DUS x KGNU Metro - October 2024

[00:00:01] KGNU FM 88.5 Boulder, KGNU 1390 Denver, Stay tuned for Metro.

[00:00:07] Support comes from the Utah Office of Tourism, presenting the Moab Folk Festival, taking place on November 1st through the 3rd.

[00:00:15] Featuring Sam Bush, The Traveling McCoys and more.

[00:00:18] Tickets and a full lineup as well as more information can be found at MoabFolkFestival.com

[00:00:26] This program is made possible by you, the KGNU listener member, and by Open Studios, presenting their 29th Open Studio Tour this October.

[00:00:34] A self-guided tour of artist studios throughout Boulder County, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5, October 5 through October 20.

[00:00:42] This event is open to the public. More information can be found at OpenStudio.org

[00:00:47] Today's episode of Expanding the Narrative on Metro takes place during KGNU Radio's Fall Fund Drive.

[00:00:55] And we're asking for your financial support of radio for the people, by the people.

[00:01:01] You choose KGNU because you're a firm believer in the power of uplifting voices of our community that are not heard on other platforms.

[00:01:09] Denver Urban Spectrum's mission is to educate, inform, and enlighten by spreading the news about people of color.

[00:01:16] We can bring these perspectives to you on a monthly basis only because of the financial support of people who listen to and appreciate news about communities of color across the front range.

[00:01:27] Please make a contribution during today's show by calling 303-449-4885 or going online to KGNU.org.

[00:01:38] It takes a few minutes, but it makes a world of difference.

[00:01:42] Denver Urban Spectrum, sharing stories about people of color since 1987.

[00:02:01] Hello and welcome to Expanding the Narrative on Metro, a show by Denver Urban Spectrum that amplifies the voices and stories of the community.

[00:02:12] I'm your host, Ruby Jones.

[00:02:14] At Denver Urban Spectrum, our mission is to inspire, educate, and empower audiences while bringing awareness to important issues.

[00:02:22] We recognize, advance, and preserve stories about people of color with reliable community reporting and editorial content featuring refreshing views and news you can use.

[00:02:35] Stay tuned to hear all about this month's issue of Denver Urban Spectrum.

[00:02:56] Autumn has arrived, and with it, an exciting election season is waiting right around the corner.

[00:03:02] Denver Urban Spectrum is ramping up political participation in the October issue with a cover story highlighting United States Vice President Kamala Harris,

[00:03:12] who has made history as the first woman of color to receive the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

[00:03:18] This month, we spoke to members of the Colorado Black Legislative Caucus to hear their opinions about the 2024 U.S. general election,

[00:03:27] and why they think it's important for people of all ages to be involved in the political process at local, state, and national levels.

[00:03:36] In a few moments, you'll hear from Colorado State Representatives Leslie Harrod and Nequita Ricks,

[00:03:42] who continue the conversation about voting in this important and historic election.

[00:03:47] Kamala Harris is being celebrated by communities of color across the country as a presidential nominee who represents diversity and forward progress.

[00:03:56] This month's cover photo is a beautiful artistic depiction of the Vice President, painted by Dr. Thomas Lockhart,

[00:04:04] who you can learn more about in an article about his artistic and spiritual journey written by contributor Wayne Trujillo.

[00:04:15] Tracy Winchester, who reported live from the Democratic National Convention in August, speaks directly to young voters this month with a heartfelt letter about the importance of voting and the danger of sitting out the 2024 election.

[00:04:30] And contributor Latrice Owens emphasizes the importance of civic engagement among youth with an article titled The Future of Politics.

[00:04:38] In addition to information about events happening throughout Metro Denver communities, Denver Urban Spectrum acknowledges October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

[00:04:51] Both of these allocations are incredibly important, and as we think about all the people affected by both breast cancer and domestic violence,

[00:04:59] we remember their stories and wish them the best in their ongoing pursuit of health and happiness.

[00:05:06] With October Now Here, we are so excited to celebrate 37 years of community reporting with friends and supporters of the award-winning publication.

[00:05:16] Denver's Voice 37 will take place on Saturday, October 19th at the Noor Event Center in Aurora, with an elegant evening of entertainment featuring an all-star lineup of local and national entertainers.

[00:05:29] In addition to featuring profiles from spoken word artist Theo Wilson and tap dancer-slash-drummer Shane Franklin, contributor Tanya Ishikawa gives an in-depth look at the event.

[00:05:41] Tickets for the celebration are still available, but they're selling out fast.

