Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute | Program Notes

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. 2016 HUMANITARIAN AWARDS AND CELEBRATION CONCERT COLORADO SYMPHONY ANDRES LOPERA, conductor TAMARA BANKS, host VERN L. HOWARD, narrator Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 7:30 pm Boettcher Concert Hall

The Promise of Democracy JOHN WILLIAMS

Liberty Fanfare

Presentation of Dr. Joyce Marie Davis Outstanding Youth Award, Humanitarian Awards DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9 Largo ANDERSON

The Phantom Regiment

Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards COPLAND Lincoln Portrait Vern L. Howard, narrator

Presentation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission Special Award - Honorable Wilma J. Webb Founder’s Award ELGAR

“Nimrod“ from Enigma Variations

MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 5 in FD major, “Reformation” Chorale: Andante con moto – Allegro maestoso MARTY HAUGEN VIVIAN E. JONES, arr.

Thanks Be to God/We Shall Come Overcome

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THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HUMANITARIAN AWARDS ANDRES LOPERA, conductor Colombian conductor Andres Lopera is one of the leading Latin-American artists in the United States with nearly a decade of engagements in both North and South America. A passionate conductor who believes in the transformational power of music, Lopera has recently led the Oregon Symphony, Toledo Symphony, New World Symphony, National Repertory Orchestra, and Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra. He has also appeared with professional and youth orchestras throughout Central and South America, including Honduras, where he led the Youth Orchestra of the Americas in a musical camp for both young and professional musicians. In 2012, Lopera was appointed Music Director of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, for which he oversaw 12 different orchestral ensembles with more than 450 students. Also an accomplished trombonist, Lopera’s musical development started with the Red de Bandas de Antioquia and Red de Escuelas de Musica de Medellin, both El Sistema like programs developed in Colombia. Lopera earned a Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting from New England Conservatory of Music and in Trombone Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to these programs, he was awarded degrees in Conducting and Trombone from the Universidad EAFIT in Medellin, Colombia. His principal teachers were Hugh Wolff and David Loebel, with additional studies with Ludovic Morlot, Michael Tilson Thomas and Marin Alsop.

TAMARA BANKS, host For Emmy® Award-winning journalist Tamara Banks, the statement “One Person Can Make a Difference,” is more than just words. Ms. Banks is currently using her 20 years of journalism experience to evoke positive social transformation in our local community and globally through excellence in journalism and civic engagement. She is a freelance correspondent, anchor, and host of numerous local, national, and international news organizations. Ms. Banks is also a sought-after keynote speaker. Ms. Banks is a global thinker and international documentary filmmaker. She produces films and news programs in many parts of the world including Sudan, South Sudan and the Nuba Mountains focusing on genocide and crimes against humanity. Ms. Banks has also traveled to Uganda to interview child soldiers as well as to Rwanda where she reported on that country’s post genocide challenges and successes. Ms. Banks is also producing documentaries on world-renowned jazz and classical musician, Denver’s own Charles Burrell, and three internationally recognized visual artists Darrell Anderson, Michael Gadlin, and Ron Hicks. Ms. Banks was a well known as a respected anchor and reporter for WB 2 News in Denver, Colorado before becoming a national and international freelance journalist. Her work has appeared on ABC News, HDNET’s World Report, CNN, BBC World, FOX News, and Al Jazeera America. Ms. Banks is also an accomplished equestrian and plays polo, the sport of kings (and queens). tamarataz@msn.com; On Facebook - TazMedia BOETTCHER CONCERT HALL owned and operated by the City and County of Denver, Division of Arts & Venues City and County of Denver: Michael B. Hancock, Mayor For advertising information, Arts & Venues Denver: Kent Rice, Executive Director This program is produced for the please call BOETTCHER CONCERT HALL Denver Performing Arts Complex: Colorado Symphony by The Publishing House, owned and operatedMark by theNajarian, Director of Facilities; Jody Grossman, Booking Mgr. Westminster, CO.(303) 428-9529 or e-mail City and County of Denver, For advertising information,sales@pub-house.com please call Division of Arts & Venues (303) 428-9529 or e-mail ColoradoArtsPubs.com For information please call (720) 865-4220 sales@pub-house.com City and County of Denver This program is produced for the Colorado Symphony by The Publishing House, Westminster, CO.

