
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
- RootEd was among many sponsors of the annual AfrikImpact event
- Arvada Center President/CEO Philip Sneed speaks with guests
- ALG Founder and President Papa Dia with wife, Astu, and mother
- Paul and Kara Berg, Abdul Pessima
- Dena Rorex, Adriane Onyegbule
- Daphne and Mordecai Brownlee
- More than 300 guests attended the annual AfrikImpact Gala
- Jamie Jackson, Bobbie Alexander, Bianka Emerson
- Sheri Hughes, Monique Seals
- Sinna Dgaye, Kharmedia Ndialie, Bineta Dievers, Fondatrice Orphelinat
- Sinna Dgaye, Kharmedia Ndialie, Macagou Aiop, Bineta Dievers, Fondatrice Orphelinat
- Helan Bradshaw, Deborah Walker, Miles Malone
- Miss Colorado USA Jessi Kalambayi meeting guests
- Children waiting patiently for the adult party to begin
- Dusmane Baroo, LaTerrell Bradford, Meghan McNamara, Max Diop
- Elisha Hall, Bobbie Alexander, Andrea Law
- Miss Colorado USA – Jessi Kalambayi
- The event was held at the UMB Bank Amphitheater
- The African Leadership Group was founded in 2006p
- The 2024 ALG Afrik Impact Gala presented 11 awards this year
- Jason Goulden and MC Brandon Zeigler
- This year’s awards were presented for entrepreneurism, education, migrant support, community outreach and more
- Emcee Brandon Zeigler welcomes guests, dignitaries and sponsors
- The UMB Bank Amphitheater provides a great outdoor venue for guests
- Members of the Colorado Black Arts Festival enjoy the evening
- Special Thanks to primary event sponsors
- Keynote Speaker Kent Thiry believes enjoys sharing his views
- The Denver Botanic Gardens is a long-time supporter of this annual event
- Keynote Speaker was Kent Thiry, past CEO of DaVita and head of the Thiry-O/Leary Foundation
- New and old friends met at the event
- The ALG’s primary goal is to help African immigrants and families adjust to life in Colorado.
- The ALG annual Gala attracts Colorado migrant representatives from throughout the African continent
- Arvada President/CEO Philip Sneed is a long-time supporter of the AfrikImpact Gala
- The City and County of Denver is among several city government supporters
- Organizers prepare for the program
- ALG Founder Papa Dia with Keynote Speaker Kent Thiry
- Papa Dia thanks guests, sponsors, volunteers for their support
- Papa Dia and Jason Goulden present the proclamation by Gov. Jared Polis announcing August 2024 as African Immigrant Month