[00:05:46] If you're interested in joining us in celebrating the landmark anniversary and thanking publisher Rosalind B. Harris for her role as a community advocate and journalist, visit DenverUrbanspectrum.com.

[00:05:59] Up next, you'll hear from members of the Colorado Black Legislative Caucus, but for now, enjoy this music from Such, a stunning, soulful R&B singer who will headline the Denver's Voice 37 event.

[00:07:48] I hope you enjoyed that beautiful song titled, All I Want by Such.

[00:09:07] 130 years ago, Joseph H. Stewart was elected as Colorado's first Black legislator, prompting the creation of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus,

[00:09:18] which has hosted 40 Black American legislators in the pursuit of equality through the political process.

[00:09:24] Now, Colorado Representatives Leslie Herod and Naquita Ricks are continuing the conversation with a message to Colorado residents about the November elections.

[00:09:34] Here they are with strong messages for voters this November.

[00:09:39] Representative Leslie Herod, what are some of the most important issues that voters need to be aware of during the upcoming 2024 U.S. elections?

[00:09:49] The thing I'll say about this upcoming election is, one, of course, we have an amazing Black woman at the top of the ticket.

[00:09:55] It is very important that we show up and we show out for Kamala Harris because Kamala Harris shows up for our communities,

[00:10:02] and she really understands and cares and knows about the struggles that we go through and the unique challenges we experience as Black people.

[00:10:09] But additionally, I will add that democracy is on the ballot this year as well.

[00:10:14] Across from Kamala Harris running for office is Donald Trump, and we know that he will do things like increase the cost of our everyday goods because of his tax and tariff plan.

[00:10:25] We know that he has danced around saying that he will step back if he loses the election, possibly causing instability within our democracy.

[00:10:34] And so I think it is so very important that we pay attention to what's going on at the presidential level.

[00:10:40] And then we also look down to see what's happening in Colorado.

[00:10:43] There are a few different ballot measures that are extremely important.

[00:10:46] One is ensuring the right to marry for LGBTQ couples.

[00:10:50] And then additionally, it's the right for women to have control over their own reproductive health and their bodies.

[00:10:56] These are all things that are on the ballot right now, and that's why this election is so important.

[00:11:00] How have you been involved in making sure that Colorado voters are not suppressed on any level, that our voting rights are protected, and that there are no issues when it comes time to head to the ballot box in November?

[00:11:14] Absolutely.

[00:11:14] So in Colorado, we have one of the most robust and I think the best voting systems in the country, meaning that you can vote by mail.

[00:11:24] You'll get your ballot in the mail to every registered voter.

[00:11:27] You can register and vote in person up until the day of the election even.

[00:11:32] And in Colorado, we have put bills and policies in place to allow parolees to vote.

[00:11:37] Felons can vote in Colorado.

[00:11:38] We have put in place initiatives that make very clear that you cannot carry a weapon to a polling place so that we don't have voter intimidation.

[00:11:46] And so voting in Colorado is very safe and it is protected.

[00:11:50] But what I will say is that we know that there will be attacks against our voting systems, both from international players and also from domestic players as well.

[00:12:00] So it's very important that we show up and vote.

[00:12:04] And I'm going to say, I don't usually do this, but I'm going to say vote early.

[00:12:07] Vote early.

[00:12:08] Because we don't know what's going to happen on election day and we need to make sure that our vote is counted.

[00:12:13] That's a really good point.

[00:12:14] And, you know, when I hear vote early and talk about mail-in ballots and everything, it makes me think of the 2020 election and everything that was going on with the coronavirus pandemic.

[00:12:24] And how many issues there were involving voter suppression and trying to vote during a pandemic.

[00:12:31] That was a really challenging time.

[00:12:33] So I like that advice.

[00:12:35] Now, Representative Herod, who was the biggest inspiration when it came to your decision to enter politics?

[00:12:41] Oh, my biggest inspiration when it came to entering into politics was State Representative Rosemary Marshall.

[00:12:47] She served House District 8 prior to me coming into office.

[00:12:50] But what folks don't know is I actually was an intern for her.

[00:12:53] She plucked me out of the speaker's office as an intern and said, you know, you can work for me, too.

[00:12:59] And I would love to have you in the office.

[00:13:01] And just having the support of a black woman in leadership like herself meant the world to me and told me that I could actually make a difference and I could do it, too.

[00:13:09] And I will also add that working for President Obama in his 2012 campaign in the Obama family was extremely, extremely inspirational.

