Joe Rogers
Joe Rogers represents a new generation of American leadership. In 2003, Joe completed his term as the Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, where he held the distinction of serving as America´s youngest Lieutenant Governor and only the fourth African American in U.S. history ever to hold the position. He served on the executive committee of the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors.
Now a national speaker, lecturer and practicing attorney in Colorado, Joe Rogers has been recognized for his work and commitment to strengthen America. In 2005, he accepted an appointment to the 7 member blue ribbon National Commission on The Voting Rights Act. In 2001, he received the Trumpet Award from Time Warner´s Turner Broadcasting System. The Trumpet Award is one of the nation´s highest honors bestowed in recognition of African American achievement, and heralds the accomplishments of individuals who have made significant contributions to enhance the quality of life for all Americans. Persons who have received the award range from Muhammad Ali, former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks and Lena Horne, to Tiger Woods, Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Nat King Cole and Sidney Poitier.
He has been profiled by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Washington Times and Business Week, Ebony, Jet and Teacher magazines. Ebony called him a "political trailblazer." And The New York Times wrote he is a "young, articulate, energetic ¼ and well-prepared newcomer."
Joe helped lead efforts to improve the lives of Colorado´s children and the quality of Colorado schools. Moreover, following the September 11th terrorist attacks, he was one of the first state officials at ground zero and later was the first to call for Colorado to create its own Homeland Security Office. He worked extensively to enhance job and economic opportunities for the people of Colorado.
Expanding on his commitment to strengthening America, Joe Rogers created the acclaimed Dream Alive Program in dedication to the memory and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. The program´s work is to increase the understanding of the contributions that Dr. King and movement leaders imparted to the nation and is a passionate reminder that their wisdom and vision are timeless. In 2003, he founded the company -- The Dream Alive Program, Inc. -- to meet increasing demand for the program throughout the country. This live commentary has been described as "uncanny, electrifying, spellbinding, awesome, touching like King was in the room." The Rocky Mountain Collegian wrote, "Rogers voice filled the room, giving renewed life to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. …"
In the summer of 2006, Joe Rogers will debut his inaugural book release -- The Letter to My Son, a remarkable book of wisdom and inspiration for a life well-lived.
Rogers worked his way through Colorado State University majoring in Business Administration and he received his law degree from Arizona State University, where he won the school´s first ever national championship by winning the American Bar Association Negotiation Competition – a contest involving some 80 U.S. law schools. He practiced law with one of Colorado´s oldest and largest firms, Davis, Graham & Stubbs, and served as Counsel to Colorado´s former United States Senator Hank Brown, who served on the Senate´s Judiciary, Budget and Foreign Relations Committees.
Joe is married to Juanita and they have three young children – Trent, Jordan and Haley.
Recommended Reading:
"Protecting Minority Voters -- The Voting Rights Act at Work 1982-2005." The report can be accessed, downloaded and printed on-line at www.votingrightsact.org.