In 2021, Rocky Mountain PBS' team of journalists traveled the state to share the stories of Colorado. Our mission is to help create a Colorado where everyone is seen and heard.

We’re thankful to everyone who shared their stories with us, and so we are wrapping up 2021 by highlighting some of our favorites from the year—from a heroic medic sharing his memories of the 1973 Wounded Knee Occupation to a mountaineer who goes by "The Black Sherpa."

The 'Black Sherpa' summits every Colorado 14er in a push for more diversity in outdoor recreation
“In order to get people outdoors that are of color...one, we need the education,” Evan Gill said.
Colorado pilot, medic recalls missions to Wounded Knee
At the age of 26, Roque Madrid, of the small village of Viejo San Acacio, Colorado, near the border of northern New Mexico, piloted food and medical supplies to Wounded Knee.
Tributes to Aurora theater shooting victims cemented into new lending library
“They put that stuff there because they wanted us to feel stronger and they wanted us to feel hope and comfort and love. And it’s just so perfectly fitting that that’s exactly what it is still doing today."
Nizhoni Elizabeth Smocks on what it means to be Afro-Indigenous
“I’ve never felt Native enough or Black enough, so I’ve always found my place with the outcasts,” Smocks said.
‘I’m stronger in drag': 16-year-old finds empowerment as Ophelia Peaches
Ophelia started performing in drag at 13 years old, but the persona was years in the making, dating back to dress-ups and tea parties with her sister about 10 years ago.

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