2001 Honorees - Strong Men & Women

Top Row from left: Adolphus C. Hailstork, Evelyn J. Fields, Carl M. Brashear Middle Row from left: Cathy L. Hughes, Guion S. Bluford Jr., Jean W. Cunningham Bottom Row from left: Henry E. Frye, Jean L. Harris, Curtis W. Harris

Guion S. Bluford, Jr. - 2001 Honoree

"You are paving the way for many others and making it plain that we are in an era of brotherhood here in our land." On the second day of the 1983 space shuttle Challenger mission, then U.S. President Ronald Reagan spoke these stirring words to Dr. Guion S. Bluford, Jr., the first African American to fly in space. With this first, Dr. Bluford broke the color barrier in space exploration.

He was taught by his parents to reach for the stars, literally. His mother was a teacher and his father an inventor and mechanical engineer. One of three sons, Dr. Bluford’s interest in space and aviation began as a child, when he constructed model airplanes.

During the Vietnam War, he flew 144 combat missions. His heroism was followed by stints as an instructor pilot and staff development engineer. Dr. Bluford is currently vice president of the Major Program Sector of the Federal Data Corporation, an information technology and engineering services company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native received a B.S. in aerospace engineering from Penn State University, an M.S. and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of Houston.

As a member of the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Board of Trustees of The Aerospace Corporation, Dr. Bluford continues to share his expertise with space and aviation professionals.

His work and accomplishments received appropriate recognition when Dr. Bluford was awarded Superior Service and three Meritorious Service Medals from the Department of Defense; Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service, Commendation and 10 Air Medals from the Air Force; Distinguished Service, Exceptional Service and four Space Flight Medals from NASA; the State of Pennsylvania’s Distinguished Service Medal; and 13 honorary doctorate degrees. He was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame in 1997.

Dr. Bluford shares with today’s youth the same advice he gave to the 1999 graduating class of Central State University in Dayton, Ohio: "Don’t be afraid to learn and don’t be afraid to explore. Take time to invest in yourselves."

Carl M. Brashear - 2001 Honoree

If Retired Navy Master Diver Carl Brashear’s life story reads like the plot of an action-packed movie, that’s because it is. Mr. Brashear was the Navy’s first African-American master diver and the first black deep-sea diver. He also was the subject of an inspirational, real-life Twentieth Century Fox movie, "Men of Honor," starring Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Born in a rural section of Kentucky to sharecroppers and the sixth of nine children, Mr. Brashear attended a one-room schoolhouse to only the eighth grade. He later earned a general equivalency diploma (GED) and continued his studies at a community college.

Mr. Brashear joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 in 1948. In 1953, after several attempts from superiors to dissuade him from pursuing his dream of becoming a navy diver, Brashear was assigned to diving school. As the only African American in his class, Mr. Brashear’s journey was challenging and fulfilling but filled with racial tension. Yet, he still pressed on.

He demonstrated his unending bravery and determination in 1966 after an injury sustained during a salvage operation resulted in the amputation of his leg. During the salvage operation, Mr. Brashear sacrificed his own health and well being to save the lives of several other sailors by pushing them out of the way of a heavy metal pipe.

In 1970, four years after the fateful accident, Mr. Brashear beat significant odds and received the title of Navy master diver. With yet another milestone achievement, he became the first person in naval history to be restored to full active duty as an amputee.

His phenomenal naval career ended with his 1979 retirement. He continued his quest for success through civil service employment, beginning as an engineering specialist in 1982 and ending as an environmentalist specialist in 1993 when he retired. His rapid advancement and accomplishments earned him one of the nation’s highest peacetime awards, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and the second highest civil service award, the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

The Virginia Beach, Virginia resident shares with America’s youth the key to his success: "Love yourself, develop a positive attitude, set a goal and work toward it with all your might."

Jean W. Cunningham - 2001 Honoree

When Jean Cunningham returned to Virginia more than 20 years ago after living in other parts of the country, she took the legal and political communities by storm. As a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1986 until she retired in 1997, Ms. Cunningham was a passionate and effective advocate for the needs of Virginia families.

As an elected official, the Hampton, Virginia native helped to create laws and policies to help guide Virginia into a century of peace and prosperity. Ms. Cunningham is perhaps best known for her advocacy of gun control legislation and public education. In addition, over the years, she served as a chief patron on adoption, domestic violence and patient privacy legislation.

A graduate of Virginia State University (VSU) and Howard University School of Law, Ms. Cunningham has been a trailblazer and precedent-setting leader of great accomplishment, basing her life’s work in public service. She is currently the human resources director for the Construction/Distribution Global Business Unit of Reynolds Metals in Richmond.

Ms. Cunningham has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including VSU’s Board of Visitors and the Virginia State Social Services Board, to which she was appointed by former Virginia Governor Chuck Robb. Currently, she serves on the board of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and is a member of the Links and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., public-service organizations.

Ms. Cunningham’s accomplishments are especially significant, because with the loss of her husband in 1984, she overcame personal tragedy to singlehandedly raise three children and make her mark in the Virginia legislature and in life.

In honor of her strong leadership and advocacy, Ms. Cunningham has received several awards, including the YWCA Outstanding Woman of the Year Award in Law, the 1998 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus and the Advocate of the Year Award from the Virginians Against Handgun Violence.

Ms. Cunningham has helped change the course of Virginia history and, in doing so, has also set a new standard for African-American women throughout the state of Virginia. She urges today’s youth to set a new standard and make major contributions to their communities.

Evelyn J. Fields - 2001 Honoree

Evelyn Fields grew up knowing she would go to college one day, because her parents told her so from her earliest childhood. Little did her parents know, however, that their belief in her and their strong commitment to education would underlie her future of continual "firsts."

Her uniform speaks volumes - distinction, authority and respect. Her title speaks of the strides made by thousands of African-American military personnel. Her accomplishments speak for themselves.

Rear Admiral Evelyn Fields is the first African American and first woman to become director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officers Corps, the nation’s seventh uniformed service. Nominated by U.S. President Bill Clinton, she was confirmed for the position by the U.S. Senate and officially assumed her command in July 1999.

The NOAA Commissioned Officers Corps is a small, elite corps of officers, all with college degrees in science, engineering or mathematics, who serve within the many environmental research programs of NOAA.

Armed with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Adm. Fields graduated from Norfolk State College (now Norfolk State University) in 1971. She began her career with NOAA as a civilian cartographer at the Atlantic Marine Center in Norfolk, Virginia in 1972. One year later, when NOAA began recruiting women into its commissioned service, she became the first African-American woman to join the Corps.

Now the most senior woman in the Corps, Adm. Fields not only serves as Corps director but as director of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, another first. This office operates and manages the agency’s fleet of environmental research ships and aircraft.

During her career, the Norfolk, Virginia native has received a variety of commendations and awards, most recently, the 1999 Ralph M. Metcalfe Health, Education and Science Award from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

To the next generation of trailblazers, the Admiral offers these words of encouragement: "The secret to success is in yourself, your own drive and determination and ability to make your own opportunities. You will also need all the courage you can muster, the type of courage that allows you to take chances and make mistakes, but most of all, to believe in yourself."

Henry E. Frye - 2001 Honoree

In 1999, newspaper headlines across the state of North Carolina screamed, "Gov. Hunt Appoints Henry Frye N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice." The pride swelled among many North Carolinians when they realized the significance of the historical appointment: Henry E. Frye is the first African American to serve as chief justice in the state’s history.

Born in Ellerbe, Richmond County (North Carolina) to Walter and Pearl Frye, Justice Frye has worked for fairness throughout his life. In 1968, he became the first African American elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives this century. He served in the North Carolina State House until 1980 when he was elected to the N.C. Senate, serving until 1982.

In 1983, Justice Frye was appointed to the North Carolina Supreme Court. This appointment accomplished another first, making him the first African American to serve on the North Carolina Supreme Court. He successfully ran for eight-year terms on the Supreme Court in 1984 and 1992.

Justice Frye’s powerful and articulate leadership has extended to the military and banking industry. In the 1950s, Justice Frye served two years in the U.S. Air Force and continued active duty in the Air Force Reserves, where he reached the rank of Captain. Also, he founded Greensboro National Bank (now Mutual Community Savings Bank) and served as its president from 1971 until 1981.

The pioneer received a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A & T State University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina (UNC)-Chapel Hill School of Law, where he graduated with honors.

Justice Frye’s numerous awards and honors affirm his leadership. He has been honored with the Charles D. McIver Medal from UNC-Greensboro for outstanding achievement in education, the first North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Excellence Award and the UNC-Chapel Hill Distinguished Alumnus Award.

As a member of the National Black Child Development Institute, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Frye’s community involvement is another testament to his commitment to North Carolinians.

Justice Frye imparts words of wisdom upon today’s youth: "Develop good habits - they will serve you well throughout life."

Adolphus C. Hailstork - 2001 Honoree

Dr. Adolphus Hailstork’s heavenly creations are truly music to our ears. As a world-renowned composer and well-respected college professor, the Rochester, New York native has gained a reputation as one of the greatest composers in the nation.

Dr. Hailstork’s love of music began as a child, when he studied the art. After 40 years as an active composer, the musical genius has delighted audiences around the country.

Hailstork has captured the attention of the masses by writing numerous works for chorus, solo voice, chamber ensembles, band and orchestra. Three of Dr. Hailstork’s largest and most frequently performed choral works are Songs of Isaiah (written for the Boys Choir of Harlem), the oratorio Done Made My Vow and the cantata I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes. These and other award-winning works have been performed by major orchestras, including those in Philadelphia, Chicago and New York.

Done Made My Vow was performed by the Long Island Philharmonic several years ago. Combining classical music, gospel, spiritual themes and the spoken word, the work evoked great emotion from the music director of the orchestra, who called it "a magnificent, moving piece." A member of the accompanying chorus said she lent her voice to the performance, because she "wanted to sing a work by an African-American composer still living."

