EMERGING
LEADERS AWARDS
& SCHOLARSHIP GALA 2015
MANY THANKS TO OUR INCREDIBLE SUPPORTERS
P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R S
S I LV E R S P O N S O R S STEWARD FAMILY FOUNDATION
BRONZE SPONSOR
TA B L E S P O N S O R S Brannigan Thompson
HOST
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ABOUT THE EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS The Emerging 100 honors high-achieving high school students from the Atlanta Public Schools System and college students within the metro Atlanta area for their tenacious efforts to overcome obstacles in life to achieve academic excellence. These students’ stories will be highlighted tonight, and they will be awarded a scholarship to further their educational endeavors.
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ABOUT THE EMERGING 100 OF ATLANTA The Emerging 100 of Atlanta (The “Emerging 100�), a young professional auxiliary of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., is focused on empowering the lives of high school and college students throughout the City of Atlanta. Our members represent an array of professions and are leaders in their respective fields. Emerging 100 members include, among others, attorneys, educators, technology experts, entrepreneurs, business consultants and public relations professionals, clergymen, nonprofit leaders, and financial mavens.
MISSION
To enhance the mentoring and tutoring programs of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., with a focus at BEST Academy High School and the Collegiate 100, while serving as role models to the entire community.
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Program Welcome
Bernard Taylor, Alston & Bird LLP
Introduction Of Demarco Morgan
Invocation Tamarkus Cook
Year In Review/occasion Kevin Gooch
Special Presentation From The State Of Georgia House Of Representatives State Representative “Able” Mable Thomas
Presentation Of Trailblazer Award - Sports Calvin Johnson
Presentation Of Trailblazer Award - Entertainment Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan
Presentation Of Awards Chick-Fil-A Foundation Alston & Bird LLP World Changers Church International, Inc. The Mabra Firm, LLC Allstate Insurance Morgan & Morgan LLP
“Then And Now” Sharod McClendon
Recognition Of Outstanding Service To The Emerging 100 100 Black Men Of Atlanta Remarks Bill Lamar
Special Recognition Of Sponsors Kirk Brown
“Passing Of The Gavel” Kevin Gooch
Closing Remarks Tony C. Jones
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DEMARCO MORGAN | HOST
Demarco Morgan joined 11Alive in January 2012. He co-anchors the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts weeknights with Brenda Wood. Morgan arrived shortly after the New Year from NBC New York where he anchored weekends for both News 4 New York and Today in New York and occasionally anchored news cut-ins for MSNBC. With a solid record of experience on the desk and in the field, Morgan has worked as an anchor and reporter in a number of television markets. He co-anchored the “South Florida Nightly News” weeknights at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. for the NBC affiliate in Miami and anchored weekend mornings for the ABC station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since joining the 11Alive news team, he has covered a wide range of stories- both local and national. Morgan field anchored live coverage from Sanford, Florida at the first national rally after the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. He also anchored live coverage from the nation’s capital the day of President Obama’s second inauguration. Morgan has shown his versatility in coverage by reporting live from the Braves’ spring training, to kicking off a campaign at Spelman College for an 11-year-old girl in need of a bone marrow transplant. He provided a series of reports. Morgan is a strong advocate of community service. He has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, 100 Black Men of America, Inc., the American Cancer Society, the Bachmann Strauss Dystonia and Parkinson’s Foundation, Sharp Literacy, Inc., served on the board of managers for the YMCA, and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In 2006, he received the NABJ National Community Service Award.
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THE
Trailblazer Award Trails are left behind by men and women who are brave enough to embark upon challenging journeys into unchartered territory. The Emerging 100 of Atlanta's Trailblazer Award honors those brave men and women who have achieved greatness in their fields, shown a commitment to their communities, and have left a path behind them for future generations to follow.
