Denver Urban Spectrum - November 2024 - Kyle Speller
Targeting the Black Community
Vote for elected officials that care about our public health & well-being and support policies that stop tobacco companies from disproportionately selling menthol tobacco-nicotine products like cigarettes, cigarillos, and hookahs in our Community.
Targeting our Black Youth
Vote to prevent policies permitting tobacco companies from marketing to our Black youth luring another generation to become life-long smokers.
Saving Black Lives
45,000 Black lives are lost annually because of tobacco-nicotine use. This is preventable! Vote to reject policies that prioritize money over saving Black lives!
PUBLISHER
Rosalind J. Harris
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
MANAGING and COPY EDITOR
Ruby Jones
COLUMNIST
Barry Overton
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ruby Jones
Stacie Narine
Wayne Trujillo
SPECIAL PROJECTS ASSISTANT
Tanya Ishikawa
ART DIRECTOR
Bee Harris
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Jody Gilbert
Kolor Graphix
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
James Rowe
Edward Jenkins
SOCIAL MEDIA / DIGITAL MARKETING
Melovy Melvin
DISTRIBUTION
Lawrence A. James
Denver Urban Spectrum is a monthly publication dedicated to spreading the news about people of color. Contents of Denver Urban Spectrum are copyright 2024 by Bizzy Bee Enterprise. No portion may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.
Denver Urban Spectrum circulates 25,000 copies throughout Colorado. Denver Urban Spectrum welcomes all letters, but reserves the right to edit for space, libelous material, grammar, and length. All letters must include name, address, and phone number. We will withhold author’s name on request. Unsolicited articles are accepted without guarantee of publication or payment.
Write to Denver Urban Spectrum at P.O. Box 31001, Aurora, CO 80041. For advertising, subscriptions, or other information, call 303-292-6446, email publisher@urbanspectrum or visit the Website at www.denverurbanspectrum.com
Just be thankful…
As we enter the season of giving and thankfulness, I want to first thank the community for supporting our 37th anniversary celebration, my semi-retirement and the launch of the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation on Oct. 19. From our sponsors and donors to our performers and volunteers, I am grateful for your support in making this event a success.
Special thanks to all who attended Denver’s Voice 37. This celebration was the onset of new beginnings and new endeavors.
On Nov. 3, 2008, my mother passed away as a result of elder abuse. To memorialize her life and legacy, I established a foundation to support the elderly community and wrote a book about her cherished life. I am thankful for the opportunity to share her life’s story in a way that helps and inspires others.
In April 1987, I started Denver Urban Spectrum. Not realizing the enjoyment and enlightenment I would experience during this journey, I am thankful for countless contributors who have helped me get to this point in my life. From editors and writers to photographers and graphic designers; from sales reps and distribution clerks to admin assistants and also friends and family.
Today, I am thankful to announce that Ruby Jones, an award-winning journalist who shares my vision for the publication, has been named Denver Urban Spectrum's new Chief Operating Officer. I ask that you welcome her and support her on this journey to bring the publication forward into the digital age.
For 37 years, I have remained dedicated to spreading the news about people of color. But, everything has an expiration date, and as I journey on to my next chapter with the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation, I look forward to continuing to serve the community and creating safe spaces for people like my mother, who deserve safety and care.
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, the holiday season and journey into a new year, remember to be thankful for the ancestors who paved the way for our right to vote. Be thankful that your civic engagement can contribute to this great history. Be thankful for your freedoms, and that you have the opportunity to vote for the best for you, your family and especially your children.
Peace and Blessings Rosalind “Bee” Harris and Ruby Jones
LETTERS, OPEDS, OPINIONS
Interactive Communication: A Democratic Dialogue… But Where’s the Beef?
An Op-Ed by Wayne Trujillo
“Where’s the Beef?”
Anyone old enough to recall the iconic bark of Clara Peller in the Reagan-era Wendy’s commercials – demanding substance over fluff – could apply that same sentiment to today’s media environment.
In the two and a half decades since the unrealized fears that Y2K would paralyze society, an unrelated cyber phenomenon has threatened to upend a pillar of democracy – the Fourth Estate
Interactive communication platforms and practices have effectively transformed how we receive, perceive and share information. The shift from broadcast media to interactive communication is certainly a bonus for egalitarian ideals. However, for journalistic principles and reliability, today’s media environment is often as
manufactured as a Universal Studios backlot.
When professional journalists and editors controlled oneway media outlets, they served as gatekeepers, vetting sources and verifying scoops.
Accusations of ideological bias in both story headlines and structure abounded long before the internet’s invention.
However, the basic tenets taught in Journalism 101 assured audiences that the news relayed was rooted in reality. Walter Cronkite and the Washington Post commanded enough gravitas to either indirectly or directly abbreviate the presidential tenures of Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon.
In today’s fractured political and media environments, comparable gravitas doesn’t exist.
While Vietnam discouraged Johnson from seeking reelection, Watergate banished Nixon. Allegations of sexual assault and an alleged tryst with a porn star alongside mul-
tiple felony indictments and convictions haven’t discouraged Donald Trump from seeking the Oval Office a third time.
Even more astounding to those who recall political bombshells like Watergate and Monkey Business, those reports haven’t fazed the nearly half of American voters who, according to polls, support Trump’s attempt at a presidential encore.
In a scenario seemingly out of “Alice in Wonderland,” both the candidate and many of his supporters claim the U.S. Department of Justice and mainstream media are the real culprits of ill intentions, waging an illegitimate war and making Trump (and his supporters) victims of institutional malfeasance.
A glut of online news, opinion sites and social media pages propagate even the most outlandish claims, often making it difficult for most voters to distinguish what shared news item is fact or fancy.
Continued on page 28
Voice of Thunder, Heart of Gold
Kyle Speller, “The Voice of the Denver Nuggets,” shares his perspective on faith and finding his voice.
By Wayne Trujillo
The celebration of titans demands a titanic talent that gives voice to the euphoria sweeping through the crowd. Such was the demand following the 2023 NBA Finals, when a wave of excitement rushed through not only the crowd, but the city and the entire state after the Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat and took the championship title for the first time in franchise history.
Following the win, individual team members strutted onstage to the sound of their names and alma maters thundering through speakers staged around Civic Center Park. The familiar voice overwhelmed the thousands of fans and team supporters gathered to cheer them on. It rang out – skipping, dipping, rising and building, just as it does at the start of every Nuggets home game as players enter the court at Ball Arena.
The voice is an instrument of agility. Sometimes it’s long and drawn out, with a tangible tension resembling Ed McMahon’s iconic “Heeeere’s Johnny!” Other times, it rumbles like water crashing through gravel, a booming entity recalling a superhero in a sci-fi fantasy. At all times, the voice’s exuberance is countered with fierce resolve, swinging between an upbeat tempo and deep, jazz-like inflections.
Simply stated, the voice belongs to an artist and a trailblazing man whose early athleticism fuels the passion in every pronunciation.
Kyle Speller, “The Voice of the Denver Nuggets,” is the man behind the thundering vocalization of stats, plays and praise in the Mile High City. He is a man of many words; a man of many hats; and most importantly, a man of faith.
Finding His Voice
Speller’s voice is an unseen but easily recognizable force within Denver’s basketball arena, where he works as the Nugget’s public address announcer. For nearly 20 years, he has unleashed his scintillating sound while introducing players and exciting spectators with updated scores in a theatrical cadence that keeps attendees and sports listeners alike on the edge of their seats.
Brooklyn born, he arrived in Denver as a child and lived with his family in the Clayton neighborhood adjacent to Park Hill. He took an early interest in radio, inspired by two of his uncles – one worked at New York’s WWRL radio in the 1980s, and the other broadcast across Denver’s historic, Black
soul KDKO radio a decade later.
Taking the first steps to follow his uncles’ paths while in high school, Speller produced a commercial for his speech class, further fueling his interests.
After high school, he attended Eastern Wyoming College; then transferred to Adams State College (now Adams State University) after his sophomore year. There, he made a fullfledged entrance into the world of broadcast radio as a student deejay for the school’s radio station, KASF. The experience proved to be both a revelation and providence.
“I discovered that I really had a voice,” Speller explains, recognizing his talent for the first time as it affected his peers on campus.
The Road Less Traveled
Despite the success of his early radio experience, fate had other intentions for Speller’s life.
While attending Adams State College, he met a football player who also happened to be an ordained minister. Together, they organized an event called, “Tower of Praise,” a worship service at the college’s student
union that attracted 20 to 30 students every Sunday.
“I surrendered my life to the Lord,” he says proudly, pinpointing June 29, 1991, as the date of his spiritual rebirth. “I was a totally different person.”
Straying from the radio road he once walked, Speller pursued a journey in ministry, growing in his faith while continuing his studies and playing basketball as an Adams State Grizzly.
His basketball coach introduced him to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) during his senior year, and after graduating he returned to Denver to serve as FCA’s Urban Director.
Instead of using his radiorefined vocal range and power to become the next Casey Kasem or Wolfman Jack, divine intervention redirected his voice and instructed him to spread the gospel. He initiated and nurtured campus ministries on high school campuses across the Metro Denver area, and eventually became an ordained minister.
