By Kendra Bryant
Special to the AFRO
The Ashland Community Development Corporation (ACDC) hosted its inaugural Black Excellence Awards honoring Baltimore community leaders at The Forum Caterers on Feb. 22. The nonprofit has spent several years working to improve housing, education and wellness across the city.
WMAR-2 News Good Morning Maryland host Randall Newsome led the program, which centered faith, unity and support for Black-owned initiatives.
“I’m so proud of the reach and the impact we’re able to make,” said Dr. Jehnae Linkins, a member of ACDC’s board of directors. “It’s really good to see people from the community coming out, especially at our Thanksgiving drives or our book bag giveaways. Working with the organization has been really fulfilling and we’re going to keep this up for the next ten, 20, 30 years.”
Dr. Jehnae Linkins, a member of ACDC’s board of directors, leads educational programming and manages the Ashland 4-H Robotics Club. She also serves as the current Ms. District of Columbia Black United States. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Kendra Bryant 
Emcee Randall Newsome (right) and award recipient Kelly Swoope ( left) highlight their shared commitment to community-centered journalism through their work at WMAR-2 News. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Kendra Bryant 
Freelancers creatives Torey (right) and Teryll Foster (left) document the ceremony, focusing on youth engagement and storytelling. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Kendra Bryant 
Honorees of the Ashland Community Development Corporation’s inaugural Black Excellence Awards come together. Shown here, Phillip Young (left), Randall Newsome, John T. Bullock, AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy Draper, Kelly Swoope, Talven Pearsell, Ricardo Gamble and Jonathan Mangana (right). Credit: All AFRO Photos / Kendra Bryant 
Students Dhane Chapman (far left) and Nyla Adams are recognized for their service. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Kendra Bryant 
Shown here, leaders of the Ashland Community Development Corporation: Jonathan Mangana (left), Fandreia Bowman, Frances Campbell, JeNelle Parker, Taqueena Jones, Keitha Robinson, Dr. Jehnae J. Linkins, David Parker and Phillip Young (right). Credit: All AFRO Photos / Kendra Bryant
Five honorees were recognized for their contributions to athletics, business, religion, education, entertainment and public service. Award recipients included Dr. Frances Toni Draper, Ricardo Gamble, Talven Pearsell and Kelly Swoope.
“The panel did an amazing job selecting the award recipients,” said Phillip Young, ACDC executive president and chairman. “Committed people who want to make an impact on the community.”
Talven Pearsell was awarded for his many years of service as an educator within the Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). He was named the 2023-24 BCPS Middle School Teacher of the Year and received Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.’s International Teacher of the Year award in 2023-25.
“Being a teacher is one of the most prestigious and underpaid professions,” said Pearsell. “As a Black male teacher for over 25 years, I represent a dying breed. I do this because it’s something that I’m passionate about. When we are here, we are used as servants to help others. Lord, thank you for allowing me to be a vessel, to reach and teach tomorrow’s future today. You don’t understand the impact you have on someone else’s life.”
According to Morgan State University’s National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities, despite Black male students making up approximately 7.5 percent of the K-12 public school population, only 1.3 percent of teachers are Black males.
“What it means to be here is being able to support ACDC and the mission of what they’re trying to do,” said Aaron Long, president of the Zeta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. “They’re honoring great honorees, staples in the community.”
Event sponsors included AFRO News and Optima.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition. This may be your first Black Excellence Award but this isn’t your first foray into community service,” said Draper, award recipient and fourth-generation publisher of AFRO News. “I have one ask, that everyone continue to support local news organizations such as the AFRO, so that we can continue to encourage the next generation of journalists.”
During a time of widespread misinformation and exposure to negative portrayals of minority communities, several speakers urged attendees to uplift stories that reflect progress.
“It’s important to have credible news sources telling our stories that are often misunderstood and also misrepresented,” said Councilman John T. Bullock. “It’s important to have those voices that are here. We stand amongst soldiers and giants, and we’re only one step away from the future and to let all the young people in the room know that the opportunity is yours to move the mantle forward.”
“As I’m concerned we can’t do anything about the national narrative,” said Kelly Swoope, WMAR-2 News award winning anchor. “But what we can do is share the good news that is going on in Baltimore. The positive stories don’t always find us. They don’t come knocking on your door; so we want for you all to start sharing them with us.”
Young people were also represented at the ceremony, including Torey Foster, a junior videographer at Bowie State University, and 13-year-old photographer Terryll Foster.
“It feels amazing to be capturing this event and executing it in excellence,” said Torey Foster. “We’re not only doing something for ourselves, but giving back to the community.”
ACDC also recognized HBCU student volunteers Nyla Adams of Hampton University and Dhane Chapman of Bowie State University.