Dr. Hailstork received a bachelor’s degree in music from Howard University; bachelor’s and master’s degrees in composition from the Manhattan School of Music in New York; and a doctorate in composition from Michigan State University.

As a professor of music and composer-in-residence at Norfolk State University in Virginia for more than 20 years, Dr. Hailstork made the art of music accessible to generations of students. The Virginia Beach resident recently joined the faculty of Old Dominion University in Norfolk as a professor of music.

Future musicians and composers could learn from Dr. Hailstork’s philosophy: "Have a dream, learn your craft, work hard. Step outside of the boxes of tradition and expectation."

Curtis W. Harris - 2001 Honoree

In 1960, he was arrested and sentenced to 60 days in jail for sitting in at a segregated drugstore in Hopewell, Virginia. In 1987, he led a march against discrimination in Colonial Heights, Virginia. In 1996, he filed a discrimination complaint against a Fort Lee, Virginia military unit.

Rev. Curtis Harris has been heralded as a religious, social, civic and political leader for more than 40 years. As Hopewell, Virginia’s first African-American mayor, as past president of the Virginia State Unit of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and as pastor of Union Baptist Church in Hopewell, Rev. Harris has spent a lifetime working for the rights of others.

Rev. Harris was born in Surry County, Virginia and was raised in the inner city of Hopewell and educated in its public schools. He graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School and continued his education at Virginia Union University.

From his sit-ins to his marches with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Harris’ early leadership was crucial to the Civil Rights Movement. He has dedicated his life to activism and has waged tireless campaigns as a past president of the Hopewell chapter of the NAACP and the Virginia State Unit of the SCLC. Currently, he is a member of the SCLC National Board of Directors and the U.S. Committee on Civil Rights.

Countless organizations have honored the man who has risked his life to champion the rights of African Americans. Rev. Harris has earned the Support of Children Award from the City of Hopewell School Board, the Unmatched Determination Award from the national board of the SCLC, the Lifetime Service to Fellowmen Award from the Surry County Citizens Forum and the Real Dream Award from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Life Institute.

Because of the struggle for survival that young people are confronted with today, Rev. Harris shares these words to guide them: "As the little lad freely gave of his lunch, two fishes and five barley loaves, which was magnified by Christ and became the supper for thousands, so does every young person have something that Christ can use to supply the needs of others."

Jean L. Harris, M.D. - 2001 Honoree

Dr. Jean Harris’ journey to excellence began in Richmond, Virginia, where she was born and raised. In 1951, the journey took her to the Medical College of Virginia (MCV), where she was admitted as the first African American and one of six women in a class of more than 100 students. Almost 50 years later, the journey has taken the visionary to Eden Prairie, Minnesota, where she serves as mayor.

Dr. Harris graduated with honors from Virginia Union University, where she received a B.S. in chemistry. Her admission into MCV came at a time when women were not admitted into medical schools, and no African Americans had ever been admitted into an institution of higher education in Virginia.

Dr. Harris’ distinguished career has spanned the academic, medical, corporate and public-service arenas. She has taught at several universities and has headed Medicare and Medicaid programs, foundations, medical school programs and private practices.

In 1978, she was appointed Secretary of Human Resources in the Commonwealth of Virginia — the first woman and the first African American to hold such a post. In 1982, she became vice president of a Minnesota corporation, becoming one of the first female vice presidents of a Fortune 500 company. In 1992, she accepted her most recent appointment as the first senior associate director and director of medical affairs at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics.

The mayor has been honored by Dollars and Sense magazine as one of the Top 100 Black Business and Professional Women and featured in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who Among American Women.

In addition to her board memberships and civic activities in Minnesota, Dr. Harris continues to touch lives in Virginia. At Virginia Union University, she has established the J.L. Harris Scholarship for minority students in the sciences of math, physics, biology and chemistry. A scholarship at MCV was created for minority students interested in medicine.

Dr. Harris confers these wise words to America’s youth: "Retain some measure of control over your life by doing everything possible to become a player rather than a bystander. Take the calculated risk! Don’t let your life just happen. Live it!"

Cathy L. Hughes - 2001 Honoree

Radio listeners around the country can thank Cathy Hughes for creating the "Quiet Storm," the most listened to nighttime radio format in the country and currently heard in more than 50 markets across the nation.

Like this popular format, Ms. Hughes has taken the radio industry by storm. She is the founder and chairperson of Radio One, Inc., the largest African-American owned and operated broadcast company in the United States.

The Radio One properties consist of 20 FM stations and seven AM stations in nine of the top 20 African-American radio markets, including Richmond. With its stations reaching over two million black listeners on a daily basis, Radio One is often recognized as the "voice of black America."

The Omaha, Nebraska, native began her radio career in 1973 as general sales manager at Howard University’s station, where she created the "Quiet Storm" format. Seven years later, Ms. Hughes purchased her first radio station.

Active community involvement is a trademark of Radio One and Ms. Hughes herself. Her major community service projects include her sponsorship of the Piney Woods Summer Camp, which allows inner city youth to spend the summer at a highly-successful African-American boarding school in Mississippi. In addition, she sponsors "Dream Feast," where celebrity servers feed and fellowship with the homeless.

Ms. Hughes has been recognized by the Capitol Press Club, the Washington, D.C. Chamber of Commerce, and Impact and Billboard magazines. Essence magazine recognized her as one of 100 who have "changed the world," and she has been profiled in Emerge, Broadcast & Cable and Forbes magazines.

In May 1999, Ms. Hughes and her son, Alfred Liggins, took Radio One public and joined the ranks of only a few black-owned companies on the stock market. This venture made Ms. Hughes the first African-American woman with a company on the stock exchange and boosted Radio One’s reported value to more than $1 billion.

The radio extraordinaire shares her heart-felt advice: "Always put God first in all things, and then you can embrace the God Spirit that is in all of us. With God as your partner, there are no limits on what you can achieve and receive."

2002 Honorees - Strong Men & Women

Top Row from left: Gregory T. Hinton, Elaine R. Jones, Louis Stokes Middle Row from left: Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., Melissa Ward, Ralph Campbell, Jr. Bottom Row from left: Edwin L. Edwards, Sr., Jewell Jackson McCabe, Jerrauld C.

Jones

Ralph Campbell, Jr. - 2002 Honorees

One of the missions of Ralph Campbell, Jr.’s office is to seek ways for government to work better and smarter and to assure honest and efficient government. This responsible philosophy received a vote of confidence – literally – on January 9, 1993.

On this day, Mr. Campbell was inaugurated as North Carolina state auditor, becoming the first African American in the state’s history to win a statewide, elected executive office and sit on the prestigious Council of State of North Carolina.

A Raleigh native, Mr. Campbell received his undergraduate degree in business administration from Saint Augustine’s College in 1968.

Before assuming his current post, Mr. Campbell served as field auditor of the North Carolina Department of Revenue, plan auditor with the North Carolina State Health Benefits Office and administrative officer of the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

He ran for the Raleigh City Council in 1985, winning the District C seat. His unyielding commitment to his district and the African-American community, as well as his dedication to all Raleigh citizens, earned him the respect of many across the city.

In 1989, following his election to a third term on the City Council, Mr. Campbell was elected by his fellow Council members to serve as mayor pro tem, stepping in to assist the mayor when needed, as well as continuing to serve as a leader for the Council on key issues for all the citizens of Raleigh.

Mr. Campbell has been recognized many times with awards such as the Omega Man of the Year Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and honorary doctorates from Saint Augustine’s College and Shaw University for his service to the community. His personal dedication to public service and the integrity of public office have earned him the Integrity Award presented by the Auditor General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Health and Human Services Award for Distinguished Service.

To America’s upward-bound youth, Mr. Campbell makes this promise: “An incredible journey awaits those who prepare themselves educationally and have a quest for lifelong learning.”

Edwin L. Edwards, Sr. - 2002 Honoree

On January 15, 1991, Edwin Lee Edwards, Sr. orchestrated a deal that attracted the attention of the entire nation, giving him the distinction of becoming one of the first African Americans to own a top 20-market television station.

With his career spanning more than 30 years, Mr. Edwards is considered one of the most influential people in the broadcasting industry. He began as a runner for a small local radio station (WABQ 1540 AM) in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.

By the time he finished high school, he had become one of the most popular disc jockeys at the station and has never looked back.

Over the years, Mr. Edwards carved out a reputation for being one of the most talented and popular personalities in the business. His talent and genuine love for the industry would assist him in gaining employment opportunities with such notable companies as NBC, Westinghouse and the Sinclair Broadcast Group, three of the giants in the industry.

His burning desire to better understand the business behind broadcasting lured him away from the microphone to accept an engineering position with WKYC Television (an NBC-owned and operated station in Cleveland). From there, Mr. Edwards moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he served as special program development manager at WPTT Television (now WCWB) in Pittsburgh. He then moved up the corporate ladder, advancing in rank to become the community affairs manager, operations manager, station manager and, ultimately, general manager – the top post.

When he set his sights on ownership, Mr. Edwards acquired a top 20-market television station, WPTT – the same one where he developed and polished his management skills. Today, he is one of only a handful of minorities in ownership. Since the purchase of his first station, he has acquired seven others.

Several organizations are the beneficiaries of Mr. Edwards’ time and talent, including the Association of Local Television Stations, Black Broadcasters Alliance, Boy Scouts of America, Civic Light Opera, Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and Urban League of Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, resident believes “It is important that young people surround themselves with successful people, because, in most cases, success breeds success. It’s contagious.”

Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. - 2002 Honoree

The first African American to command a U.S. Navy warship. The first African American to command an American warship under combat conditions since the Civil War. The first African American to command a major naval warship.

And... the first African-American admiral. The first African American to rise to the rank of vice admiral. The first African American to command a U.S. fleet.

Six “firsts.” 38 years. One man – retired Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, on June 4, 1922, Admiral Gravely left Virginia Union University after two years of study to enlist in the Navy Reserves in 1942.

For the next four years, he trained as a fireman apprentice; became the first African American commissioned as an officer from the Navy Reserve Officer Training Course and served as the assistant battalion commander for new recruits. In 1946, Admiral Gravely was released from active duty but remained in the Naval Reserves. He returned to his hometown to complete his bachelor’s degree in history.

