The Progressive Leaders Toastmasters Club was the dream of then Colorado Springs NAACP Branch president, Willie H. Breazell. The dream was to create a nurturing and supportive public speaking training environment that would create community future leaders.

The initial club registration fee was paid by the Colorado Springs Branch of the NAACP. The club was sponsored by the Gazette. The founding club meeting held at the Gazette Telegraph in 1998 and was chaired by Gazette reporter Ms. Rosemary Harris. There were approximately 25 potential
members in attendance. Mrs. Elaine Bowers became the first President.  Mr. Ed Cox, provided the leadership and guidance to the club. Mr. Ed Cox was single-handedly responsible for the formal establishment of the Progressive Leaders Toastmasters Club.

Charter Members

Progressive Leaders Toastmaster Club was founded in 1999 in Colorado Springs, CO. The charter members were:

•  Ms. Juliet Bright

•  Ms. Sophie Sims 

•  Dr. James Sauls

•  Mr. Willie Breazell

•  Mr. Ed Cox

•  Mrs. Elaine Bowers

•  Mr. Willie Smith

•  Mr. Ellioutt Fritz

Past Presidents

•  1998 - 1999 Elaine Bowers

•  1999 - 2000 Frances Branson

•  2000 - 2001 James Bruno

•  2001 - 2002 Ed Cox

•  2003 - 2004 Dudley Jones