Naomi Wantwadi
My project, “Hear and See”, is inspired by legendary Jazz photographer Roy DeCavara’s Art book “The Sound I Saw”. These photos were taken at the Five Points Jazz Festival in 2019 and is Part 1 of a multi-series. I have been drawn to capture heart transformation that leads to changed lives and the beauty and power of cultural diversity in Denver. To my surprise, this project morphed and married both in unexpected ways. It is about the physical transformation of Five Points, which led to the displacement of African Americans that continues. I hope viewers sense the joyful atmosphere, hear the music, and see the beauty of the diversity, all within the context of the challenging history of the area that still affects African Americans today.
The Five Points Jazz Festival drove my desire to explore the history of Five Points, which used to be called Harlem of the West - where the African American community established themselves in the 1870s.
Despite segregationist practices like redlining, barring African Americans from moving beyond its borders, and later the denial of GI Bill benefits, the area flourished with Black musicians, professionals and business owners who called Five Points home. From the 1920s through 1940s, the rise of jazz and blues brought Black musicians-who were not welcome to Denver-proper to The Rossonian Hotel (also called “The Ross”, featured here). The walls of The Ross rang with music from local jazz artists like Charlotte Cowans and world-renowned greats like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Count Basie.
Beyond creative and talented artists, unknown and well-know people like Madam CJ Walker, Ernest McClain (Colorado’s 1st African American licensed dentist), Attorney Cary, Dr. Justina Ford, Marie Anderson Greenwood contributed enormously to the health and wealth of the area at the time.
But the suppression and forced confinement gave way to an exodus once doors were opened.
For many African Americans who stayed and those who arrived years later, displacing continues as “gentrification” grows (from the old English word “gentry” that referred to people just below nobility, well-bred, upper class and of higher social standing who were expected to rule the land)*. After all, Denver is the 2nd most-gentrified city in the U.S., per the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.
Still, Five Points is trying to retain its beautiful historic culture and fighting to ensure its transformation benefits the entire community.
To see other projects and stories through media, check out Naomi’s website: saltlightphotobynaomi.com
* When and where did gentrification originate
**Gentrification 2.0 Report
