Colorado Voices in the Community

Background

The Colorado Voices in the Community (CVC) archive was a collaborative effort launched by Professors Carlos Jimenez (Department of Media, Film & Journalism Studies) and Lina Reznicek-Parrado (Department of Spanish Language, Literary & Cultural Studies). Recognizing the lack of representation of Spanish-speaking and bilingual Coloradans in existing oral history archives, they aimed to create a platform specifically dedicated to capturing these diverse voices.

This mission became even more critical during the pandemic. As workers of color, many Spanish-speaking communities found themselves on the frontlines as essential workers. CVC prioritized collecting their experiences to ensure they were documented and acknowledged in an accessible way.

The archive goes beyond simply collecting narratives—it functions as a key component of the Spanish Language Media Production Micro-Credential program at the University of Denver. Students enrolled in this program, typically heritage or bilingual in Spanish and English, have the opportunity to directly participate in the archive's growth by conducting interviews. This experience allows students to move beyond their classrooms to engage directly with the Colorado community in a meaningful way, while further honing their Spanish language and media skills.