Admiral Gravely was recalled to active duty in 1949. As part of the Navy’s response to U.S. President Truman’s Executive Order to desegregate the Armed Services, his initial assignment was to recruit African Americans in the Washington, D.C. area.

In August 1975, Admiral Gravely assumed duties as commander of the Eleventh Naval District. His last tour of duty, before retiring in August 1980, was as director of the Defense Communications Agency.

Since retiring, the admiral has worked for several industrial firms, including Automated Business Systems and Services and CTEC, as vice president for Navy programs. Currently, he is a member emeritus of the Draper Laboratory Board of Directors and chairman of the Tredegar National Civil War Center Foundation Board.

Like he has advised many Navy recruits, Admiral Gravely offers this to today’s youth: “Success in life is the result of several factors. My formula is simply education plus motivation plus perseverance. Education is paramount. Motivation: one must decide what he wants to do in life, how best to get there and to proceed relentlessly towards that goal. Perseverance: The ability to steadfastly proceed to your goal despite all obstacles. It is the ability to overcome.”

Gregory T. Hinton - 2002 Honoree

"After interviewing Mr. Hinton, I took some time to think about what we had talked about. Many times, I have wondered what is wrong with the world and why everybody is just looking out for number one. It took me a long time to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Right now that light is almost blinding, but what a way to go blind.

"I believe that I am a much better person for knowing Mr. Hinton. As an instructor, he makes people want to learn, but as a person, he makes me have faith in the future."

These words of a Fairmont State College student who interviewed Dr. Gregory T. Hinton for a class assignment ring true for many.

A lawyer, teacher and public servant, Dr. Hinton was born in Marion County, West Virginia, and is a lifelong resident of the state. Currently professor of business law at Fairmont State College (FSC) in West Virginia, Dr. Hinton was the first African-American mayor of the City of Fairmont.

Dr. Hinton has proven his commitment to his legal, academic and civic responsibilities by balancing all three. A graduate of FSC and the West Virginia University College of Law, Dr. Hinton has practiced in state and federal courts and served as special counsel to the governor.

A strong proponent of racial diversity, Dr. Hinton served as the coordinator for the race, class and gender program at FSC and was instrumental in the addition of black history courses to the college’s curriculum.

While serving on the Fairmont City Council for almost 10 years, two of those years as mayor, Dr. Hinton lived by his personal motto of being committed to fairness, firmness, forthrightness and integrity.

He has been selected as the West Virginia Outstanding Black Attorney, Carnegie Foundation West Virginia Teacher of the Year and Jaycees Outstanding Young Man in America.

The single parent of three adult children, Dr. Hinton encourages America’s students to “Evaluate yourself by your efforts, not the results. Never use the results or efforts of others to judge yourself. You know, better than anyone else, when you have given your best.”

Elaine R. Jones - 2002 Honoree

The daughter of a Pullman porter and a college-educated school teacher, Elaine R. Jones learned about the realities of racism and the importance of idealism from her parents.

In 1993, when Ms. Jones became the first woman to be appointed president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), she brought with her vast experience as a litigator and civil rights activist as well as a passion for fairness and equality. The LDF, which is not part of the NAACP, is the nation’s oldest law firm fighting for equal rights and justice for people of color, women and the poor.

After graduating with honors in political science from Howard University, Ms. Jones joined the Peace Corps and became one of the first African Americans to serve in Turkey. Following her two-year Peace Corps stint, she became the first African-American woman to enroll in the University of Virginia School of Law and, subsequently, the first to graduate.

Only two years out of law school, Ms. Jones was counsel of record in Furman v. Georgia, a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that abolished the death penalty in 37 states for 12 years. As the legislative advocate in LDF’s Washington D.C. office, she played a key role in securing passage of legislative milestones such as the Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982, Fair Housing Act of 1988, Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988 and Civil Rights Act of 1991.

Ms. Jones’ leadership in the struggle for equality has earned her numerous awards and honors. In 2000, U.S. President Bill Clinton presented her with the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award. She is included among Ebony magazine’s 10 Most Powerful Black Women and 100+ Most Influential Black Americans for the year 2001.

Touting individuality, Ms. Jones offers invaluable advice to today’s youth: “If you let someone else set your standard, whether it’s physical appearance, academic achievement or economic success, then you will never be content with who you are. Your purpose should be to set your own standard, not to catch up or to beat out somebody else. Once you can really value your individuality, you have all you need.”

Jerrauld C. Jones - 2002 Honoree

In 1980, he became the first African American to serve as a law clerk for the Supreme Court of Virginia. More than 20 years later, Virginia Delegate and Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Jerrauld C. Jones has been hailed as one of the most effective and prolific spokespersons for the state’s 1.2 million African Americans.

In 1961, he integrated his elementary school and again tore down racial barriers in 1968, when he entered the Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, Virginia, graduating in 1972. Delegate Jones earned his baccalaureate degree with honors from Princeton University in 1976 and, four years later, was awarded a law degree from the Washington and Lee University School of Law.

Delegate Jones chairs the Virginia House of Delegates standing committee on the Chesapeake Bay and has led the Virginia Commission on Youth. He has demonstrated his position of leadership within the General Assembly over the years as a member of the Finance; Transportation; Courts of Justice; and Corporations, Insurance and Banking committees. Recognized nationally as an expert on juvenile crime, Delegate Jones was appointed by U.S. President Bill Clinton to serve as a delegate to the White House Conference on Youth, Drug Use and Violence.

He is also a partner in the largest minority-owned law firm in Hampton Roads, Virginia. During his legal career, he has established a reputation as a zealous trial lawyer who has handled many high-profile cases.

Delegate Jones further supports the community by serving on the boards of directors for Sentara Health Systems, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Norfolk Marine Institute and the Urban League of Hampton Roads.

For his outstanding achievements, Delegate Jones was awarded the National Conference of Christians and Jews Humanitarian Award for community service, selected as the Virginia Parent Teacher Association’s (PTA) Child Advocate of the Year, presented with Old Dominion University’s award for outstanding service named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honored with the United Negro College Fund’s “Flamebearer for Education” award.

The lawmaker encourages today’s youth to “begin to develop goals very early in life and then work tirelessly toward them. Those goals should include a deep commitment to self-improvement.”

Jewell Jackson McCabe - 2002 Honoree

"We hear that behind every great man is a woman. It has been my experience that behind every great effort and achievement in society goes a Black woman or a group of Black women being unrecognized.” New York Times, October 26, 1981.

The same year that she made this powerful statement, Jewell Jackson McCabe founded the National Coalition of 100 Black Women as a leadership forum to engage professional black women in a network to meet their career needs and the needs of their communities and to facilitate their access to mainstream America.

The organization boasts a membership of 7,000 women in 25 states and Washington, D.C.

With wide-ranging experience in the public and private sectors, Ms. McCabe is a businesswoman and consultant to major corporations, cultural and civic institutions; serves on a variety of boards; and is a presidential, gubernatorial and mayoral appointee.

As president of Jewell Jackson McCabe Associates, Inc. – a management consulting firm specializing in strategic communications – Ms. McCabe has advised a wide range of organizations in the private and public sector. These include American Express, IBM, Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (Panasonic) and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.

McCabe shares her varied expertise and knowledge as a member of the boards of Alight.Com, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Manhattan, the New York City Investment Fund, L.I.C. and Reliance Group Holdings, Inc.

Appointed by U.S. President Bill Clinton to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, Ms. McCabe serves on the Council’s Education and Community Outreach Committee and Committee on Conscience. New York Governor Mario M. Cuomo appointed her to the New York State Council on Fiscal and Economic Priorities and New York State Job Training Partnership Council. Her mayoral appointments include membership on the New York City Commission on the Status of Women.

To young women and men alike, Ms. McCabe shares her philosophy: “There is no formula for success… One must manage expectations with an understanding that in order to be in the right place at the right time, one may have to be in the wrong place 90 percent of the time. In other words, your effort must be 24/7: 365.”

Louis Stokes - 2002 Honoree

On November 6, 1968, Louis Stokes was elected to the U.S. Congress on his first try for public office, becoming the first African-American member of Congress from the state of Ohio.

Each year since 1971, Congressman Stokes has been named by Ebony magazine as one of the 100 most influential Black Americans. In 1979, he was nominated by Ebony magazine in three categories for the Second Annual American Black Achievement Awards. His nomination was based upon his role as the first African American to head a major congressional investigation and to preside over nationally televised hearings, which revealed new facts about the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

In his second term of office, the congressional representative was appointed as the first African American to sit on the powerful Appropriations Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition, Congressman Stokes has served as a member of the Budget, Education and Labor, and House Un-American Activities Committees (now the House Internal Security Committee).

A graduate of Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University’s law school, Congressman Stokes practiced law for 14 years in Cleveland, Ohio, prior to his election.

Congressman Stokes can be proud of his family’s achievements in addition to his own. His brother, Municipal Court Judge Carl B. Stokes, made history in Cleveland in 1967 by becoming the first African-American mayor of a major American city. Their mother, Louise Stokes, was named Cleveland’s Woman of the Year in 1968 and Ohio’s Mother of the Year in 1969.

In 1980, Congressman Stokes was awarded the William L. Dawson Award by his colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus. This coveted and prestigious award was presented to him in recognition of his “unique leadership in the development of legislation.”

The Cleveland native asks today’s youth to get back to the basics with this advice: “Stay in school. Learn everything you can learn. Be considerate of others. Be concerned about those who are around you and who are less fortunate than you. Reach back and help those less fortunate than you. Above all, believe in yourself.”

Melissa Ward - 2002 Honoree

Melissa (M’Lis) Ward has traveled millions of miles to get to her destination. As the first female African-American captain for a commercial airline, Captain Ward has been traveling down the path she saw her mother blaze as one of the first African-American women to graduate from the University of Chicago Medical School.

