By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to The AFRO
The 3rd Annual Black Leading Women Celebration, held at The Center Club on June 13 and presented by the Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center (LYTC) and CarVer Communications, shone a spotlight on the achievements and legacies of remarkable Black women.
This year’s event was hosted by Nicole Kirby, of CarVer Communications, and Lauren Blackwell, chief of staff at LYTC, with April Watts serving as the mistress of ceremonies. The night was filled with inspiring performances, heartfelt speeches and well-deserved honors.
The evening kicked off with a dynamic invocation by the charismatic pastor, teacher, evangelist and author Dr. Jazz Sculark, setting an uplifting tone for the celebration. Special guest artist Mumu Fresh delivered stirring performances of her songs “Let Your Light Shine” and “Gratitude,” which resonated deeply with the audience. DJ Angel Baby kept the energy high throughout the evening with a phenomenal set.
Nicole Kirby captured the spirit of the night with her passionate remarks: “We want to celebrate women who are doing the thing. We see you, we see you, we see you. When we see you driving around and we wave, we know what you’re going through. Tonight we celebrate all of you. Let’s keep this going.”
Among the honorees was Dana Carr, CEO of The Creative Impact Group, recognized for her innovative leadership. Nykidra Robinson, CEO of Black Girls Vote, was celebrated for her tireless work in inspiring Black women to engage in policy decisions. Sydney Johnson, a 19-year-old youth leader and fashion influencer, received accolades for her advocacy against gun violence and her empowering fashion initiatives.
Johnson’s story was particularly moving.
“Sydney Johnson is a rising star, shining brightly as she advocates for change and inspires through fashion and self-expression,” the presenter noted. Johnson’s dedication to using repurposed fabrics to promote individuality and authenticity has made her a beacon of hope and creativity in the community.
Tyde-Courtney Edwards, CEO of Ballet After Dark, was honored as the Trailblazer in the Arts. Edwards’ journey from a classically trained ballet dancer to a social innovator was highlighted, particularly her creation of a ballet-based fitness program for survivors of sexual and domestic assault.
“After a traumatic experience, she took a leap of faith and created Ballet After Dark, which caught the attention of multi-talented artist Queen Latifah and was featured at the Tribecca Film Festival,” the tribute recounted.
Shelonda Stokes, CEO of Downtown Partnership, was recognized with the Cultural Impact Award. Her influence as a changemaker in Baltimore was celebrated, with her achievements from her early days at Morgan State University to becoming one of Maryland’s most influential leaders being highlighted.
“Shelanda Stokes, Baltimore’s powerhouse, can be a change maker in any big city across America, but she continues to call Baltimore home,” the introduction read.
The event also made special acknowledgements to Brittany Young, founder of B-360; Dr. Aisha Austin, founder of Symone Center for the Arts; and Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, CEO of Root Branch Media Group, for their exceptional contributions.
APoetNamedNate delivered a powerful spoken word piece titled, “She is Beautiful,” which encapsulated the mission of uplifting the women in the room.
Natasha Murphy, accepting the award on behalf of Nykidra Robinson, expressed deep gratitude, saying, “It is incredibly impactful, just the opportunity to be recognized for the impactful work that we’ve been doing in the Baltimore area and beyond.”
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