Local groups to present Angel Awards

The Dr. Ruth Joyce Colbert Barnes Foundation Inc., in collaboration with the Oklahoma Sovereign Arts Foundation, will host its annual Angel Awards and fundraising luncheon on Saturday at the Petroleum Event Center, formerly known as the Jim Thorpe Event Center.

The foundations are committed to revitalizing neighborhoods, rebuilding communities, re-establishing healthy lifestyles and reinforcing educational values. Each year they honor individuals who have made a significant contribution to the community.

For the first time this year, a Legend Award will be presented to Don Wilson, a civil servant and entrepreneur, and a Lifetime Achievement Award to state Sen. Constance Johnson. Additionally, state Rep. Ajay Pittman will receive the Ambassador of Hope Award.

The 2019 Angels are “The Real Deal,” which is the theme of the luncheon, said Ayanna Najuma, executive director of the Dr. Ruth Joyce Colbert Barnes Foundation. They are a group of people that have given unselfishly to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Oklahoma, she said.

Angel Award recipients will be Kuaybe Basturk, former director of Dialogue Institute, which helps create conversations between different cultures; Lt. Wayland Cubit, community empowerment administrator with the Oklahoma City Police Department; Kendall Curry, executive chef and restauranteur, and his wife, Carlisa, a couple who are committed to feeding the hungry; the Rev. Ray Douglas, pastor of Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church; the Rev. Daniel Grover, pastor at Corpus Christi Catholic Church; Amy Janes, filmmaker; Noel Jacobs, child psychologist; and businessman Bruce Waight Sr.

The foundations also will give scholarships to two Oklahoma City students.

To join the celebration, go to http://bit.ly/ AngelAward2019 to purchase tickets or call Ayanna Najuma at 202-997-9529.