Honors
The Catalyst for Change Award
Recognizing outstanding individuals who have demonstrated a profound commitment to positively changing the life trajectory of Black men and boys in Guilford County.
What it represents
A record of who showed up.
The Catalyst for Change Award is presented at the Black Male Summit of Guilford County to men whose work — in pulpits, boardrooms, courtrooms, classrooms and on the block — has measurably altered the path available to Black men and boys in this county.
It is not a lifetime achievement plaque. It marks catalysts: people whose decisions opened doors that stayed open for the ones coming behind them.
2026
12 recipients
Rev. Dr. Cardes BrownPastor and Community Leader
Rev. Odell ClevelandCommunity Leader and Entrepreneur- Dr. Manuel DudleyChief Officer for Strategic & Industry Partnerships, GTCC
- Monte EdwardsBusiness and Community Leader
- Geoff FosterPresident, Core Technology Molding Corporation
- William HusseyCommunity Organizer
C.C. LamberthPresident, C2 Contractors, LLC · City Help of the Triad Board Member
Rev. Dr. Bradford LilleyPastor and Community Activist- Phillip H. McColl, JDCommunity Leader
Ralph MitchellPioneering Executive Coach and Community Leader- Alexander ParkerBusiness Pioneer
Rev. Robert J. WilliamsPastor and Community Leader
2025
The Catalyst for Change Award was not presented in 2025.
2024
10 recipients
- Judge Henry E. Frye
Dr. Harold L. Martin- Bishop George W. Brooks
- Dr. Robert “Bob” Brown
Dr. Alvin Powell
Melvin “Skip” AlstonGuilford County Commissioner- Rev. Nelson Johnson
Dr. Frank K. Thomas
Greg CommanderCommunity Leader and Mentor
Dr. Gene BlackmonEducator and Community Advocate
The next class is honored at the gala.
The Catalyst for Change Award is presented on Day One, April 9, 2027 at Grandover Resort.