A Twist of Fate
In 1999, Speller made his debut with the Denver Nuggets
– not as an announcer, but as a rookie free-agent basketball player.
He’d maintained his athletic interests long enough to be picked up by his home team, but was released just three days later. Though he returned to the team years later in a different capacity, being cut presented an important lesson.
“Not to grow weary,” he says. “Stay prepared. You never know…don’t lose heart!”
Speller’s journey from radio to basketball, biblical studies and eventually, his current career, highlights the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities, to which he encourages, “Be ready.”
Throughout his childhood, he was a huge fan of the Chicago Bulls, and recalls the goosebumps he felt when listening to the announcer’s vocal pyrotechnics during each preshow. After being cut from the Nuggets as an athlete, he returned to his early experience in broadcast radio and the realization that his voice held power.
For years, the aspiring vocal performer pursued a position as an announcer for the Nuggets; he was even willing to settle for a backup position, but he was unsuccessful.
Undaunted by the lack of positive responses from the team’s hiring department, he didn’t lose hope.
“I knew I had a voice,” he states.
Finally, when the Nuggets posted a job announcement seeking a public address announcer, he seized the opportunity.
With ideas about how to creatively announce starting lineups and introductions, he rushed into the Comcast Media Center in Littleton where he worked and produced a CD to reference his application and abilities.
He received a response from Shawn Martinez, the team’s entertainment director. Thousands applied for the position, but Speller stood out. After live auditions during a few preseason games, he became the Denver Nuggets’ first Black public address announcer, the position he’s held since October 2005.
A Return to the Root
While Speller’s vocal acuity is the fuel propelling and sustaining his meteoric rise, it’s
doubtful that he would credit it as the source. His faith remains at the epicenter.
Though he is the Denver Nuggets’ Public Address Announcer during games, he is a pastor no matter the occasion or venue.
“It’s my purpose,” he admits. “The announcing is icing on the cake.”
Miraculously, Speller’s job with the team isn’t limited to on-air vocals. He also serves as
the team’s official chaplain, and provides spiritual encouragement to the players, fans, support staff, security and suppliers.
He emphatically states, “I’m there to serve, not to be served.”
To him, faith and selflessness translate to more than saved souls – they create a better team. Instead of focusing on his own success or history-making
Continued on page 6
Kyle Speller
Continued from page 5 celebrity, he places his attention on the greater cause, which he calls the “winning ingredient synergy.”
“As a team, we’re pretty unstoppable,” he declares.
Recognizing that it’s easy for one or two individuals to be stopped, he prioritizes cooperation and emphasizes the importance of working together as an entire organization – not just to win a game, but to serve as a “conduit of joy and inspiration.”
The Voice of Nuggets Nation
After the Nuggets won the 2023 championship game, Speller was interviewed on CBS Colorado, where he spoke about his signature vocal style and some of his most famous announcer lines.
“Yeahhhhh,” is an expression that may seem simple enough, but the story behind it has much deeper meaning.
“I went to a Christian conference in 1994 called ‘Impact ‘94’ in Atlanta, and there was a group called Young Brothers for Christ, and the leader of the group would come out on the stage and just say ‘yeahhh,’” he recalled, thinking back to the uniquely recited deep and rolling inflections.
“I loved it, I thought it was so funny. So, when it came time for me to audition for this role with the Nuggets on my demo, I added it, and we added some reverb to make it echo a little bit. Now it has evolved throughout the years, and that has been a signature call,” he smiled, describing instances when people would approach him and mimic it back to him in public.
Speller does more than just announce sporting events, he creates connections with spectators through his iconic use of call-and-response announcing, inviting fans to venture deeper into the exciting Ball Arena
atmosphere with each presence on the microphone.
Anticipating a successful 2023 season, he recalled his belief that if the team could stay “hungry, humble and healthy,” they could come out with a win.
Outside of the Arena
When he’s away from Ball Arena, Speller serves as a conduit for faith and positivity throughout Metro Denver communities.
He works as a middle school counselor and athletic director at Global Village Academy in Aurora, where he draws upon his past experiences to positively influence the next generation.
“My objective is leaving a legacy,” he declares. “Leaving this world better than I found it.”
He describes his work with youth as providing both foundational roots and a role model, and he shares the ways in which his own dashed dreams
as a Denver Nuggets player later materialized into his dream job – a powerful testimony that supports his messages about the power of faith.
The vocal performer loves to use his God-given gift as a mentor, minister, counselor and even an occasional voice actor to support commercial and community projects.
“I’m always looking for opportunities,” he says.
Speller’s voice has served him well, but his heart of gold has allowed him to serve countless others, including his team, students, parishioners and random people he encounters on a daily basis.
In his familiar, thunderous voice, he encourages everyone to stay the course, be selfless, do your best and no matter what happens…never lose heart. .
Editor’s note: Keep up with Kyle Speller on X (formerly Twitter) at @KyleSpeller and learn more about him at www.ksgvoice.com.
Jack and Jill Beautillion
Denver Chapter Celebrates 38 Years of Honoring Young Leaders
By Stacy Narine
In 1983, June Johnson and Winifred Johnson, members of the Denver Chapter of Jack and Jill (JJD), established Colorado’s first beautillion in an attempt to counter negative media portrayals of young African American men.
honors and preserves cultural heritage while teaching participants to cherish the past in the process of build ing brighter futures.
brate year-long programs that provide mentorship, while raising money to support the educational pursuits of young people.
changing the headlines. It’s important that we tell our own stories and create narratives that reflect our excellence.”
The Road to Becoming a
Beau or Belle
The first step to becoming a Beau or Belle for the Jack and Jill Beautillion is identification from community leaders. Potential participants are recommended by school counselors or principals during their sophomore or junior year in high school.
Now a hallmark event, the Jack and Jill Beautillion celebrates the achievements of high school students, fostering leadership and community involvement among participants.
The History of Jack & Jill
Jack and Jill America, Inc. (JJA) was founded by Marion Stubbs Thomas in 1938, fulfilling her vision to create social and cultural relationships between children. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the first chapter consisted of twenty mothers who worked collaboratively to create opportunities for children ages 2 through 19.
In less than 10 years since its inception, JJA expanded into 10 chapters and was officially incorporated in 1946, during a nationwide restructuring process.
Now, with 262 chapters across the country, the organization serves over 50,000 family members in annual programming focused on five pillars, including cultural awareness, educational development, social/recreational interaction, health and civic advocacy.
By acknowledging customs and traditions passed down generationally, the organization
The core of its philosophy rests on the idea that every participant can be a leader with the appropriate guidance and opportunities, and programming that fosters healthy peer interactions and lifestyles supports the development of community leaders.
Additionally, with a focus on legislation to support positive outcomes for youth, JJA facilitates health and wellness initiatives, voter registration and education-based advocacy.
Jack and Jill of Denver
With chapters across the United States, the Denver Chapter of the organization was organized by Isabella Bartholomew in 1955. This year, the organization celebrated 69 years of youth development activities and service projects that support community needs.
Led by chapter president Allison Trimble and vice president Beth Robinson, JJD partners with local and national organizations to drive youthfocused initiatives forward.
According to its website, the organization is composed of “mothers engaged in cultural, philanthropic and community activities intended to nurture our children to gracefully evolve into African American leaders.”
On Dec. 15, 2024, the Jack and Jill Beautillion will cele-
When it was created, the beautillion’s creators recognized a gap in positive representation and mentorship for young African American men or “Beaus,” despite not having sons of their own at the time.
“We noticed the need for young Black men to be inspired and have good stories told about them,” recalls Winifred.
From modest beginnings with just 17 participants, the event has now grown to include over 300 young leaders.
Throughout the decades, the event has honored individuals who have gone on to achieve remarkablesuccess. Among its celebrated alumni are former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and NBA hall of famer and coach, Chauncey Billups.
In 2022, the Denver chapter expanded the program to recognize young women, known as “Belles,” alongside the Beaus. The event now acknowledges the achievements of both male and female juniors and seniors – an expansion that aligns with the organization’s commitment to increasing scholarship opportunities and celebrating Black excellence.
“We’ve evolved to address the challenges young people face today, ensuring the program remains relevant,” says Simone Ross, the chapter’s co-chair.
Reflecting on the lasting impact of the program, she says, “For 38 years, we’ve been
Once accepted, participants engage in workshops focusing on emotional intelligence, etiquette and community service, with lessons culminating in a formal dance performance at the beautillion.
The year-long program emphasizes academic excellence, leadership and extracurricular involvement, requiring Beaus and Belles to give back to their communities.
On Oct. 26 the Beaus took part in the “Great Beautillion Give Back,” assembling care kits in partnership with organizations such as Girls Inc., the Denver Dumb Friends League, the JEKL Foundation and Urban Peak.
Community service has always been a cornerstone of the program, with previous projects including youth leadership conferences and public forums with district attorneys to discuss the role of the DA’s office.
The grand culmination of this year’s efforts will be the annual Jack and Jill Beautillion Gala event on Dec. 15 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown, themed “Every Great Dream Begins with a Dreamer: Uplifting Dreamers and Leaders.”.
Editor’s note: For more information about the organization, visit https://www.jackandjillinc.org/cha pter/denver/. Tickets are available at https://allevents.in/denver/denverchapter-of-jack-and-jill-presentsbelle-beautillion2024/80002122098436.
