The Denver Public Library is excited to announce this year’s Juanita Gray Community Service Awards winners! This year's award ceremony was hosted by Chandra Thomas Whitfield, one of the 2024 Juanita Gray Community Service Award recipients and a host/producer for CPR. It was a beautiful celebration of community and featured live entertainment by acclaimed vocalist Anna Maria High. Learn more about all of the incredible nominees here.
2025 Juanita Gray Community Service Award Winners
Janet R. Damon
Janet Rene Damon is a dedicated history teacher at DELTA High School in Denver and was recently awarded the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year. She has over 20 years of experience as an educator, librarian, and literacy consultant. Her commitment to education stems from her parents' experiences with limited access to schooling. A literacy engagement activist, she empowers families by increasing access to diverse books and resources, fostering self-esteem and appreciation for their unique histories. As the founder of Afros and Books, she leads workshops on culturally responsive librarianship and has presented at notable conferences. Janet holds degrees in education and library science, serves on various educational boards, and creates a supportive learning environment for her students, many of whom face significant challenges.
The Honorable Rhonda Fields
The Honorable Rhonda Fields served in the Colorado Commission on Criminal Juvenile Justice under Governor Bill Ritter, where she worked on public safety and criminal justice issues. Recently, she was State Senator for District 29 for eight years before being elected County Commissioner for Arapahoe District 5. During the 2024 Legislative Session, she received the Leadership Circle Award for her support of 40 health bills. Fields founded the Fields Wolfe Memorial Fund in memory of her son Javad and his fiancée Vivian and has been a powerful advocate for victims’ rights for years. Her passion has motivated her to serve on several boards, including the Safe 2 Tell Advisory Board and Voices of Victims, and is affiliated with organizations such as Women in Government and the NAACP.
Darrell D. West
Darrell West is the founder and President of the Major Taylor Cycling Club of Denver (MTCCD), which he established in 2011 while working at a public library to engage local youth in cycling and maintenance skills. Initially focused on supporting inner-city youth, the club has since expanded its activities to include adult group rides and health resources for the community. Notably, MTCCD organized protest bike rides during the police brutality protests, drawing over 300 supporters. Darrell is proud of commissioning a mural of Major Taylor, created by artist Johnny Pucci, located on the Cherry Creek bike path. He has served two terms on the Mayor's bicycling advisory committee and lives by the motto: "Leave it better than you found it."
Youth Recipients
Patrick Efferson
Patrick Efferson is a 16-year-old from Denver who demonstrates outstanding youth leadership and academic excellence. An avid reader since childhood, he authored a children's book promoting literacy among Black youth at the age of five. Patrick has actively participated in various mentorship programs, won the KTONE Cares' Black History Month Essay Challenge, and completed the Ronald Reagan Student Leadership Program. As the youngest member of the Gary Foundation's Youth Piton Fellowship and a participant in the Denver Mayor's Youth Commission, he addresses crucial issues like mental health. He balances a rigorous IB program at Northfield High School with sports and technical skill development.
Arsema Gebrekidan
Arsema's profound compassion and critical thinking were evident early on when she inquired about the ethical practices of a fundraising event for communities reliant on garbage dumps, particularly in Ethiopia, her family's homeland. Over the years, she has continued to cultivate her curiosity about global issues, participating in a youth leadership camp with Convivir and joining their Youth Leadership Council. Committed to community service, she has completed 133 service hours, including tutoring at the Children's Literacy Center and engaging with youth at the Tennyson Center. Additionally, her involvement at the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Kidane Mehret Church reflects her dedication to her community. Arsema embodies the qualities of a humble leader who genuinely cares for others.
About the Awards
Juanita R. 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. A community-driven committee works with the Library and a member of the Library Commission to nominate and select the award winners.
Previous recipients of the Juanita Ross Gray Community Service Award