[00:13:19] I remember being with him at City Park and he turned to me and said, you know, tell me about what's going on in this community.

[00:13:25] Tell me what the young folks are thinking.

[00:13:27] And then after I finally got the courage to respond and found my words, he then asked me, you know, when are you going to run?

[00:13:34] And I realized that every excuse I had in my head was gone.

[00:13:39] The barrier that I think I have to run for office does not actually truly exist.

[00:13:44] And so I ran.

[00:13:45] I ran after shortly after our conversation and with the support of folks like Rosemary Marshall and Representative Wilma Webb, who held a seat before.

[00:13:54] You know, it is an honor to be able to sit in the seat and to be able to do this work.

[00:13:59] And that is really what inspired me to run.

[00:14:01] I got to tell you, though, what inspires me every single day is the young people that get to look up and say, wow, I can do that one day, too.

[00:14:09] Or, you know, I can't believe I saw you arguing a bill on the floor.

[00:14:12] How was that?

[00:14:13] And their excitement around politics and their excitement around community change.

[00:14:18] That inspires me every single day as well.

[00:14:20] And so, you know, the work is hard.

[00:14:22] The work is hard.

[00:14:23] But there is inspiration around every single corner if you just look right.

[00:14:27] Right. And when you realize you can make a difference, you can do something, whether you're elected or not, it gets you through the day.

[00:14:33] It gets you through the day and it definitely, definitely helps our communities.

[00:14:37] And so it's been an honor.

[00:14:38] It really has.

[00:14:40] That's really cool.

[00:14:40] I can't think of a better way to be inspired than to have President Barack Obama ask you when you're running.

[00:14:47] That's phenomenal.

[00:14:48] Of course you have to run.

[00:14:49] And also intimidating.

[00:14:50] He must have seen something in you to ask that.

[00:14:53] So that's really cool.

[00:14:57] You're listening to Denver Urban Spectrum's Expanding the Narrative on KGNU's Fall Fun Drive.

[00:15:03] I'm your host, Ruby Jones.

[00:15:05] During today's show, you're hearing how important and affirming it is for communities of color to share our news and be heard by others.

[00:15:13] It is KGNU's mission to uplift perspectives that are overlooked, underrepresented, or suppressed by other forms of media.

[00:15:20] Expanding the narrative is a great example of how impactful and empowering this mission can be.

[00:15:26] These are precious thoughts and reporting you won't find on corporate or partisan media.

[00:15:31] In fact, you may even hear backlash against their very existence.

[00:15:36] Stand up in support of Radio for the People by the People.

[00:15:39] And donate during today's show by calling 303-449-4885 or give securely online at KGNU.org.

[00:15:49] And thank you.

[00:15:52] Representative Ricks, what was your biggest inspiration when it came to your decision to enter politics?

[00:15:57] Yeah, and you know, I did not see myself as a politician.

[00:16:01] In 2010, I did a class called Chamber Connect.

[00:16:04] And I got to see Angela Williams start her campaign.

[00:16:08] And when she was doing all the kitchen table stuff and, you know, saw her face off with like four other people in Denver for the state representative seat.

[00:16:18] And then ultimately become the nominee for the general election.

[00:16:22] And then after that, I also knocked doors for President Obama in 2012.

[00:16:27] And one of my friends who was with the Democratic Party said, come, let's go knock doors for, you know, Obama.

[00:16:33] And I was so excited.

[00:16:34] And it was very easy talking to the people at the door.

[00:16:36] I really, really enjoyed it.

[00:16:38] And she was like, wow, you are a natural at this.

[00:16:41] So then in 2013, I was asked by Senator Williams to be a part of the merge.

[00:16:48] And after going through the political training, they started to put pressure on me about, well, what are you going to run for?

[00:16:53] I decided to run for the Board of Regents.

[00:16:56] And so that was a big race.

[00:16:59] And although I didn't win, I was really inspired by hearing the people at the door tell me about their hopes, their dreams and aspirations of how they wanted their children to be able to get a college education and the type of Colorado they wanted in the future that they wanted for their families.

[00:17:16] And so, you know, my road wasn't very direct.

[00:17:20] I had to run a few times to win, but in every election, I kept going out, engaging public, engaging community.

[00:17:28] And I think that there's such an honor and a privilege to be serving in the Colorado General Assembly and to do the work that we get to do.

[00:17:37] Like Representative Harris said, it's not easy work.

[00:17:40] We get a lot of frustration.