The Honorable Wellington E. Webb
42nd Mayor of Denver
First Black Mayor of Denver
65 Percent Approval Rating After Three Terms
The Honorable Wilma J. Webb
Former First Lady of Denver
Former Colorado State Representative
Former Regional Administrator U.S. Department of Labor
WEBB’S VOTER GUIDE
Welcome to our guide on election voting tips for 2024. We hope to help you make informed decisions when it comes to casting your vote.
U.S. President & U.S. Vice President
Kamala Harris - “A President Americans can be proud of!”
Tim Walz - “America’s Team Coach”
Congressional Elections
Colorado House of Representatives - Colorado State Senate
Diana DeGette – First District “Steady as the Mississippi River”
Joe Neguse – Second District “A national Democratic leader” - Boulder/Ft. Collins
Jason Crow – Sixth District “A national foreign policy expert” Aurora
Brittany Pettersen – Seventh District “An American success story, who belongs in the U.S. Senate” Jefferson county Yadira Caraveo – Eighth District “Hard worker for all of us” - Adams County
Protect Care for the Elderly, the Sick, the Disabled and our Children AMENDMENT 4A – VOTE YES
Protect our Children’s Right to Quality Education AMENDMENT 79 - VOTE YES
Protect our Women’s Right To Choose
Races of Interest - VOTE YES
Senator James Coleman – State Senate District 33
Representative Jennifer Bacon – State House of Representative District 7
Lindsay Gilchrist – State House of Representative District 8
Senator Rhonda Fields – Arapahoe County Commissioner
Whatever happened to the Park Hill golf course park?
We are not going back!!
We hope these election voting tips have been helpful. Remember, every vote counts!
Keeping Our Seniors Safe
The Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation Announces the Launch of Life-Saving Programs
By Ruby Jones
While celebrating Barack Obama’s impending election as the first Black president of the United States at a Colorado campaign rally on Nov. 3, 2008, Denver Urban Spectrum Publisher, Rosalind “Bee” Harris’ phone began to ring. She was excited to see and hear from Michelle Obama, but the sudden, incessant ringing interrupted the fun. What Harris heard as she answered the phone changed the course of the evening, and changed the course of her life.
Harris’ mother had been killed in her home at 80 years old. As the excitement of the campaign celebration quickly melted away, she made the sickening realization that her life had been tragically cut short as a result of elder abuse.
Ruth Juanita Smith James Boyd, Harris’ mother, was stolen from her in one of the most vulnerable stages of her life, prompting the beloved daughter and community leader to set out on a path to prevent others from experiencing the same pain.
In 2018, she established the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation (RBEAF) in memory of her mother, to ensure the safety, care and quality of life for aging adults through advocacy, education and awareness.
Now, as she prepares to step away from her daily duties as publisher of her legacy publication, Harris has stepped into a nonprofit leadership role as
have experienced at least one form as they age.
president of the foundation. Her vision is to empower elderly individuals with support and resources that keep them safe from harm.
She is on a mission to save lives.
A Helping Hand
Aging is a natural process that comes with both physical and emotional challenges. As people age, declines in physical and cognitive function can impair their ability to live independently. With some senior citizens having to rely on others for varying levels of assistive care, exposure to potentially harmful scenarios creates a dangerous underlying risk.
Elder abuse is a critical concern, and as the current U.S. population ages, the need for resources to prevent it is more pressing than ever.
The prevalence of elder abuse has been reported at 2.2% and 90.4% in various parts of the world, with cultural and economic factors playing a role in the large range of occurrences. Here in the U.S., however, the elder abuse statistics are staggering.
Throughout the country, approximately 10% of elders –ages 60 and above – have experienced elder abuse in some form, yet only 1 in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities each year. Among the highest rates of abuse, financial exploitation and emotional abuse are the most commonly reported, though the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as much as 1 in 6 people over age 60
Elder abuse in any form has been proven to cause poor mental and physical health. In addition to a reduced quality of life, these outcomes strain community and healthcare resources, presenting increasingly worrisome scenarios for service providers and loved ones, who are often illequipped to protect aging relatives and friends.
RBEAF was founded in an effort to prevent elder abuse from negatively affecting the lives of aging adults, with specialized resources to assist caregivers and reduce the likelihood of abuse in every form. The foundation serves as a safety net for aging adults who are most vulnerable to abuse, offering direct services, advocacy and education to safeguard seniors and ensure that they can live with dignity and pride.
Fighting Every Form Physical Abuse & Neglect
The decline of bodily functions is a natural occurrence as individuals age, though some ailments affect the elderly population at higher rates. Arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and cognitive decline related to anatomical changes in the brain can impact daily activities, limit mobility and create life-threatening risks.
Sadly, having to depend on caregivers may lead to carelessness or excessive use of force resulting in physical harm or neglect.
Unlike emotional abuse, which is less likely to manifest through visible injuries like bruises or fractures, physical abuse can be prevented with extensive safety training for family members and professional caregivers such as nursing home staff.
RBEAF provides home care services, with well-trained staff who handle household chores, errands and other assistive per-
sonal health and wellness tasks with safety in mind.
Additionally, the foundation provides reassurance for seniors and their loved ones with support for lifeline medical alert system subscriptions and crime reduction assistance.
Lifeline medical alerts allow seniors to alert medical responders in the event of falls and other life-threatening emergencies, and crime-reducing home security camera systems add an additional layer of protection against physical abuse.
Emotional Abuse
To prevent emotional or psychological abuse, RBEAF leads sensitivity training and abuseprevention workshops for caregivers and service providers. These workshops communicate the importance of support during emotionally vulnerable times, with mental health resources for seniors experiencing depression or other psychological ailments.
Along with the peace of mind provided by lifeline medical alert systems, RBEAF also provides workforce training to improve quality of life among elderly clients.
After retirement, some elderly individuals experience feelings of isolation resulting in a return to part-time work for some. Yet, physical limitations and technological advancements present a challenge for other elderly job seekers. RBEAF’s workforce training programs strengthen technological skills with free computer classes, and help seniors return to work with job search assistance, resume building, career consultation and other resources.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse or exploitation is a common occurrence, with seniors being targeted due to cognitive decline and having to rely on others for financial management due to health or other factors.
This form of abuse can be hidden, due to involvement with heavily regulated financial institutions, there are measures that can be taken to prevent exploitation including caregiver training, fraud prevention training and other safeguards put in place to stop fraudulent activity earmarked by banks, estate planning services and more.
RBEAF’s online resources provide useful tools and information to prevent financial abuse and exploitation, with tips for identifying fraud, seeking legal counsel and designating trusted individuals to safe accounting roles.
Additionally, the foundation encourages seniors to participate in online seminars offered by partner banking institutions as an added layer of financial protection.
Advocacy for Aging
By raising awareness and teaching seniors and caregivers the signs of abuse, RBEAF aims to reduce the stigma around
elder abuse, encouraging individuals to come forward and make reports when experiencing abusive behaviors.
Legal advocacy and referrals to nonprofits that help seniors navigate financial abuse and other legal issues help individuals understand their rights. Comprehensive case management helps connect seniors with individuals who can provide proper representation and take action in the event of exploitation.
Political advocacy that ensures adequate funding for elder care services and seniorserving organizations is essential. In addition to helping this generation of aging adults, advocacy is a preventative measure for the future elderly population, which is expected to increase from 62 million in 2024 to 84 million by 2054 in the U.S..
Partnerships with local, community-serving organizations allow RBEAF to improve the quality of life for seniors in the
Metro Denver area, with social programs and activities, health and wellness programs, housing resources and events tailored to the needs of elders within underserved communities.
Saving Our Seniors
On Mother’s Day 2023, Harris published a book about her mother, titled, “The Story of Ruth.” The first-person narrative shares her life story, while increasing awareness about elder abuse and detailing her motivation to save the lives of other senior citizens.
After years of planning and program development, RBEAF was officially launched on Oct. 19, as the community celebrated 37 years of
publishing Denver Urban Spectrum at Denver’s Voice 37. Monetary contributions supporting the foundation will be used toward capacity-building program development and lifeline medical alert system subscription grants for individuals who exhibit a financial need.
With the support of Harris’ friends, family and professional acquaintances, the foundation is poised to provide services to the community’s most vulnerable members, while bringing an end to the tragic abuse that affects the lives of so many..
Editor’s note: To donate or learn more information about the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation, visit www.ruthboydfoundation.org.
BOYD ELDER ABUSE FOUNDATION www.ruthboydfoundation.org
RUTH
One Woman’s Spiritual Journey The Story of
Ruth
Black Americans Underrepresented in Residential Care Communities
By Carson Gerber/CNHI News, Nicky Forster/AP & Devi Shastri/AP
The share of the U.S. population older than 65 keeps rising —
and will for decades to come. Since nearly half of Americans over 65 will pay for some version of longterm health care, CNHI News and The Associated Press examined the state of long-term care in the series the High Cost of Long-Term Care, looking at adult day cares to high-end assisted living facilities, to understand the challenges in affordability, staffing and equity that exist today and lie ahead.
Norma Upshaw, 82, was living alone south of Nashville, when her doctor said she needed to start inhome dialysis.
