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9MARCH 2016BODY OF CHRIST NEWS Celebrating The Unsung Heroes Minister George Roberts is very familiar with those trapped in the snares and dark world of the streets. He was once there himself. Before he began saving souls for the Lord Roberts was a rob- ber an addict and was anything but law abiding. Then he was delivered. When God delivered me he delivered me from me said Minister George during Black History Month as he accepted a 2016 Community Service Award from Brother Jeffs Cultural Center. Lord If you dont help me so help me God Im going to destroy me. If you deliver me from me Ill serve you all the days of my life. His plea was answered and Minister George has kept his promise. Known throughout the community as The Peoples Preacher with a Church Without Walls this faithful servant can be found preaching the word among the homeless addicted incarcer- ated and those discarded by mainstream society. Each year we honor the unsung heroes in our community said Brother Jeff Founder and Director of Brother Jeffs Cultural Center. There are so many people doing incredible work that do not get the rec- ognition they deserve. We strive to give them their flowers while they are alive to appreciate them. After watching a series of poignant interviews by the original founders of Denvers MLK March members of Umoja meaning Unity took the stage to accept the awards for their hard work in making Denvers MLK March the largest in the world. Umoja is the organization that formed in 1981 to help bring attention to the national effort to honor Dr. Kings birthday as a national holiday. The organization also used the march to highlight community grievances such as police brutality homelessness and unem- ployment. For the first five years from 1981 to 1986 the MLK march was always connected to a cause said Terry Migginia an original founder of Umoja. It was a time for the community to express their concerns to the politicians and not the other way around. The Colorado Black Professional Firefighters Association BPFF was one of two organizations that supported the first MLK March. The provided their fire engine as a platform for the community to speak as well as their bullhorn. BPFF also received a 2016 Community Service Award. H. Soul Watson an activist in his own right accepted the Brother Jeffs Cultural Center Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of his father Lauren Watson the founder of the Denver Chapter of the Black Panther Party. Watson was looking forward to attending the celebration but was unable due to health and a hospital stay. A prayer was given for a full and speedy recovery. Norman Harris Sr. received the Hiawatha Davis Lifetime Award. Mr. Harris Sr. who moved to Denver in 1942 was one ofthe first Black troops to join the Air ForceMr. Harris Sr. the eyes and ears of Five Points is 97 years old. Archie Jones Founder of Music Spectrum presented their Community Service Award to Cleo Parker Robinson a fixture in The Black Community for over 40 years. The celebration was held in her theater. Hosted by Pastor Terrance Big T Hughes the Gayle LeaLi Quartet got things under way with jazz and blues numbers while guests connected with family and friends. COMMUNITY Minister George Roberts above and Umoja below both received Brother Jeffs Cultural Center 2016 Community Service Awards.