[00:17:42] But, you know, we are also revived when we see the wins that we get and what we're able to do for our community.

[00:17:49] So it's truly a path that I have enjoyed and I hope to get back in there again in 2025.

[00:17:58] Thank you for that.

[00:17:59] And I wish you the best in your 2025 re-election bid.

[00:18:05] I really hope all works out for you.

[00:18:07] Also, Representative Harris, thank you also for all the work you've done over the last eight years.

[00:18:12] My final question is, what message would you like to share with voters as we get ready to head to the polls in November?

[00:18:20] Every election cycle, we say this is the most important election of your life.

[00:18:25] But truly, truly, the future of America is resting in our hands right now.

[00:18:30] What are we going to choose?

[00:18:31] Are we going to choose the old pathway?

[00:18:33] We've already seen a Trump administration.

[00:18:36] And at the DNC, Barack Obama said, well, we've seen the original movie and we know that the sequel is always worse.

[00:18:44] So what do we want?

[00:18:45] Do we want a nightmare?

[00:18:46] We already know what's coming.

[00:18:48] And we've heard about Project 2025, which is looking to take away all of our rights, Social Security, dismantle it, taking away health insurance, ensuring that people don't have access to daycare, to reproductive rights.

[00:19:04] So many things.

[00:19:05] Everything is at stake in this election.

[00:19:07] And it is very, very important that we don't sit this out, that we are calling people.

[00:19:12] We are tapping on people who don't typically vote.

[00:19:15] Get them involved.

[00:19:16] Colorado has some of the most lenient voting laws.

[00:19:19] You can register on the same day of Election Day and still vote.

[00:19:23] So it's important.

[00:19:24] Make sure everyone is voting.

[00:19:26] Don't sit this one out.

[00:19:28] Our future, our democracy is really, truly in peril right now.

[00:19:33] And it's important that you cast your voice.

[00:19:36] And when we fight, we will win.

[00:19:39] I couldn't have said it any better.

[00:19:41] And so I'll just add that your voice and your vote matters.

[00:19:45] Like, you can make a huge difference in this election.

[00:19:47] But I'm going to ask you to do more, which is make sure that your friends, your homies, your family, everybody turns out to vote, no matter if they're in Colorado, Mississippi, Georgia, or Philadelphia.

[00:19:55] We need the votes.

[00:19:57] We need folks to turn out and vote.

[00:19:59] And we need folks to be educated voters.

[00:20:01] You know, look at the policies.

[00:20:03] Listen to the debates.

[00:20:04] Hear what people are saying and understand that there is someone who wants to bring us together under an umbrella of hope, right?

[00:20:11] And joy.

[00:20:12] And then there's somebody else who wants to divide us and say that some of us are not worthy, are not as worthy as others in this country.

[00:20:19] And that is absolutely wrong.

[00:20:21] This country is a country that should value everyone.

[00:20:23] And we have a lot of work to do even to get there as black people.

[00:20:26] But we ain't going to get there by sitting this one out or any election, if I'm being honest with you.

[00:20:31] And so get out, get out and vote.

[00:20:33] Your vote and your voice, absolutely, absolutely is critical.

[00:20:38] It absolutely matters.

[00:20:39] And quite frankly, I'm going to say if you don't know and don't want to vote the entire ticket, don't.

[00:20:44] But vote for what you know, vote for what you believe in, and make sure you turn in that ballot.

[00:20:49] Back when Denver Urban Spectrum was created in 1987, publisher Rosalind B. Harris recognized a need for the stories of underrepresented Colorado residents to be amplified through media.

[00:21:09] 37 years after its inception, the award-winning publication is a staple in communities across the metro Denver area.

[00:21:18] And B. Harris is an avid supporter of community organizations and individuals who devote time, energy, and resources to improving lives for youth and adults.

[00:21:28] Here's B. Harris with a message about her impending retirement and her journey as the publisher of Denver Urban Spectrum.

[00:21:39] You know, 37 years, I just wonder where did the years go?

[00:21:44] Really, they just kind of zip by.

[00:21:47] But I am looking forward to what's in store for the Denver Urban Spectrum.

[00:21:53] You know, times and things have changed immensely.

[00:21:56] And I think that we have positioned ourselves and changed ourselves so that we can keep going.

[00:22:02] We've got a nice team that's going in the right direction digitally.

[00:22:06] It's just been a journey.

[00:22:07] But it's been a good journey.