Her closest family lived 40 miles away, and they’d already scrambled once when the independent senior living facility she had called home –a community of largely Black residents – had closed with 30 days’ notice. Here they were searching, yet again, for an assisted living facility or maybe an affordable apartment that was closer.
MOMENT FACE THE
They couldn’t find either, so Upshaw’s daughter built a small apartment onto her home.
“Most of her doctors, her church, everything was within Nashville,” said Danielle Cotton, Upshaw’s granddaughter, “... this was the best option for us.”
Nearly half of Americans over 65 will pay for some version of long-term health care, the landscape of which is quickly transitioning away from nursing homes and toward community living situations.
Black Americans are less likely to use residential care communities, such as assisted-living facilities, and more likely to live in nursing homes, CNHI News and The Associated Press found as part of an examination into America’s long-term care options. The opposite is true for white Americans.
The disparity is well-known to those who work in and research assisted-living settings, and experts say the reasons why are complicated.
Where to place a parent or loved one is driven in part by personal and cultural preferences, but also insurance coverage and physical location of residential care communities. All of these factors vary state by state, family by family.
The result is older Black Americans may be left out of living situations that can create community, prevent isolation and provide help with daily tasks while allowing for a level of personal independence.
“The bottom line is white, richer people have a solution now – which is these incredible assisted-living communities – and minorities and low-income people don’t,” said Jonathan Gruber, an economist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “That is the fundamental challenge facing our country as our demographics are shifting.”
Complex Causes
The AP and CNHI News analyzed data from the most recent National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study, published in 2020, and found Black people are underrep-
resented in residential care communities nationally by nearly 50%.
Black Americans account for about 9% of people over 65 in the U.S. But they are underrepresented in residential care communities at 4.9% of the population, and overrepresented in nursing homes –about 16% of residents.
The situation is flipped for white Americans, who make up 75% of Americans over 65 but are 88% of the people in residential care communities. The AP-CNHI News analysis also found that other ethnic and racial groups are underrepresented in assisted living facilities, but only Black Americans were also overrepresented in nursing homes.
Lacking a universal definition for assisted living, the federal study created the “residential community care” category to represent settings that serve people who cannot live independently, but also do not require the more comprehensive care provided in nursing homes. In short, they’re places where people can live and receive help with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and managing medications, but do not provide round-the-clock nursing care.
Financial barriers affect lowincome people of all races, experts said, but they’re heightened for older Black Americans. Black workers make $878 weekly compared to $1,085 earned by white workers, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which shows this national gap has existed for decades.
That affects both the potential to spend on long-term care – and, earlier in life, homeownership rates. Many residents sell their homes to fund senior care, and more than 7 in 10 homeowners in the U.S. are white, according to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data.
One month in an assisted living facility runs $4,500 a month or $54,000 a year, according to a national median cost from the National Center for Assisted Living, which represents assisted living providers.
Most people pay privately, often through personal funds or long-
term care insurance; nursing homes can be covered by Medicaid. That puts assisted living out of reach for many Black Americans, explained Cotton, who also founded and runs a Nashville nonprofit that helps financially strapped seniors find housing.
She said many can barely pay for government-subsidized housing, let alone expensive living communities: “It leaves them in a gap. Those are the seniors that are really not even considered or thought about.”
In Palo Alto, California, the nonprofit Lytton Gardens uses funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to subsidize housing costs for lowincome assisted living residents. But the cost of care – scheduled meals, help with bathing and taking medications – is still on the individual.
Staff have tried to reach Black and Hispanic seniors through social workers, libraries and senior centers. But the residents are still mostly white and Asian.
“Most of the time, I’m begging somebody to move in,” said Donna Quick, housing administrator for Lytton Gardens. “But it’s just a matter of finding somebody who has the funds for this assisted living program.”
The process of paying for longterm care is “as opaque as it can be,” said Linda Couch, senior vice president of policy and advocacy at LeadingAge, which represents nonprofit long-term care providers and researches long-term care. “Because we don’t have a comprehensive and cohesive long-term care financing system in this country, we are left with this patchwork,” Couch said.
Researchers’ major question as more assisted facilities open up across the U.S. – are they located near Black communities? – is hard to answer, too.
“The federal government doesn’t even have a list of assisted living (facilities),” said Lindsey Smith,
health systems management and policy researcher at the Oregon Health and Science UniversityPortland State University School of Public Health. “There is not, like, a registration. When COVID hit, they did not have a list.”
Desire to Stay Home
LaShuan Bethea, executive director of the National Center for Assisted Living, said more research is needed to fully understand if fewer Black people accessing assisted living means they are missing out on needed care, or if they are finding that support in other ways.
“It’s really important to do the work ... trying to understand: What does this mean when Black and brown people can’t access assisted living, knowing what it brings in terms of quality and outcomes?” Bethea said.
While affordability is one determining factor, researchers say it doesn’t completely explain why more Black people are not moving into assisted living.
“I think the other piece is that expectation that we want to keep people home as long as possible,” said Candace Kemp of Georgia State University’s Gerontology Institute. “And within families of color, African American communities in particular, there’s this desire to take care of family members.”
Steven Nash’s father could afford the most expensive assisted living facilities, but the former judge wanted to stay home. So as Nash ran one of the nation’s last remaining Black-owned nursing homes in the Washington, D.C., area, he also helped care for his father until he died at the age of 87.
“Even though it was very difficult for the family, we still kept that promise,” he said. “We try as hard as we can to honor the wishes of our elders.”
As smaller nursing homes and facilities that once catered to Black residents closed, there’s a cultural competency gap, Nash said. He pointed to the kitchen, where beloved cultural food options are removed in favor of generic menu mainstays.
“People want to live out their life the way they’ve lived,” he said.
That’s why the 95-year-old mother of Indiana state Sen. Gregory Porter still lives where she has for six decades, cared for by Porter, other family members and in-home health professionals. Porter’s daughter has promised to care for him similarly as he ages, a commitment that gives him “a level of comfort.”
“It means a lot,” Porter said. “It gives you the will to live.”
But for others, assisted living is an option for independence even as their daily needs grow.
Older Black Americans are twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias compared to older white people, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Nash said he’s seen more Black Americans interested in assisted living for dementia care; he’s even planning to open a targeted facility in the coming years.
In Texarkana, Texas, former lawyer Jay Cossey moved into an assisted living facility after multiple strokes more than seven years ago that caused him to lose most of his short-term memory. He’s one of a handful of Black residents at a facility that is blocks away from his old apartment.
His church community urged the 70-year-old to move in, though his family in Alabama has pushed for him to come live with them.
“My brother came and said he wanted to take me home,” Cossey recalled. “I told him I am home. I’m home because I feel good here.”
Local News Outlets Named As Grant Recipients
Press Forward awards $20 million to 205 local news outlets for their work closing persistent coverage gaps.
Two hundred and five small local news outlets – including one in every U.S. state – will receive a share of $20 million to close persistent coverage gaps in their communities, thanks to funding from Press Forward, the nationwide movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news.
Motivated by the extraordinary quality and number of proposals, Press Forward is funding twice as many news organizations as it anticipated initially through its first open-call. The recipients, the majority receiving $100,000 in general operating support, were selected from a total of 931 proposals from newsrooms with annual budgets of less than $1 million.
The grant recipients are a bright mosaic of independent, non-partisan sources reimagining what local news looks like across America.
“These newsrooms are proof that we are seeing a moment of transformation, where new and longstanding are stepping up to create a new story for local news,” said Dale R. Anglin, Press Forward Director.
“Each newsroom plays a vital public service role in its community – providing trustworthy local news and information in places where no other sources may exist. Independent newsrooms need community support to survive. We hope that more people will subscribe and donate to them.”
About the 205 Recipients
The current recipients include newer nonprofits –
some launched as information needs became evident during the pandemic – and enduring, for-profit outlets continuing to innovate after a century in business. Some newsrooms are reporting on the vast American countryside, where they are the only news source for hundreds of miles, while others cover people of color and linguistically diverse communities that traditional news sources have overlooked.
Collectively, they are reporting and producing the original, locally based stories people need to be involved in their cities and make decisions about their daily lives – from how their tax money is being spent, to crime and climate trends in their communities and ways to get help paying utility bills.
In addition, 40% of grantees are headed by Black, Indigenous and other leaders of color; 25% of recipients are serving rural communities; and eight are college newsrooms.
Colorado Grantees
Alamosa Citizen: A membersupported, nonpartisan daily online newspaper that provides information and builds civic involvement in the San Luis Valley, with issue-oriented enterprise journalism, community-supported daily podcasts, live-stream broadcasts and liveevent programming.
Asian Avenue Magazine: A monthly publication that shares the stories of Colorado’s Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) residents to build bridges of awareness, knowledge, and understanding between the diverse AANHPI communities and the public.
Aurora Sentinel Community Media: A nonprofit corporation created to grow a robust, thriving news organization covering the issues and interests of the greater community of Aurora with factual, trusted nonpartisan news, investigations and fea-
tures about the Aurora region and its diverse community.
El Comercio de Colorado: A bilingual multimedia organization targeting the growing Hispanic/Latinx community in Colorado since 2006, with a goal to empower the Hispanic/Latinx community through information, engagement and advocacy.