This program is produced for the ColoradoArtsPubs.com Michael BOETTCHER CONCERT HALLB. Hancock, Mayor ado Symphony by The Publishing House, owned and operated by the Westminster, CO. Angie Flachman Johnson, Publisher City and County of Denver, Arts & Venues Denver r advertising information, Rice, Executive Director Todplease Cavey, call Director of Sales Division of Arts & Kent Venues (303) 428-9529 Stacey or e-mail Krull, Production Manager Denver Performing Arts Complex sales@pub-house.com City and County of Denver Mark Fessler, Press Manager Mark Najarian, Director of Facilities ColoradoArtsPubs.com

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THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

VERN L. HOWARD ©

VERN L. HOWARD, narrator Vern retired from the City of Denver after 25 years. His position included managing and hosting over 350 city-sponsored functions annually. He is the Founder and owner of The Vern’s LLC a company which provides guided and narrated tours throughout the United States with a focus on Colorado. One of the subsidiaries of “The Vern’s” LLC is, “A’Star’s Photography & Printing”; provides professional photographic services.

Vern is the Chairman of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission (DRMLKJRCHC). As the Chairman of the DRMLKJRCHC, Vern is the visionary behind the Inaugural Dr. MLK “I am Man, I am Woman, We are People Educational Youth Conference and Banquet” commemorating the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s., assassination April 4, 2008. Additionally, under Vern’s leadership the DRMLKJRCHC have expanded to include year round programming providing close to $42,000 in scholarships annually to Colorado students. Vern is a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. historian and has been speaking publicly since the age of six, after giving his first oratorical presentation at the Union Missionary Baptist Church in Denver Colorado on Easter Sunday 1967. Vern is also featured in the books “Who’s Who’s Among Colorado’s Black Leaders” and “African Americans Who Shaped Denver, Colorado 150th Anniversary.” For 16 years Vern was a single father of four daughters Tiauda, Tequia, Lessie and Veneigh’. In September 2006, Vern married his best friend and soul-mate Annie M. Howard and became the instant father to two more beautiful children, a son Jay and another daughter Nina. Vern is the proud “PaPa” of eleven grandchildren. Vern’s most valued honor and treasured recognition came from his daughters, when they nominated him as “Parent of the Year.”

RECIPIENTS

VERN L. HOWARD ©

DR. JOYCE MARIE DAVIS YOUTH AWARD: VICTORIA FLEMING Victoria Fleming is a 17-year-old senior at Smoky Hill High School. She demonstrates leadership skills in countless ways at school and in the community. Miss Flemming was invited to join both the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society in her junior year. She challenges herself academically by taking honors and advanced placement courses and has tutored students in Spanish and English. She also excels in the sport of volley ball. Miss Flemming volunteers at her church in the nursery and for numerous projects. For the past two years she has demonstrated leadership as President of Top Teens of America (TTA). She has planned and participated in many events with TTA her favorite activities have been the Community Beautification project at Forest Street Compassionate Care Center and Books in the Park/Children’s Literacy Project. Miss Flemming shows tremendous compassion for the less fortunate in the community. With the help of two friends last year she baked 144 cupcakes and six dozen cookies from scratch and delivered them to the Denver Rescue Mission. This Christmas season, securing her church’s commercial kitchen and a few close friends and her Teen Adviser, 1,000 cupcakes were delivered to Denver Rescue Mission families experiencing homelessness bringing them the joys of Christmas cheer. Her academic future is bright! She has been accepted

by Louisiana State University where she will be a Pre-Med major with a minor in Spanish. Miss Flemming plans to be a pediatrician. Her favorite bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

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THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

VERN L. HOWARD ©

SHARON BRIDGEFORTH Sharon Bridgeforth has spent her life in service to others. Growing up she was always available to run errands for elderly members of her neighborhood and as an adult working for the federal government she assisted others seeking skills and employment. A member of Zion Baptist Church for over 50 years, she serves as a member of the trustee ministry and has chaired the Shepherd’s Hospitality Ministry and the churches special events. At the age of nine, Ms. Bridgeforth and several girls from the neighborhood became involved with the National Association of Girl’s Club, the youth organization of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs Inc. (NACWA), organized in 1896 and a vital women’s organization today. She grew up in the organization appreciating its legacy and learning many leadership skills. As an adult member she has held positions at the city, state, regional and national levels. In July, 2014 she was chosen to serve as NACWA’s 29th President. One of Bridgeforth’s favorite service activities is sponsoring dinners the third Thursday of each month at the Ronald McDonald House that provide families a short respite and a home cooked meal. In 2002 Ms. Bridgeforth began working as a community organizer with Metro Organizations for People (Together Colorado).

