In the 1980s, when most of Denver seemed ready to give up on the historically Black Five Points neighborhood, Carl Bourgeois did not.
Eventually, Bourgeois would buy multiple buildings in the 2400 block of Washington Street, proving to the community — and the rest of Denver — that the neighborhood was worth their investment. And he showed how to preserve a historic neighborhood and adapt it to modern needs. “These buildings didn’t just all come together. It was very difficult — one building at a time,” Nelson said. “Today, people develop in Five Points all the time and you can get financing and high rents.”
Alvertis Simmons, who runs the Simmons Foundation for Youth and Change, met Bourgeois years ago when he heard about a businessman who helped people in the community.Bourgeois told Simmons that he was familiar with the work Simmons was doing in the community and offered his support. He helped pay for Thanksgiving turkeys and donated to Simmons’ annual backpack drive for school children.
An great American hero. What legacy to leave behind for his family, friends, neighbors and the great state of Colorado. R.I.P.
Then the white progressives moved in and gentrified the area. Sad.
Is KyleNewmanDP still employed? It’s 2022 and this is what you stand by? I wonder how many people we can get to cancel their subscription if he’s not fired by end of the day? You are what you allow. Do better, or you’re no different than he is.