Survived a stroke and the doctors told him he would never walk or talk again but he is doing all of that and even playing football. He was also on a billboard off of Platte and was on the memorial hospital elevator for a while as well. He even went on the news telling his story.

First African American female to win the World Championship for the Professional Armed Forces Barrel Racing at 10 years old

My pastor Justus B. Morgan Part of the Colorado Springs Community over 80 years , Pastor and his Family have dedicated their life to Ministry. His father the Senior Chester E. Morgan, founded Morgan Memorial Chapel Church of God in Christ in 1918. Many Families in the community, military and some just passing through have found a home, a place of worship, a place of deliverance and a place to find peace in their weekly routine. Pastor Morgan has been active with NAACP over years past. He is a man of prayer, sound faith and is known as a pillar founded by our Lord and Savior Jesus to follow the direction of Christ for the Church Family and the community. Some of the youngest members have been with the Church for over 40 years. Others have been members for more than 60 years. Our Pastor is an humble man, who lives the life, and leads as he’s directed by Christ. Tradition is fine, but his way of leading is known to be dynamic, simply because he doesn't make a move without the direction of Christ.

Local artist was homeless. During this time, he began painting some of the people in the community who helped him. He ended up painting 100 faces in the Crowd.

Daphne H. Rice-Allen has been a leader in the African American arts and culture community since 1989. Her parents attended historically Black colleges in the South and encouraged her to be always be curious . Leading the museum is part of that tradition. During her tenure as the Chair she is motivated to strengthen the museum’s volunteer and membership base. Mrs. Rice-Allen has held positions as an Arts Coordinator for Art Reach after school program and a former board member of the Denver Black Arts Festival now the Colorado Black Arts Festival. She was recently inducted into the Circle of Wisdom by the Colorado Kwanzaa Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Technical Communications/Public Relations from Metro State College and an associate’s degree in Applied Science, Fashion Merchandising from Arapahoe Community College.

Helping underprivileged youth

Capturing and growing culture in 5 points.

Lex is a up and coming trainer in the Denver Metro area. Lex played in the NFL and is a UNC Football alumni. He is a very inspirational and likable person. He has a great impact in all the peoples lives that he trains. Lex is helping me reach my full potential in football. Heis looking for many other athletes to help push to their goals as well. Not only in football but other sports and fitness goals as well.

He has inspired numerous amount of children through coaching and the youth and high school level. And providing opportunities to children leas fortunate. Also has employed numerous amounts of workers two locations in the Colorado Springs area

Opened the Althea Gibson Educational and Tennis Center in North Philadelphia, PA. in 1990's. Offering the tennis experience to inner city youth.

This man is a pastor, counselor and a family man! He has impacted so many lives here in Colorado from giving back to the community through Street church, having his own church here in Colorado Springs at Relation With Christ Ministries, he has blessed so many families and welcomed so many young people and made a major impact on their lives! From being a counselor on fort Carson helping soldiers who struggle with substance abuse, to working at st.francis hospital and working with patients there. He has truly done so much in the community. He also served 30 years in the Air Force and retired as a chief also leaving so many lives impacted!

All- American city 1997 The hillside community

She bringd dance to women to enrich the community. She created a safe place for culture to be celebrated as a black woman in this community.

Mr. Lee have transcended our black culture over the years. His leadership and impact has spearheaded a long legacy of a up lifting all minority communities and families. The Hillside community and its kids have a brighter future because of his hard work and dedication to helping improve the lives of so many.

Lex is a up and coming trainer in the Denver Metro area. Lex played in the NFL and is a UNC Football alumni. He is a very inspirational and likable person. He has a great impact in all the peoples lives that he trains. Lex is helping me reach my full potential in football. Heis looking for many other athletes to help push to their goals as well. Not only in football but other sports and fitness goals as well.

One of self help, love, unity, caring, doing for others, all the way from Denver to Ethiopia and beyond Brother Jeff is doing the Damn Thing for small business owners, for the unhoused, for the uncared for... the Brother Jeff Network reaches out with free meals during the week and over Christmas gave out 754 meals and on MLK Day more than 1500 meals in Denver and Aurora!!

Created a space for people of opposing views to have conversations that builds unity and inclusivity. He has been instrumental in elevating young men and women of color. He is a mentor, leader and he making Colorado Springs a better community for all.

