It fielded three questions among those featured; “what is the overriding issue facing African Americans today? And “What do you feel has been the greatest triumph of the Civil Rights Movement over the years, and the greatest failure?
And, “How have times changed since the original movement for the African Americans?”
It was a shimmering night of prestigious celebration and recognition.
The awardees were individuals who have been champions in what they’ve accomplished over the years, and who demonstrated steadfast, resilience and the ability to shift with changing times.
Awards were, Corporate Partner of the Year presented to Sam Covelli, owner and CEO of Covelli Enterprises, The Bishop Charles H. Foggie Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to the National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC).
The NPHC comprised of the Greek Divine Nine member organizations; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Ala Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Judge Homer S. Brown Awards were presented were to Thomas A. Motley and Imogene Hines. Motley served for 42 years as the Director of Plant Operations for the Board of Education; and Hines worked her way up through the ranks at Carnegie Mellon University serving in a variety of capacities including Professor in the Speech, English, Media, and Public Relations areas. She resigned in 2014 after 37 years.
And lastly the Young Person of the Year Award was presented to Aerion Abney, who currently serves as Program Officer at the POISE Foundation. He has presented himself in his young years as a true leader, serving among other things, as Committeeman for the 21st Ward 4th District and on the City of Pittsburgh’s My Brother’s Keeper task force.
Additionally in the pre-gala reception, newly elected Pittsburgh Public School Board member, Kevin Carter, presented the 16 NAACP Scholarship winners Neriah Alexander, Pittsburg CAPA; Denzel Beeman, Penn Hills High School; Jonathan Matthews, TOLATR Highland Park Prep Academy; Ashley Williams, Pittsburgh Obama; Rikkilee Rose, Point Park University; Sonya Rudolph, Point Park University; Maricca Spencer, Point Park University; Blaine King, Point Park University; Francesca Gould, Vincentian Academy; Jordyn Gilliard, Pittsburgh Obama; Jeremiah Hardy, Pittsburgh CAPA; Sabrina Jones, Pittsburgh Obama; Eboni Hudson, Western Governors University; Judy Abongo University of Pittsburgh, School Law; Chamya Reed, University of Pittsburgh, School of Law; and Brittany Felder, University of Pittsburgh Law School.
Keynote Speaker, former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner, brought a powerful presence to the room, and in the cadence of a Baptist preacher, reiterated that Change was the only constant in the universe and our charge was to keep up. She challenged this audience to do as our forefathers had done and find the word Possible inside of circumstances that seemed impossible; to prepare our children for a changing world, and to do so by seeking “righteous” people as opposed to “perfect” people who realize the urgency of pushing our mission.
Turner closed her talk by making her way down into the audience, and meandering around among the tables as she shared the wise words of her grandmother who told her that as a people we need three types of bones, the Wish Bone, to give us hope for the future for which we are reaching; the Back Bone to keep us standing through all of life’s trials and tribulations and a Jaw Bone, to give us strength to speak truth to power at the table of decision allowing us to speak up with conviction and without fear when wrong is wrong.
At the conclusion of the night, President Connie Parker paid special homage to Patterson for his service in his role as Event Chair over the past three years. She acknowledged his new responsibilities as a husband, father, and business owner, and made note that he has had a successful three-year run in the face of some unfavorable remarks early on.
“He was committed, and diligent and proved the naysayers wrong; he has consistently come in over budget as relates to our financial goals, and has been a true leader; we will miss his special contribution to this event,” she said.
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NAACP celebrates 62nd Human Rights Awards Dinner
