Over the past five decades, the Colorado Gospel Music Academy Hall of Fame (CGMAHF) ceremony has recognized over a thousand individuals and businesses throughout the state and nationwide. This weekend, it returns with another exciting program.

CGMAHF, founded in February 1971 by Dr. Sylvia Morgan-Smith, is Denver’s longest-running religious-based program dedicated to recognizing gospel artists, religious leaders, and community figures during Black History Month. The awards ceremony highlights these individuals’ contributions and celebrates their positive impact on the community.

Here is the list of award recipients at the 54th Colorado Gospel Music Academy and Hall of Fame program on Sunday, February 9, 2024.

Outstanding Leadership- Rev. Dr. Odie Kennedy, Pastor Unity COGIC, and President Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance

Man of the Year - Phillip Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport

Woman of the Year - Honorable Janet Buckner, Colorado State Senator (Retired)

Pastor of the Year - Rev. Dr. Steve Van Ostran, American Baptist Churches - Rocky Mountain States

Church of the Year - Solomon Temple Baptist Church,  Rev. John Tellis, Pastor, and Rev. Mary Tellis, Associate Pastor

Choir of the Year - Tarell Martin and C2 Mass Choir

Director of the Year -  Dr. M. Roger Holland, Professor Lamont School of Music - University of Denver

Musician of the Year - William “Skippy Dee” Lynch

Icon in Music - Steve Jones

Soloist of the Year - Pastor Myra Penn Smith, Greater Harvest Christian Fellowship

Student of the Year - Nyla Pollard -  St John’s University School of Law, New York

Coalition of the Year - Colorado Association of Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows, Lady Alenia Phillips, President

Par Excellence - Jacqueline Wesley, Executive Director of Fighting Together to Save Lives

Hall of Fame Inductee - L.C. Williams, Colonel USAF, (Retired) and Deacon, New Hope Baptist Church

Legal Eagle Award- Honorable Terrance D. Carroll Esq., Former Speaker, Colorado House of Representatives

Excellence in Politics - Honorable James Coleman, President of Colorado State Senate

Excellence in Business - Selena Dunham, Principle of Classique, LLC

Excellence in Education -  Honorable Auon’tai Anderson

Excellence in Health - Dr. Janice Jarrett, OD, EYE Envy Vision

The program at New Hope Baptist Church (3701 Colorado Blvd., 80205) begins at 4:00 pm. with special guest noted CGMAHF award winner, gospel artist and evangelist Lemmie Battles, Tarell Martin & C2 Mass Choir, The Spirituals Project Choir, and more. Be there