Metro Council Honors Black Leaders

Today Louisville Metro Council’s Community Affairs and Housing Committee held a special meeting to honor outstanding residents and volunteers as part of its 14th Annual Black History Month Program.

“Reaffirming Our Diverse Culture” is the continuing theme of the program, which concludes the month long celebration of Black History Month in Louisville Metro.   

“Each year, the Metro Council takes a moment to shine the spotlight on citizens in our districts who work for change and help others,” says Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin (D-2) who chairs the Committee.  “Through their efforts, our community is a better place to live.  This is one way of thanking them for what they do.”

Two special groups were honored during the program along with 23 individuals.  Below is a list of the honorees of for the 14th Annual Black History Program:

2016 Group Award:

Black Veterans Inc.

This year the Committee honors The National Association of Black Veterans, Inc. which was established in 1969 by seven Vietnam War Veterans.

Commander Shedrick J. Jones Sr., a veteran and well-known Kentucky basketball coach, established its Kentucky-Louisville Chapter on October 31, 2008.

NABVETS unite around the strong conviction that veterans possess the experience, knowledge, discipline, training, and capacity to unite among themselves and with citizen soldiers to make a difference in the quality of life for youths, families and their community.

West Louisville Urban Coalition

West Louisville Urban Coalition was established in 2010 to unite government, business, neighborhoods, and individual initiatives to improve the quality of life in West Louisville.

As a grassroots organization, the main purpose is to incorporate the vision of the community, nurture those visions, and eliminate those issues that hinder or discriminate against residents within the community.

2016 Honorees

District 1 Elmer Lucille Allen

District 2 John “Hulk” Lewis

District 3 Deborah Gordon

District 4 Anthony Smith

District 5 Bonnie Cole

District 6 Rev. Dr. Alex Moses Sr.

District 8 Clark ---

District 9 Dawn J. Wilson

District 10 Jeramy B. Hughes

District 11 Kedrick Tembo

District 12 Fred & Zelma Johnson

District 13 Breanya C. Hogue

District 14 Donella Allen

District 15 Margie King

District 17 Brenda Brooks

District 19 Sgt. Michael Williams

District 20 Anna Shobe Wallace

District 21 Yvette Livers

District 22 Rev. Norman Dukes Sr.

District 23 Michelle L. Dillard

District 24 Glen Hill

District 25 Rev. Larry Sykes

Photo:  Congratulations to District 21 resident Yvette Livers for representing the district at the 14th Annual Black History Awards ceremony today at the Metro Council. Yvette has been the Director of South Louisville Community Ministries for the last few years and has a record of service for minority populations throughout her career. Pictured here with Councilman Dan Johnson (D-21) and Legislative Assistant Bryan Mathews.