On Saturday June 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, the “Angels” of Charlie’s will host a benefit to kick-off Pride and to fundraise for a very unique scholarship at Regis University - the Cameron Jesse Manito Scholarship. Enjoy an evening of delights including the renowned dancers of Charlie’s , Ballet Folklórico, Patria Mexicana, and Mexica Tribe.
When Cameron Jesse enrolled at MSU Denver in the fall of 2022, the 25-year-old gay transfer student from Colorado Springs, was out to change the world. He was a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ+ students from rural areas that do not have the same support service that occurs in places like Denver. As a member of the MSU Denver Journey Through Our Heritage program, he was offered the opportunity to collaborate with Regis in creating a historic first-of-its-kind scholarship. The Manito Scholarship was dedicated to advocates of the LGBTQ+ community who have an interest in Southern Colorado’s Manito culture.
Cameron once said “I am a Manito, a descendant of people who have roots going back hundreds of years to the Spanish and indigenous populations in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. I also know the difficulty of growing up in a conservative town. When I learned there was a family of queer people just like me who were out of the closet since the 1940’s, I was all in to help develop this scholarship.”
The original inspiration for the scholarship was based on the family of Joanna Lucero, who have been part of Denver’s openly-gay community since the 1940’s. Cameron uncovered this through meticulous research on Lucero’s interviews with renowned lesbian archivist, Katie Gilmartin. His detailed research set a solid foundation for the scholarship. Tragically, Cameron died in September of 2023 before the Manito Scholarships was finalized.
Lucero, who was dying of pancreatic cancer at the time of Cameron’s death, told her family, “That boy did not get to live his life. I did, me and all my queer aunties and tío’s, we lived a huge life for many years. I want you to rename the scholarship for that young boy so he will be remembered for what he stood for.” And so it was renamed to include and honor Cameron Jesse.
When Charlie’s management heard about Cameron Jesse and his work to help create this scholarship, they were inspired. Not only did they offer to donate their venue and dancers to kick start the scholarship fund, but they also offered access to their staff and other resources for the cause. The head of entertainment, Matty Peters said, “We have always been about giving back to the community and our hearts are touched by what Cameron was trying to do.”
The short life of this young gay student who aspired to help others celebrate their history and heritage with pride will not be forgotten, thanks to Charlie’s and MSU Denver. In March of 2024, the MSU Denver Board of Trustees voted to award a posthumous degree to Cameron Jesse. Over the years Charlie’s, in keeping with founder John King’s legacy of giving, has raised millions of dollars to support numerous charitable causes.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information on the event please text 720-329-0869 with questions or email jtoh2016@gmail.com
