Courier Newsroom
Nabhi Christian Ministries (NCM) of Lincoln/Larimer will honor seven extraordinary people at its annual NCM Awards dinner on Friday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m. at the Rivers Club, One Oxford Centre, Downtown. For 22 years, the award dinner has been celebrating the valuable work of community leaders and advocates for youths and families.
This year’s honorees are Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Luther J. and Roxanne Sewell, of Talk Magazine, former radio host Clifford “Sly Jock” Charlton, and University of Pittsburgh Senior Vice Chancellor for Engagement Dr. Kathy W. Humphrey; Young Professional Leadership Award recipient Wayne Jones, CEO of Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship; Community “SHERO” Leadership Award recipient Tonette Stewart; and Youth Service Leadership recipient Sofia Germinaro.
The event will be emceed by Pittsburgh’s own award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Chris Moore; and entertainment will include vocal tributes and live jazz by recording artist, Jared Wilson & The Vibe.
Honorees Sewell and his wife, Roxanne, are pioneers with 57 years in the region and publishing industry. Today, LJS continues to publish Talk Magazine, the company’s cornerstone product.
“We are delighted to honor this power couple for their life work,” said the Rev. Jacque Fielder, pastor of Nabhi Christian Ministries and founder of the NCM Awards. Their commitment to covering encouraging and critical life issues, as well as positive stories and images about the African American community-make them ideal legendary candidates for this award.”
Another honoree, Charlton, who is best known as “Sly Jock,” is a trailblazing pioneer street jock with a colorful personality who first brought “Rap” to Pittsburgh in January 1984. He was the first Mixer to play Hip Hop and host the first mix show on WAMO in Pittsburgh.
“We are thrilled to honor Sly Jock, a famed Pittsburgh DJ who had an extraordinary 30-yr. career in radio that amplified social and cultural cohesion by introducing a groundbreaking mixing world of spinning rap for radio listeners-making him an ideal legendary candidate for this award,” Rev. Fielder said.
Recipient Humphrey not only serves as the senior vice chancellor for engagement, but she is the secretary of the Board of Trustees. In her roles, she oversees the University’s internal and external relations, focuses on facilitating business engagement, strategic initiatives and partnerships, and government interaction at all levels.
“We are so pleased to honor the amazing Dr. Humphrey for her long list of achievements as a transformative leader and educator, improving lives of young people and making exceptional contributions to diversity and inclusion throughout her lifetime-making her an ideal candidate for this award,” Rev. Fielder said.
As the CEO of Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship, a K-8 public school, honoree Jones, a native of Garfield, oversees all facets of the school’s operations, planning, and execution. Rev. Fielder said he was selected because he is a results-driven professional, who volunteers with numerous organizations and prides himself on being a visionary and transformational leader.
The “SHERO” award recipient, Stewart, is a 4.0 GPA Robert Morris University student, Alumnus of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Sunday School Teacher and Choir Member at Central Baptist Church. She quietly works behind the scenes for Foreign and Domestic Missions and has been a Line Dance Instructor for the Kingsley Association for 13.5 years.
“We are privileged to honor Ms. Stewart, a survivor of a terrible automobile accident, now helping others through physical fitness, missions and scholastics that can be emulated especially by our young people-makes her an ideal candidate for this award,” said Rev. Fielder.
Germinaro, founder of VyV & Co., uses her platform to celebrate the achievements of extraordinary women. Also, she is a ski instructor, and a varsity lacrosse and field hockey player. In her spare time, Germinaro volunteers for nonprofits to help children in need and at the local hospital and teaches CCD. She plans to attend North Eastern University in the fall of 2020.
“We are excited about the opportunity to honor Ms. Germinaro, a passionate and compassionate young lady with a distinguished track-record for generously sharing of her time to empower youth and highlight the accomplishments of women who are an inspiration to others-making her an ideal candidate for this award,” said Rev. Fielder.
Sponsors for the awards program are Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, UPMC and the New Pittsburgh Courier (media sponsor). Tickets are $80 and can be purchased online at www.ncmawards.com or at Dorsey’s Record Shop (412-731-6607).
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