After graduating from high school in Chicago, Illinois, Captain Ward attended the University of Southern California (USC) on scholarships. While at USC, she was a member of the two-time national champion women’s basketball team and graduated in 1986 with a bachelor of science in business administration and a regular commission in the United States Air Force.

Captain Ward arrived at a Texas Air Force base as the first female African-American student in pilot training at that base. After graduation, she reached another milestone as the first African-American female to receive a fighter pilot rating. Her first assignment was as a flight instructor, where after graduating, she achieved distinction as the Air Force’s first African-American female instructor pilot.

She instructed from 1988 until 1991, when she received a new assignment to fly in aircraft commander and co-pilot positions. After six years and having achieved the rank of captain, Captain Ward transferred to the Tennessee Air National Guard, where she continued to fly. It was at this time that she was hired as a flight officer by United Airlines.

After serving for two years in the Air National Guard, Captain Ward decided to become an interactive reserve of the armed forces and concentrate solely on commercial aviation. Captain Ward’s career in commercial aviation began in 1992, when she was assigned as a second officer. She was soon promoted to first officer.

In 1998, Captain Ward made history by becoming the first female African-American captain for a commercial airline. The Denver, Colorado, resident is one of only eight African-American female pilots at United Airlines and one of only 12 nationwide.

To those young people who desire to soar with the eagles, Captain Ward offers these words: “Don’t accept ‘no’ for an answer. The only person holding you back is you. Do whatever you want in life, but do it well.”

2003 Honorees - Strong Men & Women

Top Row from left: K. Leroy Irvis, Belle S. Wheelan, Kenneth D. Gray Middle Row from left: Raymond H. Boone, Coretta Scott King, Roger L. Gregory,

Benjamin S. Ruffin Bottom Row from left: Donald J. Campbell, Joe Kennedy, Jr., Mary T. Christian

Raymond H. Boone - 2003 Honoree

Few journalists in Richmond, Virginia, make you stand up and take notice like Raymond H. Boone. His newspaper, editorials and lifework are often discussed in offices, homes and coffee shops throughout the Richmond metropolitan area.

Mr. Boone is the founder, editor and publisher of the Richmond Free Press, a premier African-American newspaper. He is also the founder, president and CEO of Paradigm Communications, Inc.

A native of Suffolk, Virginia, Mr. Boone earned a bachelor's degree from Boston University and a master's degree from Howard University. An early example of Mr. Boone's commitment to the Black press was his stint at the Washington Afro-American, for which he served as a White House reporter.

He returned to his native Virginia in 1965 to become editor of the Richmond Afro-American. Under Mr. Boone's leadership for 15 years, the Richmond Afro-American won numerous awards for journalistic excellence and crusades against racial injustice. Time magazine once credited him for bringing "sophistication and verve" to the Richmond Afro-American.

Mr. Boone joined the Howard University faculty in 1981, where he taught journalism for nearly nine years before establishing Paradigm Communications, Inc. in 1991.

Whether reporting from Cuba, Germany, Israel, Russia or downtown Richmond, Mr. Boone has courageously worked to advance human rights and to make Richmond and Virginia better places to live for all of its citizens, particularly those less fortunate. Black Enterprise magazine once hailed his brand of journalism as a model for the survival of black newspapers in America.

Mr. Boone has received three first-place editorial writing awards from the National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA). In 1996, the NNPA presented him and the Free Press its first-place Community Service Award in recognition of the newspaper's economic justice campaign.

In recognition of his "exceptional achievement," the journalism veteran was inducted into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame in 2000. Two years later, the United Negro College Fund presented Mr. Boone its Flame Bearer for Education Award.

The devoted human rights leader and journalist challenges America's young leaders to remember that "performing with excellence is one of the most powerful weapons against inequities."

Donald J. Campbell - 2003 Honoree

Since 1994, he has established unique partnerships with businesses, educational institutions and communities. These partnerships have helped to improve educational opportunities; encourage others to pursue careers in aeronautics; and boost the community's understanding of technology and aeronautics. He has handled these partnerships while managing an annual budget of $650 million and overseeing a workforce of 3,400.

Donald J. Campbell is director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the only African-American NASA Center director. The Center is engaged in research, technology, and systems development programs in aeronautical propulsion, space propulsion, space power, space communications and microgravity sciences in combustion and fluid physics.

Under Mr. Campbell's leadership, the Center has enabled or improved products such as Ben Hogan golf balls, LTV Steel continuous casting rollers, Moen bathroom fixtures, Goodyear tires and a Cleveland Clinic heart pump. The Center has used the atomic oxygen method to remove layers of smoke, grease and varnishes from aged paintings at renowned museums.

Partnerships with public school systems, universities, community colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities have resulted in the Center awarding millions of dollars in grants and resources to improve the quality of life for all.

Mr. Campbell, who earned a bachelor's degree at Ohio Northern University and a master's degree at Ohio State University, is a member of the board of directors of the American Red Cross. In addition, he is a member of the Kent State University Aeronautics Division Advisory Board and Ohio Northern University Board of Trustees.

His successful career in public service has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the Air Force Systems Command Certificate of Merit and the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He also received the Affirmative Action Award from the Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and was recently recognized with the Technical Excellence in Government and Engineer of the Year Award from the National Technical Association.

The native of Lima, Ohio, plants this seed in the minds of America's youth: "Prepare yourself for the unknown by being responsible, accountable and credible. Continue to remind yourself 'I will always do the very best I can.'"

Mary T. Christian - 2003 Honoree

"I learned as a young woman that life's battles don't always go to the smartest or the prettiest or the strongest. The person who wins is the one who believes he or she can. We must believe in ourselves before we can expect others to believe in us." - Mary T. Christian

Delegate Christian has proven time and again that people believe in her. She is the first African-American woman to serve on the Hampton School Board and the first African American since Reconstruction to represent the City of Hampton in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Born in Hampton, Delegate Christian earned a bachelor of science from Hampton Institute (now University), a master's degree from Columbia University and a doctorate from Michigan State University. She began her education career as an elementary school teacher in Hampton and later joined the faculty of Hampton University, where she served for almost 20 years. She retired in 1989 as the dean of the School of Education and is currently professor emerita.

Delegate Christian was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1986 and was among the first three African Americans appointed to the House Appropriations Committee. She continues to serve on the Appropriations Committee along with the Education and Rules Committees.

Many organizations have benefited from her experience in education and government. She serves on the boards of the Peninsula Association for Sickle Cell Anemia, American Lung Association and National Patient Advocate Foundation.

For her humanitarian efforts, the Peninsula Women's Forum presented Delegate Christian with the Inspirational Award in 2001, along with 100 Black Men of America, who bestowed upon her the Women of Courage Award in 2001. A visible testament to her legacy can be found at Thomas Nelson Community College, where Delegate Christian's name graces the campus auditorium.

"We must be prepared to offer both vision and solutions. Our vision must be one of empowerment, of taking those who have lost their sense of family and community and empowering them with a sense of pride and responsibility," says Delegate Christian.

Kenneth D. Gray - 2003 Honoree

Few people are blessed to embark on three careers in one lifetime, all equally distinguished. From a military career that spanned almost 30 years, to the profession that allowed him to combine his law skills and passion for people, to a career in education, Kenneth D. Gray has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service throughout his life.

Born in Excelsior, West Virginia, Mr. Gray received his bachelor's degree from West Virginia State College in 1966 and was commissioned a second lieutenant from the Reserve Officers Training Corps. In 1969, he received his law degree from West Virginia University and entered active duty in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC). He was the first African-American General Officer in the JAGC.

In April 1997, Mr. Gray retired from the Army and, one month later, became vice president for student affairs at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia.

His career took off in the 1970s, when he served as a defense counsel and command judge advocate in Vietnam, worked as an assistant military affairs officer and later became the senior instructor at a Judge Advocate General's School. During the 1980s, Mr. Gray served as the staff judge advocate and chief of the Personnel, Plans and Training Office. In 1991, he was promoted to brigadier general and was promoted in 1993 to major general and sworn in as the assistant judge advocate general.

Gray's military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal (the highest award for service in the military), the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal.

In 2000, the Kenneth D. Gray Award was created by the West Virginia University (WVU) Student Organization in Mr. Gray's honor and is awarded on an annual basis to student leaders who exhibit exemplary leadership skills. In 2001, he was selected by the WVU Alumni Association as the WVU Outstanding Alumnus.

Mr. Gray shares these words of wisdom: "My grandmother used to tell me that nothing will be handed to you, and you have to work hard to be successful. She also said that sometimes you have to climb up the rough side of the mountain to reach your goals."

Roger L. Gregory - 2003 Honoree

Named one of the "75 Top Black College Students in America" by Black Enterprise magazine in 1975, 26 years later, the Honorable Roger L. Gregory became the first African American appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The Fourth Circuit encompasses the states of Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. It has the highest percentage of African-American residents of any Circuit in the nation.

Judge Gregory grew up in Petersburg, Virginia. His parents, the late George and Fannie Gregory, worked at the local tobacco factory and instilled in him at an early age that, with God and hard work, he could achieve all things.

In 1975, Judge Gregory graduated with honors from Virginia State University with a bachelor of arts degree and earned a law degree from the University of Michigan. After stints at law firms in Michigan and Virginia, he formed the law firm of Wilder & Gregory with L. Douglas Wilder.

After Wilder was elected governor of Virginia, Gregory became managing partner of Wilder & Gregory. He served as managing partner and head of the litigation section of the firm until his appointment to the Court.

Along with a passion for justice, Judge Gregory is equally dedicated to community service. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Richmond Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Virginia State University, Christian Children's Fund and Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.

Among his varied awards and recognitions, Judge Gregory has been named one of "Virginia's Top 25 Best and Brightest" by Commonwealth magazine and one of the "56 Most Intriguing Blacks of 2001" by Ebony magazine. In addition, he was honored with the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews and the Gertrude E. Rush Award, one of the National Bar Association's highest recognitions.

The drum major for justice passes the baton to America's future: "In spite of the burdens of circumstance, maintain the character and courage to meet any challenge. Do not be afraid to pursue your dreams. Fear may trouble your mind for a moment, but faith will sustain your heart for a lifetime."

