By Fletcher Word
The Truth Editor
The 21st annual African American Legay Project’s Legends Celebration weekend began at the Toledo Club on Friday, October 10, with a hospitality reception. Six area luminaries were honored for their long-time service to the greater community while eight youngsters were also recognized for their potential for service.
The evening began with a meet and greet as the honorees mingled with their families and friends enjoying a buffet meal and cocktails before Robert Smith, founder and CEO of the AALP, opened the proceedings.
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz brought plaques from the City of Toledo commemorating the long-time contributions of the honorees to the community and Crystal Harris Darnell, Lucas County Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion brought commemorative plaques from the county.
This year’s Legends are Cecelia Adams, PhD; Laneta Goings; J.D. Jackson; Richard Jackson; Dr. Warren Marshall, DDS; Flute Rice. Rice is being honored posthumously.
NexGen, a new AALP youth engagement initiative designed to identify, celebrate and prepare the next generation of African American leaders, was guided by a panel of local leaders including Ian Townsend, business development manager with the Lathrop Company; Ron Rice, retired TPS educator, Toledo City Councilwoman Bittany Jones, PhD; Cecelia Adams, PhD, retired school board and city councilwoman.
This year’s youth celebrants are: Lydia Myrick, Kurtiss Whitman, Aubrey Massey, Minnie Jean McMillian, Khali Moore, Brooklynn Harrison, Pay’Von Parker and Joy Green.
