Thanks for taking the time to check out DUS's July edition of Connecting People to People eNewsletter.

For those of you outside of the Denver area, we want to share with you our great loss of Denver Police Officer Celena Hollis who was murdered to a very senseless act of gun violence while working off duty at Denver's City Park Jazz Festival on Sunday, June 24. Hollis was the first African American woman to die in the line of duty in Denver. She was 32 years old and a single mother of a 12 year-old daughter. Our hearts go out to her and her family. Donations for the family can be sent to the Celena Hollis Memorial Fund, #23012705, Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement FCU, 700 W. 39th Ave., Denver, CO 80216.

Hey! Are you all registered to vote and ready to keep President Obama in the White House? Well if you are not - get ready! There have been jokes of why people voted or will vote for Obama. Comedian Eddie Griffin said he voted for him because Michelle is one fine B@*%#! And someone else said "I didn't vote for him because he's Black, I voted for him because I'm Black." All jokes aside. I am a proud Obama supporter and plan to do everything I can to make sure the First Family is in the White House for four more years. 

This past month, Denver was privileged to see several celebrities in our Mile Hi City speaking in support of the Prez - including First Lady Michelle! Actresses Alfre Woodard was at the Juneteenth Festival and Lynn Whitfield was at the Spirituals Project's Red Gala, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters was at the District 7 Unity Dinner. And this past Sunday, Democratic strategist Valerie Jarrett and actress Eva Longoria were in Denver (Wheat Ridge) launching the First Women Vote 2012 Summit. There is more to come and with only about 125 days left before Election Day, we have a lot of work to do. So, I hope you join me and others and jump in and get on the band wagon - and do your part because this IS truly the most important election in history!

And for those of you, who are not clear about Obama's recently Healthcare Reform Law handed down by the Supreme Court, click here Health Care Reform, for more information - this video might help.

Now - this month's issue! It's summertime in the Rockies and there is so much to see and do! Starting with the Colorado Black Arts Festival! Check out our cover story and see what's new this year. This month also is our Black Music Month Part 2. Read about other hidden talents in Denver - singer Diana Castro and drummer Tarell Martin. Check out the musical talent coming to the 25th Annual Genuine Jazz coming in August - including Denver's own Greg Goodloe.It's also time to get your "health on" at the 2nd Destination Health: Walk Run. There is something for everyone in the family - find out on page 18 and click on the ad below to register.I am proud to announce that my cousin Harold Whitfield, a former Kirkwood, Missouri city councilman and planning and zoning liaison for the City, is running for Congress. Read about him on page 12!

So, check out all the ads to the left and below for what's ahead this month through October - which includes the talented and beautiful Natalie Cole. Get your tickets early!

Big props go to Cedric Pride and Skip Reeves for the very successful Funkapalooza concert featuring Cameo this past Saturday. If you missed it, you missed it. Great job for a job well done! Check out some pix below.

I'd like to end this month by sharing an email message from someone out of state who said, "It sure looks like Denver has got it going on. I wish I lived there!" As you read this eNewsletter I hope you feel the same - that Denver has got it going on. If you appreciate getting this monthly newsletter, please share it with your friends, family and business associates.

And by the way, have a Happy 4th of July - if you live in the Montbello/Green Valley Ranch area, there will be fireworks on stage at the kickoff of the Summer Concert Series with The Julius Show and offstage after the show with a spectacular fireworks show. Show starts at 8 p.m. For more information, visit Summer Concert Series.

With that said I hope you enjoy this issue and/or visit our Website to read our July print publication which is hitting the stands today.

And don't forget, if you want to advertise your business, product or service and Get Connected, call 303-292-6446 or email advertising@urbanspectrum.net for information. And if you have a burning story idea, interested in writing or just want to tell her she's doing a great job, call Sheila at 303-292-6446 or e-mail her at Sheila@urbanspectrum.net.