This year's ceremony takes place at the Denver Central Library on Saturday, February 7!
Doors open at 1 p.m. Program starts at 1:30 p.m.
Register to livestream the awards!
The 2026 Juanita Gray Community Service Awards and Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. and will take place at the Denver Central Library located at 10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. Doors will open at 1 p.m. The entrance is located on the 14th Ave. side. Learn about this year's nominees and inductees below!
Juanita Gray was a former library staff member and community advocate whose legacy, dedication, and advocacy of Denver’s African American community continue to inspire. The Denver Public Library established the Juanita Gray Community Service Awards in 1988 to celebrate the contributions of men, women, and youth of Black or African descent. She also established the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame in 1973, which continues to add biennial inductees based on their trailblazing accomplishments in the state of Colorado.
Each year, community members are invited to nominate individuals who make outstanding contributions to the Denver Metro area and who exemplify the ideals and spirit represented by Mrs. Gray’s commitment to the community. Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame inductees are introduced into the honor biennially. A community-driven committee works with the Library and a member of the Library Commission to nominate and select the award winners and Hall of Fame inductees.
View decades of Juanita Gray Community Service Award recipients and Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame Inductees.
2026 Juanita Gray Community Service Awards Nominees
Drs. Dewey and Charlotte Brigham
Founded in the 1980s, the Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists (CABPES) has worked to encourage Black youth and other underrepresented groups to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Under the leadership of Dewey F. Brigham, Jr., PhD, and Dr. Charlotte Brigham, MD, CABPES has become a leading STEM nonprofit in Colorado, offering programs like math enrichment tutoring and college prep that help students build confidence and increase diversity in the field. Thanks to the Brighams’ tireless work, generations of students are empowered to take on professional careers in STEM through hands-on educational experiences.
Deydra Bringas
Deydra Bringa’s journey from Brooklyn, NY, to Denver, CO has been defined by a deep commitment to building community, celebrating culture, and amplifying voices through the platform she co-founded, Trivia For Us. As "the ultimate mind game for the culture," this initiative blends play, history, and connection, intentionally creating spaces through free events across Denver where people can connect, learn, and celebrate Black culture and history in a fun, accessible way. These gatherings have strengthened the cultural fabric of the city by amplifying the work of local musicians and artists. Deydra’s work has been featured nationally at major conferences, including Essence Fest and CultureCon. This work embodies a belief that community service is about directing energy and resources toward sustaining local culture and economic empowerment, fostering belonging, and transforming communities.
Elycia R. Cook
Elycia Cook is a visionary Black leader, fierce advocate for youth and equity, and the first Black President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado (BBBSC). Her transformative leadership has significantly expanded the organization's reach, secured the largest grant in BBCSC’s 108-year history, and strengthened culturally responsive practices, ensuring more young people of color receive life-changing support. Beyond her professional role, she participated on the Denver Mayor's transition team for the Office of Children's Affairs, is a national thought leader in equity-centered mentorship, and exemplifies her mission by personally volunteering as a Big Sister. These achievements, along with her work on boards and bringing over $15 million in resources to youth-serving programs, demonstrate her unwavering commitment to community-rooted, equity-driven service.
Jeff Campbell
Jeff Campbell is a dynamic artist who has been shaping Denver's creative landscape for over 30 years. A passionate advocate for Colorado, Jeff has transitioned from touring as a hip-hop artist and poet to writer and producer, inspiring many to teach in schools statewide. He leads impactful campaigns that use art to address pressing social issues, including police brutality and the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. His love of public libraries can be seen in some of his works. He often visits the Denver Central Library and the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library to draw inspiration from local resources, combining research and entertainment in thought-provoking works such as “Jedidiah Blackstone.” Jeff's dedication to creativity and community drives his pursuit of positive change.
