As principal of Northeast Academy Charter School, Dr. Thomas D. Bouknight’s desire and goal is to assist youth in achieving their goals educationally and personally. 

In addition to helping to implementing a viable and progressive educational, Bouknight says “I am proud of spearheading Northeast Academy to Official Core Knowledge status during the academic year of 2008 -2009.” 

When asked why he takes such an active role he says, “I have an extreme passion for my educational community and the scholars we teach and enjoy seeing our youth reach their full potential as they meet their desired goals.” 

Future plans include putting together educational curriculum and programs that have far reaching and lasting impact on this community. “It is not enough for us to be competent citizen. We must be stellar in our crafts. I want to create change that propels students to greater heights” he says. 

Bouknight would like to be remembered as an African American man who made a positive impact on his community – one who had a vision for change and accomplished goals.

Rev. Bonita Chase Darby
Associate Minister, CEO/Founder
Fighting Abuse In The Home (F.A.I.T.H.) 

Rev. Bonita Chase Darby is known for raising awareness of domestic and teen dating violence in her church and community. In 2006, Rev. Darby wrote the book Daughter, Your Faith Has Healed You, which chronicled her journey from victim of domestic violence to victor.  

Sharing her story has inspired Darby to provide workshops and an annual conference to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS in African American women and domestic violence in the African American community.  

Darby says she takes an active role because she is a survivor of domestic violence and understands the experiences of abused women.  

“There are limited resources in the African American community, but the rate of domestic violence is high,” says Rev. Darby. “My goal is to visit churches, organizations and businesses to provide information.” 

In the future, Rev. Darby would like to develop a center (“Faith House”) geared toward the African American community which will provide resource information, job readiness training, counseling and transitional housing for abused women.

“I consider myself a “victor” and not a “victim” and would like to be remembered as such,” said Rev, Darby. “I came through 10 years of abuse and although there are some bruises, I can say to abused women, “Don’t give up; there is hope. You can do it!””

Rev. Emmanuel Eliason
Senior Pastor
World Gospel Tabernacle 

Emmanuel Eliason is the known in the Denver community for not only encouraging and equipping the church, but for preaching the gospel on TV channel 56. Eliason also helps families to overcome various spiritual, economic and social challenges through his daily prayer phone line.  

Karren Hall is the Director of Cuttin’ Up Beauty Academy and is best known for educating and empowering students in the barbering and cosmetology fields. 

She takes pride in orchestrating the accreditation of Cuttin’ Up Beauty Academy by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. “This accreditation means we are able to offer financial aid to students in the community who might not have had an opportunity to go to school without this assistance,” Hall says.    

She feels that education is by far the biggest challenge facing the African American community. “The educational challenges can be reduced by improving the quality of education. Educating students on the importance of professionalism, staying focused, striving daily for success, being passionate about what you do and keeping your energy level at its peak are all key elements,” she says. 

Future plans include encouraging and preparing African-American barbers and cosmetologists to create their own wealth by becoming business owners and not just operators.  

Hall would like to be remembered as someone who touched lives with words of encouragement, wisdom and perseverance; as someone who taught students, not just skills but a profession and allowed them to impact an entire culture and world with their own personal style.

Towanna Henderson is best known for coordinating youth events including the African-American Leadership Institutes’ Expanding the Vision and Sistah Pride Conferences as well as the Arches of Hope Bicycle Giveaway. This past year, Henderson continued her volunteering streak by working for the Obama Campaign canvassing neighborhoods, making phone calls and working several events during the Democratic National Convention.  

“I have always been told that I am a motivator and have a way of encouraging others to take action,” says Henderson. “If that skill has lead or will lead others to pursue their goals or make a positive impact to the African-American community (like voting to elect the first Black President), then I will consider it a notable contribution.” 

In the future, Henderson would like to actively impact the education of our youth by developing or facilitating a program that would provide scholarships to college students who participate in community service. She sees the education of our youth being a big challenge in the African-American community with neighborhood school options becoming more limited and the rising cost of a college education.  

“It breaks my heart to hear that students cannot continue their education because they lack financing,” said Henderson. “We have to support our youth so they can finish and become the leaders we know they can be.”  

Henderson looks at the world through a mother’s eyes and wants her children to know that I tried my best to make an impact that would positively affect their future.

As an Iraq war veteran, Latoya Lucas was seriously wounded during her service and earned the Purple Heart Medal. This experience motivates Latoya Lucas to be a strong advocate for disabled veterans. She is a motivational speaker and continuously works to improve the lives of those devastated by wounds received in war. 

In May of 2008, she was personally asked by Fort Carson U.S. Army Garrison Command Sergeant Major to take over the Joe Gmelch Wounded Warrior Welcome Home Social. As chairperson of the event, Lucas works to bring awareness about the financial, physical and mental difficulties that war wounded face when they come home from the battlefield.   

“I have always believed in service above self, especially when it comes to helping those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom as a nation,” says Lucas. “From being a young Girl Scout as a child, to becoming a U.S Soldier as a woman, I have always felt satisfaction in contributing to the well being of others.” 

When as how she would like to remembered, Lucas says, “As a woman who survived an upbringing surrounded by violence and hopelessness, and who went on to help and inspire many people; as a soldier who served with honor in defense of her country; and as a good wife, mother, and a Patriot.”

Frances M. Owens is best known for her volunteerism in the Denver community. She has served as Chef Committee Chairperson for Look Who’s Cooking Now for the African American Leadership Institute, (AALI), for the past five years in addition to other church and community services. 

As a graduate from the AALI Class of 2008, I learned the value of doing volunteer work and giving back to the community and take an active role because “It is rewarding to know that someone is benefiting from something I gave back to the community.” 

Owens would like pursue her own higher education. “You can never learn too much and you are never too old,” she says. 

She would like her legacy to reflect her contributions and volunteer services to the community trying to make a difference and being a role model and legacy to her children and grandchildren. 

 
Anthony (Tony) Richards
State Farm Insurance Agent

Tony and Michelle Richards are known in the Denver community as Mom and Dad to many because they have been “kid collectors” for as long as they can remember. Tony and his wife of 33 years, Michelle founded the Reach The Future Foundation. 

Through their foundation, the Richards focus on helping young people on the verge of slipping through the cracks by proving them with tools for success by mentoring and parenting and supporting any and all they can. 

When asked why they take such an active role, “We are by nature compassionate people and we truly believe the world will change…but only one heart at a time,” said Michelle. 

They both agreed, “The greatest challenge facing the African American community is lack of self realization and a sense of self worth. Our legacy as descendants of a people who struggled against insurmountable odds must be taught and internalized. And any hope for change must begin in our community and especially at home. We must encourage and foster a “can do” approach to life. It must start with our children. We must seek them out, take an interest, praise right action and make quick corrections when necessary. There is no strength without dignity and no dignity without strength of character.”