KVNF Mountain Grown Community Radio: Engages communities by providing access to diverse music, news and voices –envisioning listeners who are participating, inspired, active and well-informed with a local and global perspective that emphasizes journalistic integrity.
Ouray County Plaindealer: The only trusted source of local news in a rural Colorado mountain community of roughly 5,000 residents with a goal of informing the community with fact-based, nonpartisan articles.
San Miguel Basin Forum: Covers all sides of issues respectfully and gives a voice to all community members in the West End of Montrose and San Miguel counties.
Sopris Sun: Informs, inspires and builds community by fostering diverse and independent journalism.
World Journal: Promotes a sense of community and cooperation among the citizens of the Rocky Mountain Southwest.
About Press Forward
Press Forward is a growing coalition of donors committed to reimagining local news. The funding for this open-call comes from donors who contributed to Press Forward’s Pooled Fund, housed at The Miami Foundation. In addition to raising money and awareness for local news, Press Forward has launched 31 local chapters around the country over the past year, where local leaders are raising funds and gathering support to strengthen their community through local news.
Press Forward’s coalition
members are committed to the initiative’s four funding priorities: strengthening local newsrooms; advancing public policy that expands access to local news; scaling the infrastructure the sector needs to thrive; and the subject of this open-call, closing local coverage gaps, so that all communities are part of the conversations about the issues that most affect their lives.
Press Forward engaged 113 advisors from a range of backgrounds in the application reviewer process. Each application was scored and evaluated using a rubric that favored newsrooms filling news gaps with strong, community-based leadership, a plan for sustainability and a track record of community listening and collaboration. The Press Forward staff, including veterans in philanthropy and journalism, narrowed the list further and, with input from the Management Committee, made the final decisions to ensure a balanced list for maximum impact across the country.
The public can join in supporting local newsrooms across the country by donating to the Press Forward Pooled Fund. Every dollar, up to $5 million, will be matched to support local newsrooms across the U.S.. Editor’s note: For the comprehensive list of grantees and to learn more about Press Forward, visit www.pressforward.news/grantees.
Photos by James Rowe and Ed Jenkins
Box Express
GCFLF Launches Annual Book Drive
Global Children Financial Literacy Foundation (GCFLF) recently launched its annual Wesley Learns Book Drive with the goal of donating 2,500 books from the acclaimed “Wesley Learns” financial literary series to youth in Denver, Atlanta,
New York City, Baltimore and Washington D.C.
Book donations accompanied by stock presentations to first-time shareholders in each city were funded by the organization’s charity golf tournament in September. Notable attendees included Denver Broncos Hall of Fame, Rod Smith; Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Champions, Brandon
Marshall and David Bruton Jr.; University of Colorado
Assistant Director of Player Relations, Devin Rispress; University of Colorado Wide Receiver, Jimmy Horn Jr.; and former Denver Broncos Coach, Brian Pariani.
The charity golf tournament raised $10,000 to support financial literacy among youth.
Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak has been co-organized by the Denver Art Museum and the Columbus Museum of Art in partnership with The Maurice Sendak Foundation. This exhibition is presented by the Clarence V. Laguardia Foundation with additional support provided by the Tom Taplin Jr. and Ted Taplin Endowment, Bank of America, Jana and Fred Bartlit, Bernstein Private Wealth Management, Kathie and Keith Finger, Lisë Gander and Andy Main, Wendy and Bob Kaufman, the Kristin and Charles Lohmiller Exhibitions Fund, Sally Cooper Murray, John Brooks Incorporated, Kent Thiry & Denise O’Leary, Judi Wagner, an anonymous donor, the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign, and the residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine and CBS Colorado.
Sendak, Where the Wild Things
Goodbye to the Greats
Remembering the Legacies of Three Great Men
By Ruby Jones
The recent deaths of three prominent figures – Dikembe Mutombo, James Earl Jones, and Frankie Beverly – represent the loss of cherished individuals who left indelible marks on sports, film and music. Throughout their lives, each talented man made significant contributions to their fields while shaping cultural history and leaving a legacy of greatness.
“Mount Mutombo”
In October 2022, Dikembe Mutombo announced that he would be undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. Two years later on Sept. 30, after a hardfought battle against an aggressive cancer, the basketball Phenom passed away at age 58, surrounded by his loving family.
Mutombo’s career was defined by his towering presence on the court, along with his defensive dominance and iconic finger-wagging dramatics.
At 7-foot, 2-inches, the native Congolese baller was recruited to play basketball collegiately after earning an academic scholarship to Georgetown University, where he originally intended to study pre-med.
His shot-blocking abilities, agility and imposing defense made him a standout athlete, while his large stature earned him the moniker, “Mount Mutombo.” After playing as a Georgetown Hoya for just three years, he graduated with dual degrees in linguistics and diplomacy, and entered the NBA draft in 1991.
In the first round of the draft, he was selected by the Denver Nuggets as the fourth overall pick.
Mutombo’s arrival in Denver was transformative for the team, and for the city. He played for the Nuggets for five years, during which time he was named an NBA All-Star and NBA Defensive Player of the Year. In 1994, he created his most memorable moment with the Nuggets when helping the team win in an upset against the top-seeded Seattle SuperSonics during the NBA Playoffs.
Mutombo was the face of the franchise, but beyond the court he had a profound impact on the Denver community.
Known for his charitable outreach in Denver and internationally in his home country of Congo, he focused on philanthropic efforts toward improving healthcare and education. After funding the construction of a hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kinshasa, his charitable contributions earned the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2001.
As a basketball star, the foundation Mutombo helped build for the Denver Nuggets earned him a place in the hearts of fans for decades. In 1996, the famed athlete left Denver and played for the Atlanta Hawks before going on to play for the
Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.
Throughout his life, he was recognized for his service and commitment to others, in addition to being known as one of the greatest shot-blockers in NBA history. He served as a global ambassador, promoting his sport around the world while advocating for social issues. His philanthropy, humility and global influence defined his legacy, and in Denver, his name will forever be synonymous with resilience – not just in the basketball arena, but in his tireless work to make the world a better place.
“The Voice of a Generation”
Jones studied drama at the University of Michigan, where he became known for his role in Shakespearean performances; he dominated the stage in Othello, paving the way for Black actors in classical theater. In 1969, he portrayed Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, in The Great White Hope. In addition to earning him recognition as a stellar actor, his role earned him a Tony Award, and shined a light on racial struggles in the 20th century.
James Earl Jones, who passed away on Sept. 9, was one of the most respected actors of his generation. With an entertainment career spanning six decades, he was best known for his commanding voice, cherished by many as Darth Vader in the Star Wars series and Mufasa in The Lion King. He was a trailblazer for Black actors in mainstream theater and film, leaving a mark on the world that extends far beyond his deep, resonant tone.
Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, in 1931, Jones’ early life was marked by hardship, including a severe stutter that forced him to remain mute for much of his childhood. He was encouraged to recite poetry in order to overcome this vocal barrier, and eventually developed the legendary voice that became his signature feature.
The famed actor’s contributions to the Black community extended beyond his iconic roles. As he navigated mainstream Hollywood, he also took on roles rooted in Black history and culture, earning a unique place in the film industry and highlighting important social issues throughout his career. He portrayed historical figures like the bass concert artist, football player and activist, Paul Robeson, and the renowned civil rights leader, Malcolm X. He was a symbol of Black excellence at a time when opportunities for Black people in the arts were extremely limited, and his success on stage and in mainstream films helped break down racial barriers.
Off-screen, Jones was known as an advocate for education and equal opportunities for representation and access in the entertainment industry. He exhibited a deep commitment to social justice and equality, which was amplified by his widespread fame.
His ability to convey power through his voice earned Tony, Emmy and Grammy Awards throughout his career, in addition to the National Medal of Arts and a Lifetime Achievement Oscar. He is an Continued on page 20
Goodbye to the Greats
Continued from page 19 unforgettable figure who made a tremendous impact – not only on Hollywood, but on the Black community.
“We Are One”
Known for his feel-good melodies and messages of unity, Frankie Beverly passed away on Sept. 10 at age 77, leaving an unrivaled impact on the music industry and Black culture.
Born in December 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Beverly performed with local bands throughout the 1960s before forming the breakout band, Maze (originally known as Raw Soul) in the early 1970s. Maze’s music featured a unique blend of R&B, soul and funk music, headlined by Beverly’s smooth, soulful voice. The band quickly caught the attention of legendary R&B singer Marvin Gaye, who brought them on his tour and helped them secure a recording contract.
In 1977, Maze released its debut album, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly. It was an instant success, with hit singles, “While I’m Alone,” and “Happy Feelin’s,” which became one of the most recognizable songs within the Black community.
Over the years, Maze became known for timeless hits like “Joy and Pain,” and “Before I Let Go.” Their music was known for its smooth
grooves and heartfelt lyrics spreading messages about love, resilience and togetherness. Iconic live performances were known for their positive and communal energy at a time when audiences needed it most, and the messages in the music spoke directly to Black listeners during periods of social upheaval and the long, arduous fight for civil rights.
