Black Achievers Gala is this week
The Winston Lake Family YMCA will hold its 16th Annual Black Achievers in Business & Industry Awards Gala on Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sundance Plaza Hotel and Spa, 3050 University Pkwy.
The event recognizes high school students for their scholastic achievements and adult leaders from local corporations and community organizations. Distinguished service awards will also be presented.
Dr. Nkruma Lewis, an author, motivational speaker and assistant professor of sociology at Winston-Salem State University, will deliver the keynote address.
Lewis writes about his troubled past in his book, “Becoming A Butterfly: From Prison to Ph.D.” He grew up in an abusive family and turned to gangs when he was a teenager. Gang life eventually landed him in jail, where he began to refocus his energy into education.
The Durham native earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1996 and three years later received a MS degree in adult education from N.C. A&T State University. He became doctor (Dr.) Lewis in 2005, when he received a Ph.D. in sociology from Virginia Tech.
In addition to his writing, speaking engagements and teaching, Lewis is involved with efforts and agencies that work to reduce crime, domestic abuse and other social ills. He is also active in legal cases where injustice and wrongful incarceration are suspected.
Tickets to the Gala are $50 for adults or $35 for kids 10 and under. Tickets are available at the front desk of the Winston Lake Y, 901 Waterworks Rd.
For more information about the event, contact Andrea Y. Hicks at 336-724-9205 or a.hicks@ymcanwnc.org.
