The 2023 6th Annual Dr. Ralph de Chabert Trustees of Inclusive Equity Awards took place on Monday, June 19th, 2023 at the Old Walnut Family Strengthening Center. This prestigious awards ceremony is LCCC’s largest fundraising event which gives us the opportunity to honor community and corporate leaders and organizations who are making a difference in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Louisville community and beyond.
Celebrating Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a testimony to where we have been, where we are, and how much further we need to go as a society. Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby, Sr., Pastor at St. Stephen Baptist Church & President at Simmons College of Kentucky delivered a powerful speech on the importance of Juneteenth to the advancement of equity within the Louisville community. The crowd enjoyed a stellar performance from the youth of our Kids Art Academy as they performed \”Lift Every Voice\”. During the 6th Annual Dr. Ralph de Chabert Trustees of Inclusive Equity Awards, LCCC gave special thanks to those who have been with us since the event\’s inception, honoring past recipients and those who work diligently to make the event a success annually.
Celebrating our Youth
The crowd enjoyed hearing from Kids Arts Academy alumni Chase Dean, Mariah Martin, Najiya Clayborn, and Shylin Jordan as they provided an update on where they are now and how LCCC impacted their journey along the way. The youth were also given the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents through song. All four alumni are still active in the arts community as actors, artists, and musicians. LCCC is proud of their achievements and wishes them continued success along their journeys. Kids Arts Academy member Karsen Taylor also took the stage. Karsen is a current STEAM camper in LCCC\’s summer program and will perform in 1963-Still: Same Shot at the end of this summer. Karsen toured in the most recent Hits! The Musical alongside Kids Arts Academy alumni DCorey \”DC\” Johnson this year. Witnessing our youth take the stage is a reminder that the work we put in to advance equity within our community is a worthwhile cause and the work we do today sets the stage for a better future for them tomorrow.
Honoring Excellence
The Gala was one for the books as we honored 7 community leaders who are dedicated to influencing positive change within our community through the advancement of DEI. The seven honorees were: Michelle Cunningham, Seven Counties Services; Ira J. Salls, McDonald\’s Franchise; Tim Bryant, Churchill Downs, Inc.; Dr. Kelly McCants, MD, Norton Institute for Health Equity; Dr. Marty Pollio, JCPS; George Demaree, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana., and the special presidents\’ awards went to Tracey & Stephan Johnson. LCCC would like to give thanks to everyone who attended the event, the planning committee, LCCC staff, and Board of Directors.
Louisville Central Community Centers, Inc. would like to give a special thank you to our corporate sponsors and generous donors. This year\’s sponsors and donors include Brown-Forman Corporation, KFC Yum Brands, Fourth Street Live!, River City Bank, Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), Humana Healthy Horizons Medicaid, Metro United Way, Pepsi Co., Churchill Downs, Inc., Norton Healthcare, Louisville Affordable Housing Trust, Seven Counties Services, The Mardrian Group, Inc., Youth Build, Dr. Ralph de Chabert, Floyd Smith, Elmer Lucille Allen, Dr. Gracie and Frank Wishnia, Dr. Anna M. Smith, Ira J. Salls, Derrick Collins, and Tracey & Stephan Johnson.
LCCC would also like to recognize the event planning committee, our staff, and board of directors for all of their hard work which made the event a success. Additionally, we would like to give a special shout out to the local businesses which provided all the necessary components to drive the event, these businesses include Clinton Bennett Photography & Videography, Sincerely Yours Catering, Inc., Georgia’s Sweet Potato Pie Company, Mane Event Decorators, Inc., Millennium Events, Adhawks, LLC, Derby City Printing and Memorable Celebrations.
Pictures from the Dr. Ralph de Chabert Trustees of Inclusive Equity Awards can be found at: https://bit.ly/43dopFK
About Louisville Central Community Centers, Inc.
Founded in 1948, Louisville Central Community Centers, Inc. (LCCC) is a community-based, nonprofit, anchor institution that co-creates development of vibrant neighborhood conditions within which children, adults, and businesses can thrive – socially, academically, artistically, and economically. LCCC’s mission is to advance equity through empowerment of economically disadvantaged children and families within Russell, nearby neighborhoods, and the larger community.
For More Information
Website: www.lcccnews.org
Email: info@lcccnews.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theLtripleC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisvillecentralcommunitycntr/
Phone: (502) 583-8821
Address: 1300 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd
Louisville, KY 40203