“Aunt” Clara Brown Often called the “Angel of the Rockies,” Clara Brown reflects the richness of the African-American experience. She faced enormous challenges and reached wonderful heights in her nearly eighty-five years. Turning her back on her life in slavery, she looked west for the children she had lost. She then became one of the first African-American women to settle in Colorado. Clara was skillful in business ventures and investments that earned her thousands of dollars. She also gained a reputation for community care. She helped people of all races, but she worked especially hard to bring black people out of poverty and enslavement. Enslaved Clara Brown was probably born into slavery in Virginia around 1800. Wealthy white southerners who “owned” Clara often auctioned her to the highest bidder as if she were a horse to be sold. Each time she was bought, she would have to move, sometimes even to a different state. Clara married when she was eighteen, and later gave birth to four children. Tragically, all of her children and her husband were sold to different people across the country. She vowed to work for the rest of her life to reunite her shattered family. Clara worked as a domestic servant until 1856 when her “owner” at the time, George Brown, died. Fortunately, his family helped Clara achieve her freedom, and she could begin the search for her missing children. Heading West Hearing that one of her daughters, Eliza, may have moved to the West, Clara headed in that direction. She had money to travel, but black people at the time were forbidden from buying stagecoach tickets. Instead, she convinced a group of prospectors to take her with them. On their way to Colorado in search of gold, she would work as their cook. The journey was long and rough and Clara had to walk alongside the wagon for much of the nearly 700-mile trek. Once in Denver, Clara was unable to find her daughter. She decided to travel with gold seekers to Central City in the summer of 1859. The town was made up of gold mines, small stores, saloons, and shacks for miners and their families. Clara was one of the first African-American women to reach the gold-mining towns of Colorado. Making Strides Clara’s two most important goals were to make enough money to live independently and to find her family. She figured that accomplishing the first goal would help her with the second. Clara started by opening a small laundry service for the gold miners of Central City. The business was very successful, and she began saving her money. To make even more, she cooked, cleaned, and catered special engagements. By the end of the Civil War in 1865, when most black people were just gaining their legal freedom, Clara had saved ten thousand dollars. This was an astonishing amount of money. With this wealth, she invested in mining claims and Colorado real estate. She could now support herself very well. A Hub of the Community Like most of the small black population of Colorado, “Aunt” Clara saw the importance of living within a strong community. In Central City, her business and her home became community hubs. Sick or injured miners, regardless of race, would often turn to her for help. Clara gave them a place to recover and cared for them until they were able to return to work. She also helped those who were homeless and needed a place to stay. Pregnant women in town often wanted Clara to help deliver their babies. She provided many of these services for free to those who could not afford them. Clara Brown was a Presbyterian, but she did not discriminate against other faiths. She gave money and time to four different churches in town. As she had done in Denver, she also helped start the first Sunday school program in town. She used her home as the classroom. While her faith was strong and her finances secure, Clara was still missing something…her family. Searching for Her Family Once she had saved enough money, Clara Brown began the hunt for her family. She traveled to Kentucky and Tennessee in search of her loved ones. Though she did not find her children or husband, she did not return empty-handed. Clara discovered other relatives on her trip, and she paid for them to move to Colorado. She also helped other freed blacks to move here for many years. When they arrived, she helped them find jobs in their new home. In 1879, Clara acted as an official representative of Colorado Governor Pitkin to Kansas. Many black people had escaped from the South and moved to black homesteads in Kansas. This was sometimes called the “Black Exodus,” and these people were called “Exodusters.” Governor Pitkin sent Clara Brown to Kansas to try to persuade some of them to move to Colorado. Many jobs were available in Colorado due to mining strikes and labor shortages. Clara delivered Governor Pitkin’s invitation and donated some of her own money to support the new black communities. In spite of all her successes, disaster was just around the corner. In 1864, a great flood swept through Denver and destroyed much of the town. The papers proving that Clara Brown owned property there were lost. In 1873, Clara’s home and several of her other properties went up in flames in a huge fire in Central City. Clara now had nothing to show for all her years of work, but people in the community came to her rescue. Someone even set her up in a cottage in Denver. Triumph of Love In 1882, when Clara was about 80 years old, good news brought fresh hope of finding her daughter. She received word that a black woman named Eliza lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This woman was born about the same time as Clara’s child, Eliza. She had been taken from her mother and sold to another family, and she even looked a bit like Clara. With money from her friends, “Aunt” Clara immediately traveled to Iowa to find out if this person could indeed be her Eliza. They met in Iowa, and the two joyfully discovered that they were in fact mother and daughter! The story of their reunion was widely published in newspapers in Colorado and throughout the Midwest. After forty-seven years of separation and searching, Clara’s dream had finally come true. Eliza was the only child Clara ever found, and the two returned to Colorado where they lived until Clara’s death. Immortalized “Aunt” Clara Brown passed away in her sleep just three years after being reunited with her daughter. Crowds flocked to her funeral. The mayor of Denver and the governor of Colorado even attended the ceremony. The Colorado Pioneer Association made Clara Brown their first African-American member, and funded her entire funeral. Clara Brown’s name and reputation have lived on in the years since her death. A chair in the Central City Opera House was installed in her name in the 1930s. This is an honor reserved for well-respected community members. In 1977, Clara’s life and achievements were commemorated with a stained glass portrait of her in the state capitol building. She also has a plaque on the St. James Methodist Church in Central City, which explains that her home served as the first church in the area. An opera about her life, called Gabriel’s Daughter, debuted in Central City in 2003. People say that Clara Brown went from being a slave to being an angel, but neither word is accurate. She was an experienced black woman who lived with purpose and passion. She recognized the power of community and in building relationships. She found her way out of a life of enslavement to establish a new life in Colorado. Her success in business gave her the chance to share her wealth with friends and family. She worked to develop the black community in Colorado. The discovery of her daughter, Eliza, turned her lifelong dream into reality. In her own time of crisis, favors and kindness were lovingly returned to her. BY SHANTI ZAID, Colorado Historical Society, Clara Brown intern Further Reading Baker, Roger. Clara: An Ex-slave in Gold Rush Colorado. Central City: Black Hawk Publishing Co., 2003. Bruyn, Kathleen. “Aunt” Clara Brown: Story of a Black Pioneer. Boulder: Pruett Publishing Co., 1970. Gates, Jr., Henry Louis, et al (eds.) Perseverance. African Americans: Voices of Triumph Series. Time- Life Custom Publishing, 1993. Lowery, Linda. Aunt Clara Brown: Official Pioneer. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, 1999.Lowery, Linda. The Story of Aunt Clara Brown. New York: Random House, 2002.