[00:22:09] When we reflect back on it, I think about all the people who have made it happen.

[00:22:14] And that is really the heart of what the Urban Spectrum of Celebration is going to be about.

[00:22:20] Celebrating a lot of people who have touched the Denver Urban Spectrum in all aspects.

[00:22:25] Entertainment, editorially, advertisers, sponsors, friends, and family.

[00:22:30] So I'm looking forward to that October 19th.

[00:22:32] One of the things that really stands out to me about Denver Urban Spectrum is the strength of the partnerships that the publication maintains with community organizations.

[00:22:42] When you first started Denver Urban Spectrum in 1987, did you have any idea that you would have such a strong network of community organizations and individuals who would support and uplift the publication for all this time?

[00:22:56] I did not, to be honest.

[00:22:59] And I think it's because there was a need to have the voice for the communities of color.

[00:23:05] And I think that's what it was.

[00:23:07] You know, I mean, I think about some of the early days when we'd be working late at night, three or four o'clock in the morning.

[00:23:13] Then all of a sudden we'd see a fax.

[00:23:15] Who uses fax nowadays?

[00:23:17] But a fax would come in because they knew it was deadline.

[00:23:21] And, you know, they wanted to get information in the publication.

[00:23:24] But I think it's just because there was a serious need here.

[00:23:29] There are other publications that has a niche as well.

[00:23:32] You know, the Body of Christ for the Christian community and Denver Weekly News.

[00:23:36] They have to give them props because they've been around waiting for the Denver Urban Spectrum.

[00:23:41] It kind of evolved over the years.

[00:23:43] And I think it evolved by the need, what the need was for the community.

[00:23:47] But I'm blessed and I'm happy that it has been supported over all these years.

[00:23:51] I mean, I'm proud to say that we did not fold or close up during COVID, which was a critical time.

[00:23:58] And I think that by suppressing some of the things that we did, we were more open online.

[00:24:04] During the COVID pandemic, was it a motivating factor that made you want to ramp up all these technologies and make sure that Denver Urban Spectrum can compete on not only a national stage, but now a global stage as a source for digital news and digital content?

[00:24:19] Yeah, I have to give kudos to our media partners because they saw the need for that from the Colorado Media Project to the CoLab to Colorado Press Association and LMA.

[00:24:32] We've been accepted into so many different programs that have helped us to take the publication to the next level in all kinds of phases.

[00:24:40] I mean, even for the Colorado Press Association this year, we won Best Website.

[00:24:45] We won Best Newsletter.

[00:24:46] We won Best Multimedia.

[00:24:48] We've got a podcast that won some awards.

[00:24:51] It's also a podcast network.

[00:24:52] So we have been blessed and supported by so many different avenues and so many different people and so many segments of the media and journalism communities.

[00:25:02] What made you decide that this was time for you to start pursuing some different interests that you've had, particularly the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation and stepping away from daily duties at Denver Urban Spectrum?

[00:25:15] 15 years ago.

[00:25:16] And I mean, this is kind of interesting because it was 15 years ago when my mother passed away the night before Barack Obama went in office.

[00:25:24] It was a very exciting time for most people, but it was bittersweet for me because the night before, it was actually the same night that his grandmother passed away.

[00:25:34] I was at a rally and was informed that my mom had passed away.

[00:25:38] So it was an exciting time, but it was still such a bittersweet time.

[00:25:42] But it was an important time.

[00:25:44] And my goal has been to provide a service and to provide a foundation that will support and help women, in particular African-American women who have suffered from elder abuse.

[00:25:57] My mom, it was an elder abuse how she passed away.

[00:26:00] And so it's been 15 years, if not now, when?

[00:26:03] And, you know, I think I have a team right now that is dedicated to continuing on the legacy of the spectrum.

[00:26:09] They are the younger generation, and I'd like to support this foundation.

[00:26:14] And I want to support the younger generation of our youth foundation, which will be spearheaded also under the leadership of the Denver Urban Spectrum.

[00:26:23] So we're going to be looking at the younger generation, the youth, and also the seniors.

[00:26:28] And I think this is an appropriate time for me to provide those services and step back and let the other generation take it to the next generation.

[00:26:37] I think the word you used was really appropriate, bittersweet, because we don't want to see you go.

[00:26:42] You've done so much to affect so many people positively and to affect the state of Colorado, communities of color in Colorado over the years.

[00:26:51] So we're tremendously thankful.

[00:26:53] And I can't wait to celebrate on October 19th.

