CULTURS

Denver is near the mountains, not in them. The Mile High City is located on high rolling plains, 12 miles east of the foothills — a series of gentle mountains that climb to 11,000 feet. Just beyond is the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, picturesque snowcapped peaks that rise to 14,000 feet (fourteeners as described by locals). Denver might not be in the mountains, but the mountains still dominate the city.

As a hot chocolate aficionado who no longer uses added sugar, cold winter days felt a bit more empty. Black coffee doesn’t always fill that snowy-morning-by-the-fire vibe — but Golden Root’s creamy, somewhat spicy, frothy blend of turmeric latte goodness hits the spot every time. With just the right amount of (coconut) milk, spice and warmth to keep one cozy, it finally feels like the yearn for cocoa will fade away.

Oxymoronic as it sounds, The Infinite Monkey Theorem is an urban winery founded on the principle of making order out of chaos. Third Culture Adult Ben Parsons grew up in London, studied winemaking in Australia and began his career on Colorado’s Western Slope.

In the all-too-swift arc that is the story of our lives, we touch thousands, change many, and are ourselves changed — often for the better. If we’re fortunate, our children become our friends, and they are there to honor the work we’ve done in the world when it’s our time to leave it. Such is the story of Edna Motley and her daughter Sonja.

Jon Theisen grew up in Denver, Colorado, U.S., but he moved 10 times within its metro area during his formative years. As a biracial Domestic Third Culture Kid, he discusses how geographic mobility and cultural fluidity may have shaped his expectations.

Emil Pinnock is an American film director, producer, writer and actor from Harlem, New York, U.S. In his 30s, Pinnock has been active in the film industry for more than two decades.

“I remember when you told black Latinas that they were black and they would want to fight you,” says Keka Araújo, as we discuss the recently fashionable topic of being Afro-Latina. “Some people want to make me biracial. I am not biracial; I am bicultural,” she continues. “I am unapologetically black.”

With first-hand understanding of how fear almost stopped her, Anita Henestrosa shares powerful lessons to help today’s youth own their futures.