I recently had the opportunity to sit down and speak with curator and founder of blackindenver.com, Narkita Gold as a participant of her passion project “Black In Denver” an “ode to a community of people.”

The premise of the project is a self evaluation from various perspectives among the spectrum of blacks asking the simple question, “What does being black in Denver mean to you?” Please follow along below as I answer a series of questions about self identity as a means to define what it is to be a person of color in communities that are less diverse. Please also see the 40+ additional contributors to this work to gain a perspective on what it is like to be black in Denver from both a native and transplant point of view from individuals from various walks of life.

Narkita’s project will be in a juried exhibition that explores the concept of identity through the lense of 34 contemporary photographers. She was selected from a pool of more than 400 photographer submissions around the world.

Soon be featured at the Colorado Photographic Arts center from November 29, 2019 through January 4, 2020, Narkita work is creating an impact within the larger community. There will be an opening reception on December 6, 2019 from 6pm-9pm if you would like to come and meet this exceptional woman and some of the participants from the project.

For more check out Narkia’s social media platforms:

@blackindenver and @narkitagold

Sallee Jay • Blogger

Sallee Jay, a semi-Colorado local, has lived here since the age of two. In 2018, she started her blog “Travel +Explore + Play with Sallee Jay” and is on a mission to be independent no later than 2023. She‘s passionate, introverted, and curious. She is committed to making the future and legacy for our black and brown communities better and more valued within American society. Sallee Jay is also studying the healing and restorative benefits of floating in sensory deprivation tanks and hopes to one day own a studio.

When I asked Sallee Jay to describe Denver in one word, she responded with: Home. Here’s what it means to be Sallee Jay in Denver.

What does it mean to be Sallee Jay?

It means to be introspective. It means to unplug and reconnect with myself. It means reaching a hand forward and a hand back. It means to have a strong sense of community. I’m not a complicated person. I am simpler than most. But I feel that when I’m in the world, I am prejudged by my people and others. In some instances, I’m not black enough. In some cases, I’m too black. I’ve been labeled the angry black woman, stupid, too serious, not serious enough, aloof, etc… In a world with so much noise and completing voices, sometime it is hard to determine the sound your own voice.

For a long time, I maneuvered in that space of who am I with a lot of noise. Now, I focus on my inner person, and that person tells me that I am peaceful, thoughtful, caring, compassionate, and loving. I am here for my community, and I want to do the work, primarily for women of color. However, I know I can impact all women. There are all types of women that are hurting out here too. I want to have conversations with them and create allies and partnerships with people because it takes all types of people to push forward and make a change. That’s what I’m ultimately into.

What does it mean to you to be black in Denver?

Being black in Denver reminds me of the old FB status, “it’s complicated!”. Denver, to me, has meant being exposed to skiing, hiking, floating, rafting, and camping, all while eating soul food with a green juice on the side. It’s defining who you are in spaces to people that refuse to see you or want you to conform to how they see you, which generally are not in alignment. Being black in Denver means that you’re multicultural, vibrant, and global in your perspective and thinking. It is boldly going into spaces that may not be inclusive and standing your ground because you want impactful change for those coming behind you. Being black in Denver is not being called the “n” word – because we are too polite for that – but being treated as such in certain spaces. I love the Mile High City. It has made me who I am. But like I said, “It’s complicated.”

What do you love most about living in Denver?

The great outdoors and the seasons.

How have your experiences in Denver shaped you?

My experiences in Denver have made me stronger, wiser, and more compassionate towards others.