The Colorado Springs School (CSS) gathered as a community on January 16 to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during an all-school ceremony centered on reflection, service, and hope for the future. The event featured Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade as keynote speaker and highlighted student voices that framed the program with personal meaning and a clear call to action.

The ceremony opened with an introduction from senior Meia A. ’26, who welcomed Mayor Mobolade and connected his story to the values embodied in Dr. King’s legacy. Speaking as the daughter of a Haitian immigrant, Meia reflected on the significance of standing before a community that elected Colorado Springs’ first Black and immigrant mayor.

“Being part of a community that welcomed, trusted, and elected Mayor Mobolade is deeply personal,” Meia said. “It makes me proud of who I am and who I am here with today.”

Born in Nigeria to two pastors, Mayor Mobolade immigrated to the United States at age 17 in pursuit of educational opportunity. Prior to his election, he established himself as a civic leader and entrepreneur, including co-founding The Wild Goose Meeting House in downtown Colorado Springs. He was sworn in as the city’s 42nd mayor on June 6, 2023, making history as the first Black and immigrant mayor of Colorado Springs and one of its youngest.

In his keynote address, Mayor Mobolade spoke candidly about his journey, the influence of Dr. King’s vision, and the responsibility young people hold in shaping the future.

“The future isn’t some distant idea,” Mobolade told students. “The future is right here. The future is you.”

He emphasized that Dr. King’s dream remains unfinished, living on in everyday choices, acts of service, and the ways communities care for one another. Quoting Dr. King, Mayor Mobolade reminded students that “everyone can be great, because anybody can serve,” challenging them to practice kindness, inclusion, and courage in their daily lives.

“When we do that,” he said, “we don’t just honor Dr. King’s memory—we continue his mission.”

The ceremony concluded with reflections from junior Melinda H. ’27, who translated the morning’s message into a direct challenge for her peers. Citing Dr. King’s words—“The time is always right to do what is right”—Melinda encouraged students to speak up, show kindness, and take action, no matter how small.
 

“The smallest actions often lead to the biggest change,” she said. “When we choose to care about others, we become part of the change Dr. King believed in.”

Following the ceremony, Mayor Mobolade visited with CSS PreKindergarten students, who presented him with a photograph of a large MLK mural they created featuring stars filled with their dreams. Those dreams included: “My dream is I dreamed about Martin Luther King and a pony,” “I have a dream to catch monsters,” My dream is school,” I have a dream to help mom and dad more,” and “That Godzilla is true.”

“I’m going to hang this in my office,” Mayor Mobolade told the students.

Through student leadership, reflection, and shared purpose, The Colorado Springs School’s MLK legacy celebration reaffirmed the enduring relevance of Dr. King’s message—and the role young people play in carrying it forward.

Learn more at www.css.org/news/mlk-yemi.

About The Colorado Springs School

The Colorado Springs School is an independent day school serving students from PreKindergarten through grade 12. Through superior academics and mentoring, CSS prepares students to think independently and meet the needs of a dynamic world, fostering leadership, ingenuity, problem-solving skills, and personal integrity through hands-on learning. Visit css.org. The school is located on a 28-acre historic estate at 21 Broadmoor Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Visit online at css.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Silver Key Senior Services Receives City Approval for New Affordable Senior Housing Development in Central Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO — Building on the success of Silver Key Apartments at South Murray, Silver Key Senior Services is advancing its mission to help older adults age safely, independently, and with dignity following the City of Colorado Springs’ approval of a new affordable senior housing development in central Colorado Springs.

Through a partnership with a local foundation, Silver Key acquired a 1.223-acre site at 2126 North Weber Street for $350,000. The City of Colorado Springs has approved a conditional use for the site, allowing the proposed project’s use and density following a comprehensive public review process.

The approved site offers exceptional access to essential services and amenities that support aging in place. A major hospital, grocery store, shopping center, and an extensive trail system are all located within two blocks of the property. In addition, a bus stop located directly on the site provides residents with convenient access to public transportation.

Project Overview

Silver Key proposes to develop 49 deeply affordable senior housing units, including:

• 47 one-bedroom units
• 2 two-bedroom units

The proposed Area Median Income (AMI) mix includes:

• 5 units at 30% AMI
• 21 units at 50% AMI
• 23 units at 60% AMI

All 60% AMI rents will be underwritten at 55% AMI. The average project AMI of 52.65% will ensure long-term affordability for residents with the greatest need.

The development will include 48 parking spaces, provided through a combination of on-site parking and immediately adjacent on-street parking.

Design, Services, and Community Impact

The building will incorporate Silver Key’s Dignified Design approach, prioritizing healing, accessibility, and a true sense of home for residents.

Residents will have access to Silver Key’s comprehensive service platform, including on-site services and complimentary transportation to Silver Key’s headquarters, supporting independence and reducing isolation.

As the region’s local provider of senior services, Silver Key serves older adults throughout the community, and the project’s proximity to the Old North End will enhance access to services and supports that are available to eligible older adults regardless of where they live. This proximity supports Silver Key’s broader mission to help older adults age safely and remain connected within their own neighborhoods.

Next Steps

With local land use approval secured, Silver Key plans to apply to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) in February 2026 for 9% Federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, a critical step in financing the development.

The project reflects Silver Key’s long-standing commitment to working collaboratively with neighborhoods while meeting urgent community needs for affordable housing for older adults. Silver Key will continue engaging with community stakeholders as the project advances through final design and financing.

In recognition of Silver Key’s history in the Old North End and the legacy of Mikki Kraushaar, a longtime Old North End resident and Silver Key’s first paid Executive Director, the organization plans to launch the Mikki Kraushaar Legacy Fund to support the garden and memorialize her vision for a community that supports aging.

The fund will provide an opportunity for community members who are interested in supporting the project to contribute toward enhanced design and landscape features and to help offset development costs, supporting long-term affordability for residents. Contributions to the fund would help reduce capital costs, supporting Silver Key’s goal of keeping rents as low as possible while delivering a high-quality, community-responsive project.