K. Leroy Irvis - 2003 Honoree

As a young community activist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, K. Leroy Irvis organized the first demonstration in the United States against downtown department stores for their discriminatory hiring practices against African Americans.

That determination and leadership have served him well many years later. Mr. Irvis, the retired Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, was the first African-American Speaker of the House in Pennsylvania. He was elected to serve in that position for the first time in 1977.

In 1983, he was again elected Speaker and served until 1988, longer than anyone else in this century. He is currently the Distinguished Presidential Scholar at Temple University.

A native of Saugerties, New York, Mr. Irvis graduated with honors from New York State Teachers College (now the University of the State of New York at Albany), received a master's degree from the University of New York at Albany and earned a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Irvis' political career began in 1958, when he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was re-elected to that seat for 15 consecutive terms. Mr. Irvis has sponsored over 1,600 pieces of legislation addressing education, civil rights, health, consumer protection, prison reform, housing and governmental reform. He also introduced on the floor of the House the idea of a community college system in Pennsylvania and is considered the "father" of the system.

Many organizations have honored Irvis for his public service, including the NAACP, University of Pennsylvania, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania and Community College of Harrisburg. He was a trustee of the University of Pittsburgh and a member of the University of Pittsburgh Medical School Advisory Committee. In 2001, the University of Pittsburgh opened the K. Leroy Irvis Reading Room as a part of the Distinguished Hillman Library.

The model airplane enthusiast advises students to "Get to know yourself! Find out what your abilities are and keep adding new ones! Never let anyone tell you what you cannot do - unless to do it would be foolish or impossible. Be sure that you climb and help someone else to climb. Keep learning!"

Joe Kennedy, Jr. - 2003 Honoree

When Joe Kennedy, Jr.'s grandfather, Saunders C. Bennett, Sr., introduced him to the violin in McDonald, Pennsylvania, in the early 1930s, the experience changed his life. Touted "the cleanest violin we've ever heard" by DownBeat magazine in 1949, Mr. Kennedy is now a world-renowned violinist, educator, composer and arranger.

During World War II, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native performed with the Camp Lee Symphony Orchestra in Petersburg, Virginia. After the war, Mr. Kennedy cut his Jazz teeth as a member of the Four Strings. The group's debut album was entitled Trends and received a highly favorable review in DownBeat magazine.

Mr. Kennedy received a bachelor's degree from Virginia State College (now University) and earned a master's degree from Duquesne University. He served the Richmond Public Schools System (Virginia) for 32 years as instrumental music specialist, supervisor of music and supervisor of secondary arts and humanities.

Mr. Kennedy and Dr. Thomas Bridge became the first African-American members of the Richmond Symphony. Mr. Kennedy was the symphony's resident violinist from 1963 until 1981.

Many of Virginia's college students have benefitted from Mr. Kennedy's talent and expertise. He was the director of band at Virginia Union University and served as an adjunct faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 1984, Mr. Kennedy was selected as director of jazz studies at Virginia Tech and retired as professor emeritus from the university in 1995.

Mr. Kennedy has arranged, recorded and traveled abroad with many musical greats and performed at numerous concerts and festivals throughout the United States and Europe. Compositions like "Be Sure," "Tempo," "Surreal," and "Opticas," have received critical acclaim, and "Sketches for Solo Violin, Jazz Trio and Symphony Orchestra" has been performed by orchestras in Georgia, Delaware and New York.

In 1999, Mr. Kennedy received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Theresa Pollak Prizes For Excellence In the Arts. In addition, he was honored with the 2001 Living Legacy Jazz Award from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation and a commendation from the 2002 Virginia General Assembly.

The husband and father of two imparts the key to success: "Pursue education and with hard work, your dreams will lead to success."

Coretta Scott King - 2003 Honoree

Beside every great man is a great woman. She has stood beside many great men, including Pope John Paul, the Dalai Lama, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela and her late husband, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And in her own right, Coretta Scott King has become one of the most influential women leaders in our world today.

Born and raised in Marion, Alabama, Mrs. King graduated valedictorian from Lincoln High School. She received a bachelor's degree in music and education from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and then went on to study concert singing at Boston's New England Conservatory of Music, where she earned a degree in voice and violin.

She entered the world stage in 1955 as Dr. King's wife and as a leading participant in the American Civil Rights Movement. Her remarkable partnership with Dr. King resulted not only in four talented children but a life devoted to the highest values of human dignity in service to social change.

Since her husband's assassination in 1968, Mrs. King has devoted much of her energy to building the Atlanta-based Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change as a living memorial to her husband's life and dream. Another of her greatest legacies is the massive educational and lobbying campaign that Mrs. King spearheaded to establish Dr. King's birthday as a national holiday.

Mrs. King has traveled throughout the nation and world speaking out on behalf of racial and economic justice, women's and children's rights, gay and lesbian dignity, religious freedom, the needs of the poor and homeless, health care, educational opportunities and nuclear disarmament.

Mrs. King has received honorary doctorates from over 40 colleges and universities, and has authored three books and a nationally syndicated column. She has served, and helped found, many organizations, including the Black Leadership Forum, National Black Coalition for Voter Participation, Black Leadership Roundtable, Full Employment Action Council, Coalition of Conscience and Soviet-American Women's Summit.

She calls on all young Americans who want to fulfill the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. "to study his teachings, embrace his philosophy and get involved in community service and nonviolent action for social change."

Benjamin S. Ruffin - 2003 Honoree

"Educator, civic leader, humanitarian… Benjamin Ruffin... Cradling mankind by giving, loving and investing his precious time." These words were written as part of a celebration to honor distinguished African-American men from North Carolina. Many people echo these sentiments.

Mr. Ruffin made history in 1998, when he was elected the first African-American chairman of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, the policy-making body of the 16-campus university system. In addition, he is the president of The RUFFIN Group, a consulting firm in Winston--Salem, North Carolina.

A native of Durham, North Carolina, Mr. Ruffin holds a bachelor's degree from North Carolina Central University and a master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Early in his career, Mr. Ruffin worked as special assistant to North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. During his tenure, Mr. Ruffin helped to increase the number of black judges in the state and the number of black state employees.

He joined the R. J. Reynolds family in 1986 as director of corporate affairs for RJR Nabisco and was appointed vice president of corporate affairs at R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1989. Ten years later, he resigned his position and remains an advisor to the company.

Mr. Ruffin's gives of himself by serving on the boards of local YMCAs, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the National Urban League. Also, he serves as chairman of the corporate roundtable of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and the North Carolina Institute for Minority Economic Development. He is a member of the NAACP and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

The recipient of the NAACP Kelly M. Alexander Humanitarian Award and the Donald H. McGannon Citation by the National Urban League, Mr. Ruffin has been honored with Dollars & Sense magazine's Blackbook Award for professional achievements.

To future trailblazers, Mr. Ruffin says, "You can achieve whatever you set out to accomplish. A positive attitude, coupled with a strong aptitude, will determine your altitude in life. It is not where you are coming from but where you are going, and it is not what your name is but the name you make for yourself."

Belle S. Wheelan - 2003 Honoree

From 1998 until 2001, as the president of Northern Virginia Community College, the Honorable Belle S. Wheelan wowed students, faculty, staff and supporters of the College with her intelligence, quick wit and innovative ideas.

Dr. Wheelan was introduced to the rest of the Commonwealth of Virginia in December 2001, when she was appointed to Virginia Governor Mark Warner's cabinet as secretary of education. She is the first African-American female to serve in this capacity.

Dr. Wheelan received a bachelor of arts degree from Trinity University with a double major in psychology and sociology. She later enrolled in Louisiana State University and received a master of arts degree in developmental/educational psychology. In 1984, Dr. Wheelan earned a doctoral degree in educational administration from the University of Texas.

Dr. Wheelan has served in leadership positions at four Virginia community colleges: dean of student services at Thomas Nelson Community College; the provost of the Portsmouth Campus of Tidewater Community College; president of Central Virginia Community College; and president of Northern Virginia Community College, the second largest community college in the nation. She was the first African-American female to serve as president of a two- or four-year public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Dr. Wheelan holds memberships in numerous state and national organizations, including the Presidents' Round Table of the National Council on Black American Affairs and the Government Affairs Committee of the American Council of Education. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Family Services, Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, Virginians for the Arts, Women's Forum of D.C. and the Virginia Tech College of Engineering Advisory Board. Also, Dr. Wheelan was named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Washington.

Dr. Wheelan attributes her success to prayer, hard work, endurance, tenacity, support from family and friends, and being in the right place at the right time. To future collegians, Dr. Wheelan says, "Remember that we are each Americans, and the word 'American' ends in the letters I-C-A-N or 'I can.' With determination and support, each can do anything."

2004 Honorees - Strong Men & Women

Top Row from left: Patricia Ann Blackmon, Bert W. Holmes, Jr., James W. Holley III Middle Row from left: Marie V. McDemmond, Leonard L. Edloe, Annie Brown

Kennedy Bottom Row from left: Pamela E. Bridgewater, Helen S. Faison, Herman I. Boone

Patricia Ann Blackmon - 2004 Honoree

Patricia Ann Blackmon's education began as a child in Mississippi, where she learned from her mother basic, yet invaluable, lessons of life: hard work, responsibility and diligence.

Following her 1968 graduation from Lanier High School, Blackmon advanced her education by enrolling at Mississippi's Tougaloo College. This was a ground-breaking moment in Blackmon's personal and family histories, as she was the first of four generations to attend college.

Blackmon succeeded beyond expectations, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in three disciplines: African-American studies, political science and history.

Her appetite for knowledge and personal growth still unsatisfied, Blackmon departed her childhood home to attend and earn a law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University.

More than 30 years later, Blackmon is now Judge Blackmon and is serving her second six-year term on the Eighth District Court of Appeals in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Blackmon is the first African-American woman to sit on the Court of Appeals in the State of Ohio.