Empowering, educating, and creating leaders within the community through the aspect of building businesses and entrepreneurship.

Dwight Gentry has been a mentor to hundreds of young men, Black and Latino, since 1980 in Denver, and since 1970 in Topeka Kansas, as an educational counselor, and through mentoring programs, internship programs, and leadership training programs. His impact has given these young men the resources and tools to make better choices as they pursue their college and/or career options, as they begin to carve their own path and pursue their dreams, and facilitates their direction to stand with integrity as they navigate their lives. In addition, he has touched the lives of hundreds more, as he stands for Civil Rights and Equity, and challenges the disparities that our children of color have experienced in our school systems, especially the inequity with discipline our children face. He is a man of GOD, a man of strength, integrity, kindness, and honor.

Business, Entrepreneurship, and STEAM programming

Bringing together our love for those who are hurting and our creative talents for honoring the departed.

Mrs. Wilma Webb fought for years for the State of Colorado to adopt Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr as a holiday. Denver, CO has been known to have one of the largest Marades (combination of a March and a parade) in the U.S. Mrs. Webb was a member of the Colorado Legislature in 1980 and became the first minority woman on the Colorado Joint Budget Committee. She sponsored over 44 bills, 11 which passed, including the Comprehensive Anti-Drug Abuse Program; Elderly Frail People to Receive Care at Home as Opposed to Nursing Home Placement; and Improvement of Living Conditions for Troubled Youth. She also worked hard in helping her husband, Wellington Webb, become the first African American mayor of Denver in 1991. Mrs. Webb has continued to be very active in the community for numerous years. She has left a legacy for others to carry on the torch.

First African Americsn election Commissioner - talk to him about his challenge

Performing and video arts contributions like mad

Ms V has been the Director at King Baptist Childcare and Preschool for more than 13 yrs. She has built a center in Park Hill that is very well known in the community as a safe, caring place to take your children ages 2 1/2 to 11 yrs. She sees that they get a healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks every day. She puts on a beautiful Christmas program, also a spring program and graduation ceremony complete with cap and gown for those going on to kindergarten. She has these kids so well prepared for kindergarten! She teaches with a firm hand and a loving heart! She is always loving on these kids and their families. There are parents that were her students that bring their children there because they know what a safe loving environment it is. She helps families with clothes and other necessities when needed. There isn’t a better place in Denver you could take your kids, many come back to see her long after their days in childcare are over. I have a very special place in my heart for Ms V and King Baptist. She is truly an example of what a daycare, preschool should look like!! She deserves this recognition as she works in a very important field that the importance of for our young developing children is too often overlooked or taken for granted!! Thank you!!

Claudette was born February 29, 1940 she was buried February 29, 2012. She held 2 bachelor degrees: Journalism and English. The class of 1959 Douglass High school, OKC she never missed a class reunion, she held some office. She help stage a walk out in 1986 with Clare Luper because of the unfair firing of Blacks at Tinker AFB, OKC. At 5'9 she was very out spoken, who would stand up for herself and others. She owned a hair salon with 3 other Moore's: Moore's Beauty Salon in OKC. She held a Oklahoma real estate license in the 70's-80's. With Her above accomplishments she retired from Tinker AFB after 36 years. My Mama

East End Visions Apparel: Involving political leaders in conversations that address issues in the community Creating events based around peace and unity Creating opportunities for students to shine and win educational and arts based contests

