An Afternoon of Glory: The 55th CGMAHF Academy Awards—Honoring Excellence, Spirit, and Song

On February 15, the sanctuary of New Hope Baptist Church overflowed with spirit and song as the Colorado Gospel Music Academy & Hall of Fame Academy Awards celebrated its 55th year. This faith-based event honored individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence and impact in gospel music, ministry, education, media, public service, business, civic engagement, and community leadership across Colorado.

Under the inspired leadership of Dr. Syl Morgan Smith, Colorado’s leading empress of gospel music, the program drew a full house. Dr. Prince Yelder—Guest Artist—Gospel Artist, joined two choirs under the direction of Maestro Darryl Walker, leading the Colorado Academy Mass Choir. Other guest artists included Evangelist Lemmie Battles of Chicago, Illinois, and Birmingham’s finest, Dr. Prince Yelder, along with the Spiritual Choir Project led by Dr. Roger Holland, who encouraged the audience to come on out to rehearsal if you want to get involved.

Academy Awardees

Sir John Bailey | Man of the Year | Civic & Community Leadership

Hon. Jennifer Bacon | Colorado Legislator Award | Colorado State Legislator

Mr. Jerry Boyd | Business Professional Award | Business & Entrepreneurship

Deacon James Brewer | Church Aficionado of the Year — Church Leadership

Dr. Lee Butler | Higher Learning Award — Higher Education

Ms. Cheryl Carter — Civic Leader Award — Civic Leadership

Sheriff Elias Diggins — Law and Order Award — Law Enforcement

Hon. Angela Garland — Education Award — Public Education Leadership

Mr. Cameryn Harris — Youth of the Year — Youth Leadership

Dr. Chris Hill — Pastor of the Year — Pastoral Leadership

Ms. Tree King — Activist Award — Community Activism

First Lady Janice McDonald — Woman of the Year — Church & Community Leadership

Rev. Dr. H. Malcolm Newton — Soloist of the Year — Gospel Music Ministry

Mr. Wakeem Ponds — Education Mentor Award — Youth Mentorship

Deacon Michael Sanderson — Church Deacon of the Year — Church Leadership

Ms. LaDawn Sullivan — Vision Award — Community Visionary Leadership

Pastor Mary Tellis — Achievement Award — Ministry Leadership

Hon. Darrell Watson — City Government Award — Municipal Government

Hon. Phil Weiser — Legal Eagle Award — Legal & Public Service

Dr. Prince Yelder — Guest Artist — Gospel Artist

Justin Adams — Media Award — Media & Communications

Blazing Chicken Shack — Business of the Year — Restaurant & Business Leadership

New Hope Baptist Children’s Choir - Choir of the Year

Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance – Organization of the Year

Redememing Love Fellowship Church – Church of the Year

Honorable Leslie Summey  - Perservance Award

Nominations for the 2027 Colorado Gospel Music Academy & Hall of Fame Awards are now open and will be accepted until December 18, 2026. Submissions may be sent via email to sylmsmith@aol.com or by mail to Dr. Syl Morgan Smith - CGMAHF, 6300 E. Hampton Ave, Unit CF 146, Denver, CO 80222. The 56th Annual Awards Show is scheduled for February 21, 2027.  Advertusers or sponsors, please mark your calendars to participate in this celebration of unmatched gospel music and community achievement.