Having committed her life's work to public service, Judge Blackmon brings a wealth of experience, as well as personal accomplishment, to the appellate bench. Most notably, Blackmon served as a chief prosecutor for the City of Cleveland and the city's first night prosecutor. Blackmon also served as an assistant director of Victims/Witness Program and professor at Dyke College.

Blackmon has earned numerous personal and professional honors. Her honors include induction into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame and recipient of the 1996 Alumna of the Year Award from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

In her personal time, Blackmon pursues a broad range of interests and maintains active involvement within the community. She is a board trustee for the Woodruff Foundation, Cleveland Bar Association and Lake Erie College. Blackmon is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Black Women's Political Action Committee (PAC). In addition, she is a member of the Cleveland Bar, Cuyahoga County Bar and Norman S. Minor Bar Associations.

Blackmon advises today's youth to "be fearless and be inquisitive. And above all, be prepared."

Herman I. Boone - 2004 Honoree

In "Remember the Titans," a remarkable movie released in 2000, renowned actor Denzel Washington portrayed Herman Boone. It is because of Boone's leadership that the world will always remember the Titans of Alexandria.

A native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Boone received his bachelor's and master's degrees from North Carolina College in Durham. He decided to become a teacher and coach so that he might motivate youngsters.

In 1958, he accepted his first teaching and coaching position at a high school in Blackstone, Virginia, where he coached football, basketball and baseball. His football team was outstanding, with 26 wins, six losses and three district championships.

In 1961, Boone fulfilled his desire to return to North Carolina to continue his career.

He accepted a coaching position at a predominately black high school in North Carolina. His 1966 football team was recognized by Scholastic Coach's Magazine as "the number one football team in America." Collectively, Boone's football teams amassed an astonishing record of 99 wins and eight losses during his tenure.

In 1969, when faced with integrating the schools, the local school board informed Boone that the town was not ready for a black head coach to lead a racially integrated team.

Boone then accepted an assistant football coaching position at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia. In 1971, Alexandria officials decided to integrate its school system and appointed Boone as its first consolidated head football coach over a white coach with several years' seniority and citywide support.

Remarkably, Boone was able to pull together and solidify a diverse staff and an unfocused group of young men into the most powerful football team in Virginia. The team was ranked second in the nation by national polls. The willingness of the teammates to talk to each other, along with their determination to win, brought together a city torn apart by prejudice and hatred. In December 1971, U.S. President Richard M. Nixon was quoted as saying, "The team saved the City of Alexandria."

Now retired, Boone imparts wisdom to students: "I believe that football is a metaphor for life, and life will never be easy. But remember that the word 'success' comes in front of hard 'work' only in a dictionary."

Pamela E. Bridgewater - 2004 Honoree

Pamela Bridgewater's life journey has taken her from the halls of Walker-Grant High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia, to Virginia State University (VSU) in Petersburg to countries all over the world. She has led diplomatic efforts that have helped to change the course of world events.

A former U.S. ambassador to South Africa wrote: "[Bridgewater] was the political officer assigned to cover Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) in the period of intense negotiations leading up to the end of apartheid. In that position, she established a degree of trust and confidence with Mr. Mandela and the ANC leadership that the U.S. had not previously enjoyed."

Bridgewater was appointed U.S. deputy assistant secretary for African affairs in December 2002. She manages the African bureau's relationships with 16 countries in West Africa, economic/commercial policies and programs, and public diplomacy program.

Before her most recent appointment, Bridgewater served as U.S. ambassador to Benin from October 2000 until December 2002. From 1999 until 2000, she was a member and president of the 42nd Senior Seminar, the U.S. Department of State's most prestigious professional development program.

Bridgewater is the longest-serving U.S. diplomat in South Africa and the first African-American woman to be appointed consul general in Durban, South Africa. Her service has included stints in Brussels, Belgium; Kingston, Jamaica; Nassau, The Bahamas; and Cotonou, Benin.

Bridgewater entered the U.S. Foreign Service in 1980 after a teaching career that included Morgan State University and Bowie State University in Maryland; and Voorhees College in South Carolina.

The Fredericksburg native earned a bachelor's degree in political science from VSU in 1968 and a master's degree in political science from the University of Cincinnati. In addition, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from VSU in 1997.

Recognized for her innovative approach to promoting U.S. business interests in Benin specifically and Africa overall, Bridgewater was selected as the recipient of the 2002 Charles E. Cobb, Jr. Award for Initiative and Success in Trade Development.

Bridgewater says, "I've always strived for excellence, and encourage everyone, particularly young people, to give their best effort and never settle for mediocrity."

Leonard L. Edloe - 2004 Honoree

Dr. Leonard L. Edloe helps to heal people – physically and spiritually. "It is the physical healing at the pharmacy, and the spiritual healing at the church. Both are connected," he says. He should know.

Edloe is the owner of three pharmacies in the Richmond, Virginia, area, is the partner in a fourth establishment and serves as the pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Susan, Virginia.

In addition, he is an assistant clinical professor of pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Edloe recently made history when he was elected the first African-American chairman of the Retail Merchants Association of Greater Richmond.

This new role is an extension of Edloe's steadfast commitment to encouraging youngsters to pursue careers in the retail industry.

The long-time business owner and activist received his calling to the pharmacy industry as a child. His father, also a career pharmacist, cultivated in the younger Edloe a passion for the business. This passion was cemented when Edloe received a white pharmacy jacket from his father while in the third grade.

Edloe received his calling to the spiritual ministry later in life at the age of 42. However, the promise to accept the calling was made when he was 10 years old and extremely ill with double pneumonia. Edloe recalls later that he said, "God, if you heal me, I will be a preacher one day." He kept his promise when he accepted the pastorate at Antioch Baptist Church in April 1998.

The Richmond native received a bachelor of science in pharmacy from Howard University and a master's in divinity from Virginia Union University. Remarkably, he earned a doctorate of pharmacy from the University of Florida in August 2003, while juggling numerous professional and civic responsibilities.

As the chairman of the City of Richmond Board of Health, Edloe continues his role in the healing profession. He is also a member of the Richmond Memorial Foundation Board, National Kidney Foundation of the Virginias Board and the American Heart Association of Greater Richmond Board.

Edloe's advice to young people is "never let other people limit your possibilities. I was classified as 'slow' before I entered the schoolhouse. I think my credentials speak to that."

Helen S. Faison - 2004 Honoree

The City of Pittsburgh and state of Pennsylvania have benefited from the talents of an educational trailblazer for half a century. From her rise from teacher to deputy superintendent, Dr. Helen S. Faison has shaped and changed the lives of thousands of students, teachers and parents.

During more than 43 years of service with the Pittsburgh School District, Faison was one of the first African-American teachers and the first female and African-American high school principal.

Her appointment as deputy superintendent was the highest administrative position ever held by a female in the school district.

Her visibility in this position inspired other women to aspire to leadership roles in education.

Currently, Faison is the director of the Pittsburgh Teachers Institute and distinguished visiting professor and education department chair at Chatham College. She has the awesome task of helping to produce high-caliber educators-like herself.

The true testament of Faison's accomplishments are the successes of her former students and those she has mentored. Many of these students, under her watchful eye, have evolved into prominent citizens.

Faison earned three degrees from the University of Pittsburgh: bachelor's degree, master's degree in education and a doctorate. Also, Muskingum College awarded her an honorary doctor of humane letters.

To honor her long and distinguished record of professional and civic service, the University of Pittsburgh presented Faison with the Distinguished Alumnae Award. In addition, the university established the Helen S. Faison Undergraduate Scholarship Program for African-American Students and established fellowships to support students pursuing doctoral degrees in education.

She has also been honored by other community organizations, including the Council of Great Schools, which presented the Queen Smith Award; the Pittsburgh branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which bestowed the Homer Brown Award; the League of Women Voters, which gave the Good Government Award; the Western Pennsylvania Historical Society, which conferred the Education Award; and Carlow College, which honored Faison with the Women of Spirit Award.

Faison imparts the same wisdom to today's youth that she has shared for decades: "Since you are even now becoming what you will be, decide carefully what you will do today."

James W. Holley III - 2004 Honoree

Dr. James W. Holley III is the head of two well-known families: the Holley family and the Portsmouth, Virginia, family.

He is as celebrated among the citizens as the numerous advancements that the city has enjoyed under his leadership.

He was elected to the Portsmouth City Council in 1968.

He was elected as the first African-American mayor in 1984 and served three years, was elected mayor in 1996 for a second term and began his third term as mayor in 2000.

African-American citizens in Portsmouth are able to meaningfully participate in many of the city's community activities and public life as a result of Holley's unrelenting efforts.

Decades ago, when the Portsmouth Public Library refused to admit African-American citizens, Holley and others took the battle to court. The judge ruled in the plaintiffs' favor, and the library opened its facilities to all residents.

Holley was also a plaintiff in litigation to permit African Americans unrestricted use of the Portsmouth City Golf Course. The court ruled for the plaintiffs.

In addition, Holley spearheaded the desegregation of most of Portsmouth's restaurants. This action evolved from a series of meetings with the city mayor, chamber of commerce president and other prominent businessmen in the community.

The World War II veteran earned a bachelor of science from West Virginia State College and a degree from the Howard University College of Dentistry. Holley has served the community as a dental surgeon for 45 years. Currently, he and his son run a private family dentistry in Portsmouth.

In honor of his life-changing contributions, Holley has been recognized by educational institutions, civic and community organizations and professional associations. He received an honorary doctor of law degree from West Virginia State College, Howard University Tidewater Alumni Service Award, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Citizen of the Year Award and Portsmouth National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Citizenship Award.

As he often does to members of the Portsmouth family, Holley wisely reminds us that "the older people of our family must nurture and train young people to take their rightful places in society one day. Young people need to prepare themselves for their awesome and inevitable roles."

Bert W. Holmes, Jr. - 2004 Honoree

"General Holmes represents excellence in the spirit and tradition of the citizen-soldiers who have long served Commonwealth and country.

"He has had a distinguished career in the National Guard.

