During Black History Month, we're honoring some of Colorado's unsung heroes and organizations for their exemplary work and service to the African American community. These are individuals and groups whose economic and cultural contributions have left a lasting legacy across the state. They have gone above and beyond in their efforts to achieve equality and increase access in areas such as education, economic development, and health care. 

We're highlighting our first hero today and will add several more each week. There are many more names that should be added to this list. If you know unsung heroes who deserve recognition, please send their names and stories to alexis_crews@bennet.senate.gov. We'd love to honor their work during the month of February, and all year long.

Happy Black History Month,

Team Bennet

Jackie Wesley, Founder of Fighting Together to Save Lives
Jackie has been at the forefront of the fight to raise awareness for breast cancer survivors since her own battle with the disease. This past October, through her organization, Fighting Together to Save Lives, she hosted Colorado's first Dancing with the Breast Cancer Stars. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among African American women. There are approximately 27,000 new cases every year, and 6,000 deaths of African American women annually. Jackie inspires us all for her resilience and her fight to defeat a disease that has plagued too many families.

Dr. Bernard Gibson, Colorado's 1st Board Certified African American Surgeon
Dr. Bernard Gibson, a Texas native and graduate of both Morehouse College and Howard University College of Medicine, moved to Denver in 1954 as Chief of Surgery for Lowry Air Force Base. Dr. Gibson was the state's first board-certified African American surgeon, serving 25 years as a clinical associate professor of surgery at the former University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Dr. Gibson was also a deacon at New Hope Baptist Church for more than 30 years. He was a giant in the medical field, and a mentor to many aspiring doctors. We recognize Dr. Bernard today because he was a celebrated surgeon, and because he was a humble, family man who loved serving his community through medicine.

The Center for African American Health
The Center for African American Health (CAAH) is a community-based organization that provides disease prevention and health care services to African Americans in the Metro Denver area. Through a series of partnerships, CAAH offers education and care for a variety of issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. CAAH also advocates on behalf of the African American community in the policy arena. Since they were founded in 2005, CAAH has been critical resource and its work has been invaluable to the community it serves.

Wanda James
Wanda James is the founder and owner of Jezebel's Southern Bistro in the Highlands. Most people are familiar with Wanda through her restaurants and work in the community. Many people don't know that prior to opening Jezebel's, Wanda served as Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Today, we honor Wanda's vision and determination, her role as a successful Denver entrepreneur, and her service to our nation.

Carl Bourgeois
Carl Bourgeois is a third generation Coloradoan, who in 1974, moved with his family to Denver from Colorado Springs. Fascinated by the history of the Five Points community, he purchased a home in the neighborhood. After renovating several residential and commercial properties, he organized Civil Technology, Inc. in 1989. The firm, which recently celebrated its 26th anniversary, specializes in construction management and real estate development and is headquartered in the Five Points. The firm has championed urban redevelopment and has received many treasured awards including: the Downtown Denver Partnership Business of the Year Award; the Martin Luther King Jr. Business Social Responsibility Award; and the Five Points Business Association Business of the Year Award.

Dr. Evie Garrett Dennis
Dr. Evie Garrett Dennis is a legend in Denver who has dedicated her life to education and excellence. Evie was the first woman and first African American to hold the position of Superintendent of the Denver Public Schools, and was charged with implementing and monitoring the U.S. District Court order to desegregate DPS. Dr. Dennis served as Superintendent of DPS from 1990-1994 and implemented innovative reforms and programs that are still in use today. Her passion and commitment to our children's education set the standard for the district. Serving as Superintendent of an urban school district is a difficult and a rewarding job. Dr. Dennis served as an inspiration and role model for every DPS superintendent who followed her, including me.

In addition to her contributions to Denver Public Schools, she was also appointment by Mayor Pena to serve on the Denver Private Industry Council and the Mayor's Black Advisory Council. Later, she was instrumental in convening the first Convention of the Athletics Congress, now known as USA Track and Field. She was also one of the first two women to reach the U.S. Olympic Executive Committee and the first to serve as Vice President of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Today we honor Dr. Dennis for her commitment to equality, her competitive spirit, and her work to ensure every child in Denver received a quality education.

Malik Robinson
Malik Robinson grew up in Denver's vibrant arts community, and many remember seeing him running around Cleo Parker Robinson Dance on a Saturday afternoon as a child. Years later, it is our honor to recognize him for taking the reigns of Cleo Parker Dance, as their Executive Director. Malik has worked tirelessly on behalf of the iconic dance company from answering phones, to becoming their Development Director after graduating from Regis University, and later serving as the official Booking Manager. In addition to growing the company's national presence, Malik has seen his dancers perform as far away as Egypt and Israel. Through his passion, leadership, and hard work Malik has proved he has the vision to ensure Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is around for generations to come.

Denver Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Foundation
The Denver Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Foundation was formed in 1987, and since then has provided more than $1 million in scholarships for young African American men to attend college. The organization has helped more than 700 young men attain their dream of earning a diploma and helped countless others through its community outreach programs. The program is run by a volunteer Board of Directors who also serve as mentors for scholarship recipients. Today we recognize this incredible foundation for its profoundly positive effect on our community.

Dr. Terry Nelson
Dr. Terry Nelson is one of the unsung heroes within Denver's African American community. You've probably seen her walking around the Blair Caldwell Library, where she serves as the special collection and community resource manager. Dr. Nelson is the gatekeeper for preserving African American history within and outside the walls of the library and has dedicated her life to ensuring that their legacy and contributions are recognized and honored.

Dr. Nelson is a Denver native, graduating from Manual High school, receiving her B.A. from CU Boulder, and later earning an MA in Information Technology and Library Science from Emporia State College. Dr. Nelson serves on the Board of Director's for the Five Points Business District, as the Vice Chair of the MLK, Jr. Colorado Holiday Committee, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc. We are fortunate to have Dr. Nelson's knowledge and steadfast dedication to sharing and celebrating the history of Colorado's African American community.

Carlotta Walls LaNier
Carlotta Walls LaNier, is a well-known accidental Civil Rights activist. Carlotta never intended to be the face of the school integration movement. She only wanted to attend the school closest to her home. Yet Carlotta became an icon of the Civil Right's movement as part of the "Little Rock 9." Carlotta was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal with other members of the Little Rock 9 and the 2016 Civil Rights Award from the Colorado brand of the Anti-Defamation League. A successful real estate broker, Carlotta continues to use her influential voice to preserve the legacy of our nation's African American leaders and to create more opportunities for the next generation of Coloradans.