Beverly’s influence extended far beyond his music, with songs that became anthems in the Black community. He created a sense of belonging and connection that was woven into the cultural fabric of Black America, reflecting his own desire to bring people together through art.
Throughout the years, Beverly’s health took precedence over his decades-long touring schedule, with throat issues forcing the passionate
singer to take extended breaks from performing. Still, his longevity and dedication served as inspiration for other aspiring artists, demonstrating that success is possible through authenticity and a commitment to one’s vision.
Never receiving widespread mainstream recognition or major music awards, Maze gained a devoted following within the Black community. Its musical influence extended across generations, and its songs remain a staple at Black family reunions, cookouts, weddings and other social gatherings. In 2024, the front man was honored with an NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award.
In February, he announced his “I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour,” which kicked off in Atlanta and wrapped up back in his Philadelphia hometown before he passed, surrounded by loved ones.
Goodbye to the Greats
It’s never easy to say goodbye to individuals whose lives made a positive impact on countless others.
Despite their differences in profession, these three extraordinary figures share a profound cultural impact that resonates across generations. They, along with John Amos, Bill Cobbs and precious others, will be deeply missed.
Each is a pioneer within their industries, with legacies transcending their respective fields, who have shaped the broader cultural landscape through talent, character and commitment to improving lives for many others.
With a spirit of thankfulness, looking back at each individual’s body of work evokes cultural pride. While their contributions will never be emulated they serve as a guiding light for other talented athletes, artists and entertainers for many years to come.
Black Holiday Marketplace to Celebrate Black Entrepreneurs on Small Business Saturday
By Niambi Nicholes
Alpha
Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Incorporated, Mu Omega Omega Chapter will host a Black Holiday Marketplace on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, in partnership with Black and Blossomed and Green Spaces. The one-day marketplace will be held at Green Spaces in RiNo from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. It will showcase the work of Black entrepreneurs and encourage community support during the holiday season.
The Black Holiday Marketplace is more than just a shopping event – it celebrates community, entrepreneurship and culture.
As the nation’s first Black Greek-lettered sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has long been committed to uplifting Black communities through education, service and advocacy. Chapters across the country have been focused on numerous sorority initiatives, including building economic wealth through the support of personal financial growth and empowering Black-owned businesses.
The family-friendly Black Holiday Marketplace will celebrate Black-owned businesses in Colorado by bringing together young and seasoned entrepreneurs to spotlight their unique products, from art and jewelry to fashion, sweet treats and a food pup-up with celebrity Chef Kamal Howard.
“Building economic wealth by supporting the success of Black-owned businesses is about creating future opportunities and cultivating community resilience,” says Kathy
Nesbitt, President of Mu Omega Omega Chapter.
Small Business Saturday has become a nationally recognized day to celebrate and support small, Black-owned businesses. Events like the Black Holiday Marketplace help provide increased visibility, networking opportunities and a supportive community.
The partnership between Mu Omega Omega Chapter, Black and Blossomed, and Green Space reflects a shared commitment to driving the growth of small Black businesses and economic development in the Metro Denver area.
Black and Blossomed has contributed to the ongoing growth and vibrancy of Denver’s Black Business community, and creates spaces where other Black entrepreneurs can connect, grow and blossom. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, Green Spaces provides a venue that champions eco-friendly initiatives.
As thoughts of “what to buy” and “gifts to give” begin to dance in your mind this holiday season, all are invited to celebrate, socialize and start holiday shopping at the Black Holiday Marketplace. Let’s make this holiday season one of joy, empowerment and community!
Featured businesses include BHThreads, Black and Blossomed, Designed By Robyn, Earth Fragments, Fire and Design Art, Hello Legacy, Kamal’s Kitchen, Kinley’s K-9 Kraveables, Lela’s Honey, Little Sista’s Treats, Mela Vino, Migas Coffee, It’s a Bodega, The Fashion Tilt & more.
Special Thanks To..
ALL TICKET PURCHASERS andthe following…
SPONSORS: Colorado Health Foundation, DEN (Denver International Airport, The Colorado Trust, Black Star
Communications, Robert F. Smith Family, City Park Law Group, Spangalang Brewery
TABLE SPONSORS: Visit Denver, Asfaw Foundation, 100 Men Who Cook, Connect for Health
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Walter Isenberg – Sage Hospitality
Ed Dwight – Sculptor/First Black Astronaut Candidate
Ben Wilbourn – Majestic Lodge
Dr. Thomas E. Lockhart III – Kamala Harris Portrait
Emmanuel Edwards – Stain Glass Award
HONORARY CHAIRS
FOUNDATION DONATIONS
Valeria Howard-Cunningham - Bill Pickett
Invitational Rodeo - Edmond Buddy Noel
Honorable Claudia Jordan - Carolyn Love
RECEPTION AND EVENT CATERERS
Chef Donald James - Creole Cafe
Lorena “LaLa” Aguon
VOLUNTEERS
Ahmed Abdulaziz
Greg Moore and Nina Henderson-Moore
VIDEO VOICE
Kyle Speller EMCEES
Kia Milan
Justin Adams
EVENT PERFORMERS
Chester McSwain
Darryl Collier
Gregory Goodloe
Henry Hudson III
Julius Williams
Linda Styles
Linda Theus-Lee
Louis Johnson
Mary Louise-Lee
Ron Ivory
Sam Adams
Scottie Rich
Sethe Tucker
Shane Franklin
Bernard Grant
Candy Brown
Caroline Price
A Celebration of Entertainment”
Cherry Reynolds
Cheryl Carter DeBorah Powell
Donald James
Ed Jenkins
Skippy “D” Lynch
SUCH
Theo “Lucifury” Wilson
Tony Price
Vickilyn Reynolds
Yasuo Ishikawa
Georg Hill
OCTOBER 19, 2024
Helen Bradshaw
James Rowe
Jody Gilbert
Joseph Enkson
www.denverurbanspectrum.com
Kia Milan
LaTerrell Bradford Lawrence James
Lori Collier
Mable Sutton
Melovy
Melvin Family
Noor Event Center Staff
Misti Aas
Misty Bell
Norma J. Paige
Ruby Jones
Sandra Stephens
Stacy Narine
Tanya Ishikawa
and Blessings,
Rosalind “Bee” Harris
The 2024 Election’s Impact on Education
On Oct. 10, the Biden Administration reached its goal to make sweeping improvements to the U.S. Department of Education (DoE), adding an abundance of adult and student roles to facilitate student success in schools across America.
After reaching the lofty goal one year ahead of schedule, the education-based National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS) initiative has activated 320,000 adults in support positions, surpassing the original goal of 250,000. Additionally, high-impact student roles have been created en masse, including: tutors, mentors, student success coaches, postsecondary transition coaches and wraparound/integrated student support coordinators.
Launched in 2022 in response to the State of the Union call-to-action for more Americans to fill critical roles to support educational gaps resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic, NPSS operates as a private partnership involving the DoE, Americorps and the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University.
2016-2020: Education
Under Donald Trump
During his presidency from 2016 to 2020, former U.S.
President Donald Trump made a concerted effort to improve school choice across the country. However, critics argue that changes made to federallyfunded programs and departments were detrimental to students.
The Trump Administration made greater progress toward universal school choice than any other presidential administration in history, advocating for the rights of families to homeschool or send their children to private, charter and virtual schools.
True to its desire to create policies that limit federal oversight in education, the administration and congressional supporters attempted to reduce the DoE’s budget by 13% in 2018 and 5% in 2019. In 2021, they proposed an 8.4% reduction to drive down pandemic-era appropriations for Title I and other federal programs.
To support families, the Trump administration proposed a $5 billion federal tax credit to pay for scholarships for special needs services, tutoring, non-public school tuition, pre-kindergarten education and workforce training.
Additional areas where the Trump Administration sought to rescind policies enacted during Barack Obama’s presidential tenure involved students’ civil rights and rights to due process.
Early in his presidency, the DoE and the U.S. Department of
Justice (DoJ) issued a notice informing Americans that the Civil Rights Division of both departments were effectively withdrawing the 2016 “Dear Colleague Letter on Transgender Students.” This communication stated that educational institutions should treat students’ gender identities as their sex for the purposes of Title IX, a federal civil rights law prohibiting sexbased discrimination in federallyfunded educational programs and activities.
Trump challenged the earlier administration’s position and the expressed language of Title IX, asserting that gender-accommodating policies should be addressed locally by state law. He also attempted to clear up backdated investigations handled by the Office of Civil Rights, with updates to case processing that resulted in limited investigational reviews of patterned discrimination.
A 2016 rule requiring educational institutions to use standard procedures to determine racial inequity in special education identification, placement and discipline was delayed by the administration, which asked for additional time to study the changes. The administration claimed that the rule could cause schools to establish false quotas and avoid corrective action.
After several states implemented the rule, its original timeline was reinstated, prompting a U.S. District Judge to determine that the DoE’s
delay violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
Despite differing opinions on the Trump Administration’s priorities concerning education, sweeping changes were made to improve the educational system in ways that supported a more conservative agenda with reduced federal oversight and expenditures.
2020-2024: Education Under Joe Biden
Following the Coronavirus pandemic, the administration following Trump’s secured $130 billion in federal funding to help students rebound from educational disruptions.
