At the annual Colorado Peacemaker Awards held on a Friday morning, Jeff Johnson, the executive director of Mile High Ministries, posed a thoughtful question to the audience: “How do peacemakers respond when neighbors are pushed to the margins?”
The answer, he emphasized, lies in bringing together those whose voices have been silenced and empowering them to reclaim their power as responsible citizens.
Setting a tone of inclusivity and community, Johnson described peacemaking as a vision of shalom, which is defined as an all-encompassing wellness that thrives on community and inclusion without leaving anyone behind.
The ceremony, hosted at Clara Brown Commons—an affordable housing complex developed by Mile High Ministries—underscored the organization’s commitment to impactful housing and community support.
Throughout the event, four Coloradans were honored for their exemplary contributions to fostering stability, healing, and a sense of belonging for marginalized individuals.
Each honoree has embodied this mission through actionable efforts within their communities, representing real and tangible change.
One awardee has transformed personal tragedy into a meaningful story and a community-centric business that connects neighbors through food and conversation.
Another honoree has dedicated decades to advocating for safer streets and family support while simultaneously raising her children in the very community she has fought vigorously to improve.
A third recipient has committed over forty years to creating affordable housing and helping communities heal from the wounds caused by displacement.
Finally, another honoree continues a legacy of service by connecting neighbors and cultivating environments where marginalized individuals can find dignity and stability.
“It’s more than simply providing housing,” Johnson emphasized.
“The goal is to offer stability, a pathway forward, and an opportunity for individuals to engage meaningfully in their communities.”
Johnson expanded on the broader definition of peacemaking, moving beyond an absence of conflict to encompass a more harmonious and flourishing community.
He cited the words of Jesus: “Blessed are the peacemakers. They will be called children of God,” urging attendees to understand that peacemaking involves actively addressing the needs of those pushed to the edges of society.
Peacemakers emerge during times of disunity or in situations where vulnerable populations can no longer afford to live in their communities, Johnson indicated.
“They draw people together and remind everyone of their inherent power as engaged citizens,” he stated.
The first honoree to be recognized was Prince Kanigiri, an entrepreneur, author, and founder of Kultivar, a vibrant café and community hub located within Denver’s historic Molly Brown House.
Kanigiri, who survived the horrific 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, later found refuge in Denver.
His memoir, “Prince: Beauty for Ashes,” recounts not only his survival story but also his journey towards reconciliation and healing.
Reflecting on his experiences, Kanigiri shared how he began to recognize the origins of his passion while working in his business three years prior.
This reflection took him back to childhood, a memory he had long avoided due to its painful nature.
“I had been afraid to revisit the past, fearing it would excavate the most painful chapters of my life,” Kanigiri shared.
The awards also honored Sandy Douglas, a community leader whose extensive work initiated from her own struggles.
Douglas has tirelessly advocated for over three decades, curating community spaces in the face of adversity.
She moved to North Denver 35 years ago as a newly divorced mother with limited support for her children.
Finding local organizations unhelpful and exclusive, she resolved to change that narrative and fought to ensure community voices were not only heard but valued.
“Rather than give up, I kept pushing, pressing for tomorrow, carving out a place for myself and others,” Douglas remarked.
Her journey involved participatory prayer walks and relentless advocacy aimed at securing affordable housing in her neighborhood, which had often been neglected.
Out of her past pain, Douglas has successfully built bridges, inviting those who had once been marginalized to partake in community development and decision-making processes.
“We can’t just build buildings; we must build communities,” emphasized Ray Stransky, who, alongside his wife Marilyn, was honored for more than forty years of community development work through their organization, Hope Communities.
The Stranskys have facilitated the creation of numerous affordable housing options throughout Denver and beyond since 1980.
Their commitment to community began when they witnessed a neighbor’s eviction in 1979, which left a lasting impact on their lives and sparked a mission to change the narrative around housing and community.
The couple recalled that memorable moment when they first saw a neighbor struggling to move her belongings while her children carried items in trash bags.
“That moment ignited our lifelong dedication to building not just homes, but vibrant communities where peace can flourish,” Marilyn reflected.
As the ceremony concluded, Jeff Johnson revisited the earlier reflections he had shared about the essence of peacemaking.
He quoted a profound statement: “Those who want to hold onto their life with a tight grip will lose it. But those who relax their grip, who pour themselves out on behalf of others, will save it.”
In honoring individuals like Kanigiri, Douglas, and the Stranskys, Johnson highlighted their persistent commitment to service and the greater good, illustrating the very essence of what it means to be a peacemaker.
image source from：denvervoice
