have access to the resources and supports they need.” Leslie says, “Self-identify, which includes knowing our history and where we come from, is a big challenge for African-Americans. This foundational understanding is the precursor to all of our lived experiences. We build self-identify by first doing our own work, and then teaching our children about themselves and empowering them to be proud and confident. In the near future, Leslie would like to do work that challenges and disrupts systems that rely on racism, prejudice, injustice, intolerance and inequity in ways that make high achievement and excellence the expectation, and a reality, for every student to exist and survive. I want to inspire young people to be proud and confident in whom they are, to be life-long learners and to know the power of their voice! Leslie says, “I will be blessed to leave a legacy of having inspired and challenged myself, my family and the community, and as someone who did not squander the gifts and talents given to me by God, and who never settled or became complacent falsely believing I had arrived!”
Reverend Dr. Michael A. Williams
Pastor, Professional Musician, Professor, Producer and Performer
D r. Michael Williams is best known as serving the Denver Community through music performances and Biblical teaching. Over the past five years, Dr. Williams has been organizing and pastoring a new church called the Ministry Christian Fellowship which hosts classes, a variety of fests and services to empower the African American community to attain their God given ability, identity and destiny through the power of God and His word. When asked why he takes an active role, he says, “I felt called by God to make a difference in the lives of others by utilizing the gifts that He has given me to teach, encourage and uplift those in need.” Dr. Williams believes the biggest challenges facing the African American community are feelings of lack of identity, inferiority and insignificance. He says, “This can only be resolved through empower-
ment, encouragement, edification and education.” In the future, he plans to create and cultivate a career in coaching others to become their best in their God-given calling. Dr. Williams says he would like to be remembered “As one who enjoyed serving others through music, ministry and motivation.
Monique Johnson
Program Officer, The Colorado Health Foundation Vice President, Mile High Bulldog Youth Association
I n her career with the City, Monique Johnson works in housing and community development and support of programs and services to assist with community and economic growth for low to moderate income residents of Denver. Over the past five years, her most recognized contribution to community has been working with African American boys in both Denver and Aurora through her non-profit organization by keeping them engaged and involved in positive activities with the activities they love. Monique says, “There is no choice to taking an active role. My village/community has been essential in raising me and supporting me in raising my family. Our culture is so rich we have to educate and support our village on our history to help create history. So many lessons have been taught to me I feel it is my duty to do the same.” She says, “The African American youth are facing many challenges. They are turning to gangs, not meeting their full potential and becoming more disconnected from their history. They are losing their voice. We as a community need to own and develop our own programs and if they fail we need to keep trying.” Future plans include reorganizing her non-profit to focus more on the health of the whole child educating African American youth on cultural history to understand how they too can contribute to our culture in a positive and effective manner. Monique would like to be remembered as an African American who simply cared about people, who not only believed in the power of a village/community but was a village for many.
Denver Urban Spectrum — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – February 2018
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