Five Points was/is considered the "Harlem of the West", a place where free black people could be successful entrepreneurs and live safely in a community built by and for the community. It was a self sufficient society including all cultural needs such as; a bank, restaurants, clubs, a billiard, and even a mortuary (just to name a few). The street was lined with all successful black-owned businesses and thrived. This is not the case anymore.
 
Gentrification is altering Welton st. (and many cities around the country), raising rent prices and demolishing businesses to build huge hotels that seem to lack character and pay homage to the historical neighborhood and subjugating people to houselessness. Welton st. is Denver's Bourbon st, Broadway st., Hollywood Blvd. Without this street, Denver would not be the place that so many seek/sought to come to. It was an El Dorado, not only for gold but for safety and freedom for many.
 
We believe that Five Points is just one example of the harmful affects of gentrifications. This is a call to action to restore and revitalize our humanity and we believe the key to doing that is through building authentic spaces & community. As many cities continue to rapidly grow it is our hope that the culture will too grow and not be erased.