East End Visions Apparel: Involving political leaders in conversations that address issues in the community Creating events based around peace and unity Creating opportunities for students to shine and win educational and arts based contests

Ms V has been the Director at King Baptist Childcare and Preschool for more than 13 yrs. She has built a center in Park Hill that is very well known in the community as a safe, caring place to take your children ages 2 1/2 to 11 yrs. She sees that they get a healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks every day. She puts on a beautiful Christmas program, also a spring program and graduation ceremony complete with cap and gown for those going on to kindergarten. She has these kids so well prepared for kindergarten! She teaches with a firm hand and a loving heart! She is always loving on these kids and their families. There are parents that were her students that bring their children there because they know what a safe loving environment it is. She helps families with clothes and other necessities when needed. There isn’t a better place in Denver you could take your kids, many come back to see her long after their days in childcare are over. I have a very special place in my heart for Ms V and King Baptist. She is truly an example of what a daycare, preschool should look like!! She deserves this recognition as she works in a very important field that the importance of for our young developing children is too often overlooked or taken for granted!! Thank you!!

Jamal is a young man who aspires to ensure education is at the forefront for young African Americans. Jamal shares in the belief that entrepreneurship is a key component to the success of creating generational wealth. Jamal believes in community and in God and works diligently to improve our state of community and entrepreneurship.

Activist in changing the justice reform problems. Non profit owner (Community Works) which helps with the rehabilitation of adults after leaving prison or experiencing homelessness. His organization provides classes, resume help, job networking, apartment help, interview prep, and professional business attire for the interview process. Outside of this Rob is working on developing mentorship programs revolving around social entrepreneurship in black communities. Rob has done several community outreach programs under Mayor Hancock and has his backing.

Laurence Tarver, a retired Denver Public Schools Educator and Coach, worked in the public schools system for over 30 years. During his time as a teacher and coach, Mr. Tarver had the opportunity to work with young men and women from across the city and state of Colorado, pouring into them not just the importance of receiving a good eduction, but also the life skills and tools that were often needed in order for them to be successful in life. As an educator, Mr. Tarver was one of very few African American men in the profession in the early years of his career and thus, knew the importance of his role in being a strong, positive role model and example for the students who would cross his path. He was an educator who knew how to make learning come alive in the classroom for his students, making sure that every single one of them knew how much he cared and was invested in their success. As a Coach, Mr. Tarver used athletics as a vehicle for his students to help give them a chance to pursue higher education using sports as the vehicle to get there. The same life skills that he taught his students in the classroom were the same skills that he taught them on the football field, basketball court, baseball field, wrestling mats, and on the track. Mr. Tarver has a long history of teaching and coaching in the Denver Public Schools, and was also responsible for helping to mentor and develop a number of his athletes who went on to coach at the high school and collegiate level. Although he was never fortunate to coach his athletes to a state title, he was responsible for coaching many of them to individual successes in their own individual lives. Countless former athletes of his have given testament to the fact that Mr. Tarver was more than just a teacher and coach, but was the father figure that many of them lacked at the time when they were able to cross paths with him. In 1995, Mr. Tarver became the Principal of Gove Middle School and remained the last school leader until its closure ten years later. In his role at Principal, Mr. Tarver was able to help foster the same love for learning and those same life lessons into another generation of students. To his surprise, in his role as Principal, Mr. Tarver was now also helping to raise the sons and daughters, and in some cases the grandchildren of so many of the former students he had taught and coached when he first entered the profession during the 1970's. Mr. Tarver retired from Denver Public Schools in 2005, but continued working in education for the next couple of years until finally retiring altogether. While his days as a formal educator have passed, Mr. Tarver still continued to coach in Denver Public Schools up to 2020, and helps to mentor and provide guidance to a number of educators and coaches to this present day. Mr. Tarver has touched hundreds, possibly even thousands of lives both near and far who can bear witness to the fact that he is a educational and coaching legend in the city of Denver, across the stare of Colorado and beyond. Tough, stern and often misunderstood in the various roles he has served in, Mr. Tarver helped save a number of youth, particularly young men, from getting caught up in the temptations and troubles that often were awaiting them. Even some of those who were the most rebellious and reluctant to follow his guidance have been able to look back many years later and show their thanks and appreciation for the many words of encouragement that he spoke, the frequent hard conversations and redirections he gave, and the fact that he was one of the individuals who never gave up on them. At age 70, he remains a strong example of the power and presence that Black male educators have in the lives of our children, and continues to pass on his wisdom to those who will listen.

