DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. TRIBUTE AND HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
WITH YOUR COLORADO SYMPHONY
WILBUR LIN, conductor
MICHAEL CHIPMAN, piano
OLIVIA WHITTINGTON, vocalist
TARELL MARTIN & THE C2 MASS CHOIR
HOPE CITY CHURCH OF COLORADO WORSHIP TEAM/ STEVE LAWRENCE, director of music
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 7:30pm Boettcher Concert Hall
Presentation of the Colors by the Colorado Guard Buffalo Soldiers of the African American West.
*John Bell, Founder and President
Dennis Cambell, Patrick Daugle, Gary Moore, and Charles Jones, Members
KEY The Star-Spangled Banner
Welcome Remarks by Suzy Chipman, Artistic Director
Introduction of Vern Howard, Commissioner & Dr. Terry Nelson, Vice-Commission & Chair of the Humanitarian Awards Program
Passing of the Torch with Vern Howard and Anthony Pierce, Chief Artistic Officer
Introduction of Tamara Banks, Mistress of Ceremonies
PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT 2024/25
JOHNSON/Arr. O’NEIL
Lift Every Voice and Sing
*Performed by Olivia Whittington
AL GREEN/Arr. O’NEIL
Let’s Stay Together
*Performed by Michael Chipman, featuring Olivia Whittington
DONALD LAWRENCE
The Best is Yet to Come
*Performed by the Hope City Church of Colorado Worship Team
HAILSTORK
FUNKADELIC
Fanfare on Amazing Grace
One Nation Under A Groove
*Performed by Michael Chipman, featuring Tarell Martin and the C2 Mass Choir
SMALLWOOD/ Total Praise
Arr. PANION
*Performed by Hope City Church of Colorado Worship Team
TINDLEY/ Thanks Be To God -- We Shall Overcome
ARR. O’NEIL
CONCERT RUN TIME IS APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES WITH NO INTERMISSION.
PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT BIOGRAPHIES
WILBUR LIN, conductor
Known for his creative programming and inviting stage presence, Wilbur Lin’s career has taken him to symphony halls and opera theaters across the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Taiwan. Currently the Music Director of the Missouri Symphony, Lin was also recently promoted to associate conductor of the Colorado Symphony.
Lin’s 2024/25 season will commence with a production of Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore (Elixir of Love) with the Missouri Symphony and Landlocked Opera Company, followed by concerts with the Colorado, Taipei, Missouri, Ann Arbor, Juneau, and Acadiana symphonies, of which the latter two will be debut performances. In recent seasons, Lin’s highlights included his debuts with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Oak Ridge, Ann Arbor, Elgin, Taipei, and Indiana’s Richmond symphonies, a new studio recording with pianist Eric Zuber and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, a digital single release with the Denver Young Artists Orchestra, and conducting and covering the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops where he finished his tenure as assistant conductor in 2022.
As a cover conductor, Lin has worked with, notably, the Taiwan Symphony, Cincinnati Ballet, and Minnesota orchestras. In his role as the associate conductor of the Colorado Symphony, Lin also serves as the Music Director of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra.
A graduate of Riccardo Muti's Italian Opera Academy, Lin’s operatic endeavors include conducting Verdi’s Macbeth at Teatro Alighieri (Ravenna, Italy), Le nozze di Figaro and L’elisir d’amore with the Missouri Symphony, Die Zauberflöte and Barber of Seville with the Winter Harbor Music Festival (Winter Harbor, Maine), Menotti’s The Medium and Amelia Goes to the Ball as the conductor of Northern Illinois University, and has coached and performed as a pianist with the Indianapolis Opera, Indiana University Opera Theater, Reimagining Opera for Kids, and the Cincinnati Ballet. In 2022, Lin led a new workshop of Robeson by Scott Davenport Richards at the Cincinnati Opera.
Educated in Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Lin has studied with Arthur Fagen and David Effron at Indiana University, Clark Rundell and Mark Heron at the Royal Northern College of Music, and Apo Hsu at the National Taiwan Normal University. He has also received conducting coaching with, notably, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Riccardo Muti, Sir Mark Elder, Helmuth Rilling, and has assisted Peter Ounjian, Jun Märkl, Louis Langrée, James Gaffigan, and John Morris Russell, among others.
PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT BIOGRAPHIES
MICHAEL CHIPMAN, piano
Michael “Chip” Chipman hails from southern California. When he was 13 years old his family relocated to Aurora, Colorado. Needing a credit in fine arts as part of his high school schedule, he reluctantly enrolled in the only class still available – Beginning Piano. To the amazement of all, within weeks the teenager who had never touched a piano in his life was playing Beethoven’s Fur Elise. As his hidden talent blossomed, he began accompanying soloists, choirs, and saxophonists at church and community events throughout the Denver metropolitan area. By the time he was 16 he had entered and won a city-wide competition. Mike’s piano artistry continued to blossom through four years of college. Entering the military, he was accepted into the highly competitive Army Element School of Music where he graduated as Honor Student. In time, he achieved a longtime dream of auditioning and being accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, with a major in Film Scoring, making the Dean’s List in his first semester. He has an established reputation as a music director, teacher, keyboardist, composer/arranger, live concert performer, producer, assessment/placement evaluator, songwriter, bandleader, curriculum developer and event organizer in many settings. In addition to his own recordings, he has been a featured part of the projects of others. “ChipMichael” has performed with bands, ensembles, and as a solo act both nationally and internationally. His eclectic musical repertoire ranges from gospel to reggae, R&B, pop, rock & roll, classical, salsa, and country western. His style appeals to multicultural audiences.
OLIVIA WHITTINGTON, vocalist
Olivia (Livh) Whittington is a Denver native, who comes from a musical family. She began singing at age 5 in church, at school programs, and community events. Blessed with a goofy personality, an extra wide smile with matching feet, Olivia loves to sing with joy. She is a musician “in her own mind” who plays a killer tambourine.
Olive loves creating harmonies and writing songs and collaborating with others. When Olivia is not singing in ministries or on stages, you will find an introvert who would rather order groceries online.
Olivia is a Special Education paraprofessional for over six years. Olivia is fortunate to love and raise her handsome, only begotten son. Livh is thankful to be able to communicate heart to heart through the tool called music.
PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT BIOGRAPHIES
MLK 2025 HUMANITARIAN AWARDS AWARDEES
THE BLACK RESILIENCE IN COLORADO FUND (BRIC)
The Black Resilience in Colorado Fund (BRIC) embodies Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, of advancing economic equity, racial justice, and empowerment in Colorado’s Black community through strategic philanthropy and community-led solutions. The BRIC Fund was created in 2020 as a direct response to both the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and escalated racial injustice and police brutality faced by Black communities, particularly following the murder of George Floyd. Recognizing these crises as interconnected symptoms of systemic racism, BRIC has channeled its efforts into fostering resilience and self-determination within and through Black-led and Black-serving organizations across Colorado. In just a few years, the BRIC Fund has mobilized and distributed over $5 million to support 400 Colorado Black-led and Blackserving organizations that are driving change in areas such as youth, health, housing, economic opportunity, and community advocacy. Guided by the leadership of founder and Executive Director LaDawn Sullivan, the BRIC Fund has fundamentally reshaped the philanthropic landscape in Colorado. By centering Black voices and leadership, BRIC actively works to dismantle the systemic barriers that have long hindered progress for Black communities. This approach not only strengthens the financial and organizational capacity of Colorado’s Black nonprofits but also serves as a catalyst for racial equity and social justice throughout Colorado communities.
MS. BIANCA EMERSON
Bianca Emerson is the current president of the Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) and an esteemed scholar in political thought. She exemplifies the essence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through her unwavering dedication to service, justice, and empowerment. Her leadership is a beacon of transformative action that resonates far beyond the borders of Colorado, reaching global communities with impactful work in Africa and marginalized neighborhoods worldwide. Emerson’s initiatives consistently reflect Dr. King’s belief in equality and the power of united voices advocating for social change. Her strategic involvement in political education and advocacy for underrepresented groups ensures that women, especially Black women, are equipped to lead, influence, and enact policy that speaks to equity and systemic change. Ms. Emerson’s tireless commitment to uplifting communities underscores her compassion and conviction. She not only champions the advancement of women but also dedicates herself to addressing the needs of entire communities through grassroots movements, policy development, and active mentorship. Her ability to articulate the importance of inclusivity
PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT BIOGRAPHIES
and active civic engagement is reflective of Dr. King’s vision of a society believes that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Emerson’s profound impact, from organizing local political engagement workshops to spearheading initiatives abroad that advocate education and economic empowerment, demonstrates a leader who embodies both the compassion and visionary spirit necessary to drive sustainable change. Her dynamic approach, relentless pursuit of equity, and global-minded strategies make her an exemplary recipient deserving of this distinguished recognition.