[00:26:56] Tell me a little bit about the lineup.

[00:26:58] Well, quite as kept, you know, I'm not, you know, I won't be, I'll be stepping back in,

[00:27:03] but I will be announcing some exciting news and developments with what's going on with the Denver Urban Spectrum and new leadership team.

[00:27:10] But the lineup, you know, I got inspired when I heard this lady, this young lady singing over at Tria.

[00:27:18] And I wondered why she didn't sing.

[00:27:21] But, you know, I said, Denver's voice.

[00:27:22] I said, boy, I said, there's a lot of voices here in Denver that are not heard and not seen.

[00:27:27] That made me think about the theme of Denver's voice 37 and at least 37 years of the voices in every kind of capacity that there is from dancing, folk and words, singers, musicians.

[00:27:40] The lineup will be fantastic.

[00:27:42] We will have a video shown about the history so far, the history up until now, because, you know, the history is going to continue for years to come.

[00:27:51] But this is going to be my generation, my time, my road traveled with the Denver Urban Spectrum and a lot of the people who traveled with me.

[00:28:01] I just, again, want to thank you so much for all that you've done with Denver Urban Spectrum for Denver's communities.

[00:28:08] You really created so much of a platform for representation.

[00:28:12] Thank you so much.

[00:28:25] Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Expanding the Narrative on Metro.

[00:28:30] Your support allows us to continue the legacy of trustworthy community reporting.

[00:28:36] We invite you to become a member of Denver Urban Spectrum to receive exclusive updates, first priority access to free tickets for community events and more.

[00:28:45] Visit DenverUrbanspectrum.com to sign up today.

[00:28:52] You've been listening to Denver Urban Spectrum's Expanding the Narrative on your community radio station, KGNU.

[00:29:00] This show exists thanks to the listeners who support KGNU financially.

[00:29:04] And this is your last chance to support Denver Urban Spectrum this fall fund drive.

[00:29:09] You place a high value on the diverse perspectives on this show.

[00:29:13] And there is nothing else like it anywhere on your radio dial.

[00:29:16] News from and for communities of color is priceless.

[00:29:19] But this afternoon, we are asking you to assign a dollar value to your appreciation with a monetary contribution.

[00:29:27] Please call 303-449-4885 and speak with one of our volunteers who will be happy to take your donation.

[00:29:35] Or give securely online at KGNU.org.

[00:29:39] There's lots more special programming coming up throughout KGNU's Fall Fund Drive because this is radio for the people by the people.

[00:29:47] Again, call 303-449-4885 or donate online at KGNU.org.

[00:29:57] Thanks for tuning in.

[00:29:57] Welcome to the Regional Roundup, a production of Rocky Mountain Community Radio, a coalition of public and community radio stations in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico, including this one.

[00:30:24] I'm Maeve Conran, the Coalition's Managing Editor.

[00:30:27] And today, it's all things food.

[00:30:31] Transforming our food systems.

[00:30:33] Who is farming?

[00:30:34] Landowners?

[00:30:35] Real, real white.

[00:30:37] People who work on farms?

[00:30:38] Not so white.

[00:30:41] The emissions from food.

[00:30:44] From growing it, processing it, shipping it, cooking it.

[00:30:47] Then, it's chilli season.

[00:30:49] We make green chilli in the first snowfall of every year.

[00:30:52] From Rocky Mountain Community Radio, it's the Regional Roundup.

[00:31:03] The Aspen Centre for Environmental Studies in August hosted a panel discussion on our food system.

[00:31:11] And today, we'll hear one of the panellists who spoke at that event.

[00:31:15] I'm Jessica Hulse-Dillon.

[00:31:16] I'm the Senior Director at the Soil and Climate Alliance, which is a...

[00:31:20] The fancy version is we're a supply chain working group.

[00:31:23] We work with the food and agricultural industries.

[00:31:27] We need to transition a lot of acres.

[00:31:29] Our goal is to get every agricultural acre in this country, which is, as of the last census, 880 million acres, so just shy of a billion, on the regenerative pathway.

[00:31:40] I am also a fourth generation small grains farmer here in Colorado, way, way up in the northeastern corner.

[00:31:46] We used to share a golf course with Nebraska when I was a kid.

[00:31:49] Most of you all have heard of regenerative agriculture, yeah?

[00:31:52] And when you hear about it, you hear about it in this context of agriculture, which is great.

[00:31:57] Love farmers.

[00:31:59] Love farmers.

[00:31:59] Love farmers.