Nominations

Nominated By Kenneth Crowley Sr

“For his leadership and his passion for the next generation of Young Kings! Ellis is an outstanding role model for his younger brothers as well as every Young King that he mentors through The Crowley Foundation.“

My Black Colorado Interview

What school do you attend and what year are you in?

I am a freshman at Regis University class of 2024.

What do you think others would say they like the most about you and why?

A lot of people have different reasons as to why they like me, but the most consistent answer is because I am a positive outgoing person, and I am authentic to who I am. I do not pretend to be a perception of the person you might assume me to be. If you were to ask me a question I will always give you my truth.

When you are not in a class, what are the things you enjoy being involved with?  Why?

I love being with friends because we’re either making music, playing games, exercising, having deep conversations about numerous topics, or just in general making each other more sharp-minded individuals. The reason I love doing that is because I love to learn and make myself and those around me better.

What is the best advice someone has given you recently?

I can go on and on about the advice people have given me, but as of recently James Baldwin said, “ Please try to remember that what they believe, as well as what they do and cause you to endure does not testify to your inferiority but to their inhumanity.”

What is one thing you want to get better at?

I want to get better at loving myself and not replaying decisions I’ve made over and over in my mind. One thing I’ve learned in a mental health workshop hosted by The Crowley Foundation is to forgive yourself. Instead of asking myself, “Why did this happen” I think and say “ What is this teaching me” so I can learn from my mistakes.

What is one piece of advice adults need to hear, to help them connect with the younger generation better?

I think one thing that should be made more clear is that we hear you. We are listening and we are learning. At the end of the day we are our biggest critics, we blame ourselves a lot more than adults think we do. Be a non-judgmental listener to your child.

What accomplishments or awards are you most proud of and why?

I can definitely say graduating high school on time and going to college on an academic scholarship was a big achievement. I became a better example for my little brothers and let them know that it is possible.

What impact have you made in the community that you are most proud of and why?

Becoming an ambassador for The Crowley Foundation and a facilitator for Mental Health Wellness and Recovery Action Plan are my biggest contributions to the community. I am proud of those roles because I’m helping other people either heal mentally or physically, I am able to encourage others to strive for greatness, and in general, be a support for others.

What do you think you want to do for a career and why?

What I want to do changes frequently, but as of right now I want to be a therapist. Listening and helping others is what I’m good at. Further in life, I guess a philanthropist.

What role did your family play in where you are today? 

I wouldn’t be here without them. If it wasn’t for my mother working as hard as she did for all of my family, I wouldn’t have the opportunity and time to focus on helping others. My brothers and sisters give me the support I need to keep me at peace and balance in my life. They are like pieces on a chessboard and I’m playing against the oppressions and pitfalls of the world.