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Hundreds of people gathered in the Sheraton New York Hotel
and Towers in Manhattan tonight to celebrate the Harlem
YMCA’s Black Achievers Gala. The Harlem YMCA celebrated
35 years of achievement while honoring the brightest and
top African-American executives.
This years event, themed “35 Years: Making A Difference
Together” was an amazing night honoring over 50 adult
achievers and over 20 adult achievers. CBS 2 News’
Shon Gables was the Mistress of Ceremonies and The Honorable
Marc. H. Morial was the evenings keynote speaker. Morial
is the former Mayor of New Orleans and the current President
and CEO of the National Urban League.
The night began with a reception where all the guests socialized.
That part of the night was followed by the introduction
of the Harlem YMCA Board members. A dinner ensued, and lets
just say the food was grand, this was the Sheraton Hotel.
Isaiah Walker was honored with the Carrie Terrell Youth
Achiever of the Year Award. Walker,  18
a student at Thurgood Marshall Academy is Captain of the
Varsity Basketball team and former Captain of the track
team. He is a Sportsmanship and Most Valuable Player Award
winner. Academically he has maintained a 96 average in math
and is an honor student.
Walker simply filled out a scholarship application detailing
his interest in the scholarship. He supplied his grades
along with a list of extracurricular activities and he was
selected as the winner. When I asked Walker how he felt
about being the one winner out of the hundreds of applicants
he said he was “speechless.” Walker is still
undecided on the next step in his future although he says
that college is definitely the next step. His advice to
other teens trying to be great achievers, “My mother
always said, determination and dedication was the key. If
you reach for the stars, you’ll fall at least to the
clouds so keep working hard and you’ll get there.”
The
Carrie Terrell Youth Achiever of the Year Award was established
by the Black Achievers in Industry Committee in 1994 as
a symbol of representing Carrie Terrell’s dedication
and devotion to young people. Carrie served as the Chairperson
on the Black Achievers Committee and was the first woman
to serve on the Harlem YMCA Board of Managers.
Gerri Warren-Merrick was also honored with the Dr. Leo B.
March award. The Marsh Award is given to the person who
best exemplifies Dr. Marsh’s philosophy of spirit
and commitment to the Youth of the Harlem community. Dr.
Leo B. Marsh was a financial consultant with the YMCA of
Greater New York whose primary vision was to foster the
development of young people.
The event was incredibly successful. It was a wonderful
way for the YMCA to celebrate 35 years of Black Achievement.
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