His promotion to general and appointment to a senior leadership position in the Department of Military Affairs assures that he will continue to serve the best interests of the citizens of the Commonwealth and the men and women of the National Guard."

These were the words spoken in February 2001 by then Virginia Governor James Gilmore, when he appointed Bert W. Holmes, Jr. as the first African-American brigadier general in the history of the Virginia National Guard.

Along with his promotion, Governor Gilmore appointed Holmes the assistant adjutant general in the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, which commands the state's Army and Air National Guard.

Holmes oversees equal opportunity, the Guard's tuition assistance program and state and federal legislative issues.

Before this appointment, Holmes was the first African-American state surgeon in the Virginia National Guard, a position he held for five years. He also was senior flight surgeon for the Virginia National Guard. In addition to his military career, Holmes simultaneously maintained a private medical practice as a urological surgeon in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia.

Holmes' military career began when he was commissioned a second lieutenant infantry through the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Program at Virginia State University, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees. After serving on active duty with the Fourth Infantry Division, he returned to the Hampton Roads area, where he taught high school for two years.

In 1970, he entered the Howard University School of Medicine, receiving his medical degree in 1974. Continuing at Howard University, he completed his specialty training in urology in 1980.

During his career, Holmes has received a variety of commendations and awards, including the Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Army National Guard Legion of Merit.

"Everyone is allotted the same amount of time in a day," Holmes says to America's youth. "How wisely this time is used will most often determine the level of success one will achieve in life."

Annie Brown Kennedy - 2004 Honoree

Annie Brown Kennedy, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, has shared her passion for law and justice with Georgia citizens, those in North Carolina and her family. Her quest to uphold the laws of the land began more than 50 years ago.

Kennedy earned an undergraduate degree from Spelman College and a law degree from Howard University.

She was licensed to practice law in Georgia in 1952 and moved to North Carolina in 1953 with her husband and children. She passed the North Carolina bar in 1954 and immediately began practicing law.

At the time that she began practicing law, she was the second African-American female to practice law in North Carolina.

In 1955, her husband joined Kennedy in the practice of law, forming one of the first husband-and-wife law partnerships in North Carolina.

Kennedy was the first African-American woman to serve in the North Carolina General Assembly. During her 13-year tenure, she chaired several major committees, including judiciary, courts, ethics and labor. At the time that she chaired the judiciary committee, she was one of only nine females chairing a judiciary committee in a state legislature in the United States.

Kennedy has practiced law in North Carolina continuously since 1954. She is a partner in Kennedy, Kennedy, Kennedy and Kennedy, L.L.P., where she practices law with her husband and two of their three sons. They have successfully handled a number of civil rights cases, including racial and sexual discrimination and sexual harassment cases.

The first woman to be elected president of the Forsyth County Bar Association, Kennedy became the first African-American attorney inducted into the North Carolina Bar Association's General Practice Section Hall of Fame. She received the Howard University Distinguished Alumni Award in Law and Politics and the First Annie Brown Kennedy Award established by the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus for outstanding contributions to the citizens of North Carolina.

Kennedy, whose special interests include the rights of women, African Americans and children, counsels young people to "set goals and high standards for yourself and work hard to achieve them. Be kind and considerate of other people and always have a positive attitude."

Marie V. McDemmond - 2004 Honoree

Since becoming president of Norfolk State University (NSU) in July 1997, Dr. Marie V. McDemmond has transformed potentially devastating challenges into abundant opportunities. In doing so, she has positioned one of the nation's largest historically black universities for the 21st century.

McDemmond's many accomplishments include a number of firsts in her career. She is the first female president of NSU and the first African-American woman to serve as president of a four-year university in Virginia.

Prior to her presidency, McDemmond served as vice president for finance at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and its seven campuses and also chief operating officer. This distinction made her the first African-American woman to be a chief financial officer in the Florida State University System.

In addition, she was the first African-American and first female president of the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers.

Orphaned at the age of seven, McDemmond was nurtured by her extended family and teachers, who taught her that she could accomplish anything. The native of New Orleans, Louisiana, began her career as a public school teacher. She received a bachelor's degree from Xavier University and went on to earn a master's degree from the University of New Orleans and a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

At NSU, McDemmond has raised admissions standards to enable the university to improve retention and graduation rates. She also has made improvements to academic programs and advising to ensure student success. She has established new management standards, made internal budget reallocations and salary adjustments for faculty, provided funding for new programs, expanded fundraising efforts and initiated new marketing strategies.

McDemmond is a board member for the United Way and Urban League in Hampton Roads. A recipient of many awards and honors, McDemmond was awarded the Pioneer Award by the Outstanding Professional Women of Hampton Roads and was selected Administrator of the Year by the Virginia Association of Educational Office Professionals. Most recently, she was appointed by U.S. President George W. Bush to the Advisory Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The university president challenges today's youth: "Those who succeed have an obligation to lift others as they climb."

2005 Honorees - Strong Men & Women

Top Row from left: Christine Mann Darden, Ph.D., Porcher L. Taylor, Jr., Ph.D., George L. Miles, Jr.

Middle Row from left: Ozzie Newsome, Laura W. Murphy Bottom Row from left: Eddie Reed, M.D., Valerie Daniels-Carter, Erich Jarvis, Ph.D.,

Marita Golden

Valerie Daniels-Carter - 2005 Honoree

After years of struggle, hard work and even tragedy, it is now time for Valerie Daniels-Carter to have it her way. The president and chief executive officer of the largest African-American-owned restaurant franchise — V & J Holding Companies, Inc. — has reaped the benefits of a strong work ethic and faith in God. Under the helm of Daniels-Carter, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based corporation operates more than 100 Pizza Huts and Burger Kings in four states.

Daniels-Carter received a bachelor of arts degree from Lincoln University and went on to receive a master's in business administration degree from Milwaukee's Cardinal Stritch College.

Her dream began in 1984, when she opened her first Burger King restaurant in Milwaukee. With little knowledge about the fast-food industry, the entrepreneur took two years to learn the ropes prior to starting her first franchise.

Once she was confident with her developing management skills, Daniels-Carter opened her second restaurant a year later and the third one soon after.

This savvy CEO has been recognized for her accomplishments. Her company was placed on Black Enterprise magazine's list of top 100 black-owned businesses in the country. She has also appeared on Essence Books' List of "50 of the Most Inspiring African Americans," sharing the honor with the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Colin Powell.

She has been instrumental in the development and implementation of numerous community projects, including the Daniels-Carter Youth Center and Jeffrey A. Carter Sr. Center for Community Empowerment and Family Reunification. She consistently provides relief to the distressed by supplying basic necessities to families in need due to unforeseen circumstances and partners with Prison Ministries by assisting families of incarcerated individuals.

While her business blossomed, Daniels-Carter had to overcome the loss of two important people in her life. In 1999, she lost her husband in an accident, and the following year, her mother passed away. Through it all, she has maintained her vigorous life-style, while acquiring awards and recognition along the way. She does all this while reminding herself and others, "Don't allow anyone or anything to prevent you from achieving excellence."

Christine Mann Darden, Ph.D. - 2005 Honoree

Christine Mann Darden has spent many years researching sonic boom technology, while at the same time accomplishing much and making a little "noise" of her own. The assistant director for planning at the NASA Langley Research Center has made a name for herself as a leading aerospace engineer.

The former educator began her career at NASA in 1967 as a data analyst, eventually transitioning to an engineering position. As an engineer, she was given her first independent assignment, which led to her fascination with sonic booms. A sonic boom is an explosive sound caused by the shock wave of an airplane traveling faster than the speed of sound.

In her past position as a senior program manager at NASA, Darden was on a team established to develop the technology for building a supersonic airplane by the year 2015.

Darden has become a national expert in the areas of sonic boom prediction, sonic boom minimization and supersonic wing design.

Born in Monroe, North Carolina, Darden always has made education a priority. Her mother was a teacher, and her parents always emphasized the significance of education. This encouragement led her in the right direction and made her determined to make it in life.

Darden left North Carolina to attend Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, where she received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. After years of teaching at the high school level, Darden received a master's degree in applied mathematics from Virginia State University and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from George Washington University.

In a recent article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Darden encouraged students of all colors and backgrounds to get involved in math and science, grasp all the knowledge they can and always explore the endless possibilities they have in life. She has advocated for more racial minorities and women entering the engineering profession.

The mother of three adult children has been recognized with dozens of honors and awards. Among them are several NASA Outstanding Performance and Achievement Awards and the Women in Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award.

She urges those who see success in their view to "use the 4P planning framework — perceive, plan, prepare and persist."

Marita Golden - 2005 Honoree

When Marita Golden writes, she throws herself into her work-literally. The author of 11 fiction and nonfiction books is known for such works as A Woman's Place, The Edge of Heaven and Long Distance Life, a best-seller.

Golden's career spans more than 20 years, and her work includes novels, essays and memoirs. In April 2004, her nonfiction book, Don't Play in the Sun, One Woman's Journey Through the Color Complex, was released. The book deals with Black America's preoccupation with skin color.

Golden lost her parents when she was in her early 20s. Because the writer has gone through most of her adult life without parents, family and identity are dominant themes in her writings. "I write a lot about families in crisis, I think because both my parents died when I was on the brink of adulthood," she said in an interview on her official Web site.

"Often I feel that with every line I write I am searching for them, talking to them. And so the impact of death weighs very heavily on my work."

Many of her writings have been used in various college courses. In addition to lending her words to teach others, Golden has served as an instructor at American University, Emerson College, George Mason University, Roxbury Community College, The University of Lagos (Nigeria) and Virginia Commonwealth University.

The founder of the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation, Golden is helping to develop, nurture and sustain the world community of writers of African descent. Since 1990, the foundation has been committed to preserving the legacy and ensuring the future of black writing.

Golden is the 2002 recipient of the Authors Guild Award for Distinguished Service to the Literary Community. She also received the Barnes & Noble 2001 Writers for Writers Award and an honorary doctorate from the University of Richmond and was inducted into the International Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent. She serves her community as a board member of the Girl Scouts of America and The Authors Guild.

