Rosalind J. (Bee) Harris, publisher and art director of the Denver Urban Spectrum newspaper; 2020 Inductee to the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame – Episode 142
Today on Extraordinary Women Radio, I'm excited to bring you this extraordinary woman - Rosalind J. (Bee) Harris, publisher and art director of the Denver Urban Spectrum newspaper; 2020 Inductee to the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame.
In this episode:
Discover how Bee founded the Denver Urban Spectrum newspaper
The importance of having dreams and how to make them happen in your life
Learn about the factors that lead to business success
What community building means for Bee and her business
How to raise your voice as women and get your message heard
Rosalind J. Harris also referred to and known as Bee is the owner, publisher and art director of the Denver Urban Spectrum newspaper. Since 1987, she and her contributors have been "spreading the news about people of color," and celebrated 32 years in April in 2019.
As an active member in the community, Bee is politically connected and has volunteered on campaigns locally and nationally.
Over the years, she has served on many diverse boards in the capacity of a director and also as an advisor. Memberships and organization affiliations include the Girl Scouts Mile High Chapter, Black Star Communications, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Visit Denver, Colorado Association of Black Journalists, the Colorado Black Arts Festival, the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce and the Healing Garden. Her most recent appointment was serving on the Denver International Airport South Terminal Redevelopment Program – a public art program and she currently serves on the board of Colorado Press Association.
Awards and honors received over the years include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award; National Council of Negro Women Trailblazer Award; Girl Scouts 2000 Women of Distinction honoree and numerous awards from the Colorado Association of Black Journalist. In 2003, Bee was selected as a Burger King Everyday Hero and also received the Dr. Martin Luther King Social Responsibility Award. She also is the recipient for the Media Award from the Colorado Gospel Music Academy & Hall of Fame. In 2009, she received a Community Star Award from Northeast Academy and was recognized as one of Denver’s 150 “Unsung Heroes” from Mayor Hickenlooper.
On March 1, 2011, she was one of the recipients of the Metro State Rachel B. Noel Colorado Greats award. In February 2012, she was received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama and during the Denver Urban Spectrum’s 25th anniversary celebration, Rosalind “Bee” Harris was bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the Denver Institute of Urban Studies and Adult College. In 2013, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce. In February, 2015 Bee was recognized as one the top 25 most powerful women in Denver by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. In October, she received the Lifetime Achievement and Excellence Award from the Colorado Black Women for Political Action. And in 2016, she received the John Parr and Sandy Widener Civic Leadership Award from the Denver Foundation. Over the years, Denver Urban Spectrum has won numerous awards from the Colorado Association of Black Journalists.
In 2000, Bee founded the Urban Spectrum Youth Foundation, a mentoring program that trained youth from ages 13 to 17 in the field of journalism. During a 7-week summer program, participants learned skills and techniques in writing/reporting, photography, layout and design, sales and marketing, and business management. More than 250 youth have gone through the award winning program.
“Love life and live it. Live life and love it.” - Rosalind J. (Bee) Harris
Discover more about Rosalind's works and passion on her website here: Denver Urban Spectrum. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn.