By Carla Thomas

The New Community Leadership Foundation (NCLF) hosted an awards ceremony at the Japan Town Center’s KOHO Co-Creative Hub in San Francisco, recognizing representatives of the arts, nonprofit, small business, and advocacy sectors.

Honorees at the Dec. 12 event included the American Businesswomen’s Association’s San Francisco Enterprising Women Networking Chapter, the Flood Project, the Brown Bombers, the Jonathan Carver Moore Gallery, and Mackey’s Korner.

NCLF Executive Director Majeid Crawford said the event was created to not only recognize individuals and organizations crucial to the vibrance and survival of San Francisco’s Black community, but to allow the community to network. “We are passionate about creating positive change in our communities, and that happens when we work together,” said Crawford.

Lynette Mackey was presented the Community Impact Award for her Suicide Block Party, that raises awareness around suicide prevention and mental health. By fostering community engagement, offering crisis intervention, and providing long-term support, Mackey’s Korner helps save lives.

The Innovative Leadership Award was presented to Arthur Stern, Jr. of the FLOOD Project, “Forever Living Out Our Dreams.” Stern, Jr., aka Yung Lott, created a soundtrack featuring transitional aged youth from the Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco.

The music provides listeners with powerful themes of inspiration, resilience, and hope. “It’s a completely clean album,” said MC Kimberly Caldwell.

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“This exceptional body of work is a reflection of Yung Lott’s unwavering dedication to the community, offering a soundtrack of resilience and hope with uplifting hymns designed to support listeners through any day,” said Crawford. “This project beautifully captures the essence of living out dreams and driving meaningful change.”

ABWA President LaRonda “Sug” Smith, with Vice President Velma Landers, received the Equity Champion Award.

This is quite an honor,” said ABWA Vice President Velma Landers. “Our organization serves businesswomen from diverse fields by providing invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth through leadership, education, and networking support.”

Jonathan Carver Moore, a gallerist at 966 Market St., was awarded the Visionary Leadership Award for his commitment to creating an artist space for underrepresented artists.

A grant with support from the Dream Keeper Initiative, the Office of Economic & Workforce Development, and the SF Arts Commission, supported his innovative artist-in-residency program in a 2,600-square-foot retail space, designed to revitalize vacant spaces and drive collective impact.

Ronan Ross received the Youth Empowerment Award on behalf of the San Francisco Brown Bombers. The organization was founded in September 1999 at the request of community stakeholders, with the mission of providing San Francisco’s youth with a football and cheer program that teaches the fundamentals in a fun and safe environment.

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