Colorado Black Round Table Hosts Annual Social Equity Summit

By LaQuane Smith & Ruby Jones

On Thursday, Oct. 19, the Colorado Black Round Table (CBRT) kicked off a four-day summit recognizing the efforts of individuals working to increase social equity within Colorado’s Black community.

The Gaining Ground in the Black Community Summit included community meetings, panel discussions and presentations centered around key issues in education, public safety, health, business and politics. The theme of the event was “Looking Back & Moving Forward,” with a focus on “Celebrating Black History Everyday – 24/7, 365 – Lest We Forget Our Way.”

Hosted by CBRT Chairman, John Bailey, the summit was dedicated to the memory of prominent community leaders, including Denver Urban Spectrum Editor-in-Chief, Alfonzo Porter; former Colorado High School Athletic Association Commissioner, Tom Robinson; faith leader and community advocate, Rev. Leon Emerson; and cherished community photographer, Bro. Ansar El Muhammad.

The first day of the summit began with a salute to nationally acclaimed dancer, Cleo Parker Robinson, and Denver public servant, Allegra “Happy” Haynes, honoring them for their enduring positive impact and legacy.

Located at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theater, the community was welcomed to a meet-and-greet with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, city staff, and the African American Community Engagement and Opportunity Group.

Representatives from Denver Public Schools, Denver Housing Authority, Xcel Energy and local municipalities provided updates about community-relevant industry changes.

Sponsored by the Colorado Black Arts Movement, the kickoff program was held in memory of late philanthropist, Charles Cousins, and former neighborhood eatery, M&D’s. Themed, “Kujichagulia,” meaning “self-determination” in the Swahili language, the agenda progressed with a Black business panel discussion featuring leaders from the Black Economic Opportunities Council, Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce and more, with discussions centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Panel members addressed challenges in the Black community, particularly as they relate to business opportunities and access to capital.

Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport, discussed the importance of creating infrastructure and learning about the complexities of business procurement processes in order to create generational wealth for Black communities.

With an emphasis on the importance of building relationships to promote and sustain positive change, Bailey encouraged audience members to participate in the ongoing mentorship of youth, and support programs that facilitate an increasingly diverse landscape.

On Friday, community conversation continued at Holiday Inn Stapleton, with a day of events themed “Doing the Right Thing,” held in memory of George Brown and Vikki Buckley.

The program began with a fireside chat with Colorado Attorney General, Phil Weiser, followed by conversations about Black youth violence, diversion and opportunities, led by representatives of Denver outreach organizations, youth athletic teams and educational programs. Important takeaways from conversations about uplifting children and teens were the significant impact of mentorship, and shifting attitudes to “see children as diamonds,” who will carry on the legacies of those working toward change.

A discussion about Black business and philanthropy included members of Denver African American Philanthropists, MySparks Gary Community Ventures, the Rose Foundation, and the Denver Foundation. Next, CBRT hosted a follow-up conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion programming with organizational leaders from around the city and special remarks from Colorado Secretary of State, Jena Griswold.

Elected officials held a roundtable discussion, addressing important topics impacting their constituencies. Members of the Colorado Congress and Denver Public School Board voiced their opinions and provided valuable insights on improving the ecosystem through legislation and targeted programming.

The evening’s events ended with a community reception and acknowledgments from government, health, business, faith, education, media and sports leaders.

On Saturday, CBRT hosted a “Gaining Ground in the Black Community: Everybody Has a Role to Play – What is Yours?,” themed day of hot topic presentations, discussion and updates, in memory of Rachel Noel and Omar Blair.

Located at Zion Senior Center, the summit gave attendees an opportunity to discuss pressing issues in panels titled, “Do Black Lives Still Matter?” and “Preparing and Supporting the Next Generation of Black Leaders – Who is Up Next?” Representatives from agencies around the Denver metro area convened to talk about public safety updates, community health and family resources, and regulatory issues affecting the cannabis industry. Notable guest speakers included superintendents from Denver and Aurora Public School Districts and the Denver Sheriff and Police Chief, with a number of senior policymakers and nonprofit administrators adding to the conversation.

With a closing day themed “Operation Black Vote Day, this year’s summit was full of vital updates and information that will support the continued efforts of business and city leaders working to create a more equitable environment for members of Colorado’s Black community. Bailey’s emphasis on mentorship and willingness to bring central figures to the table provided a meaningful opportunity for attendees to walk away with a greater understanding of the transformational value inherent to Colorado’s Black community..