GET READY FOR THE CELEBRATION! AUGUST 22.
“Hesitation” cannot be a part of your vocabulary when it comes to getting your “Men of Excellence” 2025 tickets. The main ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel Station Square is sure to fill up fast, as the New Pittsburgh Courier prepares to honor its “Men of Excellence, Class of 2025,” Friday, Aug. 22.
The tickets are available for purchase right now on your phone or computer, by simply going to
newpittsburghcourier.com. You can also call 412-481-8302, ext. 134, to purchase tickets (during business hours).
After you get your tickets, you can think about that stylish outfit you’ll be rocking, as you’ll be at the biggest party in Pittsburgh on Aug. 22.
SILAS WATKINS
Silas Watkins is sure getting ready. The U.S. Air Force Retired Master Sergeant told the Courier he was “thrilled” when he learned he was named a Courier “Man of Excellence” for 2025.
“I just retired in April, and my whole career has been trying to give back to my country, to my troops, and making sure everyone is in a position to succeed,” Watkins said.
Watkins is married to Tamara, and they have two children, Noriah (5) and Silas II (3).
“Every time I look at them (his children), that’s why I do it, to try my best to raise good human beings,” Watkins said.
Watkins stressed that being a “Man of Excellence” and being honored at a festive celebration will definitely give his children another reason to be proud of him. “Give them something to look up to and become a bigger version of me and my wife,” he said.
DR. REGINALD HICKMAN
Dr. Reginald Hickman is figuring out what fit he’s going to be rocking, too. Dr. Hickman was also named a Courier “Man of Excellence” for 2025. He’s the Director of Curriculum for Urban Pathways Charter School.
“It’s rather humbling,” he told the Courier. “I’m not the type of guy to put myself out there as far as things that I have accomplished.”
Ahh, but now the secret is out. Dr. Hickman has been making moves in Pittsburgh for decades. He’s a 1991 graduate of Gateway High School, and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1995.
For him, he views the Courier’s “Men of Excellence” awards as a statement-maker. “It feels good to see Black men being honored in that manner, to have them walk around with the ‘Men of Excellence’ title bestowed upon them…We need to talk about that love that we have for each other. There’s so many perceived divisions between Black men at different points; but in Pittsburgh, sometimes it can be hard to know that others are doing wonderful things, so to come together is a wonderful thing.”
The 50 Men of Excellence will be treated to a reception prior to the main event, and then they’ll walk across the stage to begin the real show, cheered on by hundreds of their closest supporters. The legacy honoree for this class is Gregory Spencer, whose resume is second to none in the corporate world. He was a general manager at U.S. Steel, a senior VP at Equitable Resources, CEO of Randall Enterprises, and Managing Director at Spencer MacCleary and Associates. Just as important, he has served as a mentor to numerous African American professionals over the years.
The event will be hosted by WPXI-TV’s Lisa Sylvester, with music by DJ Brother Marlon Martin.