African Leadership Group Presents 9th Annual Afrik Impact Gala 2024

Members of Colorado’s diverse African immigrant community gathered August 17 to celebrate the work of the African Leadership Group (ALG) at its 9th Annual Afrik Impact Gala at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

ALG was established to help the African diaspora integrate and prosper by connecting cultures, developing strong community leaders, and to advocate for economic, social and educational impact.

The evening’s Emcee Brandon Zeigler was supported by ALG Staff Member Jason Gaulden in keeping the program running smoothly. Special Thanks went to premier sponsors: Walton Family Foundation; Daniels Fund; The Anschutz Foundation; The Denver Foundation; Rose Community Foundation; Margulf Foundation; RootED; NewProfit; Gary Community Ventures; Banc of California; BMO; Denver Botanic Gardens; AJL Foundation; and KeyBank.

Keynote Speaker Kent Thiry, past CEO of DaVita and Colorado philanthropist, thanked guests for their contributions and shared his views on improving principals of U.S. democracy with ALG support. The Thiry O’Leary Foundation is also the Breaking Barriers Level Sponsor.

This event celebrates and honors the many contributions and impact of Colorado’s diverse African diaspora. The theme for 2024 is: Connecting Communities, Cultures, and Continents. Eric Goodman of Mile High Sports radio served as live auctioneer for the evening.

ALG Founder and President Papa Dia thanked the many VIPs and dignitaries from the Denver metro region and representatives from Senegal. Colorado Governor Jared Polis provided a video announcement with the official proclamation declaring August 2022 “African Immigrant Month” in Colorado. Also in attendance were local Colorado and Denver metro leadership including: Colorado Attorney General Phillip Weiser; past Aurora First Lady Becky Hogan;  Community College of Aurora President Mordecai Brownlee; Deborah Walker of KUVO radio;  Bianka Emerson and Jamie Jackson;  President and VP, respectfully from the Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA); and Miss Colorado USA – Jessi Kalambayi.

This year’s award winners are:

Brian Vogt  – Afrik Impact Award
Philip Sneed – Breaking Barriers Award
Khady Diene Gay  – Building Bridges Award
Chef David Diop – Economic Impact Award
Dr. Anne Keke – Education Impact Award
Nourou Tall –  Immigration & Integration Achievement Award
Daphne Stephens  –  Migrant Impact Award
Susan Levine – Migrant Impact Award
Daniel Okwena – Social impact Award

Additional top-tier sponsors for the event are:
Building Bridges Sponsors: Amazon, BMO, Cherry Creek Schools
Silver Sponsors: Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado Succeeds, Community College of Aurora, Denver DIA, CHFA, Compassion & Choices, University of Colorado, ReadyCO, Uber.

The African Leadership Group (ALG) was established in 2006 to serve and improve quality of life for Colorado’s African immigrant community through social activities, education and economic programs, public speaking, and various other events.

For questions and more information please visit the ALG web site at https://usalg.org or email info@usalg.org