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OUR MEMBERS
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Kevin Gooch
Tony C. Jones
Kirk Brown
Greg Davis
President
Vice President
Ron Townley Treasurer
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Secretary
Parliamentarian
Jihad Ali Ellaway Amiker Christopher Bruce Gamal Codner Darrell Comer Tamarkus Cook Darius Copeland James Cunningham Michael Daniels Muzzamil Fadlalla Steven Fance
Michael Fisher Ryan Fitzgerald Vaughn Gay Christopher Gilmore Emerson Girardeau Erik Gordon Marcus Gore Brian Green David Hardin Matthew Harper Desmond Hollingsworth
Kent Johnson Leon Kendall Otto Loewy Lerrick McCorvey Charles Moody Jeroz Owens Steven Pritchett Mitchell Robinson Paul Rue Antonio Saunders Ryan Shepard
Joseph Tenner Jermain Tezeno Courtney Ward Glenn Williams Ante Williams Joseph Wilson Albert Wright Jerry Lightfoot 9
CALVIN JOHNSON TRAILBLAZER AWARD | SPORTS
Calvin Johnson Jr. (born September 29, 1985 in Newnan, Georgia), nicknamed “Megatron”, is one of the best and most-feared wide receivers to ever play in the National Football League (NFL). At 6 feet, 5 inches with a 4.35 second 40-yard dash time, Johnson exhibits the rare combination of size, speed, strength, leaping ability, body control and hand-eye coordination that is only found in the most elite athletes in the world. In 2007, Johnson was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft. Over the course of his career, Johnson has shattered the receiving records of the Detroit Lions and broken many long-standing NFL records. Johnson broke the great Jerry Rice's single-season record for receiving yards by finishing the 2012 season with 1,964 yards, an average of almost 123 yards per game. During that same season, Johnson also set NFL records for consecutive 100-yard games (8) and consecutive games with 10 or more receptions (4). He also tied Hall of Famer Michael Irvin's record for most 100-yard games in a season with 11. Prior to tormenting NFL cornerbacks, Johnson attended Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in Atlanta, Georgia. While on campus at Georgia Tech, Johnson was ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, named best wide receiver in the nation by IGN.com, a two-time All-American, Paul Warfield Trophy recipient and Biletnikoff Award winner. Johnson finished his career at Georgia Tech with nearly 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. According to his coach, Chan Gailey, Johnson was “a really humble, nice (guy from a) great family and everything you could ever want as a teammate.” In addition to all of his accolades on the field, Calvin is also a philanthropist and a family-oriented man. Calvin’s journey to where is today is credited to his parents, Calvin Johnson Sr. and Dr. Arica R. Johnson. They instilled in Calvin at an early age that putting God first, maintaining good grades in school, being obedient, possessing good character, and striving toward a purposeful mission in life are some of the necessary ingredients to success in life. In 2010, these values were highlighted when Sandy Creek High School retired Johnson’s No. 81 jersey. During Johnson’s off-season, he devotes a lot of time to The Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation, Inc. (CJJRF). CJJRF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which was founded in 2008, dedicated to the education, training, and social development of at-risk youth, along with providing financial assistance to community organizations. Johnson continues to give back to the Metro-Atlanta communities in monetary and in-kind ways. Johnson believes God has blessed him with a talent to share not waste and, to quote John F. Kennedy, “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
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DARIAN “BIG TIGGER” MORGAN TRAILBLAZER AWARD | ENTERTAINMENT
Big Tigger has earned his place as one of the most distinctive broadcast personalities. Beginning as an intern at WPGC radio in Washington, DC, Tigger’s dedication, business savvy, and love for music are just a few reasons for his rise to success. Currently the host of a show that bares his name, The Big Tigger show on V-103 (WVEE-FM) in Atlanta, Tigger connects with millions of loyal fans Monday through Friday from 2pm-6pm. Tigger is one of the most popular media talents, and his audience knows what to expect…a daily dose of the hottest music, the latest entertainment news, and an inside look behind the music. While many people may know Tigger as the face of the longest running, nationally televised hip-hop show on BET; Rap City: Tha Basement and hit show 106&Park, it’s his stellar reputation and hard work has led to numerous opportunities, accompanying successes across media platforms and an ever-growing fan base. Follow with music and you will find Tigger in the mix. Adept at creating opportunities, Tigger is constantly expanding his brand. In 2003, he created and launched Live in the Den with Big Tigger., a three-hour, syndicated show that aired for more than 10 years in 67 markets and 3 countries. He saw similar success with Direct Access with Big Tigger a TV show which earned him an Emmy Award in 2013. In addition to being the Resident DJ for NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and in-game host for the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, Tigger can be seen DJing at Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam Tour, Allstar weekend events for Michael Jordan, as well as countless sports and charity events. Service is central to who Tigger is. In response to the ravaging effects HIV/AIDS and illiteracy is having on underserved communities, Tigger created The Big Tigger Foundation (BTF). BTF is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening diverse urban communities through proactive and innovative programming. Based in the belief that knowledge is the key to improving issues affecting the community, BTF’s focus is two-fold; to increase public awareness of HIV/AIDS and to improve quality of life for youth by supporting programs that focus on literacy and self-esteem.
