Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. uttered the famous words in 1963 that would reverberate across the nation and people’s hearts: “I Have a Dream.” That dream continues today as business and social justice leaders gathered for the 41st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Business Awards.
Every year since 1986, the business community has come together before the
national and Colorado holiday to recognize corporations, individuals and
non-profit organizations for their commitment to the values of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. as evidenced by their exemplary social responsibility. This is due to the remarkable vision and efforts of Hon. Wilma J. Webb, who was on hand to welcome well-wishers and join in the celebration, along with her esteemed husband, Hon. Wellington E. Webb.
As 2026 gets off to a bright new start, these outstanding individuals and companies were honored at the 41st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Business Awards:
- Center for Equity and Excellence in Aviation–Phil Washington,
- Kroenke Sports Charities,
- Mas Torito – Kokoro Restaurants,
- Mowa Haile – Sky Blue Builders,
- Stephen Straight – Straight Marketing International
- Terry Minggia – Umoja (Unity), Trailblazer Award
Speeches were given by Dr. Vern Howard, Mayor Mike Johnston and Visit Denver CEO Richard Scharf, and Mary Louise Lee delivered a resounding rendition of what has become known as the Black National Anthem: “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Dr. Cynthia Dickerson and David Coors presented a $30,000 check to Jay Grimm of Denver Kids.
The crowd was lively and enthusiastic as we enter into the Martin Luther King Jr. remembrance and celebration, on what would have been Dr. King’s 97th birthday.
His dream and values live on today and we continually strive to reach and soar above them.
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- Welcome to the 41st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Business Awards
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- Jayne Buck and Richard Scharf
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- Chartashia Miller and Ahmad Lowe
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- Michael and Suzy Chipman
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- Tamara Terrell, Marie Quinn, Lanye Banks
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- Generous sponsors
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- Stephanie Laing and Tony Jordan
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- Vickye Palmer, Keisha Sabelko, Kesha Cayhill Taylor, Mildred Cahill
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- Kelley Cocher, left, and Kerry Biren
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- Arkan Haile, Jasmine Solis, Alex McDonald
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- Ahmad Lowe, left, and David Boyd
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- Andrew Jackson, Isaiah Grange, Rosana Winarto, Don Choubhury, Shantel Dodge, Dan Hernandez
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- Lauren Gross, Dianne Myles, Maria G Neleandez
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- Mary Louise Lee, left, and Terry Nelson
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- Zaneta Kelsey, left, Elycia R Cook, David Rivera, Rodney Gullatte
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- Cliff Huston, Jeri Korshak and Stephen Straight (award recipient)
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- Kelyn Lanier, left, Brandon Willis, Alphonso Hawkins
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- Julie and Dan Shea
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- Terence Brown and Julianne Pappano
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- The Denver Kids table
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- Chartashia Miller, Dr. Vern Howard, Suzy Chipman, Johnnie Williams
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- Hon. Wellington E Webb and Hon. Wilma J Webb
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- Tony Jordan, left, Andy Boian, Tyler Borzileri
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- The Johns Manville table
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- Dominic Karaba, left, Bruce Alexander, Nick LeMasters
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- Haroun Cowans, left, and Justin Gilmore
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- Joe Sinisi, left, Sean Choi, Tony Oum
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- Andrea Albo, left, Lulu Lantzy, Stephanie Knight
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- Tamara Banks did a superb job as emcee
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- Pastor Eldridge Sims started the proceedings with a prayer
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- Dr. Cynthia Dickerson and David Coors (right) present a check to Jay Grimm of Denver Kids
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- Hon. Wellington E Webb, Hon. Wilma J. Webb, awardee Phil Washington of Center for Equity and Excellence in Aviation, and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston
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- Hon. Wellington E Webb, Hon. Wilma J Webb, awardee Deb Dowling of Kroenke Sports Charities, and Mayor Mike Johnston
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- Mas Torito is congratulated by Hon. Wellington E Webb
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- Hon. Wellington E Webb, Hon. Wilma J Webb, awardee Mas Torito of Kokoro Restaurants, Mayor Mike Johnston
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- Hon. Wellington E Webb, Hon. Wilma J Webb, awardee Mowa Haile of Sky Blue Builders, Mayor Mike Johnston
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- Hon. Wilma Webb presents Stephen Straight with his award
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- Hon. Wellington E Webb, Hon. Wilma J Webb, awardee Stephen Straight, Mayor Mike Johnston
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- Hon. Wellington E Webb, Hon. Wilma J Webb, Trailblazer awardee Terry Minggia, Umoja (Unity) and Mayor Mike Johnston
