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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.
Protect Your Space Project works to make Denver businesses safe for all
Priscilla Jerez, the manager and bartender at Tooey’s Off Colfax, moved to Denver ten years ago. Before that, she lived a whole other life in Washington D.C. She owned a bar called The Palace of Wonders, which was part museum of oddities. She was a burlesque dancer as well, something she said she can’t wait to tell her daughter about when she gets older.
But she also had an experience that is shared by most women who work in or go out to bars. When Jerez was 26 years old, she had her drink drugged while she was working.
“There were two men talking to me and, you know, being friendly,” Jerez said. “I think they were trying to sneak me out or something. I guess whatever state I was in, I was able to get to a safe place. It's one of those things that really stayed with me where I'm like, ‘Holy shit, who knows what could’ve happened?’” Jerez said.
RacismoZero confronts racism within the Latinx community (ENG and ESP)
The RacismoZero events at Raices Brewing are helping the Latinx community confront internalized racism within the community (story in English and Spanish).
Move over boys, the inaugural Babe Walls event is here
The inaugural Babe Walls mural event is hoping to make space for more female and non-binary artists in the male-dominated world of graffiti.
The Sand Creek Massacre and the reckoning of racist history
The Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho, along with many Coloradans, are seeking to create a new future for their children in the wake of recent racial reckoning.
Generation Drive-Thru feeds teens in need
The Aurora-based nonprofit Generation Drive-Thru has largely focused its energy on helping the elderly since COVID-19 hit. This past weekend they turned their attention to helping teens in need.
Animal welfare in the age of social media
In the digital age, it’s easier than ever to search for furry extensions to the family. On top of that, multiple social platforms also make it easier to care and provide for them. However, these powerful tools can also bring in an array of problems.
Pattie Gonia: The rainbow bridge connecting outdoor enthusiasts
Pattie Gonia, the backpacking drag queen, is here to save the world. She's on a mission to teach her thousands of Instagram followers and outdoor companies what it means to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, wielding social justice as her sword.
The Whittier Cafe shall overcome
The Whittier Cafe was first called 'the activist cafe' as a slur, but owner Millete Birhanemaskel has fully embraced the cafe's role as a sanctuary for protests, mourning and discussion.
Denver Black women owners feed and thrive
Black women are running the eatery scene in Denver despite the pandemic, with recognition of Black-owned businesses on the rise.
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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