On December 6, the grand ballroom of northeast Denver’s DoubleTree Hotel was filled with holiday spirit as the community neighbors, friends, and family members from across the metro area gathered for a festive holiday meal. The 41st Annual Hiawatha Davis Luncheon for citizens aged 65 and older drew nearly 400 people, filling the space with a joyful buzz of excitement and camaraderie.

The room was alive with the energy of the holiday season. Dozens of tables were adorned with festive poinsettias, and the speakers’ podium, surrounded by tall tree-like poinsettias, added to the festive atmosphere.

Welcomes and acknowledgments were given by the host, District 8 Councilwoman Shontel Lewis, and Council persons Darryl Watson (D9), Staci Gilmore (D-11), and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. State legislators Senate president-elect James Coleman and assist-

tant majority leader, Representative Jennifer Bacon.

Historian Claudette Sweet sang the Black National Anthem, and Pastor Vernon Jones, Jr., provided the innovation. And it wouldn’t be a holiday celebration without emcees Santa Claus (Auton’tai Anderson) and Auntie Clause (Midan Shofner).

As the room filled with laughter and conversation, a quiet sense of organization began to shape. The wait staff, a group of approximately two dozen first-time responders from the local police, sheriff, and fire departments, moved around the tables carefully serving lunch catered by Open Fridge Gourmet.

Among the 400 attendees were community centenarians Dennie Simmons and Lorraine Hobbs. Ms. Simmons, 105, is a former teacher at Columbine Elementary School. Ms. Hobbs, 100, is a Diamond member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority––that’s 75 years of community service. Hobbs is a member of Denver’s  Epsilon Nu Omega Chapter.

The highlight of the event was the recognition of community stalwarts. Crystal orb-shaped Lifetime Achievement awards were presented to Evangelist James H. Coleman, Rosalind “Bee” Harris, The Honorable Wellington, and The Honorable Wilma Webb. A posthumous award was given to Earline Brown’s family in honor of her significant contributions to the community.

Brown’s award was accepted by her identical twin sister and two daughters. Coleman –the father of Senate-president-elect James Coleman (SD 33)– detailed his military career. Evangelist Coleman’s community service included work with gang intervention, food ministry, caring for the unhoused, and more.

Harris, the founding publisher of the 37-year-old monthly print publication Denver Urban Spectrum, recalled working with the Hiawatha Davis’ councilman campaigns and his love for seniors in the community.

Brown, who lost her battle with cancer, was described as “fearless and determined.” She was a registered nurse and a community advocate for education and politics. She was an active scuba diver and a snow skier who always got into “good trouble.”

The 42nd mayor of Denver, Wellington Webb, shared the story of hiring Hiawatha Davis (after he resigned from the city council) to ensure he received health insurance and treatment for prostate cancer.

Denver’s 42nd First Lady, Wilma Webb, recalled Davis as a high school student at Manual High School and a community leader who always said, “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child. “ She said he was a man of integrity and sincerely thanked the audience for allowing the Webb collective to give 108 years of community service.

Danette Hollowell and the Good Guys provided festive music throughout the luncheon. The Annual Hiawatha Davis Luncheon is a day of celebration and recognition, where the community comes together not just for a meal but to honor the seniors who have given so much over the years and to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the local community.