Patience is a total community hero. She is the executive director of Food to Power (Formerly the Colorado Springs Food Rescue) but has been involved in the organization for years, helping grow its impact. The goal of the organization is to ensure no family goes hungry, and to help establish food independence for areas lacking in healthy food options. A vast swath of Southeast Colorado Springs is considered a food desert, and Patience has actively worked to mitigate the health inequities prominent in that part of town. Moreover, she writes the bi-monthly DiverseCity column in the Colorado Springs Indy, where she speaks on important national, statewide and local issues with sensitivity, grace and passion.

TerryJosiah came to Colorado Springs in 2017 with an open mind and a heart to bring this city to its feet through music. Since his arrival he’s partnered with dozens of venues, influencers, and musicians to bring people from all walks together through his love of the arts. The legacy he is creating gives people an inside look into the world of music and welcomes people from all backgrounds to create under one unified sound. From Anthem Music Enterprises to The Urban Classic TerryJosiah has revitalized our music industry and breathes life into local musicians who are trying to find their sound.

As the pastor of Denver's New Life Christian Fellowship Church, Rev. Dr. Kevin Thompson is a community change-maker who has a heart for all people. He is known for his preaching against social injustice, helping the marginalized, and making sure that everyone that he encounters knows that “Everybody Matters to God”. His warm, friendly, and welcoming personality show along with his genuine concern and empathy to those seeking help, advice, or just a listening ear. Pastor Thompson is most importantly a child of God, and he cherishes his relationship with The Almighty.

I begin by acknowledging the role Mr. Bowen has played in the Colorado educational system. Being a former student of Mr. Bowen, I observed his professionalism, work ethic, and most importantly his compassion for his students. The time I spent with Mr. Bowen in the classrooms and on campus has opened my mind to the limitless opportunities a student can achieve. Outside of campus I have seen Mr. Bowen's efforts to motivate and aid numerous students and communities. From Africa to the States, Mr. Bowen has left a lasting impression on me personally. I now aspire to play a role in the educational field due to the remarkable job I seen Mr. Bowen do at the Community College of Denver campus.

John Henson and Ron Fontenot Sr., are two retired engineers who have spent many years working with young people in volunteer technical training after-school programs. They started Colorado Futuretek in 2010 to further provide enrichment training and resources to help African American and other underrepresented minority high school students obtain marketable skills in the IT and Computer industries. They also enlist youth from their Summertek program to help senior citizens 50 and over learn the basics or improve their skills using laptops or smartphones.

Creating a safe space for marginalized voices and uniting the entire community through art.

Kerrie has started a civic engagement effort called De-Mystify the technique. In addition to being a prolific poet, vocalist, educator and organizer she has used her artistic talent to uplift the history of our historically Black community and promote the reclamation of that history and identity via her clothing wear brand EastsideForever inspired by the first Black superhero film, Black Panther and the moniker WakandaForever. Her poetry and music is quickly becoming the backdrop of our modern civil rights movement.

Attorney; Civil rights activist; Colorado General Assembly 1964

Sculptor (MLK City Park and more); first African American astronaut candidate under JFK; business entrepreneur

Selinea is an educator & community servant extraordinaire! She not only works as a math tutor at PPCC, but she also volunteers in Harrison District 2 tutoring our children in math. She holds town hall meetings introducing the Dakota Promise Program (math/life program for low income families) to parents and community members. Selinea takes the time to personally help parents find scholarships for their college bound students; assists families financially struggling with finances to help get their bills paid while students are in school. Not only does Selinea take time out of her work schedule to help those in need, but she's also a wife, mother of three and grandmother to three! She is truly a hero that needs to be recognized in our city/community!

Erica Crutcher is a legacy on her own, she is a wife, a hardworking mother of three and a model Veteran wife who has shown her strength after I was injured in the Army. I don't know how but with that mind she masterfully built the first Aquatic farm in Bennett Colorado. She started with nothing family raised in near poverty no loans or grants out if bare pockets she made her dream come true, now because she was on rented land, the landowner foreclosed the property and she was forced to hault the work she created and had to shut it down . She also was ble to place four new jobs in Bennett that was promising.. I am so proud of what she accomplished for our family and our town of Bennett, she brought a great spirit around here, gave hope to my daughter she can do anything with heart, fight, determination, .. Yes my wife became the first Registered African American Farmer of Bennett Colorado July 24, 2017. There has been no other in Colorado!

Joseph R. Whitfield 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office Joseph Whitfield, Esq., is a Deputy District Attorney for the Office of the District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District. There he prosecutes felony cases in a variety of different areas including Assault, Weapons, Forgery, Drug Distribution, and Homicide. He is a member of the office's Vehicular Homicide Unit, and works with law enforcement, members of the defense bar, investigators, and victims of crime. Prior to joining the District Attorney's Office, Mr. Whitfield had a career in business and technology. He would later clerk for the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, handling a variety of cases including Human Trafficking, Intellectual Property, Organized Crime, and Public Corruption. Mr. Whitfield has served in a variety of leadership positions including as a Committee Chair for the NAACP Aurora Colorado Chapter, President of the Sam Cary Bar Association of Colorado, Vice President of the board for Highline Academy Charter Schools, as a Commissioner on the Uniform Law Commission (Colorado Delegation), and as an Instructor with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA). Mr. Whitfield received both his J.D. and LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Technology Law from the School of Law at Washington University in St. Louis.

