14 BOCNEWS.com JANUARY 2018 NCNW Denver Section 26th Annual Founder's Day Harambee Brunch & Awards Ceremony It was the year of 1991 and Denver residents had just elected it's first African American Mayor, The Honorable Wellington E. Webb. Many individuals and organizations helped to get him in. The Denver Section National Council of Negro Women, Inc.(NCNW) was includ- ed.. The Honorable Wilma J.Webb, former First Lady of Denver is a strong supporter and past recipient of "The Bethune Legacy Award." This was also the year we elected Dr. Claudette E. Sweet as President of NCNW. I had some new ideas and fresh energy after having served in many local elected positions a well as attend- ed my first National Convention in Washington,DC. Our Annual Founder's Day Harambee Brunch Celebration and Awards Ceremony was birthed and generated new memberships. We involved our youth in the celebration with the spoken word and a Fashion Show of African Attire designed by Mrs. Annie Bridges. Today, we are continuing to embrace and highlight our youth's accomplish- ments with "The Dorothy I Height Youth Leadership Award" and "The Gentleman of Valor Award ". We salute Laila Hilton and Isaac Daniel Williams, our two youth awardees. We were delighted with a resounding Joy to have former president Mrs. Margaret McMaskillkill Each president of NCNW brings a vision of embracing the ideas and legacy of our founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. We honor our attendees and Affiliates Assembly for provid- ing school supplies for our adopted schools. The Holiday Marketplace provides an opportunity to direct our economic strength among women in business. Laila Hilton is a 7th grader at Hamilton Middle School. She is a young woman who overcomes adver- sity on a regular basis. Often teased by what she wears and being on free and reduced lunch. However, she gets the best grades(currently has a 3.8 GPA and is always on the honor roll). Laila excels in after school activities such as sports and theater. She maintains a positive attitude and displays lead- ership characteristics daily. She is the winner of "The Dorothy I. Height Youth Leadership Award" Isaac Williams is an 8th grader at Falcon Creek Middle School. He exem- plifies leadership as he serves as the current Vice President and last years's Historian of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). NJHS stands on five pillars, one being leadership. The oth- ers are scholarship,service, character and citizenship.. In addition to being a leader, Isaac distinguishes himself as a role model for young people by his service inside and outside of school. He is the winner of: "Gentleman of Valor Award" There are two Adult winners: Cherrelyn Napue, "Salute to Black Women Award" Cherrelyn is a Denver native and is a proven educational advocate as well as an entrepreneur- ial leader. She has worked in both local,national, and international orga- nizations with an established record of achievement in organizational growth,new business development, and operational efficiency. Napue is currently a 6 year franchise owner of Club Z! Tutoring Services in the Denver/Aurora area providing tutoring and test prep services in under served neighborhoods and throughout Denver and Aurora. Dr. & Pastor Odie Kennedy, "Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Award" She is the pastor of Unity Church of God in Christ, Denver,Colorado. As first lady and wife of the late pas- tor ,Superintendent Lamar Kennedy, with whom she ministered for over 40 years, she yet remains faithful today, in full support of his mission and vision to "Reach the Lost At Any Cost" Her labor remains uninterrupted as she accepted the pastoral mantle on June 25,2017 during her ordination and consecration services. CHURCH NEWS By Dr. Claudette Sweet