In 1965 Rachel B. Noel was elected to the Denver Public Schools Board of Education. This successful election made Mrs. Noel the first African American Woman elected to public office in the State of Colorado. In 2008 Mrs. Noel passed away leaving a living legacy of hope, tolerance, and inspiration that thousands of people benefit from today.
A month ago I was asked to cover the Rachel B. Noel Awards Ceremony that took place at the Shorter A.M.E. church in Denver. I arrived early, not knowing the grand scope of the ceremony and was soon to learn that I was asked to cover one of the most glorious awards presentations/celebrations in Denver.
Over the next four hours I photographed local community leaders, educators and honorees as they came together and received recognition. During the ceremony, the audience learned of the great accomplishments of Rachel Noel and joined together to commemorate her life. This night brought the songs and voices of various church choirs together as well as members of the community who have made great changes in our city. Together we learned of the people and groups that have helped create a stronger and healthier Denver.
Our lives were enriched with the stories of triumph and struggle that brought so many people to Denver. The choirs rejoiced with soloists praising the work through song. The program flowed seamlessly for two full hours of vocal melodies, tribal drums and dedications.
Following in the legacy of Rachel Noel, five awards were given and one Distinguished Visiting Professorship was granted. Each was presented to people who fought against racial discrimination and inequality. Each was presented to people who, like Rachel, make a difference.
This night, the following awards were given:
Distinguished Visiting Professorship
Julius E. Coles
Academic Excellence
Metro State African and African American Studies Department
Community Engagement
Jeff S. “Brother Jeff” Fard
Community Service
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Denver Alumnae Chapter
Spiritual Leadership
Shorter Community African Methodist Episcopal Church
Community Activism through the Faith Community
Lost Found Members of The Nation of Islam in North American Universal -African Improvement Association
Congratulations to all who earned awards. Your work is truly outstanding and is making a difference in this world.