DR. ANNE GARRETT-MILLS
Born and raised in the Denver Metro area, Dr. Garrett-Mills has worked in multiple capacities at Aurora Mental Health & Recovery both administrative and in direct care for the last eleven years. She is an alumna of Denver’s George Washington High School and Oberlin College in Ohio. She graduated medical school at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and returned home to complete a psychiatric residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and has practiced psychiatry for more than 20 years. She has served on several community boards and provided pro-bono education and presentations for various community organizations. Prior to joining Aurora Mental Health & Recovery, Dr. Garrett-Mills was a psychiatrist at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan and Colorado Coalition for the Homeless where she served in both a clinical and administrative role. Her special interests include STEM education. She has spent her free time writing curricula for STEM programs and running a local science camp for middle school students. Dr. Anne Garrett-Mills embodies the vision, philosophy, and compassion that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She tirelessly volunteers in our community educating others about the emotional, psychological and behavioral impacts of their lives. She exudes compassion. She is a beacon of hope, encouragement and motivation to encourage the underserved, marginalized and on-the-fringe members of our community to strive for their best life. She is a lighthouse of hope in our some-times dark world.
THE HONORABLE JACKI MARSH
Throughout her career and personal life, Loveland Mayor Jacki Marsh has shown an unwavering commitment to creating more inclusive, compassionate spaces for all. Her leadership and advocacy have made a lasting, positive impact on our community, and she continues to inspire others with her dedication to uplifting voices that are often unheard. Mayor Marsh’s leadership has helped to lay the foundation for long-term, meaningful change in the region. A passionate supporter of cultural awareness and inclusion, she has championed city proclamations that celebrate and honor Loveland’s diverse communities. Proclamations include Latin Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and many that
PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT BIOGRAPHIES
would not have come to fruition without the mayor’s support. Through these proclamations, she has helped us raise awareness and deepened appreciation for overlooked residents of color, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community. As a supporter to organizations like Heart and Sol, Jacki has been instrumental in supporting cultural celebrations that bring people together in unity and respect. In addition to her professional contributions, Jacki’s personal commitment to service is truly remarkable. She consistently goes above and beyond, volunteering her time, expertise, and resources in a variety of ways. Jacki has served on numerous boards and committees, dedicating countless hours to advancing causes that improve the lives of others. It’s common to see her at community events, offering mentorship or lending a helping hand wherever needed. Her humility, compassion, and tireless work ethic serve as an inspiration to all who work alongside her.
READING PARTNERS
Founded in California in 1999, Reading Partners’ mission is to help children become life-long readers by empowering communities to provide individualized instruction with measurable results. In 2012, their nationally proven program was brought to Colorado. At its core, Reading Partners honors the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy in every aspect of their work that aligns perfectly with the criteria for this award: “Reading Partners exists to champion equal opportunity for all, promote good will in the community, and encourage community members to work together to make the world a better place.” In the 2024-2025 school year, RPCO will offer evidence-based literacy tutoring to 600 students attending nine Title I schools in the metropolitan Denver 800 community volunteers will support the project. Students receive an average of 30+ one-on-one tutoring sessions per year. Tutoring will be supplemented with their Take Reading program providing books for students to build personal libraries. Families will participate in student’s literacy studies through family texting and by providing families with additional literacy resources. The impact is tremendous; in the 2023-2024 school year, 89% of K-2 students mastered foundational reading skills and 86% of all students met or surpassed literacy growth goals. At the heart of their success is the dedication of their community partners. Reading Partners is not just a program, it’s a collaborative journey, uniting students, tutors, teachers, AmeriCorps members, and the community to support students on their literacy journeys.
PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT BIOGRAPHIES
URBAN LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION OF COLORADO – COLORADO HOLIDAY COMMISSION EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY AWARD
The Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado offers a wide range of leadership training including its flagship program, ULF Connect Leadership. The programs and events are designed to help individuals become more well-rounded, effective and influential leaders in the areas of business, politics and community service. Leading loudly, yet quietly with percussion and grace are great descriptors of this year’s humanitarian award nominee. As a pillar in the leadership development, community and civic engagement space, the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado (ULFC) demonstrates compassion through giving in leadership jewels, personifying black excellence in the mobilization of 500+ alumni across the nation; and this organization’s unwavering commitment to responding to the needs of black Coloradans. With a vision and demonstrated history for strengthening community connection and voicing our needs at the center of Colorado politics and education; workforce and leadership development deem ULFC deserving of this award and recognition.
NEVADAH BROWN – JOYCE MARIE DAVIS OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARD
Nevadah Brown embodies the dream of Dr King. She is ambitious and plans to become a medical doctor. She has made real her commitment to serving others compassionately through participating in Upward Bound and distributing food and clothing to those less fortunate every second and fourth Saturday of each month. She demonstrates leadership and commitment through her participation in JROTC. Nevadah displayed drive, discipline, and determination by earning the rank of Battalion Commander. Just as Dr. King was a scholar and at the top of his class, Nevadah is an honor student at Montebello High School holding a 3.97 GPA. She displays the fruit of Dr. King’s vision for this generation.
PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT BIOGRAPHIES
GRAHAM HILL – CHARLESZINE “TERRY” NELSON PIONEER AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
Graham Hill is a seasoned entrepreneur, dedicated community advocate, innovative environmentalist and visionary leader. He has a rich history of advocating for community engagement, educational outreach, equity, and civil rights through his numerous start-ups in eco-responsible, green, transportation. A native of Colorado, Graham began his professional journey, honing his skills in public engagement and strategic partnerships as the Director of Community Affairs and Corporate Sponsorships for the Denver Nuggets. As a pioneer in the electric transportation field, Hill founded, and co-founded numerous eco-responsible, eco-sustainable, transportation businesses in Boulder. As a result of his vision and collaboration skills, he served the Chief Lobbyist for the electric vehicle industry, as well as president of both the Canadian Electric Vehicle Association and the Denver Electric Vehicle Council. Continuing his lifelong efforts to make Boulder a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant place to live. In 2024, he collaborated with the NAACP Boulder County Branch and State Representative Junie Joseph to co-author a resolution establishing a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Highway in Boulder.
SILKE HANSEN – MENOLA UPSHAW LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
“Silke Hansen America’s Peacemaker” is the phrase that describes the life’s work of Ms. Silka Hansen. Born in Germany in 1944 she was 10 years old in 1954 when her family migrated to the United States. Ms. Hansen began her professional career in 1972 with the US Department of Justice. When the Nixon administration eliminated many employees, she transferred to the DOJ’s Department of Community Relations Services in Boston.
On April 8, 1968, after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ms. Hansen marched with Mrs. Coretta Scott King as she led the sanitation workers in a peaceful demonstration encouraging the city of Memphis to negotiate in good faith for healthcare, salary improvement & settling previous grievances and demands. Her first assignment in her new position in Boston working with the Department of Community Relations Services was to mediate the desegregation of Boston’s public schools. Additionally, in 1977 Ms. Hanson was part of the ten-year epic dispute between Coors beer & employees due to the treatment of employees, hiring practices & their right-wing agenda against minorities. Ms. Hansen was part of the Coors & Spanish coalition’s peaceful resolution that ended the boycott in 1987. That year she was nominated for Federal Woman Employee of the Year. Since its inception Ms. Hansen has instructed MLK Marade Marshalls. She is fond of saying that the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission created the Silke Hansen Community Justice Scholarship. As an immigrant, she embodies patriotism, democracy and justice for all.
PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT BIOGRAPHIES
MR. BOBBY KING – MENOLA UPSHAW LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Bobby King is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Colorado Access, a nonprofit public health plan in Colorado. He is responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of internal and external DEI initiatives. King’s experience includes over 25 years in health care, municipal government, and high-tech roles Chief Human Resource Officer for the city of Longmont, Colorado Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer for the YMCA of Metro Denver Director of DEI for Kaiser Permanente’s Colorado region. Bobby King, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is responsible for the strategic leadership, direction, and accountability of internal and external diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Colorado Access. This includes the implementation of short-term and long-term strategic priorities along the pillars of members, providers, health care systems, workplace, procurement, regulatory, and community. Bobby’s experience includes more than 25 years in high tech, municipal government, and health care roles within the areas of people services operations; executive search, business process improvement, systems redesign, cultural change, diversity, equity, and inclusion; cultural responsiveness, supplier diversity; leadership, training, and organization effectiveness.
DEBORAH RICHARDSON – MENOLA UPSHAW LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Ms. Richardson’s life’s goal is to “create the beloved community which provides access to options, peace and justice for all.” Her formative years were shaped by her experiences growing up in Collier Heights in Atlanta, Georgia. Her immediate neighbors included American Civil Rights exemplars, Donald Hollowell, NAACP Attorney who won the case to integrate the University of Georgia and the Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. As a pioneer, Ms. Richardson was one of the first African American students to integrate Atlanta Public Schools. This experience laid the foundation for her life-long commitment to activism. Ms. Richardson was the Vice President and founding team member of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Under her leadership funds were raised to seed educational and advocacy programs including the International Human Trafficking Institute and Women’s Solidarity Society. Since arriving in Colorado in March of 2021 to serve as the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado (ACLU-CO). She travelled to communities across the state to listen and learn from their concerns. Influenced by their responses, she worked with staff to create a three-year strategic plan entitled The Road Ahead. Under her leadership, ACLU-CO is focused on identifying the root causes of inequity and inequality and worked with other organizations to create lasting social change. Ms. Richardson is committed to developing the next generation of leaders through her work with Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism (YAASPA) and other organizations that support youth involvement in civic engagement.
