The Resistance: How local community leaders are fighting back
"Our Stories" were written and produced by Garcelle Franklin. Garcelle is a graduate student at the University of Denver and a fellow for Rocky Mountain PBS.
This series explores the celebrations and marginalization of underserved communities that often go unnoticed. "Our Stories" aim to bring knowledge and awareness to overlooked areas by allowing community members to shape their own narratives by sharing their stories. We hope that these videos shed light on what is happening in local areas and show people how they can create change in their own communities.
DENVER — Despite many hardships, 2020 was a year of communities coming together to uplift one another. Local nonprofits have helped local businesses and vulnerable populations to thrive during trying times.
Shawn Bosley is the executive director and founder of Feed the Street, a nonprofit organization led by college students who are on the mission to combat homelessness and poverty across the nation.
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Bosley, 24, created the organization over two years ago "with the sole purpose of combatting homelessness in the Denver metropolitan area."
Since its conception in 2018, Feed the Streets has provided food for more than 5,000 people and collaborated with over 20 businesses. Bosley and his team have also gone on to create mentoring programs that nurture young men’s leadership skills in Colorado, and Bosley and others have given keynote speeches at local schools such as Colorado School of the Mines.
According to Bosley, collaboration is the key to success for entrepreneurs of color and small business owners. Collaborating with small businesses helps both nonprofits and companies to build their audience and increase their impact. In 2020, Bosley collaborated with Good Eats Vending, New Black City, Black Girl Social Club, Vessel Water, and more to create COVID-safe community-driven events.
In October, Feed the Streets partnered with New Black City to host Denver’s first Black Restaurant Week. Each day the organization hosted a socially distanced dining night with a locally owned black business. After eating, volunteers helped create bagged meals completed with sandwiches, water, fruit, snacks, and a positive affirmation.
Events like these have led to businesses like Good Eats Vending to continue donating to the organization. Donating to small organizations led by diverse candidates helps to fight systemic racism and puts resources in the hands of people closest to the community.
Watch our interview with Shawn Bosley to learn more about how local leaders are using their talents to support their community even during trying times.