Ruby Jones
For nearly a decade, Ruby Jones has committed her professional life to elevating voices too often marginalized in mainstream media through journalism and media innovation in the Denver-region. As the founder and CEO of Empower Media Exchange (EMX), she has built a local-media enterprise focused on community service, equity, and narrative justice, creating space for underrepresented communities to tell their own stories. Through EMX, she launched Colorado's first community-fueled media co-op, Front Range Focus, and developed youth media programs, helping to build a new community-centered media ecosystem. Ruby's dedication to equity and community service has created a meaningful, lasting impact across the city's cultural and civic life.
Dr. Annette Sills Brown
Dr. Annette Sills Brown is an accomplished Colorado educatorand visionary leader who has dedicated her life to building community and ensuring that students and teachers, especially within the Black community, are supported. Rooted in the belief that education is a collective act of care, Dr. Sills Brown founded TheEduCtr, a nonprofit organization that uplifts and supports educators of color and provides learning opportunities for young people. TheEduCtr holds an annual ceremony honoring Black teachers, and has grown into a powerful expression of community gratitude. Moreover, Dr. Sills Brown established a mathematics camp specifically aimed at Black boys after identifying a gap that needed to be addressed. Through her unwavering commitment to honoring Black excellence, Dr. Sills Brown has strengthened Colorado’s communities and illuminated the path for future generations.
The Honorable Joseph R. Whitfield Jr.
Judge Joseph Whitfield is a committed attorney, community leader, and family man in Colorado. He was the sole Black male District Court Judge in the 18th Judicial District during his service. With extensive legal experience, including over 80 jury trials as an Assistant District Attorney, he actively participates in community organizations, such as the Highline Academy Board of Directors, NAACP Aurora Chapter, and the Sam Cary Bar Association. Judge Whitfield advocates for educational equity, inspires youth through courtroom visits, and coaches local sports leagues. He holds a law degree and an LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Technology Law. Deeply invested in giving back, he is also a dedicated husband and father.
2026 Juanita Gray Community Service Youth Award Winner
Michaloni Pittman
Michaloni (Micha) Pittman is a remarkable young woman whose unwavering dedication to service and leadership reflects the spirit of the Juanita Gray Community Service Youth Award. Micha excels academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning a place in the National Honor Society. Athletically, she is a four-year varsity softball player who has received CHSAA All-Academic awards. Beyond these accomplishments, she is deeply committed to uplifting her community, consistently volunteering several hours each month, mentoring youth, supporting underserved families, and coaching younger athletes. As a student-athlete, Micha uses her platform to advocate for fairness and inclusion, inspiring trust and belonging through her calm, steady leadership.
2026 Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame Inductees
The Honorable Peter C. Groff
The Honorable Peter C. Groff is being recognized for the long-lasting impact he has made on the state of Colorado and his legacy of moving the community forward. With over 25 years of public service, he has held senior-level positions across all three levels of government. Notably, he made history as the first African American President of the Colorado State Senate, making him only the third African American in the nation's history to hold that gavel. Prior to this, he was also the first African American to rise to leadership in the Colorado General Assembly as the Senate President pro tem. During his nearly 10 years in the General Assembly, he earned the reputation of being the "Conscience of the Senate" by passing landmark legislation in education, criminal justice, and health care. Following his state service, President Barack H. Obama appointed him to senior roles in the U.S. Department of Education and the White House Commission on U.S. Presidential Scholars. His work continues as a noted public policy innovator, national policy and political analyst, and leadership lecturer.
Nancelia E. Scott Jackson
Nancelia E. Scott Jackson was a pillar of the North Cherry Creek community and known as the "Grand Dame of North Cherry Creek" for her lifelong civic engagement and dedication to preserving Black history. Living at 3rd & Garfield from 1926 to 2024, her community impact spanned decades, notably serving as an election officer for over 50 years and working as a pre-school teacher at the Mary Ann Day School. She was a dedicated member and usher at Scott United Methodist Church for 71 years. One of her significant accomplishments was chronicling the history of countless Black families in her neighborhood and of Lincoln Hills through her frequent publications and her self-published book, For Your Precious Memories. Nancelia passed away in 2024, but her impact lives on through her meticulous documentation.