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The humble and innovative beginnings of the cable TV industry in Colorado sparked one of the most important industries in the world. From Bill Daniels, Bob Magness, and John Malone to Rouzbeh Yassini, meet the innovative pioneers of the industry, which continues to reinvent itself even today. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3zeF6Ch ------------------------------------------------------ Follow Rocky Mountain PBS on our other platforms, too. • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rmpbs • Twitter: https://twitter.com/rmpbs • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rmpbs • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocky-mountain-pbs

Born into slavery, Barney Ford escaped at 26 and endured racism, fires, and mining claim jumping to become one of only 46 African Americans in the Colorado Territory. Undeterred, he became one of the richest men in the state as a miner, barber, restaurateur, and hotel owner—a true entrepreneur—all while fighting endlessly for Black rights.

What would lead approximately 675 volunteer soldiers to attack a peaceful settlement of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians in the Southeastern Colorado Territory? On November 29, 1864, Colonel John Chivington led a group to do just that, resulting in the deaths of over two hundred men, women, and children. This episode revisits the horrific events and uncovers the history 150 years later. Over a million Coloradans turn to Rocky Mountain PBS to discover provocative and inspiring local, national and international programming, find diverse viewpoints, and experience lifelong learning opportunities every month. Learn more: https://www.rmpbs.org

Encouraged by civil rights movements of the 1960s, the Disability Rights Movement gained momentum leading to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Decades earlier in 1978, 19 individuals tossed aside their wheelchairs and blocked city buses deemed inaccessible for the physically disabled. Meet the brave individuals who dared to change the status quo and discover how this one act led to years of advocacy in the state of Colorado and inspired the nation.

Amid the coarse Colorado landscape and growing city, Denverites had the green mind to establish a botanic garden. The creation of today’s popular and flourishing Denver Botanic Gardens was a long, formidable journey during the mid-20th century that was only possible through local donations, gifts, volunteers, and dedicated individuals. Unearth the garden’s resilient story as an architectural, educational, and scientific pioneer.

Paddle through the buoyant history of FIBArk, the United States’ oldest and longest whitewater festival, and discover the adventurous evolution of whitewater sports and how they fortified a small town in central Colorado. Salida, Colorado is home to the birth of American kayaking and helped develop many whitewater sports including kayak slalom, river SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding) and more. http://www.rmpbs.org/coloradoexperience/season-6/

In 1951, in the early days of the Cold War, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission announced the construction of a new facility in Arvada, Colorado, 16 miles from Metro Denver. Although the general public was largely unaware of what went on at the site, the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant manufactured the plutonium “trigger” used in every nuclear weapon created in the United States. For the next several decades, Rocky Flats was a major stimulus to the local economy, providing thousands of jobs to area residents. But it was also a source of increasing controversy, as reports of radioactive contamination affecting the local environment and the truth about what was really going on at Rocky Flats became public. Colorado’s Cold War explores the legacy of Rocky Flats and the local impact of a global conflict. For additional resources related to Rocky Flats, visit www.rmpbs.org/coloradoexperience.

750,000 participants from 72 countries convened in Denver in the summer of 1993 for World Youth Day and a visit from the Pope. Organizers feared the gang disturbances of the notorious “Summer of Violence” would scare away visitors, and yet for those 5 and half days, all violence ceased. This episode of Colorado Experience examines the largest gathering in Colorado history. Archival photographs, footage and modern-day interviews track the historic visit of Pope John Paul II, the Catholic Church’s revered leader. Learn more at www.rmpbs.org/ColoradoExperience Connect online at www.facebook.com/ColoradoExperience

One of the most significant events in the struggle for labor laws in America played out in Las Animas County in the spring of 1914. With the control of much of Colorado's coal mines in the hands of just a few companies, miners grew increasingly intolerant of low wages and dangerous working conditions. Despite efforts to suppress union activity, the United Mine Workers of America called a strike in September of 1913. Over the next few months, tensions escalated as the striking miners ransacked several mines. The dispute culminated in a violent clash on April 20, 1914. Despite this tragic outcome, the event sparked national outrage and led the way of workers' rights in America.