Courier Eco Latino Celebrates 20 Years of Community Journalism and Service

The Courier Eco Latino marked a milestone on Saturday, July 26, celebrating two decades of service to the African American and Hispanic communities of the Chattahoochee Valley with an evening of dinner, live entertainment, and community recognition.

Launched 20 years ago with a mission to give voice to the voiceless, the publication was founded to serve as a bridge between communities often divided by language, culture and neglect. From its humble beginnings as a print newspaper, The Courier Eco Latino has evolved into a dynamic digital platform, while remaining rooted in its commitment to truth, representation, and empowerment.

Held in Columbus at the Green Island Country Club, the 20th anniversary celebration honored individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding service to communities across Columbus, Fort Benning, Phenix City and beyond.

Among the evening’s highlights was the presentation of several community awards:

• Jabari Leake received the Dr. B.J. McBride Outstanding Youth Award.
• Elica Ojeda was honored with the Harold “Lefty” Encarnacion Servant Leadership Award.
• Natalia Temesgen received the Kim Porter Legacy Award.
• Charles E. Huff Jr. was presented with the Dr. Robert Wright Philanthropy Award.
• Mel Long received the Carl “Brother Love” Hardman Activist Award.
• Shakea Miller was honored with the President’s Award.

Also presented were the publication’s Lift Him Up Awards, which recognize men whose perseverance, leadership, and professional dedication serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for others. This year’s recipients included:

• Roland Huff, owner of Body Be 1 Personal Training Studio
• Minister Alfie Jelks, founder of The Soul of My Footprint organization
• Judge Pythias “Pete” Temesgen, Muscogee County State Court
• Attorney William Kendrick, of the firm J. Mark Shelnutt
• Keith Phillips, founder of Black Box Art Gallery
• Kenneth Davis, owner of Kollage Graphics

For two decades, The Courier Eco Latino has chronicled stories of triumph and resilience, amplified the voices of the unheard, and spotlighted the changemakers shaping the region’s future. As it moves into its next chapter, the publication remains committed to being more than a newspaper—serving as a trusted voice, a vital resource, and a catalyst for change.