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was the largest investment in public education in the nation’s history, helping schools safely reopen and addressing students’ academic and mental health needs.
In 2020, 730,000 public education jobs were lost in schools throughout the United States within just three months, representing a decrease of 9%.
President Joe Biden’s efforts to reverse the rapid decline have resulted in the restoration of 635,000 jobs, along with intentional workforce diversification.
His administration facilitated a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the DoE to expand access to education careers through Registered Apprenticeship, under the Good Jobs Initiative. This program allows aspiring educators to earn teaching credentials
while engaging in paid, on-thejob classroom work under the supervision and guidance of mentor teachers.
Additionally, the Biden Administration prioritized educator diversity with 14 grant programs investing over $470 million in teacher preparation programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
Biden’s commitment to adopt community school models leverages local nonprofit organizations, the private sector and public partnerships to provide wraparound healthcare, nutrition and shelter services for students and their families. Federal funding for this educational model currently serves approximately 800,000 students in more than 1,700 schools across the country.
In 2024, Biden signed the country’s most significant federal gun safety bill in nearly 30 years with the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). In addition to providing safer learning environments and resources for low-income students with a $2 billion allocation to the DoE for Title I programs, the bill addresses mental health challenges faced by young people, and funds additional training for mental health professionals in schools.
Throughout his presidency, Biden has allocated $1.3 billion for the Individuals with
Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA), and $92 million for English Language Learners (ELL).
2024 & Beyond…
What’s Next for Education in America
Trump’s Platform
If re-elected, Trump has indicated that his stance on the public school system remains unchanged from his first term. In an interview with tech-innovator Elon Musk, he affirmed, “I want to close up the Department of Education, move education back to the states.”
While most public school funding does come from state and local tax revenue, a closure of the DoE would affect federal funding for programs supporting low-income students and students with disabilities.
Should he regain office, the former president has also indicated plans to focus on parental rights with universal school choice, in addition to rolling back the expanded protections against sex discrimination that Biden’s administration implemented following his first term.
Furthermore, Trump has expressed a focus on the educational workforce, with a desire to reduce the number of administrators; give parents the ability to elect school principals; eliminate teacher tenure for secondary education; and establish a credentialed body that will provide teacher certification based on traditional values.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING – WE WELCOME YOU!
• HUD-subsidized housing available for individuals 62 & older or persons with disabilities. Additional household members welcome.
• 358 total apartments for rent (373 – 570 sq. ft.) - studios & 1-bedrooms.
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• Call, email, visit or download an application. Submit by email, in person, or fax. Drop o昀 box in lobby open 24/7: 22 S. Adams St., Denver CO 80209
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Harris’ Platform
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly supported public education and in 2019, during the primary electoral process, she proposed a $300 billion plan to raise teacher pay – though this proposal has not been reinstated ahead of the 2024 elections.
During the Democratic National Convention in August, the approved 2024 democratic platform did not reflect the updated presidential nominee, with Biden’s name still headlining a document that calls for social and emotional support, attendance improvements, increased IDEA and ELL funding and redesigned standardized testing standards. Harris’ agenda, stated on her website, includes affordable child care and preschool, strengthened public education, improved career pathways for non-college graduates and a continued effort to end the burden of student loan debt with
more affordable college education. She has also spoken in opposition of book bans and federal limitations on historical education, though it is unclear whether certain points in her agenda will model that of her predecessor if she wins the election.
An Uncertain Outcome
With so much hanging in the balance, it is clear that the 2024 U.S. General Elections will have a tremendous effect on the public education system, with sweeping changes proposed by one candidate and major investments proposed by the other. With a nation divided between a future focused on conservative value systems and a future determined by liberal lifestyle choices, it is imperative that families familiarize themselves with resources they need to feel supported regardless of the election’s outcome. .
Senior Life is a non-pro昀t, non-sectarian organization providing housing & services to older adults & people with disabilities that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or familial status.
Real Estate Buying Decisions in the Black Community:
How Emotions Drive Transactions
By Barry Overton
Ibackground, or they may be drawn to properties that remind them of their childhood or significant moments in their family’s history. In some cases, buyers seek out historically Black neighborhoods, viewing them as spaces where they can reclaim cultural identity and feel a sense of belonging.
about being taken advantage of or receiving unequal treatment. Additionally, many buyers fear gentrification, which often pushes them out of historically Black neighborhoods due to rising home prices and property taxes.
n the world of real estate, the decision to purchase a home is often framed as a financial transaction, but the reality is much more complex. For Black American buyers, the emotional drivers behind these decisions are powerful and deeply rooted in historical, cultural and personal experiences.
From the aspiration of building generational wealth to the fear of systemic inequities, emotions play a central role in shaping the home-buying process. Understanding these emotional factors is key to navigating the real estate market effectively and, more importantly, ensuring that the dream of homeownership becomes a reality.
Nostalgia: The Desire for Roots and Legacy
For many Black homebuyers, nostalgia plays a significant role in the decision-making process.
The desire to establish roots and create a lasting legacy is deeply tied to a history of displacement and exclusion from homeownership opportunities. For generations, systemic racism, segregation and discriminatory practices such as redlining denied Black Americans the chance to own homes and, by extension, to build wealth.
Nostalgia can manifest in a longing for connection to familial or cultural heritage. Buyers may seek homes in neighborhoods that reflect their cultural
Aspirations: Homeownership as a Path to Generational Wealth
The aspiration to build generational wealth is a powerful motivator for homebuyers.
Historically, Black Americans have faced significant barriers to wealth accumulation, and homeownership is seen as one of the most viable paths to closing the racial wealth gap. For many, purchasing a home represents a tangible step toward financial independence and securing a stable future for their children and grandchildren.
However, the pursuit of homeownership is often fraught with challenges. Black American buyers may face higher interest rates, limited access to credit or difficulty navigating an industry that has not always been welcoming. Despite these obstacles, the aspiration to own property and leave a legacy for future generations remains a strong driving force.
Overcoming Systemic Barriers and Mistrust
Fear and anxiety are also significant emotional drivers for Black homebuyers, particularly given the history of discrimination in housing. Many buyers are aware of the systemic barriers that have historically excluded Black people from fair access to the housing market, including predatory lending practices, biased appraisals and unfair treatment in negotiations.
This fear can manifest as mistrust of the real estate process, with buyers concerned
Black American buyers can overcome these fears by arming themselves with knowledge and seeking out trusted professionals who are experienced in advocating for their needs. Working with mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys and agents who are familiar with the specific challenges faced by buyers can help ensure a smoother transaction and instill confidence in the process.
Practices for Overcoming Emotional and Systemic Challenges
While the emotional factors in home-buying are significant, there are several practical steps that Black buyers can take to overcome both emotional and systemic challenges. These strategies not only help buyers navigate the complexities of the real estate market but also empower them to make informed decisions that lead to long-term success.
1. Build Financial Literacy: Understanding the homebuying process, from credit scores to mortgage rates, is essential. Black homebuyers should educate themselves on how mortgages work, what to expect during the loan approval process and how to identify the best financing options for their situation.
2. Leverage Community Resources: Many communities offer programs specifically designed to help Black Americans and other minority groups achieve homeownership. These programs often include down payment assistance, grants and financial counseling. Buyers should take advantage of these resources to make homeownership more attainable.
3. Partner with Trusted Professionals: Working with real estate agents, mortgage brokers and financial advisors who have experience advocating for their clients can make a significant difference. Buyers should seek out professionals with a strong understanding of the unique challenges they face and who are committed to supporting their goals.
4. Be Prepared to Advocate for Yourself: If buyers encounter discriminatory practices or feel they are being treated unfairly, it is important to speak up. Buyers can file complaints with fair housing authorities and seek legal advice if necessary to ensure that their rights are protected.
Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Homeownership
For Black homebuyers, the journey to homeownership is shaped by powerful emotional drivers such as nostalgia, aspirations for generational wealth, and fears rooted in a history of systemic barriers. Understanding these emotions is key to making informed, confident decisions in the real estate market.
By building financial literacy, leveraging available resources and partnering with trusted professionals, Black American consumers can navigate the emotional complexities of home-buying and overcome the challenges they face in the real estate process. Ultimately, homeownership is not just a financial transaction – it is a step toward creating a legacy and building a more equitable future.
Editor’s Note: Barry Overton is a licensed Real Estate Broker Owner with the Super Agents Collaborative at eXp Realty. He has been an agent since 2001, and started investing in real estate in 1996. For more information, email: barrysellsdenver@msn.com or call 303668-5433.
Ktone Cares Foundation Receives Substantial Empowerment Grant from The Colorado
Health Foundation
The Ktone Cares Foundation (KCF) was recently awarded a $350,000 “Empowerment Through Music and Wellness: Comprehensive Community Initiatives Grant,” to support the organization’s Mental Health and Wellness Program.
Founded in 2021 by local DJ, Kamau Martinez, also known as “DJ Ktone,” KCF presents innovative activities and events to connect music as a healing tool, creating opportunities to uplift the community through empowerment and inspiration.
By hosting events such as a book scholarship for graduating high school seniors and an annual “Birthday Bash,” KCF is committed to instilling values such as respect for all community members, with a particular focus on the empowerment of Black American men, women and youth from underserved and under-resourced populations.