Ms. Waller has been fundamental part of the not only the black community, but the whole Colorado Springs community. She has given her time and wisdom to help others for as long as I can remember, and I love her!

Brother Jeff's Cultural Center, his news show, Black Dollar Saturdays, feeding the hungry--you name it, he lives the principles of Kwanzaa all year long. He teaches us how to support each other, how to build our own table and how to innovate with minimal resources.

Rev. Tyler is the justice preacher of Shorter AME. He preaches, teaches and walks the walk holding us up. He is unapologetic and unafraid to boldly call out injustice no matter where it lives and organizes to achieve remedies to injustice.

Elisabeth started the Colorado Freedom Fund to get poor people who have not had due process out of cages. She is an abolitionist who has led changes at the state level in prisons and works diligently to abolish cages and the carceral state by literally freeing people.

Jeff founded Emancipation Theater and From Allies to Abolitionists. As an organizer, educator, playwright, actor, rapper etc. he has utilized his talents to mobilize allies to true abolitionist actions. His legacy is of a modern underground railroad culture that helps us all find our freedom bound up in each others' freedom.

AIDS Prevention Organization

Janet Rene Damon, Ed.S is a literacy engagement activist who has worked to empower families and support their access to libraries and collections that feature positive representation of diverse children and families. She is an educator with over twenty years of experience working with students and families as a librarian and literacy consultant. Janet has taught U.S. History, Ethnic Studies, Literacy Intervention and Information Literacy with students K-12 and is currently the Library Services Specialist for the Denver Public Schools. An experienced facilitator, she helps students, families, and community members build reading habits at home. increasing access to books and resources that support a child’s self-esteem, confidence, self-concept, and appreciation of their unique history and culture. She is the founder of Afros and Books, a collective of librarians of color & LGBTQ+ staff who promote self-liberation through libraries. This team leads workshops and presentations on diverse books and culturally responsive librarianship. They have presented for the Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference, Denver Comicon, the National Joint Conference of Librarians of Color, Pikes Peak Library District, and School Library Journal. Janet serves on the Board for Families Forward Resource Center, Write Our World, and SOAR Charter School. In her spare time she is a City Captain for Black Girls Hike and dances with the Intergenerational Women’s African Drum and Dance Ensemble (IWADDE) alongside her daughters. She also writes a multicultural motherhood and festival blog at mixmomma.com.

President and CEO, Dr. Rosemarie Allen has served as an educational leader for over 30 years. Her life's work is centered on ensuring ALL children have access to high quality early childhood programs that are developmentally and culturally appropriate. She is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Her classes are focused on ensuring teachers are aware of how issues of equity, privilege, and power impact teaching practices. Rosemarie has served in directorship roles with the Colorado Department of Human Services as the Director of the Division of Early Learning and in Youth Corrections. In Early Learning, she oversaw the State’s child care licensing program, the federal child care assistance program, the redesign of the State’s quality rating and improvement system, the implementation of the State’s professional development plan, and assisted in the creation of Colorado’s early learning guidelines. Dr. Allen's also serves as the President and CEO for the Institute for Racial Equity & Excellence (IREE), which is the lead agency for ensuring equity in educational practices throughout the nation. IREE is contracted with the State of Colorado to monitor and license early childhood facilities using a model she created, “Culturally Responsive Community Based Licensing”. Rosemarie is a national expert on implicit bias and culturally responsive practices, speaking at conferences across the country. She is a respected keynote speaker, presenting on Implicit Bias, Racial Equity, Inclusive Practices, Culturally Responsive Practices, Cultural Competence, Micro-Aggressions, Disproportionality, Privilege, Power and Intersectionality, etc. She also has the distinct honor of being appointed as a “Global Leader” connecting with world leaders in early childhood across the globe. Rosemarie earned her B. A. from California State University, Long Beach, Master’s of Education from Lesley University and Doctorate in Equity and Leadership in Education at the University of Colorado, Denver. Rosemarie is married to Don Allen and they have two amazing children. Jasmine is a Couples and Family therapist in Denver, Colorado and Clarence is a graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C. and currently works as a Community Organize

Community organizing, Activism, Mentoring

Carolyn Lewis was born 12.21.1956 and raised in the beautiful Colorado springs area. Carolyn Lewis parents are Jack Lewis and Johnny B Lewis both were members of St.John Baptist located on the south side of colorado springs Jack was a Deacon at the church and Johnny was a well known cook for the church and her community. Carolyn Lewis legacy will never be forgotten. She is a strong black woman. Carolyn lewis is a phenomenal mother and grandmother, a teacher, a protector and provider. Carolyn lewis supports her youth black community on a daily basis she provides all helpful information and tips though out the community she attends high school and middle sports events and education programs meeting. This woman Carolyn sue Lewis must be nominated and acknowledg for her volunteer work and participation within her community. Without this phenomenal women with in our youth community our community would not be the same.

