(Jackson, Mississippi) – Jackson State University’s Vice President and Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson will receive the 2024 Young, Gifted & Empowered Leader of the Year Award Award presented by Patty Peck Honda and Cricket. The event is scheduled to air at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 28 on WLOO My 35 and stream live on YG&E TV Roku channel and iOS app.
The YG&E event, in its 9th year, celebrates young-African Americans from Mississippi and the south who are positively affecting change at local, national, and global levels.
“It’s truly humbling to be recognized among such an esteemed group of individuals who are making a significant impact in their communities. I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in organizing this event and to those who have supported me throughout my journey,” Robinson said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished at JSU Athletics over the past six years. Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and supporters. I look forward to furthering our mission of excelling on and off the field.”
The VP also acknowledged the crucial support of university leadership, alumni, donors and community partners and expressed his commitment to advancing opportunities for student- athletes and building upon past successes.
According to a release, the mission of the YGE Awards is to empower and uplift the voices of the African American community by providing a platform for diverse and inclusive storytelling. YG&E strives to challenge and shift negative narratives, promote understanding and representation, and inspire positive change through the power of media.
“Each year that we host YG&E I’m reminded of our collective brilliance, ingenuity and ability to keep going,” said Shameka Reed, founder of the non-profit. “These honorees are so deserving. They are real change agents for our great state, and I’m proud that we get to tell a small part of their stories. We all should be proud of them and lauding their accomplishments every chance we get.”
Hosted by Merc B. William and Cocky McFly, also known as the Vibe Controllers, the 2024 YG&E Awards celebrates the brilliance, resilience, and diversity of Black culture.
Additionally, the event will feature performances by Mississippi talents such as Canton Gospel singer and Sunday’s best contestant Ashford Sanders, spoken word artist Amanda Furdge, Southern Komfort Brass Band and Michael J. Hall featuring LaNita Harris.
The 2024 YG&E honorees are:
Ashley Robinson—Leader of the Year
Ashley Robinson, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Jackson State University, has a knack for making great hires and turning programs around. He credits being student centered as the primary focus of his strategy. During his short six-year tenure, JSU Athletics has won 21 championships, posted a combined average of a 3.1 GPA for student athletes, and increased fan base and giving. Robinson also has won several prestigious awards, including the 2022 Cushman & Wakefield AD of the Year.
Dr. Terence James—Educator of the Year
As the career and technical administrator for Vicksburg Warren School District, Dr. James’ leadership has helped graduating seniors earn more than 12,951 semester hours of college credit, saving over $9 million in college tuition. Vicksburg Warren School District leds the state in the number of college credits earned by high school students.
MS Move—Community Organization of the Year
At its inception 20 years ago, Mac Epps, Sabir Abdul-Haqq and George Patterson were heavily focused on voter registration. Since then, the statewide nonprofit coalition has significantly broadened its footprint to include policy analysis, health and education programs, workshops, a benefit for the homeless and disaster response.
Dr. Ebony Butler—Innovator of the Year
Dr. Ebony Butler is a licensed psychologist, food relationship strategist and creator of the groundbreaking My Therapy Cards collection. My Therapy Cards, a deck for black women that launched in May 2020, is a self-exploration card deck designed with the intention of helping other women of color grow and elevate in the areas of emotional and mental health! Since its inception My Therapy Cards, has expanded into decks for men, teens, has an accompanying journal and sold over 11,000 units worldwide.
Dedrick Thomas—Entrepreneur of the Year
Dedrick Thomas is the designer behind some of the most iconic looks for Samuel L. Jackson, Tip “TI” Harris and Magic Johnson, just to name a few. Thomas’s brand, Hideoki, has a reputation as a luxurious go to for celebrities, professionals and fashion enthusiasts. Hideoki recently collaborated with golfing equipment giant PING to create “The 19th Collection,” and a million-dollar-plus commitment to HBCUs.
For more information about the 2024 Young, Gifted and Empowered awards, please visit www.younggiftedandempowered.com.
About YG&E
The YG&E’s mission is to empower and uplift the voices of the African American community by providing a platform for diverse and inclusive storytelling. We strive to challenge and shift negative narratives, promote understanding and representation, and inspire positive change through the power of media.