LATEST STORIES / Features
CASTING FORWARD
By Madison Lauterbach & Esteban Fernandez
In April 2021, several Ms. Mayhem reporters undertook an ambitious project. They wanted to learn how women were evolving the sport of fly fishing.
The team initially approached the project through three main lenses: gear, safety, and conservation and education. Since then, they’ve added a fourth focus examining the lack of visibility and representation for women of color and other marginalized groups. They spoke with company founders making equipment more accessible; heard women’s experiences of safety concerns on and off the water; and discovered how women are shaping conservation efforts.
Our reporters spent hours in the car traveling across Colorado, conducted interviews over Zoom, and even made it out to Chattanooga, Tennessee for a weekend to bring these valuable stories to you.
The project consists of four multimedia stories and five films.
Doom metal veteran Kelly Schilling on her new project BleakHeart
Kelly Schilling and her band Dreadnought are legends in the doom metal scene. Now she's turning her attention to a new project.
2020 Denver holiday shopping guide!
This year has been absolutely exhausting, right? We’re right there with you. Small businesses have especially been through the wringer this year. With COVID closures and a lack of stimulus money, many of them, especially BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and women-owned businesses, have fallen on really hard times. As an outlet that focuses on these communities, we wanted to give a big shoutout to some of our favorite companies and artists in Denver.
Here at Ms. Mayhem, we would so much rather give gifts than receive them. What a better way to give than to simultaneously support our community?
Many of these companies have come up with innovative ways to bring their products to your doorstep. Some are a mix of in-person and online shopping, while others personally deliver their goods to your front door. We’ve chosen a great variety of items to fit any kind of vibe and budget.
Sex positivity reigns at Awakening Boutique
Despite several challenges, Rose Kalasz and Tory Johnson have provided a safe haven for sex-positivity in Denver with Awakening Boutique.
The first-ever African immigrant elected to state legislature prepares to serve Colorado
Naquetta Ricks has kept a diary for decades. Now she's writing history as the first African immigrant elected to the Colorado state House.
Denver’s parkour scene is paving the way for female leaders
Women are jumping into the male-dominated sport of parkour, and those like Kristine Dietrich at APEX Denver are commanding space.
For many Natives, Thanksgiving isn’t a celebration—it’s a day of mourning
Thanksgiving for most Americans is a time to eat food and enjoy the company of family. For most Natives, it's a day of mourning.
Inside the art of Koko Bayer
Koko Bayer is the face behind the prolific Hope Hearts that popped up earlier this year. She has a long relationship with the art scene.
Beet Box bakery shutters its doors
The pandemic has forced dozens of Denver institutions to shutter their doors. Beet Box, a vegan bakery in Five Points, is just the latest.
From the streets of violence to the streets of healing: Halim Ali generates hope for his community
Halim Ali graduated high school into a life of violence and drug use. Now he's focused on uplifting the Black community in Denver.
Ms. Mayhem’s coverage of events, culture, businesses and the people of Denver is rooted in our philosophy of intersectionality. If you enjoy these stories, please consider becoming a member for free to help support us.
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