The organization amplifies access to wellness resources through engagement and resource collaboration, with a goal to build bridges between communities, drive cultural change and promote mental health awareness. Programs offered include educational opportunities and health and wellness tools built around civic engagement.
Martinez, who created “Therapy in HD” and the Musik Soulchild Academy, was the visionary behind annual pop-up block parties and KCF’s
mental health and wellness week. He expressed gratitude for the grant award and shared his intention to build mindful programs that create meaningful impact.
“Therapy in HD is a project I created to support mental health and mental health awareness. I felt it was time to do something... and really utilize my voice, talent and platform to establish an agenda, as far as mental health goes,” he says.
In an effort to give back to the community that has supported him throughout his career, he is working to create programs that positively impact lives and break through generational stigmas surrounding health and wellness.
Recognizing that systemic racism and communication gaps contribute to the underrepresentation of Black men in the mental healthcare system, Martinez is passionate about creating lasting change.
The grant, provided by The Colorado Health Foundation (CHF), will be disbursed over three years as KCF builds service capacity for its mental health and wellness programs. This and other grant initiatives funded by CHF are meant to increase access to health for all Coloradans by engaging with communities across the state through investment, policy advocacy and learning..
Editor’s note: To learn more about the Ktone Cares Foundation visit www.ktonecaresfoundation.org.
HATS
Colorado’s Own
Natalie Oliver-Atherton
Crowned Ms. Senior America 2024/2025
By Ruby Jones
In early October, the National Ms. Senior America Association proudly announced Natalie Oliver-Atherton as the winner of the Ms. Senior America 2024/2025 pageant. The prestigious honor celebrates not only beauty and grace but honors the wisdom, life experiences and community service that make women over 60 a vital and inspiring force in society.
The Ms. Senior America Pageant, often regarded as the “Crown Jewel” for women of sophistication and elegance, recognizes those who have reached the “Age of Elegance” (60 years and older), highlighting their contributions to family, community and country. OliverAtherton’s coronation is a testament to her unwavering dedication, confidence and continued positive influence on the lives of others.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, she decided to pursue her acting and entertainment dreams and landed roles in the Broadway productions of “Oh Kay” and
“Mississippi Masala,” opposite Denzel Washington. She also played in two international touring shows, with roles in “Who’s Tommy,” and in “Amazing Grace & Chuck,” with Jamie Lee Curtis and Gregory Peck.
In 2008, she played Mother Wisdom in the Denver Civic Theatre’s production of “Magdalene, Woman of Light.”
After a long absence from acting, she returned to the stage in 2019, winning a True West Award for her role as Billie in the Arvada Center’s “Trav’lin, the 1930’s Harlem Musical.”
Locally, Oliver-Atherton has played in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Porgy & Bess” and “Intimate Apparel,” winning an Ovation Award for Best
Supporting Actress in a Musical from the Denver Post.
Before being crowned Ms. Senior America, she represented the state of Louisiana as Ms. Louisiana Senior America. She was also crowned Ms. Centennial and Ms. Colorado American in 2023.
In addition to her pageant success, she continues her work as a coach and mentor through her acclaimed businesses. Here in Colorado, the performing arts professional operates a nonprofit talent-finding organization in Centennial that fosters talent among young adult singers, dancers and actors.
With over 40 years of experience in coaching, mentorship, fundraising and performance through Namaste Works Vocal & Acting Studio and the Namaste Works Foundation; together, the businesses make up the Namaste Works Arts Alliance. She has empowered hundreds of individuals through private vocal and acting train-
ing, public speaking coaching and personal development. She equips individuals to pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry and beyond.
In addition to vocal and acting instruction and performance coaching, Namaste Works offers interview preparation and wardrobe consultation for aspiring pageant participants and professionals looking to enhance their personal presence.
As Ms. Senior America, she plans to use her platform to inspire others and spread the message of self-empowerment, vitality, resilience and grace.
“It’s a profound honor to represent women of the Age of Elegance,” said OliverAtherton. “This journey is about more than just the crown – it’s about embracing who we are, sharing our stories and uplifting one another with the wisdom we’ve gathered over the years.”.
Editor’s note: To learn more about The Namaste Works Arts Alliance, visit www.tnwaa.org.
HATS OFF TO
Top 12 ladies from the Ms Senior America Pageant pictured with winner, Natalie Oliver-Atherton.
Where’s the Beef
Continued from page 3
Then, there is the stubborn resistance of some to even consider whether news that doesn’t align with their candidate or ideology is legitimate. They deny, deride and dismiss even the most reputable reports, often accompanied with a flippant label of “fake news.”
Considering the seismic changes reflected in the latest three presidential elections takes me back a decade – two years before Trump’s upset win in 2016.
In 2014, I pursued a later-life graduate degree in communication management at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School. At the time, political reporter Matt Bai published a book, “All the Truth is Out: The Week Politics Went Tabloid,” recounting both the 1987 implosion of Gary Hart’s bid for the White House and the media’s involvement.
I wrote abook review that followed with a brief interview
I conducted with Bai via email for the Annenberg Media Center’s online news site, “Neon Tommy.”
I asked Bai “What incentive does a campaign have to grant an unconditional interview with a reporter?” considering the availability of email lists, Twitter and blog posts to “control their message.”
Bai responded, “I don’t think they manage to persuade anyone using those tools. And they may think they don’t need to, but our recent history of very tumultuous politics and ever shifting majorities suggests otherwise. In the end, though, it really comes down to responsibility. The politicians I’ve known whom I most respect sat down and made their case with reporters because they believed they had an obligation to make themselves understood at some length and to people who didn’t necessarily agree with them already. They had the confidence in their ideas to go out and explain them and fight for
them. We should aspire to [elect] leaders like that. Politics is about more than winning elections.”
Fast forward a decade, and the Trump era has upset many of those traditional expectations.
The Capital insurrection showed that winning elections matter most to some. The former president refused to debate his Republican primary challengers; refused the traditional “60 Minutes” interview; and refused to concede the last election and bypassed his successor’s inauguration.
While Trump has engaged in interviews with serious reporters, his message often comes through loudest (if not clearest) on social media and at rallies. For his strongest supporters, those are all the tools Trump needs to convince. Other outlets that deviate from his message are called biased or fake.
That’s not to say that Democrats have diverged from traditional expectations. Until recently, Kamala Harris, who didn’t compete in the Democratic
presidential primaries, received criticism for avoiding press conferences and interviews. While reports of Hart’s alleged affair torqued his presidential aspirations in 1987, Bill Clinton’s presidency survived both infidelity and impeachment.
Over a decade ago, Bai observed that “ever shifting majorities” required substance over scripted style. That may be the linchpin favoring traditional media. Ideological extremes may embrace the latest conspiracy and controversy peddled online, but those shifting majorities typically reside within the mainstream.
As non-traditional media can create confusion and even chaos, those shifting majorities will depend on the Fourth Estate more than ever.
Backtrack four decades ago to when both Clara Peller and Walter Mondale both demanded, “Where’s the Beef?” In 2024, the answer to that question remains the Fourth Estate. .
Ghana Sweeps Prestigious Awards at the Second Annual Africa-U.S. Presidential Forum on STEM AI
The Second Annual AfricaU.S. Presidential Forum on STEM AI MBA took place at the Stevens Institute of Technology campus in Hoboken, New Jersey, in September.
During the event, a $100 million no-collateral investment loan was presented to Ghana’s Ministry of Education, benefiting national service personnel who wish to pursue master’s degrees in the United States. Presented by H.E. Rev. Dr. Princess Asie Kabuki Ocansey, and received by the National Service Authority Director General, Honorable Osei Assibey Antwi, this investment will allow 1,000 21 to 40-year old personnel working in the Ministry of Education’s National Service with bachelor’s degrees or higher national diplomas to attend college in the U.S.
Upon graduation, candidates will have the option to undertake a three-year practical training program, which will help them gain work experience, pay back their loan and return to Ghana prepared to make a positive impact.
All students enrolled in the “SOS Shiatse” program will have an affordable home built for them through SOS Housing’s 10-year mortgage program, which will be launched in Ghana, Malawi, Liberia and Sierra Leone in November 2024.
During the event, HE President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi received the prestigious Africa-US Presidential Forum “Transform-
MBA
Nation” Award. He was acknowledged for his vision to transform higher education in the East African county through the empowerment of past participants – some of whom have now graduated with master’s degrees from top universities in the U.S.
Over 250 STEM AI MBA students from Malawi and other parts of Africa are expected at Stevens in the spring 2025 semester through the awardwinning SOS Nekotech Center of Excellence.
Other award recipients at the event included HRM King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II of Ga State, who won the Youth Empowerment Tech Award from Stevens Institute of Technology; HE Dr Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi; and HE President Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone.
Two Nekotech alumni graduates attended as distinguished ambassadors of the program. Chipi Chisao of Malawi won the Lady Ambassador of 2024, and is a health information technology graduate from the University of MarylandBaltimore County. Brima Larkoh of Sierra Leone won Ambassador of the Year, and is a Stevens Institute of Technology telecommunications graduate.
The awards event was a spectacular night of cultural exchanges between African leaders, students, drummers and dancers, with educational empowerment as the centerpoint of the celebration.
