Las Vegas City Wire

City of Las Vegas recently issued the following announcement.

The eighth annual African American Trailblazer Service Awards honors citizens who have made outstanding civic accomplishments and significant contributions to the Las Vegas community. To watch the event which will be held Feb. 1, 2022, visit the city's livestream page.  

The African American Trailblazer Service Awards presentation also will recognize specific contributors in the following categories:

• Business and Economic Advancement: Kenya Renee Young – This award recognizes local business professionals who have displayed entrepreneurial character, high standards, innovative professional practice and support of their local community.

Kenya Renee Young is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, raised in 22 fostercare homes as a youth. Though she endured many obstacles while being apart of an untraditional family life, Young has persevered and has committedherself to maintaining a growth-mindset, helping others and opening upgenerational changes for her own children.As a certified life coach in the community, Kenya helps people to Liberate,Innovate and Empower (L.I.E.) themselves. 

Young is a self-published authorand released her first book in 2018, titled L.I.E. Aspirations. Young has sinceself-published two additional books, “The Entanglement of the Mind, and30 Seconds with Kenya, a Daily Devotional,” with more inspirational writingsto come. As an extension of her third book, Young currently hosts a dailyFacebook Live broadcast called “30 Seconds with Kenya,” during whichshe shares positive messages aimed to encourage, inspire and motivateher audience.

In August 2021, Young opened Marlon’s Closet and Bookstore, named afterher late brother Marlon Young. Marlon’s is an entrepreneurial marketspacewhere other entrepreneurs can feature their merchandise; it gives start-upcompanies, local authors and local boutiques the opportunity to make theirmanuscripts, books and clothing accessible to the community. Locatedin Las Vegas’ Historic Westside, Marlon’s brings life, energy and newopportunities for growing businesses. 

In 2018 Young founded L.I.E. International, a 501(c)(3) organization.Through unique programs developed for L.I.E. International, Young is ableto assist those in need of mental health education and therapeutic servicesas well as spearhead advocacy efforts for mental health and youth thathave aged-out of the foster system. Through L.I.E. International, Younghas hosted a mental health expo for the past two years. The expo bringsawareness to the importance of mental health, how those affected can gethelp, and how the community can assist those living with it.L.I.E. International has joined other nonprofits and businesses, such asPlanet Mike Earth, as well as And What Fashion, to conduct communitygive-back work for the homeless, and underserved families throughout theyear, providing toiletries, clothing, blankets and food. 

Twice a year, L.I.E.International partners with Coffey and Biz to coach and aid a buddingentrepreneur (minor or adult) through the steps of starting their ownbusiness and in obtaining a business license by funding and assisting inthe completion of their application.Young’s ultimate goal for L.I.E. International is to have a housingdevelopment secured for foster youth who are exiting the foster caresystem, complete with resources to help keep them connected as thrivingcitizens in our community.

• Community Activism and Politics: Roxann McCoy – This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated through their achievements the ability to advocate, organize and engage citizens, and inform public policy on issues that improve the quality of life for the community.

Roxann McCoy was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and has been a residentof Las Vegas for more than 33 years. She earned a Bachelor of ScienceDegree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.McCoy is currently the president of the Las Vegas Chapter of the NationalAssociation for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where shehas served in that capacity for over 6 years. Under her leadership, thelocal NAACP has increased membership by 40 percent, and the group,along with a variety of community partners, has implemented numeroussuccessful programs that positively impact local students, as well as lawseffecting disenfranchised residents in the Las Vegas valley. 

McCoy and herteam have helped effect change within the Clark County School District inareas such as, increasing the presence of African American studies withinthe system and initiating a culture shift to improve access and equity forall children to ensure quality education, regardless of zip code. McCoy hasalso helped change crucial policies and procedures within the Las VegasMetropolitan Police Department, concerning such topics as, race, bodycamera usage, duty to intervene, and use of choke holds, to name a few. 

McCoy is also the president and CEO of Las Vegas-based AspireConsulting Group, a boutique consulting firm which specializes in businessdevelopment, community outreach and image consulting. She consultsregularly with local business owners and political representatives, helpingto shape their brand awareness and providing advice on diversity, equityand inclusion, cultural competency and strategic planning. 

