Denver Urban Spectrum (DUS) Publisher Rosalind “Bee” Harris is notorious for bringing people together for laughter, singing, dancing, smiling and connecting the community – it’s in her DNA.
That’s how her longtime friend and event planner, Lori Collier, describes Harris; and that’s why Collier has been the enthusiastic lead planner for Denver’s Voice 37, “an exuberant night of fun” on Saturday, Oct. 19.
A Celebratory Affair
The elegant gala at the Noor Event Center in Aurora, Colorado, will celebrate Harris’ 37 years of publishing DUS and her well-earned retirement. The event will also raise funds for the Urban Spectrum Youth Foundation (USYF) and the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation (RBEAF).
“This occasion is very special, as we are all coming together to laugh, sing, dance and smile to celebrate a phenomenal woman, Bee Harris, letting her know, “We Love You,” and “Your best days are still ahead!” says Collier, founder and CEO of Lori Collier Events, LLC.
Collier’s successful events throughout the years have included health fairs, conferences, corporate meetings and weddings. She is perhaps best known for her leadership in the organization of the African Leadership Group’s annual gala events.
Meanwhile, Harris has organized DUS anniversary galas, annual African Americans Who Make a Difference parties and various community gatherings such as the Colorful Stories luncheon. The 25th DUS Anniversary Gala honored “25 Timeless Legends,” 25 history-making women in the Metro Denver area, while other anniversary galas have honored Men of Distinction and Denver’s Power Couples.
The two ladies have brought together a dedicated team of volunteers to put together Denver’s Voice 37, named for the 37th year of DUS and the voice that the publication has provided for Colorado’s Black community. The event name also recognizes the talented voices of the diverse entertainers lined up for the evening.
An Elegant Evening of Entertainment
Denver’s Voice 37 performers include spoken word artist Theo “Lucifury” Wilson; professional tap dancer Shane Franklin; comedians Darryl Collier, Sam Adams and Louis Johnson; saxophonist Yaz Ishikawa; and special guest singers, Vickilyn Reynolds (Los Angeles), Chester McSwain (Chicago), Julius Williams (Atlanta) and former First Lady of Denver Mary Louis Lee (Denver/Texas)).
Highlighting the evening will be a performance by national recording artist Such, followed by an all-star showcase with the musical talents of Ron Ivory, Tony Exum Jr., Gregory Goodloe, Tony Price, Sethe, Linda Styles, Jeroan Adams, Linda Theus-Lee and Skippy “D” Lynch.
“This memorable event will make you want to dance the night away and have you captivated with performances that will leave you in awe. With the versatility and diverse talent, there is something for everyone to enjoy,” Collier reveals.
“As the night unfolds, you’ll have the opportunity to mingle, strike a pose for a photo and connect with a diverse group of individuals who share your enthusiasm for celebrating Bee Harris. You will also have the opportunity to catch up with old friends or make new ones; the atmosphere will be filled with warmth and camaraderie.”
The buffet dinner will feature an array of cuisine, prepared by chefs from the Creole Café. This new restaurant concept was developed by Donald James, longtime food entrepreneur with Pit Stop BBQ.
A silent auction will provide additional fundraising support to both USYF and RBEAF.
Created by Harris in 2001, USYF operates with a mission of providing youth with leadership and media literacy training through real-world experiences in writing, editing, photography, graphic design, business, leadership, sales and marketing.
Harris founded the nonprofit elder abuse foundation to honor and remember her mother, Ruth Boyd, who lost her life due to elder abuse in 2008. RBEAF provides caregiving services and helpful tools for aging adults and caretakers, raising awareness about elder abuse through outreach and education to promote safety and improve the quality of life for the elderly population.
A Lifetime of Service
Denver’s Voice 37 will feature the premier of a mini-documentary about Harris’s family-focused and community-centered life. The screening will provide a closer look at her 37 years at the helm of the award-winning and innovative publication, and highlight her current aspirations. Written by DUS Managing Editor Ruby Jones, the video is narrated by Jones and Kia Milan, an Emmy-nominated former USYF participant who currently works at Netflix.
The video’s final message reveals the spirit of Denver’s Voice 37 celebration:
“So, as Bee says goodbye to her daily activities with Denver Urban Spectrum and begins her new journey with her new foundation, think about the ways in which she and the publication have impacted your life. We hope you will support the continuation of community reporting to honor Bee’s incomparable legacy, and keep her vision alive for generations to come.”
Collier explains further, “We are looking forward to coming together as friends, family, colleagues and community members with a sense of gratitude and admiration to honor and celebrate the remarkable career of our esteemed Bee Harris, a leader who has not only guided our community to greater heights but has also inspired and mentored us all along the way.”
“Her leadership style, characterized by wisdom, integrity and compassion, has earned her the respect and admiration of everyone who has had the privilege to know her. Bee’s vision, leadership and unwavering commitment have been the driving force behind her success,” she adds.
As of Oct. 1, tickets and sponsorships were still available for Denver’s Voice 37, but with seating limited to 250 guests those hoping to attend are advised to act quickly.
“Get ready to let loose, have a blast, and create lasting memories. We can’t wait to see you there! LET’S CELEBRATE BEE HARRIS!” encourages Collier enthusiastically.
Editor’s note: For sponsorship opportunities, tables, tickets or to make a donation, visit https://tix.denverurbanspectrum.com/e/denvers-voice/tickets or call 303-292-6446.
