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

The Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Multicultural Ministry (OMM) will host its 37th annual African American Catholic Leadership Awards Dinner. Scheduled for May 17 at 5:30 p.m., the event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Louisville, located at 320 West Jefferson Street.

The awards dinner is held to honor African American Catholic leadership, and the proceeds will aid in funding scholarships for African American Catholic youth. These scholarships are known as the "Rodriq McCravy Award."

The award recipients this year include Malia King from St. Dominic Church in Springfield, Kentucky; James Davis Jr. of St. Augustine Church; Sophia Griffin of Our Lady of Lourdes Church; Mina Nyalwal from St. Albert the Great Church; and others associated with St. Martin de Porres Church: Remii Foshay, Vickie Wimberly, Armonte Snodgrass, Ka’Myah Porter, and Sophie Muzomwe.

In addition to recognizing youth scholarship recipients, the event will also honor adults who have contributed significantly to the African American Catholic community.

The Acacia Award, the highest honor, will be conferred on J. Vincent Johnson from the Diocese of Memphis, and Rita Ward of St. William Church, recognizing their community service.

Furthermore, Maria Arlene Spalding Pasley of Holy Rosary Church in Springfield, Kentucky, will receive the Genevieve Boone Award, acknowledging her "extraordinary commitment to faith and community,” according to the OMM.

Six individuals will be honored with the "Deacon James & M. Annette Mandley-Turner Leadership Award," recognizing those who have made a significant impact in their communities. Awardees include Rashida Walker, Susan Yocum Smith, and Alexis Cammack from St. Augustine Church; Kelvin Brooks from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church; Dr. Beverly Johnson from St. Bartholomew Church; and David Msia from St. Martin de Porres Church.

Tickets for the event are priced at $125 each. Those interested in more information or purchasing tickets can contact the OMM at 471-2146.