She assists parents in several schools and in their homes where they shared with her their life stories and community concerns. With her guidance and assistance, parents were able to make changes from stop signs to insure safety for children to curriculum improvements. She is currently a Together Colorado volunteer and Board Chairperson working on social justice issues including gang violence, mass incarcerations, economic justice issues, education, immigration and healthcare. A devoted daughter, Ms. Bridgeforth cared for her ailing Mother for six years while continuing, with the help of friends, her work in the community and NACWA. She is known for giving 100 percent to all she undertakes.

© MATT AGER PHOTOGRAPHY

CRISANTA DURAN Crisanta Duran, the Majority Leader of the Colorado House of Representatives, is in her third term representing House District 5 in central Denver. She has been a leader in legislative economic development efforts. The 2015 session, her first as Majority Leader, was notable for the strong bi-partisan support given to Colorado Ready to Work an eightbill package she coordinated in an effort to boost business and connect more Coloradans to careers. Rep. Duran sponsored a measure to create “jump-start” zones in rural areas of the state that are lagging in Colorado’s economic recovery. Before being elected to caucus leadership, Rep. Duran was chairwoman of the legislature’s powerful Joint Budget Committee. The 2014 state budget drafted by the JBC was notable for its significant increases for K-12 and higher education and funded a variety of measures to boost the state’s economy and increase economic security for Colorado families with a focus on affordable housing and childcare. Rep. Duran’s signal achievement during the 2013 session was the enactment of a law providing tuition at Colorado’s state funded colleges and universities to all high school graduates attending a high school for three consecutive years regardless of immigration status. Students who lack legal immigration status must seek citizenship. Rep. Duran’s bill extending benefits for unemployed Coloradans while they seek new workforce or entrepreneurial skills was one of the few jobs bills from either party to make it through the Republican controlled House in 2012. Rep. Duran serves on the board of the National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials and the National Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs. Since she was elected, she has received numerous awards and PROGRAM 6 SOUNDINGS 2015/16 | COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG

THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HUMANITARIAN AWARDS recognition for her service to the community including the 2015 LCLAA People’s Award, Housing Colorado’s 2014 Legislator of the Year, the Washington Post’s 40 Under 40 Rising Political Stars, Denver Democrats’ Pat Schroeder Families First Award and Planned Parenthood’s Champion of Choice Award to name a few.

DR. ZELDA M. DeBOYES Dr. DeBoyes is an adjunct professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law’s Master of Science in Legal Administration program, and was recognized in 2012 by Metropolitan State College of Denver’s Alumni Association with the Giving Back Award. She is a training consultant in Human Resources and Management both inside the judicial system as well as in the community. Dr. DeBoyes is the recipient of the prestigious National Center for State Courts’ Distinguished Service Award. In 1997, the Denver Chapter of the American Alumni of University Women recognized her as a Trailblazer in her profession. Currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Excelsior Youth Center, she recently served as a commissioner with the Colorado State Commission on Judicial Performance and served as Board Chair for the National Center for State Courts and the Leadership Institute for Judicial Education. Dr. DeBoyes is a Past President and Board Chair for the National Association for Court Management. She is a graduate of Leadership Aurora, the African-American Leadership Institute, the Aurora Citizens’ Police Academy, and has served on the boards of the Lowry Family Center, Northeast Women’s Center and Marcus Walker Track Club. She has established additional community service options for the Aurora Judicial System through her coordination of shadowing opportunities for minority undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing careers in the judicial system.

She encourages them to embrace the value of reaching back to help others even those that have had severe set-back and challenges due to poor decision making, generational crime and the lack of community resources. She serves in a difficult field with dignity and grace striving to lower the rate of incarceration for African-Americans especially men. Dr. DeBoyes has an undying commitment to bettering the lives and systems that serve the African-American community in metropolitan Denver. For the past fifteen years she has chaired two distinguished committees within the Denver Public Library System and City and County of Denver: the Juanita Gray Community Service Committee as well as the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame recognition committee.