Motivation from her parents is what makes Golden believe that "faith in oneself moves mountains, makes miracles and turns dreams into reality."

Erich Jarvis, Ph.D. - 2005 Honoree

Having overcome poverty and strife, Erich Jarvis has a new song to sing. The world-renowned neurobiologist at Duke University Medical Center is noted for his research of songbirds, parrots and hummingbirds. By learning how birds are able to project sound, Jarvis hopes his studies lead to the treatment of speech problems in humans, such as stuttering.

Jarvis is currently an associate professor in the department of neurobiology at the North Carolina university where he heads a team of researchers in the field of vocal communication. Using songbirds as the main animal model, the scientists are learning how the brain is able to learn the behavior of sound.

At the age of six, Jarvis' mother took him and his three siblings to live with relatives after dealing with their father's continuous battle with schizophrenia and drugs.

Being a witness to his father's deterioration, Jarvis was determined not to become a statistic.

While his father lived inside caves in New York, Jarvis went on to receive his bachelor of arts in biology and mathematics from Hunter College in Manhattan. In 1995, he received his Ph.D. in molecular neurobiology and animal behavior from The Rockefeller University — one of only 52 African Americans out of more than 4,300 biologists to earn a doctorate.

In 2002, Jarvis received the National Science Foundation's Alan T. Waterman Award, which is an esteemed honor given to promising young researchers. The award was accompanied by a $500,000 grant to continue his research.

Because Jarvis was encouraged by people around him to break the cycle of drugs, poverty and violence, he expects his children to stay focused just as he did growing up in Harlem. Unfortunately, Jarvis' father was murdered in 1989 before he had the opportunity to see the accomplishments the young scientist made.

Today, Jarvis and his wife, Miriam, urge their two children to excel and accept nothing but the best. With Jarvis' contributions to science as proof, he follows his belief that everyone should "do something that will have a positive effect on the world."

George L. Miles, Jr. - 2005 Honoree

All it took was for George L. Miles, Jr. to be humiliated to know that he would settle for nothing but success. Miles was eight years old when he paid for groceries with food stamps and suffered ridicule from the store's workers who laughed at him.

According to an interview in Pittsburgh's Tribune-Review, Miles' family was on welfare at the time, and this experience provided nothing but motivation for him. "When I wanted to slack off, I always got energy from that experience," Miles said.

Today, Miles is president and chief executive officer of WQED Multimedia, the public broadcaster for southwestern Pennsylvania and the parent company of television and radio stations, the WQED publishing division and the WQED Education Resource Center.

He is also a certified public accountant and known for his knowledge of business and finance. In 1983, Miles was a member of a team that helped National Public Radio out of a financial crisis. He also resurrected WQED out of its slump in 1994, when the company was basically bankrupt. Joining WQED and public broadcasting was not a first for Miles. He spent 10 years as executive vice president and chief operating officer of a Public Broadcasting Service flagship station in New York City prior to making his move to Pittsburgh.

Miles earned a bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University and a master's in business administration degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In 1989, he was awarded the Pinnacle Award from his graduate school, which recognizes outstanding achievements of alumnus. The same year, St. Joseph's College presented Miles with an honorary doctor of laws degree. A more recent honor was from Robert Morris University, where he received an honorary degree of doctor of business administration.

Miles serves on the boards of various organizations, including Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Harley-Davidson, Inc., and WESCO International, Inc. He is a former chair of the Urban League of Pittsburgh and former co-chair of Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Years ago, Miles did not allow the grocery store workers to deter him. For this reason, Miles encourages others with the following: "Don't define yourself by something outside of you or allow others to."

Laura W. Murphy - 2005 Honoree

Laura W. Murphy has not forgotten what she learned as a child. Her family members were always involved in politics in some form or another, which gave Murphy a head start toward her future.

Today, Murphy is the director of the Washington National Office of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which is the nation's oldest and largest civil liberties organization. Murphy, the first woman and African American to hold this title, is chief lobbyist on a variety of issues, including censorship, reproductive freedom, immigrant rights and electronic privacy.

Her most recent efforts have been directed at antiterrorism policies that affect civil rights. According to a 2003 article in Ebony magazine, Murphy states, "The government has used fighting terrorism as an excuse for taking away our civil liberties."

Murphy's family was always into politics — both of her parents ran for office 14 times. The ACLU director learned at an early age how to speak in front of people, since she and her brother spent a lot of time campaigning door-to-door for their parents. As a student at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, she was president of the black student union and later interned on Capitol Hill.

After graduation, Murphy began her tenure at ACLU as a civil rights lobbyist and development director at the ACLU's Foundation of Southern California. She also has served as chief of staff for the California Assembly speaker and legislative assistant for two members of Congress.

Her work has not gone unrecognized. Her years of fighting for the rights of others have afforded her special honors. In 1998, the oldest Capitol Hill paper, Roll Call, named Murphy one of the 50 most influential Washingtonians in congressional politics.

The same year, the president of the American Bar Association selected her to serve on its Advisory Commission to the Standing Committee on Election Law. In 1997, she was honored by the Congressional Black Caucus for her significant contributions to legislation that addresses the needs of minorities in the United States.

According to Murphy, her secret to success is to "be in the mix. Work on things that really affect people's lives."

Ozzie Newsome - 2005 Honoree

Ozzie Newsome is used to being first. Born in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, he was one of the first African Americans to play on an integrated Little League baseball team and one of the first blacks to attend an integrated high school. These accomplishments were long ago. However, more than two years ago, Newsome added another first to his list of achievements.

On Nov. 25, 2002, Newsome was the first African American to be named general manager in the National Football League (NFL). He is the general manager and executive vice president of the Baltimore Ravens.

Nicknamed the "Wizard of Oz," Newsome began his career with the NFL as a tight end with the Cleveland Browns in 1978 and started his climb up the ladder with the league. After a successful career, he retired and left the football field in 1990 and became a special assignment scout for the Ravens.

Next, he assumed the position of assistant to the head coach/offense-personnel. This position led to his stint as director of pro personnel. In 1996, he was responsible for the team's draft. Before being named the Ravens' general manager, Newsome was senior vice president of football operations.

Then an All-American at the University of Alabama, Newsome was one of the Cleveland Browns' first-round draft picks. During his athletic career, he was named the team's offensive player of the year and was chosen for the Pro Bowl in 1981, 1984 and 1985. In 1990, he was presented the NFL Players Association's Byron "Whizzer" White award for community service.

He has been inducted into four halls of fame: National Football Foundation's College Hall of Fame, NCAA Hall of Fame, NFL Hall of Fame and University of Alabama Hall of Fame. In 2000, Newsome was named the NFL executive of the year after the Ravens captured its Super Bowl victory.

Newsome has evolved from a player to the general manager of an NFL franchise. The advances he has made throughout his career are proof that "decisions you face every day will impact the rest of your lives," he said.

Eddie Reed, M.D. - 2005 Honoree

Dr. Eddie Reed has worked over the years to ensure women have a second chance at life. The director of West Virginia University's Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center has made breakthroughs in his research of ovarian cancer and treatment.

He is well known for his work on the use of drug therapy for the disease, which is the most deadly cancer of the female reproductive system.

Before being named director of the cancer center, Reed served as the chief of the Medical Ovarian Cancer Section at the National Cancer Institute's Bethesda, Maryland, campus. Under his current leadership, the university's cancer center has a new Anti-Cancer Drug Development Program and has established a Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program.

Reed is also a professor in the West Virginia University School of Medicine.

A graduate of Philander Smith College and Yale University's medical school, Reed received additional training in internal medicine at Stanford University. He received his start with the National Cancer Institute after completing a fellowship in the mid-1980s, and the rest is history.

Throughout his career, Reed has worked with cancer research in some capacity — whether as a senior investigator or coordinator of ovarian cancer studies at the institute. Not only is Reed's specialty ovarian cancer, he also has led a three-year study of medicinal treatments for prostate cancer. Reed has published more than 200 scientific publications about his work in the medical field.

With such accomplishments, it is no surprise that the Arkansas-bred Reed was recognized recently as an Outstanding Scientist of the 21st Century in England. Also, he received the U.S. Public Health Service Commendation Medal in 1993 for his research on the use of Taxol for cancer treatment.

The holder of four patents, Reed remains busy with his research and serving on numerous committees and as a member of professional societies. He joins the ranks of other physicians as a member of the American Association for Cancer Research, Association for Academic Minority Physicians and National Medical Association.

To the youth aspiring for greatness, Reed says to "stay focused on your goal. Beginning today, take control of your destiny."

Porcher L. Taylor, Jr., Ph.D. - 2005 Honoree

"Dear Porcher, Belated thanks for sending me a copy of your autobiography and for the kind inscription. You have lived a full, successful and inspirational life. I will always remember our time together... You were an early role model for me. With best wishes to you, Ann and the family." These words, written by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, are echoed by many.

In 1971, Colonel (Ret.) Porcher L. Taylor, Jr., Ph.D. became the first African American promoted to full colonel at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. This made him the highest-ranking black officer on post.

Today, he is one of the few living Americans who heroically served the United States in three major wars — World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War — in both the Navy and Army. He served in the Navy for three years and the Army for 25 years.

The military was not the only place in which Taylor made his mark. For 10 years, he served as vice president of Virginia State University. He also has worked as an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, one of the first African Americans to teach at the institution.

Taylor was awarded a bachelor's degree in science from Tuskegee University. He received a master's degree from Virginia State University in the early 1960s. He was selected to enter a doctoral program at the University of South Carolina after the army voiced a need for officers trained in the field of psychological services in education. In 1972, he became one of the first two African Americans to earn a Ph.D. from the university.

From the military to the community, Taylor has been recognized for his many contributions. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal. He was also the recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, an honor shared by former U.S. President Gerald Ford and astronaut Neil Armstrong. Taylor has been noted for raising money for the hungry and student scholarships.

With the needs of others on his mind, Taylor encourages today's youth to "remember to do something good for others every day of your life."