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Celebrating the African Americans actively making positive change across Ohio.

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Annual Gala · Columbus, Ohio

2026 Ohio Honors

Congratulations to this year's outstanding honorees — leaders, visionaries, and community pillars.

Business
MN

Misti Norman

Business

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Public Service
EC

The Honorable
Erica C. Crawley

Public Service

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Education
DC

Dwight Cater

Education

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Religion
CN

Rev. Charles Newman

Religion

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Community Service
DW

Donte Woods Spikes

Community Service

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Health & Wellness
AJ

Anton J. Johnson

Health & Wellness

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Arts
ST

Samara Tillman

Arts

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Media
TS

Terrence Sigers

Media

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A Decade of Excellence

Past Honorees & Community Recognitions

Every name on this list represents a life dedicated to uplifting our community.

Reuel Barksdale
Jeremiah Barnes Bishop
Dr. George Barnett
Judge Laurel Beatty Blunt
Danielle Benson Robinson
Joy Bevens
Attorney Michael Bivens
Elsie Blount
Sonia Booker
Brian Woods
Cheryl Brook Sullivant
Carlos Christian
Rita Fuller-Yates
Judge Kimberly Cocroft
Angela Comelis Dawson
Mark Cumming Sr.
Karen Davis
Dionisha Clarke
Gail Dudley
Rodney Dunigan
Al Edmundson
Pastor Yavis Ellis
Dr. Laura Espy-Bell
Lamont Evans
Rev. Tina Fleisher
Sheri-Lynn Flowers Wynn
IOTA Phi Theta Fraternity
Paulette Gentry
Shawna Gibbs
Judge James Green
John Gregory
Jenea Harvison
Dr. William Hicks II
Dr. William Hicks Sr.
Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham
Donetrus Hill
Jodi Howell
Greg Jefferson
Rev. Dr. Monica Lowe
Tyrone Coleman
Dr. Chelsea Mooreland
Charmaine Campbell
Michael A. Forney
Yolanda Harris
Dr. Talisa Dixon
APDS, Inc.
Luke Fedlam
Dr. Sheila Burton
Dr. Elfred Pinkard
Ronnell Hunt
Dr. Darrell Ballinger
Belinda Stenson
De'Asia L. Thompson
Rev. William Caldwell
Rev. Leon Troy
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty
DJ IQ
Dr. Judson Jefferies
OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels
Rep. Latyna Humphrey
Don Heard
Michael Lawson
Ramani Hunter
Bishop Timothy J. Clarke
Deborah A. Jackson
Mike Jackson
Maurice James
Rick Jones
Helen Jones-Kelley
Gloria Kenley
Terence Kize
Ron M. Jordan
Attorney Kia M. Wrice
Stefanie Steward-Young
Donald Crockett
Larry Mallory
Marshawn McCarrell
Brandon McClain
Dee Miller
Senator Ray Miller
Rhonda Moore
Pastor Kenneth Moore Sr.
Jason Morton
Andrew Moss
Dr. Cheryl T. Parchia
Dr. Myron Raney
Jerry Revish
Brian Rogers
Dr. Milton Ruffin
Sharon S. Gordon
Linda Slocum
Brenda Spencer
Attorney Bryan Steward
Minister TaNikka Sheppard
Rev. Vanessa Oliver Ward
Tracy Townsend
Crystal Turner
Pricilla Tyson
Judge Terri Jamison
Rev. Ceylon Wise
Shannon Woods
Rev. Gina Watts
Judge Lasheyl Stroud
Senator Hearcel H. Craig
Sharee Wells
Habiba K. Bankson
Tiffane Warren
Tim Brown
Dr. Oluyinka O. Olutoye
Marlon Shackelford
Judge Denise Cross
EE Ward Moving and Storage
Allen Stephen
Don Black
Judge E. Gerald Parker Jr.
Mayor Jeffrey Mims
Daj'za Demming
Dr. Rev. Monica Lowe
Sonshine Christian Academy
Classic for Columbus
Dr. John Tyrus
Dr. Frederic Bertley
Rep. Dontavius Jarrells

The Eight Pillars

Award Categories

Recognizing excellence across every dimension of our community

Business

Honoring African American entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators who have built enterprises that strengthen the economic landscape of Ohio while creating opportunity for others.

EntrepreneurshipInnovationEconomic Impact

Education

Celebrating educators, administrators, and academic advocates who dedicate their lives to unlocking potential and creating pathways to success for African American students.

TeachingMentorshipAcademic Excellence

Public Service

Recognizing elected officials, government leaders, law enforcement, and civic servants who use their platforms to advocate for equitable policies and community well-being.

Civic LeadershipPolicyAdvocacy

Arts

Uplifting visual artists, musicians, performers, and creatives whose work tells the stories of our community, preserves our culture, and inspires the next generation.

Visual ArtsPerforming ArtsCultural Impact

Media

Honoring journalists, broadcasters, content creators, and media professionals who ensure African American voices, stories, and perspectives are heard, seen, and amplified.

JournalismBroadcastingContent Creation

Religion

Celebrating faith leaders, pastors, and spiritual guides who serve as pillars of strength, hope, and moral direction for their congregations and communities.

Faith LeadershipCommunitySpiritual Guidance

Health & Wellness

Recognizing healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, and mental health champions dedicated to closing healthcare disparities and elevating well-being.

HealthcareMental HealthWellness

Community Service

Honoring volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and grassroots organizers who give tirelessly of themselves to serve, protect, and uplift the communities around them.

VolunteerismNonprofitsGrassroots

Know Someone Deserving?

Submit a Nomination

Do you know an extraordinary African American leader in Ohio who deserves to be celebrated? Nominations are carefully reviewed by the Honors Events selection committee.

Demonstrated excellence in their field
Active in Ohio
Making a tangible community impact
Submit a Nomination

Be There When History Is Made.

Join us to celebrate the 2026 class of Honors Events recipients.