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HONOREES
BASHEL LEWIS Booker T. Washington High School
Bashel Lewis is a Senior at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, Georgia. The breadwinner of Bashel’s family is his mother, who has faced legal setbacks in her efforts to care for Bashel and his siblings. These setbacks culminated in the displacement of Bashel’s family, his separation from his mother, and his eventual homelessness. These setbacks, though trying, have empowered Bashel to lead by example and serve his community. Bashel volunteers with the West Side Atlanta Land Trust (WALT). Bashel has dedicated over four hundred hours to WALT and, as a result, he was elected youth advisor and elevated to the Executive Board of the organization. He leads home owner workshops, community canvassing projects, and meets with city councilmen in his efforts to stop gentrification efforts in his community. Bashel states, “WALT has changed my life by creating a platform for me to interact with, learn from, and educate the community. My efforts with this program are far more than just community services; it is emphatically an investment in my future.” In addition to serving as Homecoming King and as a dual enrollment student at Georgia State University, Bashel has received the Award for Civic Engagement and John Marshall Law School’s Student Achievement Award. Bashel will graduate from Booker T. Washington High School in the top 5% of his class.
AMADOU BAH B.E.S.T. Academy High School
Amadou Bah is a Senior at B.E.S.T. Academy High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Amadou’s family immigrated to the United States from Guinea. His parents support Amadou and his siblings here in Atlanta as well as extended family in their home country. His mother’s sudden diagnosis with a medical condition has further strained his family’s finances. All of this has empowered Amadou to achieve greatness academically while giving back locally and abroad. Amadou has traveled to Panama, Nicaragua, and Guatemala with the B.E.S.T. Boys Go Global initiative, where he taught English and lessons on African-American culture to locals. In Atlanta, Amadou has led voter registration efforts, volunteered at hospitals, and participated in initiatives to benefit the homeless. At the top of his class, Amadou Bah will graduate as B.E.S.T. Academy High School’s valedictorian. Amadou is President of his Senior Class and conducts research at the Georgia Institute of Technology as a Project ENGAGES Scholar. He won the Cellular and Molecular Biology category at the 2014 Georgia State Science Fair and was a finalist in the 2014 and 2015 International Science and Engineering Fair held by the Yale Science and Engineering Association. He has been awarded APS Best Scientist and was recognized as an Atlanta INtown Top 20 under 20 honoree. Amadou will be attending Stanford University.