Successful business woman and local entrepreneur.

Successful business woman and local entrepreneur.

Robin Gordon gas worked in Aurora Public Schools and with special classes at the Aurora Public Library for many years. She has brought arts into the schools by coaching step teams ans running afternoon school programs. She helps with fundraising in the community. Robin teach step teams and puts together competitions, the students enjoyed that. The competitions were also great fundraisers for the school.

B.J. Joyce is a Denver native and is pleased to call Denver home. He is a graduate of Denver East High School and wears the badge of an East Angel with pride. After graduating from a college out of state, he was eager to return back to Denver and begin his adult life in the Mile High City. B.J. is committed to living a life that reflects the love of Jesus in action, and desires to grow deeper in his faith. He is a husband, father, son, and friend. B.J. is an avid sports fan, but even more he is passionate about uplifting the Black community through Black business development and economics. He launched Black Biz CO (https://www.facebook.com/groups/DenverBlackOwned) in October 2020 in pursuit of his desire to strengthen, equip and unite Colorado's Black community in a new way that would create a path of sustainable advancement for the present and future. B.J. is motivated to continue spearheading efforts that will create meaningful change in the Black community within the state of Colorado and beyond. Some "talk the talk," B.J. Joyce "walks the walk" in finding countless ways to cultivate, support and illuminate Black economic empowerment across the Front Range!

**UPDATED NOMINATION** The Honorable Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. is a newly-appointed District Court Judge for the 18th Judicial District Court of Colorado. He previously spent the entirety of his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District. During his tenure he worked on more than 80 jury trials, argued before numerous judges and spoken with hundreds of defendants and victims on cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to complex felonies. Furthermore, Whitfield is a model citizen who has proven his dedication and commitment to serving the Colorado community previously serving as the President of the Sam Cary Bar Association, Colorado’s oldest minority bar association, and has also volunteered his time with the National Black Prosecutors Association, Uniform Law Commission and the Legal Redress Committee for the Aurora Chapter of the NAACP among other community service efforts. He serves on the executive board of Highline Academy Charter Schools and recently coached pee wee flag football for I9 sports. An avid sports fan, Whitfield is also a devoted husband and father.

John Register is the founder of the United States Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Military Sports Program which used sports as a tool for the rehabilitation of wounded, ill, and injured, service members. His vision in 2004 was to create a peace event using sports to repair relationships between warring countries and their war injured through sport. Registers efforts led to him closing the deal for a $15 million funding authorization and appropriation for both the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The funding led to the expansion of the USOPM sport program to 36 Army installations as well as Marine bases. The program also led to the creation of the DoD Warrior Games, which saw First Lady Michelle Obama and The Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry) open the games in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Registers 5 presentation on how to use sport for peace at Loughborough University in England assisted in paving the way for Prince Harry’s Invictus Games. Register was recognized for his vision by the American Association for People with Disabilities with the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leadership Award. Since the start of this program thousands of injured service members and sports clubs have been impacted. Many military athletes have made Paralympic Teams and some, like Rico Roman, and Melissa Stockwell, are featured in the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum in downtown Colorado Springs.

My grandmother was a jazz artist in The Cotton club days she played with Louis Armstrong Benny Goodman and most of the top jazz artists of the days she took fat Wallace's radio station when he left for other performances she moved to Colorado in the late 50s where she resided still as a musician but became of gospel legend me and her went to Atlanta Georgia to make an album that Marilyn Mcpartland invited us to participate Ray Charles and other big named artists adored her pinetop boogie woogie which she invented on the keyboards her soothing voice was also her proclaim

Colorado's first Black licensed female doctor. Delivered 7,000 babies. This year recognizes her150th birthday.

Pastor William Gamble is a retired US Air Force Communications Officer. Pastor Gamble was a continuous member of the People's United Methodist Church since 1994. Prior to that he worked in chapels and churches wherever he was assigned in the military. He is a licensed Local Pastor, certified by the District Committee on Ordained Ministry of the Rocky Mountain Conference, and is a Course of Study Program participant at the St Paul Theological seminary in Kansas, City, MO. He has been called upon to teach several Lay Speaking Basic and Advanced Courses in the Pikes Peak Sub-district. He has also served on various legislative committees at the Annual Conference, and currently serves as a board member/Secretary of the UMC Foundation for the Rocky Mountain Conference. Pastor Gamble was appointed to his present pastorate on July 1, 2009, and he served in that role until his retirement. As a visible member of the Colorado Springs Community, Pastor Gamble served as a member of the board for the Area Agency on Aging, Southern Colorado Black Roundtable (an advisory group to Governor Hickenlooper), El Pomar Black Advisory Council, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Chairman of the Colorado Springs Black Leadership Forum, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Bro. William Gamble served admirably as the lead facilitator for the Alpha Phi Alpha Iota Omicron Lambda Chapter Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway for several years.

