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Even with the best intentions, fundraising galas can be stuffy and formal. African Leadership Group (ALG) has found the perfect formula for its annual Afrik Impact Gala at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Guests can and do dress to the nines, yet remain happy and comfortable in beautiful, open-air surroundings. It’s always great to see honored visitors from Africa, as well as elected officials and other supporters who come from around the state and the region. There’s an abundance of pride and positive spirit displayed among guests, beginning with ALG’s founder and CEO Papa Dia. We look forward to this event every August.
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Members of the delegation from Sengal are joined by a few friends.
On Saturday, Aug. 27, this year’s Afrik Impact theme, “Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges,” was evident from start to finish. The evening began with a VIP reception that featured a large delegation of guests from Senegal, including the Prime Minister of Culture. Attendees made their way to the outdoor main tent for pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres and beverages, with music from Cloud 9 Strings.
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Vocalist Amira Abed (right), from Senegal, with host Becky Hogan
In addition to the Senegal dignitaries, others on hand included Colorado Congressman Jason Crow and newly sworn-in Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, the first Black man and first immigrant to lead the city. Darryl Collier served as emcee for the program, and became emotional as he read the proclamation from Gov. Jared Polis that declared August as African Immigrant Month in Colorado. Papa Dia spoke to the crowd, recognizing the spectrum of ethnicities. The program also included a group unity-poem reading, followed by a paddle raise.
Since its inception in 2006, ALG has organized multiple community events, engagements and discussions with programs focused on key issues such as education, career and job opportunities, business development, immigration and community involvement. Many other activities regularly reach thousands of individuals in the local community. ALG advocates for the entire African immigrant community—across national origin, tribes and language—to ensure continuous improvement to immigrants’ quality of life. For more information, please visit http://www.usalg.org.
- Dora Safoh and Theo Wilson
- Michelle Donay, Edward Ruvins, Katie Brydon
- Mamadou Fall and Cherry Reynolds
- Mayors from Senegal
- Members of the delegation from Sengal are joined by a few friends.
- ALG founder Papa Dia greets guests at the VIP reception.
- Vocalist Amira Abed (right), from Senegal, with host Becky Hogan
- Senegal visitors with one of the fashion show models
- Fashion show models at the VIP reception
- Papa Dia (left), with Senegal dignitaries and fashion show models
- Lyvette Hines and Alphense Nembart
- Greeting guests at the reception
- Darryl Collier (left) with Amlaku
- Cheers from CHFA
- Astu Dia (left) greets friends at the VIP reception.
- Guests are encouraged to “dress to impress,” according to Papa Dia.
- VIP guests at the reception
- VIP guests from Senegal
- Tables are readied before the dinner program.
- This group gathered together before entering the gala tent.
- Guests make their way from the atrium reception to the gala tent.
- Tangela Smith, Amber Kierra
- Antoinette and Ed Dow
- Al and Tiffany Gardner
- Papa and Astu Dia
- Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi and Abbey Mobolade
- ALG founder Papa Dia (left) with Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade
- (l to r): Jason joins Papa Dia, and Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi and Abbey Mobolade
- Papa Dia (right) with friend Maxi
- Fashion show models with Papa Dia (right)
- Jambo, with Sophie Ipend
- (l to r): Legacy Gamble, Cole Jackson, Juhaina Tagaly
- Darryl and Lori Collier
- Papa Dia with his young daughter
- Happy guests at dinner
- Denver Botanic Gardens staff and friends
- Some of the delegation from Senegal
- The Keith family
- A guest enjoys the Botanic Gardens atmosphere.
- Brian Vogt, Denver Botanic Gardens CEO
- The unity poem was spotlighted during the dinner program.
- Recording the group reciting the unity poem
- Emcee Darryl Collier
- At the Denver Botanic Gardens
- Zerezghi Abrehe wears the flag of his country, Eritrea.