Join us for a powerful evening of reflection, recognition, and visionary dialogue at the Rachel B. Noel Professorship Community Conversation and Awards. This signature event celebrates the enduring legacy of Rachel B. Noel—the first African American elected to public office in Colorado and a tireless champion for educational equity.

The evening serves as a bridge between history and the future, honoring those who continue the fight for justice today while investing in the leaders of tomorrow.

Event Highlights

• Awards & Scholarships: We will begin the evening by celebrating excellence within our community. The program will honor the 2026 Hope for the Future Award recipients and present scholarships to MSU Denver students who embody Noel's spirit of courage and community service.

• Keynote Conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones: The night culminates in a featured keynote conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones. A Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The New York Times Magazine and the creator of The 1619 Project, Hannah-Jones has reshaped the national conversation on the legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.

• Emcee Tamara Banks: We are honored to be joined by Emmy Award-winning journalist Tamara Banks, whose expertise in social justice reporting and community storytelling will guide us through this evening of inspiration.