Redemptive Dance Ministries Announces “The Brighton Award” in Honor of 11-YearOld Dancer Lost to Violence in Kenya

Denver, CO — Redemptive Dance Ministries (RDM) is heartbroken to announce the tragic
loss of 11-year-old Brighton Odhiambo, a beloved member of its Kamgoma Chapter in
Homa Bay County, Kenya. In the wake of this devastating tragedy, RDM is launching The
Brighton Award, an annual honor that will recognize individuals and organizations making
meaningful strides to prevent violence, protect children, and bring hope to vulnerable
communities.

Brighton Odhiambo was a joyful, respectful, and deeply gifted child who touched the lives
of everyone around him through his smile, his dance, and his kind spirit. On Sunday,
December, 2024, Brighton was traveling between two beloved commitments: his church
choir’s recording session and RDM’s End-of-Year Christmas Party and Performance.
Unbeknownst to both the parents and instructors at the time, Brighton was chased from
the event by two young men. Eyewitnesses reported acts of violence, and later, his body
was discovered hanging from a tree — a heartbreaking end that has shaken his family and
community to the core.

Brighton’s passing has left a deep wound in the hearts of his family, his community, and the
entire Redemptive Dance movement. As we continue to mourn, we remain steadfast in our
commitment to pray for Brighton’s loved ones and the Kamgoma Chapter. We will continue
to pray for comfort, healing, and unity for all those affected, and we call on our global
community to respond with love, support, and a shared commitment to honoring
Brighton’s life.

Introducing The Brighton Award
The Brighton Award will be presented annually to a person or organization demonstrating
extraordinary commitment to:

• Promoting nonviolence and community safety for children and youth
• Advancing educational or creative programs that empower young people to thrive
• Advocating for justice, truth, and dignity in underserved communities

While no monetary prize is currently attached, the award will serve as a platform to elevate
and celebrate transformative work that reflects the values Brighton so beautifully
embodied. As resources become available, financial support may be added to the award in
future years.

This initiative is rooted in the biblical conviction that every life bears the image of God, and
that the call to love God and love others demands bold action in the face of injustice. It also
serves as a teaching tool to deepen biblical education on the sanctity of life, especially
among youth and marginalized communities.

“Brighton’s name means ‘a place of light’ — and that’s exactly who he was,” said, Heather
Johnson Founder of Redemptive Dance Ministries. “Through this award, his light will
continue to shine and impact lives far beyond his years on earth.”

About Redemptive Dance Ministries:
Redemptive Dance Ministries is a global nonprofit dedicated to spreading the gospel
through dance and empowering youth in underserved communities through programs that
foster creativity, identity, and purpose. Through its initiative, the EmpowerDance Collective,
RDM also engages secular and faith-based dance studios in a shared mission of
accessibility, equity, philanthropy and community building.