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HONOREES
DONOVAN HARRIS Therrell High School
Donovan Harris is a Senior at Therrell High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Donovan is no stranger to the pursuit of higher education. He has been a member of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s Project Success since he was in the third grade. However, Donovan is no stranger to adversity either. His older brother was killed at Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta when he was just ten years old. Today, Donovan serves as President of the Student Government Association at Therrell High School. This year, however, the role of President has been significantly broadened. Donovan has been instrumental in unifying three separate student bodies as the three Therrell High School campuses consolidate into a single comprehensive high school. In addition to his role as President of the Student Government Association, Donovan anchors and produces the news for his school’s news team. Donovan will graduate from Therrell High School in the top 5% of his class.
DARRYL TERRY Frederick Douglass High School
Darryl Terry is a Senior at Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up, Darryl had to take medication for a debilitating form of chronic asthma. A side-effect of his medication was weight gain, which led to severe bullying. Darryl has also faced financial issues since he was a young boy. By the age of eight, Darryl had learned first-hand what words like foreclosure, bankruptcy, and repossession meant. He has endured periods of homelessness. Darryl states that he “had to learn to deal with change, adversity and how to trust people…but with a strong work ethic, drive, and determination, anything can be accomplished.” Instead of being a victim of his circumstances, Darryl has become an advocate for those facing similar issues. Darryl is a Fulton County Youth Commissioner representing District 5. In this role, he influences policy and legislation concerning his community. He was named Rookie of the Year by the Commission. Darryl has served on the Fulton County Global Youth Leadership Academy, Harvard’s Forum for Leaders, and the Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent’s Student Council. Abroad, Darryl has served as a Global Leadership Ambassador in Brazil with the Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation. As both a leader and a scholar, Darryl will graduate as Frederick Douglass High School’s valedictorian.
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HONOREES
JULIAN COLVARD Clark Atlanta University
Julian Colvard is a Freshman Early Childhood Education major at Clark Atlanta University. Julian’s childhood was mired with hardship. Julian has endured living conditions unbearable to most. He candidly admits that, in high school, he was not sure if he’d realize goals like “undergrad, college football, [and] living.” However, Julian is now an honors student and star football player at Clark Atlanta University. Julian is the founder of Young Men of Atlanta, an organization of college students that mentors APS students between the ages of five and eighteen. Julian states that, “I am now in a position where I must lead by example. Displaying upstanding character while hurdling obstacles and beating the odds are the conditions in which I must operate under.” Julian has received the Student-Athlete Award at Clark Atlanta University. He serves as a Scholarship Academy Ambassador and a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and the Collegiate 100. Following graduation, Julian would like to be an educator in the Atlanta Public School system.
BRICE ANDERSON Georgia State University
Brice Anderson is a Junior Computer Science major at Georgia State University. Brice has faced many challenges in pursuit of his degree. His family was displaced following Hurricane Katrina. As a child, his mother suffered routine physical and emotional abuse, ending in a violent attack that forced her to retire at the age of thirty-two. Brice, his mother, and his brother survived on his mother’s social security and disability benefits until Brice and his brother aged out of eligibility. Undeterred, Brice persevered through family trauma, dislocation, and budgetary constraints. In addition to being a full-time student, Brice works full-time to support himself. Despite the rigors of his academic and work schedules, Brice remains heavily involved on campus. Brice is a member of the Collegiate 100, serves as Student Judicial Board Justice with the Student Government Association, serves as President of the Tighter Grip African-American Male Initiative, and serves as the Captain of the Undergraduate Mock Trial Team. Following graduation, Brice wants to start a consulting firm specializing in marketing and brand management.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. The Catering Company By Vantrece State Representative Ronnie Mabra State Representative “Able” Mable Thomas Demarco Morgan Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan Calvin Johnson Kevin Gooch Kirk Brown Tony C. Jones Greg Davis Ron Townley Pastor Tamarkus Cook Darius Copeland Joseph Wilson Courtney Ward Desmond Hollingsworth Eric Miller Michael Moore Johnny Self Andrea "Angie" Palmer Darwin Berman Andy Nicks Ante Williams Video Production by Auteur 87 Sweet Candor TV All Conference Services Staff of Alston & Bird LLP Program Booklet Designed By Camryn Bradley
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