Children Everywhere Inc. WoMen In The Spirit

Jason has made tremendous strides through the years by building his connections within the community as a health professional and advocate for positive change. Jason's journey is that of a young man who is destined for greatness. The education that he received early in life, led him toward the path of being a servant leader. Jason has the ability to impact the Black community to help heal from the racial injustices that so many of us have had to endure. He is empathetic to the needs of the Black community by positioning himself to be seated on many committees and creating outreach programs to have a voice in the decision-making process. Jason is a native of Colorado, where he was raised in Park Hill, and to this day he is still a part of that community where his private practice resides. As the saying goes, "the apple does not fall far from the tree" that's speaks volumes about his character. Jason has made significant progress in the community by sharing his expertise and knowledge to make a difference in the life of many people. I would like to nominate a remarkable young man for his courage and determination to contribute to positive change in our Black community.

My Grandmother Mrs. Margaret Mccaskill has left a legacy of being an educator and a Pastor. She is well known in the black community as Ms. Margaret. She has educated several of my friends during as a childhood educator. She has served in the church community and is currently a pastor at Shorter AME in Denver, CO.

He is a Magnificent Motivational Speaker, He exemplies hard work & Lives by example every day. One of the Biggest influencers in Music & Black Ownership

Frank Macon was an original Tuskegee Airmen - the nation's first group of African American fighter pilots trained to fight in World War II- and a Colorado Springs resident.

Community relations giving minorities equality and Boulder county also incorporating programs through the University of Colorado for student s through Second Baptist Church in Boulder as the great emeritus pastor of over 39 years opening for prayer for the house of Senate many other accomplishments community

Establish & Promote the education and celebration of the powerful Black History of Colorado. She is not only a board member of the BAWM & HC but an amazing voice, thought leader and action oriented member of many communities in which she champions the importance and power of not only reading about but positively contributing to the growing history in Denver and Colorado as a whole! She selflessly dedicates 100s of hours annually and never asks for anything in return!

The keeper of the history of Black Colorado Springs. Maintainer of the Black Library and Cultural Center.

Jason has made tremendous strides through the years by building and continuing his connections within the community as a health professional and advocate for positive change. Jason's journey is that of a young man who is destined for greatness. The education that he received early in life, led him toward the path of being a servant leader. Jason’s desire to impact and help heal the Black community from the racial injustices that so many of us have had to endure is what leadership is all about. He is empathetic to the needs of the Black community and is mindful enough to have a voice in the decision-making process by positioning himself to be seated on many committees and creating outreach programs for the youth. Jason is a native of Colorado, where he was raised in Park Hill, and to this day he is still a part of the community where his private practice resides. As the saying goes, "the apple does not fall far from the tree" that's speaks volumes about his character. Jason has made significant progress in the community by sharing his expertise and knowledge to make a difference in the life of many people. I would like to nominate a remarkable young man for his courage and determination to contribute to positive change in our Black community.

Justus Morgan, a member of the Palmer High School Hall of Fame, became pastor of Morgan Memorial Chapel Church of God in Christ, which his father started. My pastor Justus B. Morgan. Besides his 30-year career in a Civil Service job at Fort Carson, Justus Morgan, whose pitching anchored the Bombers’ championships, took over his dad’s church as a pastor, and remains a foundation in his faith community. Over 80 years , Pastor and his Family have dedicated their life to Ministry. His father the Senior Chester E. Morgan, founded Morgan Memorial Chapel Church of God in Christ in 1918. Many Families in the community, military and some just passing through have found a home, a place of worship, a place of deliverance and a place to find peace in their weekly routine. Pastor Morgan has been active with NAACP over years past. He is a man of prayer, sound faith and is known as a pillar founded by our Lord and Savior Jesus to follow the direction of Christ for the Church Family and the community. Some of the youngest members have been with the Church for over 40 years. Others have been members for more than 60 years. Our Pastor is an humble man, who lives the life, and leads as he’s directed by Christ. Tradition is fine, but his way of leading is known to be dynamic, simply because he doesn't make a move without the direction of Christ. “I thought about how they were treated like second-class citizens and how different their lives were in 1949, only two years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the major leagues. And it occurred to me, this was a team full of Jackie Robinsons.”