Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Archdiocese of Louisville's Office of Multicultural Ministry recently held its 36th annual African American Catholic Leadership Awards dinner, where they honored individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and service within the African American Catholic community. The event, which took place at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Louisville, was attended by over 300 individuals, including lay people, religious, and members of the clergy.

During the evening's closing remarks, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre expressed his gratitude to the African American community for their "enduring faith." He also took the opportunity to address the young honorees, commending them for their faith and stating that they give him hope for the future of the church.

The awards ceremony featured 10 young people who were recognized for their leadership potential. Each of these individuals received the Rodriq McCravy Scholarship Award, which provides scholarship funds for high school and college. The late Rodriq McCravy, a leader in Trinity High School's class of 1986, was remembered through this award. Newton McCravy III, Rodriq's brother, served as the master of ceremonies and expressed the significance of the award in his brother's honor to their family.

In addition to the youth honorees, the Office of Multicultural Ministry presented the Acacia Award, their highest honor, to Dr. Paul Sherman and his wife Susan Sherman of St. Margaret Mary Church. The Moving Towards Oneness ministry of St. Bernadette Church was also recognized with the Acacia Award. This initiative, led by the Office of Multicultural Ministry, aims to improve race relations by fostering relationships across different cultures. The Acacia Award, named after the tree that symbolizes life and hope in many African societies, acknowledges the recipients for their contribution to the community.

The Genevieve Boone Award was bestowed upon Jocqueline Frierson-Stamps, a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions in the areas of cultural enrichment, education, and formation from an Africentric perspective. In her acceptance speech, Frierson-Stamps emphasized that everyone has the potential to be a trailblazer, quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous words, "Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service."

Furthermore, the Deacon James and M. Annette Mandley-Turner African American Leadership Award was presented to five individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in serving the African American community. The recipients of this award were Dr. Michael Brooks and Dorothy Ernest of St. Martin de Porres Church, Maria Arlene Spalding-Pasley of Holy Rosary Church in Springfield, Ky., and Margaret Reed and Mary Tyler of St. Augustine Church.

The African American Catholic Leadership Awards dinner was a testament to the dedication and commitment of individuals within the African American Catholic community. Their faith, service, and leadership have made a significant impact, inspiring others and fostering unity within the church. The Archdiocese of Louisville's Office of Multicultural Ministry continues to recognize and honor those who exemplify excellence and service, ensuring that their contributions are celebrated and acknowledged.