McCoy serves as a board member for Southern Hills Hospital, boardmember of United Way Impact Circle, former board member for the cityof Las Vegas Community Development Block Grant and previous boardmember for the city of Las Vegas Civil Service Board. McCoy is alsoaffiliated with a number of other local organizations such as the UrbanChamber, 100 Black Women, Metro’s Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee,My Brother’s Keeper and the Clark County Black Caucus.McCoy has been nominated for, and is the recipient of, numerousprestigious awards. She has most recently been recognized by the AfricanChamber, and with the Women of Excellence Award from the Kappa AlphaPsi Las Vegas Alumni Chapter for her community service and work in civilrights. McCoy’s other awards include: Women of Wealth Bridge Award,Community Impact Award, The Queen’s Tea African American WomanhoodAward, Distinguished Women in Nevada, Proclamation from CommissionerMcCurdy, and Heroes and Community Award.Her selfless involvement, passion and endless energy have aidedtremendously in solidifying her ability to positively impact lives of peoplein the Las Vegas community.

• Educator: Dr. Linda E. Young – This award honors those who, as a teacher, instructor or school administrator, have demonstrated excellence in mentoring, guiding and preparing students to achieve their full potential.

Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, all of Linda E. Young’s earlier childhoodeducational schooling and upbringing was in a home environment wherethe value of education, cultural arts and music, and sports were highlyemphasized.Dr. Young obtained Bachelor’s Degrees in Spanish, speech, and English anda Master’s Degree in school psychology from the University of Dayton.She went on to earn a Doctorate Degree in educational leadership fromNorthern Arizona University. 

Dr. Young was an influential and long-standing employee of the ClarkCounty School District, where she served for 32½ years. During her tenure,Dr. Young worked in a variety of roles, to include school psychologist,coordinator for Special Education Programs, elementary special educationteacher, high school dean, assistant principal, sixth grade center principal,director of the District-wide Multicultural/Diversity Program and directorof the Equity and Diversity Education Program.Dr. Young was elected to the Clark County School Board of Trustees onNov. 2, 2008, where she served three, four-year terms, representingstudents, parents, schools, and communities in District C until she leftoffice on Jan. 4, 2021. During this time, she held several school boardofficer roles: clerk in 2010, vice-president in 2011, 2014, and 2017, aswell as president in 2012, 2015 and 2016. 

Currently, Dr. Young is the president and founder of the Village Foundation,LJP, working for equity and justice for students. She is also a Golden LifeMember, and former president of both the Las Vegas and the ColoradoSprings Alumnae Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Youngcan be found continuing her advocacy for valley citizens as the pastfounder, past president and current member of the Northwest AreaResidents Association in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as former educationalchair and Silver Life Member of the NAACP. 

Among Young’s countless awards and recognitions include: 2021 DesertRose High School Black Lives Matter Advocacy Awards; 2021 NationalAssociation of School Psychologists Outstanding Advocate Award; 2020Education Support Employees Association Appreciation and AdvocacyAwards; 2013 Educator of the Year for the Democratic Black Caucus; 2012Founders Award for the National Association for Multicultural Education;2012 NAACP Community Recognition Award and the NAACP HeartbeatAward; 2005 Clark County School District Excellence in Education Hallof Fame Inductee; and Parade Marshal for Nevada’s First State Holidayhonoring Dr. Martin Luther King.Young authored a book of poems titled “Life’s Snapshots of a Soul,” whichwas published in 2015, and “The Pretty Little Red Rose” Children’s Booksseries will be published in the future.

• Spiritual Community: China Hudson – This award will be presented to a spiritual leader who has transcended organizational boundaries to promote spiritual and religious growth, partnership, and engagement through inspired action and visionary leadership.

China Hudson, also known as “Ms. China,” is an initiated practitioner ofAfrican spirituality and a cultural traditionist. She received her spiritualtraining from both the Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina and theKrobo Villiage in Ghana West Africa, and has been a driving force in theLas Vegas community for over 23 years. Bringing culture and ancestralreverence to the forefront of our community, she has taken cultural arts,such as African dance, storytelling and drumming and formed them intoa spiritual experience. 

