Young, Gifted and Black Awards Luncheon

Several youth were recognized for their outstanding commitment and service to their communities and profession at The Young, Gifted and Black’s 8th annual Awards Luncheon held April 18 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Monroeville.
The event was organized by YGB Founder and CEO Arzella Stewart-McCauley and recognized honorees Trevor Clinkscales, Chelsey Marie Ezell, Randi Reynolds-Hugley, R. Blaine Jones, Ebony Lewis, Theodore Mitchell, Dana Stewart, Donald Charles Walker III and LaVonne A. Whitehead.

The afternoon, which was emceed by Niecy Dennis White, president of Workforce Development Global Alliance, not only recognized youth, but it also featured a word from Bill Neal, CEO of Achieving Greatness Inc.

Neal spoke of his accomplishments and gave the honorees  a few pieces of advice. He told them age is just a number and that one can achieve greatness, and continue to achieve greatness at any age; to always think of what can be done to help others as well as make their communities and professions better; and no matter what one does it takes hard work and a non-quitting attitude.

Along with Neal, the audience heard a brief message from Pittsburgh City League all-star basketball player hall of famer and former educator Leroy Freeman and Jacquet Bazemore, international Mixed Martial Arts legend and veteran; the men that Neal calls part of his “Team Champions.” Freeman said it’s easy to achieve greatness, but it’s even harder to maintain it and told the honorees the importance of continuing their works. Bazemore spoke briefly on encouraging others.

The event also included vendors, numerous door prizes, musical selections by Jocelyn Scott and participation from several past honorees such as Andrea Williams, Ashley Johnson, Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker and Phillip Woods. Young Gifted and Black recently became a nonprofit organization and this was the first year the annual awards program was not held under the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.