THE KITCHEN COMMUNITY The Kitchen Community is a non-profit organization with the mission of “Community Through Food.” After seven years of The Kitchen supporting Boulder’s Grow Foundation and witnessing the positive impact of schools gardens on children in the Boulder community, The Kitchen Community was established with the mission to connect kids to real food by creating Learning Gardens in schools across America. Learning Gardens are 21st century learning environments that support a diverse array of lesson plans and activities in Science, Engineering, Art and Math. Each of The Kitchen restaurants donates a percentage of sales to help plant Learning Sean VanBerschot, Gardens in their local communities. Since its founding in the spring 2011, President The Kitchen Community has built 240 Learning Gardens reaching over 125,000 students. Learning Gardens are in some of the largest school districts in the nation, including Chicago Public Schools, Los Angeles Unified School District and Denver, Public SOUNDINGS 2015/16 | COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG PROGRAM 7

THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HUMANITARIAN AWARDS Schools. At the heart of The Kitchen Community is a deep seeded commitment to the value of community. An Education program has been developed as a resource to teachers with Learning Gardens. Each Learning Garden is assigned a regional Educator that works with the Garden Team and teachers to ensure a successful integration. Educators also host frequent teacher training workshops. Learning Gardens are hands-on learning environments and experiential play-spaces that help reverse trends in childhood obesity, improve academic performance, and strengthen communities. Learning Gardens catalyze community-wide behavioral improvements in childhood nutrition, socialization, and student achievement in underserved neighborhoods across the country. They are designed to be a place in which kids want to learn and teachers want to teach, thereby creating a long-term positive investment for the school and the community.

STEP 13, INC.

VERN L. HOWARD ©

Step 13 is a men’s residential recovery program in downtown Denver that offers its residents the opportunity to recover from the disease of addiction and become productive members of their communities through a program that focuses on the facets of sobriety, work, and personal accountability.

Step 13 provides a structured environment that offers programming based on the Recovery Oriented Systems of Care Model and the Peer Recovery Support Model. Our men participate in Recovery Education Groups, 12 Step Fellowship Meetings and are assigned a Recovery Support Manager that assists the residents in setting and reaching goals in all areas of their lives. In addition, Step 13 offers its residents physical fitness equipment along with recreational and spiritual activities to help provide self-care and life balance. Through our partnership with Goodwill Industries, residents have access to education, counseling, opportunities and placement for employment and career development. Founded by Bob Cote who grew up in Detroit, MI, and was a Golden Gloves boxer.

Those experiences prepared Bob for the challenges life presented him. A successful career in sales took Bob to Denver in the early 80s; however, it was during this time where addiction took hold of Bob and would chart a different course for his life – a course marked by adversity and, ultimately, triumph. Bob’s addiction consumed him to the point he wound up living on Denver’s skid row. In a moment of clarity he saw the demise and occasional death of other homeless addicts. Bob knew he might suffer the same fate so he emptied his bottle to become and remain sober. He would recruit others in his effort to help homeless addicts gain their sobriety which led to his founding of Step 13. Bob Coté passed into eternal life on September 27, 2013. He was loved by many; he was respected by even more. He is greatly missed.

MLK LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: EDWARD J. DWIGHT, JR. As a candidate for astronaut, he successfully completed all required training despite threats, shunning, and demeaning comments. His tenacity and commitment paved the way for future astronauts of each gender and all colors. During the weekend of August 29, 2015, history was made in Denver when 16 African-American astronauts gathered for a reunion sponsored by Shades of Blue. Each of the astronauts acknowledged how they were able to walk their path in this field because of Dwight’s sacrifices breaking down barriers that enabled them to avoid the difficulties he experienced. The astronaut corps of today is more inclusive because PROGRAM 8 SOUNDINGS 2015/16 | COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG

THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HUMANITARIAN AWARDS of his sacrifice. After leaving the Air Force, Dwight navigated adulthood working for IBM, was a private pilot, started a restaurant chain and ventured into real estate development. His giftedness was apparent in many areas but he eventually found his passion in the world of visual art. He noted there were many historical figures permanently honored through sculptures in parks and public buildings, yet none looked like him! African-American representation was basically non-existent. He has made it his life’s mission to correct this omission. It began with a sculpture of the first African-American Lt. Governor in the country, George Brown housed in the Colorado State Capitol building. His artistic works depict a broad range of African-American historical figures from Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglas to Hank Aaron, Alex Haley and President Barack Obama. His first series on Blacks in the American West featured contributions of African-Americans on the frontier including an early explorer, Estavanico, cowboys Isom Dart and William “Bill” Pickett, and Seminole Negroes to name a few. His celebrated jazz series includes Lionel Hampton, Charlie “Bird” Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles and Miles Davis. Dwight has sculpted and installed well over 100 public art projects throughout the United States including the “I Have A Dream” monument in Denver’s City Park. He has created an African-American History Memorial on the statehouse grounds of Columbia, SC, a Denmark Vesey in Charleston, SC, and Underground Railroad Memorials in Battle Creek and Detroit, MI and Paterson, NJ. These monuments are visited regularly by school children and provide a permanent structure of African-American history. Dwight created and installed the John Hope Franklin Tower of Reconciliation commemorating the Tulsa Massacre of 1921 and the historic contributions of Blacks in Oklahoma. There is not another African-American artist in the country that has completed so many public art monuments. Dwight continues to mentor artists, speak to school children, conduct studio tours, and donate art to non-profit organizations. He is a member of the board for Shades of Blue, a non-profit organization that allows him to continue his mentoring work with young people interested pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). He donates a sculpture annually to be auctioned at the annual Shades of Blue Gala. Edward J. Dwight, Jr. is a man who continues to leave a positive footprint in this world. He is a true trailblazer and a renaissance true man who has given so much in so many arenas.