Hudson is the embodiment of the Sankofa Bird;reaching back in history and bringing forth the historical spiritual andcultural teachings of the African Spiritual Diaspora.In 2003, she co-founded Sisters In Society Taking Action (S.I.S.T.A.) GirlsRite of Passage Program based out of the West Las Vegas Arts Center.Celebrating the principles and values of African American culture inthe spirit of Harambee (coming together) and based on the principles& teachings of an African Rite for young girls ages 10-17, S.I.S.T.A. hasworked with over 500 youth and graduated over 200 young girls intowomanhood. Ladies for Change Lifestyle Transition Program is the secondphase of the Rite of Passage program, which is geared toward youngwomen ages 17-22, as they make the transition into adulthood. Bothprograms provide life skills workshops in attitude, cultural awareness,financial literacy, positive self-body image, sexuality, health and theimportance of community. 

Hudson has established youth cultural and empowerment programsfor the city of Las Vegas, Clark County School District, Las Vegas UrbanLeague, Clark County Parks and Recreation, and the West Las VegasLibrary Theater. As a Spoken Word artist, African dance instructor and amember of Olabisi African Dance & Drum Ensemble, she is committed tomaintaining African culture and tradition through poetry, prose, drummingand dancing. 

Hudson has written, directed and performed in over fourteen originalproductions, showcasing social, racial and political issues. Some of herother theatrical performances also include: “For Colored Girls,” “VaginaMonologues,” “Amen Corner,” “The Bluest Eye,” “The Color Purple-LasVegas,” “Dreamgirls-Las Vegas” and “A Raisin in the Sun.” Ms. Chinacontinues to share her love of the arts as a teaching artist for both theSmith Center of Performing Arts, as well as the Nevada Arts Council.Hudson is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and in 2009, Hudsonwas the recipient of the Channel 13 Jefferson Award. She has also beenrecognized as the 2011 Las Vegas Black Music Awards Spoken Word Artistof the Year, Womelle’s 2016 Woman of the Year, and in 2019, Hudson wasawarded a proclamation by the city of Las Vegas, designating the 23rd ofFebruary as “China Hudson Day.”

• Tyrone Thompson Emerging Leader Award: Sean C. Tory – This award celebrates an up-and-coming individual who demonstrates a commitment to leadership and substantial potential for innovation, creativity, vision, and positive influence.

A native of Las Vegas, Sean C. Tory received a Bachelor of Science Degreein Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Nevada,Reno (UNR). He continued on to earn a Master of Science Degree from theUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in Marriage and Family Therapy,and is currently a Ph.D. student at UNLV for Curriculum & Instruction,with a concentration in Cultural Studies, International Education andMulticultural Education. 

Tory has served as the campus life development coordinator for theCollege of Southern Nevada (CSN) since 2018, where he is also a senioranalyst/business advisor for NVGrow, a State of Nevada small businessinitiative customized for existing southern Nevada businesses that haveover $50,000 and less than $700,000 in sales. Tory serves as an advisorfor the CSN Black Student Union and operates the CSN Tyrone ThompsonStudent Union, through which he is currently opening the North Las VegasCoyote Closet, dedicated to both Tyrone Thompson and Devon Stone.The Coyote Closet provides free professional clothing for students in need.In 2016, 

Tory co-founded and remains vice president of the King of JewelsMentorship Program, a 501(c)(3). Through King of Jewels, Tory helpsguide and educate young men of color in the Las Vegas valley throughworkshops, conferences and facilitated restorative and transformativejustice practices. 

As co-creator of The Men’s Room, a space for Black men where thoughtprovoking discussions take place on topics such as equality, equity orliberation and restorative and transformative justice, Tory brings Blackmen together to heal, engage, learn and build with one another.Tory is also an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. As aformer member, advisor and executive director of the Alpha Men &Divas of Tomorrow (under the guidance of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,Inc.), Tory mentored youth to graduate high school and attend a four year college or university of their choice. With Tory’s assistance, theorganization was able to help over 25 students obtain college scholarshipsbetween 2010-2019.Tory has been recognized as the 2019 Nevada Promise Mentor of theSemester for the CSN North Las Vegas Campus, he won the Dr. ThomasWilson Outstanding Scholarship and Community Service Award in 2015from UNLV, and has earned the 2013 Northern Nevada Black CulturalAwareness Society Youth Advocate Service Award. In 2011, Tory was giventhe Thornton Peace Prize from UNR.

Original source can be found here.