Norman Mitchell

2023 COMMUNITY HERO

Norman Mitchell is a native Houstonian. He is a former comedian, actor, writer, director, and producer. The jack-of-all trades was homeless and living in Central Park, then found fame appearing on such TV shows as "It's Showtime at the Apollo," "Uptown Comedy Club", HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and "Keenan & Kel." How does he do it?

– “I keep the faith.”

That faith and determination has guided Norman throughout his life, from working at the YWCA on MLK Blvd in Houston to volunteering and working for Neighborhood Centers, Inc, as a counselor in 1988. The following year, he took his talents on the road where he lived in New York, NY and Bridgeport, CT where he performed in prisons, colleges and local high schools and community centers. After being homeless for nearly a year in New York’s Central Park, Mitchell landed a regular spot as an actor/ comedian on the hit 1990’s comedy variety show “Uptown Comedy Club” where he performed several sketches with renowned actors and actresses. He moved to Los Angeles, CA where he continued his work as an entertainer and community activist, where he raised money for pediatric AIDS by selling t-shirts and performing in local clubs. Norman continued his passion for HIV prevention by performing in churches and local high schools where he entertained and educated the community on HIV/ STIs. He relocated back to Houston in 2000 from Los Angeles, California, after a successful career in entertainment, and established Bee Busy Inc, a nonprofit organization with his wife, Darcy Padgett, writing and performing plays, spreading HIV prevention messages and counseling and testing to teach people about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections.

Today, Mitchell is the co-founder and CEO of Bee Busy Wellness Center, founded over a decade ago. During his tenure as CEO, he has acquired more than $20,700,000.00 in grant funds, and has developed an array of community programs designed to reach the hardestto-reach populations, African American and Latino men, and women and MSM (men who have sex with men who don’t identify themselves as gay or bisexual), as well as Transgender Women of Color. He has served in the capacity of Risk Reduction Specialist, Certified Health Education Specialist, Certified Community Health Worker, Community Outreach Specialist, Community Health Education Specialist, Funds Retrieval Officer, HIV Counselor, Phlebotomist and trainer of trainers.

Mitchell has received numerous awards and accolades for his services. He’s a 33rd degree Freemason and a Shriner. The comedian continues to volunteer his time as a youth counselor, coaching youth Football, Basketball, Baseball, Tennis and Soccer. When he’s not working or volunteering, you can find him mentoring youth and young adults, offering support and assistance wherever he’s needed.

Norman Mitchell CEO Bee Busy Wellness Center

8785

West Bellfort St Houston, TX 77031-2403

(713) 771-2292 ceo@mybbwc.org www.mybbwc.org