranch, and a trading post. Silva highlights the importance of understanding one's history and cultural heritage, and how that shaped his perspective and approach to life. He also touched on the changes he has seen in Ignacio over time and his efforts to revitalize the community. 

See the full Argus record at:  https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=6eb46492-078f-4f35-8578-cdd04bd4ead6

Oral history of Mel Silva, 2025.201.1

In this oral history, Don Furukawa and Mary Furukawa talk about family history; life as a Japanese person in Grand Junction, Colorado. Second-generation Japanese American. He is accountant with IRS, she teaches 3rd grade. Talks about his childhood in Grand Junction, CO, hers in Santa Cruz, CA. Her experiences in internment camp.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=58be707e-201b-4dd5-b998-44b63fab25fb

Oral history of Don Furukawa and Mary Furukawa, AR.OH.212

This oral history covers a wide range of topics related to Mrs. June Scarenzi's life in Hugo, Colorado, including her background, the history of the town, the changes she has observed in the state and local community over the years, and her perspectives on issues such as the role of women, the medical system, the economy, and government. Key points include Mrs. Scarenzi's reflections on the Colorado Centennial celebrations, the challenges of recruiting doctors to rural areas, concerns about water scarcity and air quality, and her views on the country's economic and political situation. The interview provides a detailed snapshot of life in a small Colorado town in the 1970s.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=dbacaded-3894-4164-ae84-e68e09eb527f

Oral history of June Scarinzi, AR.OH.238

This workshop at the Arvada Center, recorded by Bea Roeder in 1988, discusses various Hmong cultural stories and traditions, including a creation story about a brother and sister who survived a flood, as well as stories about a young girl raised by a tiger and the significance of different Hmong clothing styles and colors. The discussion also touches on the emotional aspects of storytelling, with insights from experienced storytellers on how to handle strong emotions when sharing personal stories. Overall, the transcription provides a rich exploration of Hmong folklore, cultural practices, and the art of storytelling. 

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=962c35b1-b74a-4ecc-8e84-67171cdbdb84

Hmong Storytelling Workshop at the Arvada Center, MSS.CT315

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