VERN L. HOWARD ©

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COLORADO HOLIDAY COMMISSION SPECIAL AWARD – HONORABLE WILMA J. WEBB FOUNDER’S AWARD: REVEREND DR. JAMES PETER. JR. Reverend Dr. James Peter. Jr. is a native of Washington D.C. He is one of the founding members and oldest commissioners of Denver’s first Dr. Martin Luther King’s commissions. He is a graduate of the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary. He studied at D. C. Teachers College and The School of Religion at Howard University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Philosophy from Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C. and a Master of Education from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. with a major in Community Leadership and Development. He received an honorary doctorate from the Inter Baptist Theological Center in Houston, Texas. In addition, he was actively involved in other religious and community affairs. He joined the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others in non-violent demonstrations in Albany, Georgia and Birmingham and Selma, Alabama. He was one of Dr. King’s lieutenant’s. This year he celebrated his 60th year of being ordained a minister and 25 years as the minister of New Hope Baptist church in Denver, Colorado.

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THE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

VERN L. HOWARD ©

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COLORADO HOLIDAY COMMISSION SPECIAL AWARD – HONORABLE WILMA J. WEBB FOUNDER’S AWARD: BARBARA ELAINE SHANNON-BANNISTER Barbara Elaine Shannon-Bannister has been the Community Relations Chief for the City of Aurora since November 1987. As Division Chief she has provided resources for youth and adults and has coordinated community and social services agencies that serve the citizens of Aurora. Additionally, she manages a multilingual multicultural awareness program and provides multicultural workshops for City of Aurora employees. Known for her civil rights work for the City of Aurora and her service to the MLK Humanities Award Committee as member and treasurer, Shannon-Bannister is also the President and CEO for Grand Design, Inc. Grand Design is a performing ensemble that works primarily to preserve African-American performing arts inclusive of other cultures. The ensemble entertains and raises awareness and appreciation through concerts, presentations, and visual art exhibits, and works with underserved at-risk youth providing activities in their neighborhoods. Shannon-Bannister is the wife of Gaurdie Bannister, Sr. and mother to daughter Elaine and son Gaurdie, Jr. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Committee Awards Committee: Dr. Terry Nelson, Blair- Caldwell African American Research Library, Chairperson Ray Brown, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Culture Center, Pueblo, Colorado Elonora Crichlow, Community Volunteer Vern L. Howard, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission Nneka Johnson, Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc. Jennifer Malpiede, Community Volunteer Frances McDonald, Colorado Civil Right Division Toya Nelson, Community Volunteer Nora Jane Robinson, Community Volunteer Claudette Sweet, Vocalist & Community Activist Franklin Jefferson, Loveland, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Committee Sheryl Johnson, Longmont, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Committee Ray Brown, Pueblo, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission: Vern L. Howard, Chairman, The Vern’s LLC Dr. Terry Nelson, Vic Chair, Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library Dr. Barbara Shannon-Banister, Treasurer, City of Aurora, Colorado Roz Duman, CCGAA Pastor Del Phillips Ray Brown Stephen Straight, Straight Marketing

Lyrics to “We Shall Overcome” We shall overcome, we shall overcome, We shall overcome someday.

Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe, We shall overcome someday.

The truth will make us free, the truth will make us free, The truth will make us free someday, Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe, We shall overcome someday.

We’ll walk hand in hand, we’ll walk hand in hand, We’ll walk hand in hand someday.

Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe, We shall overcome someday.

We are not afraid, we are not afraid, We are not afraid today.

Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe, We shall overcome someday.

The truth will make us free, the truth will make us free, The truth will make us free someday, Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe, We shall overcome someday.

We shall overcome, we shall overcome, We shall overcome someday.

Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe, We shall overcome someday.

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