Harlem YMCA Marks 31 Years of Recognizing African-American Achievement
by Dynishal P. Gross

The grand ballroom of the New York Hilton Hotel swayed with the music of a jazz ensemble, while men and women, giggly teens and dignified elders mingled and posed in gowns and tuxedos. As corporate executives, students and honored guests filled the dais, like a beautiful choir filling the stands, the applause of the audience swelled to join the music. The Harlem YMCA’s 31st Annual National Salute to Black Achievers in Industry (BAI) was off to a glorious start as the audience rose to hear a gospel-tinged vocal rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Since the founding of the event in 1971, the Harlem YMCA has honored nearly 4,000 African American corporate executives as Black Achievers in Industry. This year, 75 new Achievers were added to that number. The ceremony also recognized the academic and service endeavors of youth and educators.

The evening’s premier honor, named for BAI founder Dr. Leo B. Marsh, was given to Larry Dais, Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs and Director of Community Affairs at Columbia University. Dais announced that the university would earmark five new scholarships for New York City public high school students who wish to attend Columbia University summer enrichment programs. The scholarships will be administered by the Harlem YMCA.

Twenty-two high school and college students were awarded scholarships donated by a host of Fortune 500 corporations, led by the event’s lead sponsor, Deloitte and Touche. Kareem Martin, a senior at the Thurgood Marshall Academy High School, who has participated in the programs of the Harlem Y since the age of 15, was recognized as the BAI Youth Achiever of the Year. In addition to a scholarship, Kareem was offered a four-year internship with the Coca-Cola Company. He is now academically, financially and socially prepared to move on to college. “I’m ready for the challenge of creating a digital renaissance, with corporate support to bridge the digital divide,” he shared in his acceptance speech. “The only limit to what I can do is what I can dream, and I have big dreams.

The theme of the evening was ‘Diversity: Investing In Our Future,’ and William G. Parrett, Managing Partner of Deloitte and Touche, explained the value of diversity in the corporate sector. “Diversity is the key to effective problem solving. A range of ideas and experiences are brought to the table.” Clearly, many corporations agree, as the Achievers represented close to fifty corporations from a number of sectors.

Maurice DuBois, a familiar anchor from News Channel Four was the skilled Master of Ceremonies for the gala event. Speakers included the Reverend Calvin O. Butts, Pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church, and Earl Graves, founder of Black Enterprise magazine. Susan Taylor, Senior Vice-President of Essence Communications Partners delivered a keynote speech in which she shared the inspiring story of her own professional journey. She offered this wisdom to the youth and adult Achievers: “What creates a permanent sense of well-being is integrity, dedicating yourself to something that matters.” Many of the Achievers will put this advice into practice immediately, as they join the BAI Mentor Program. To date, more than 300 youth have benefited from one-on-one relationships with these corporate and community leaders.

For additional information on the programs of the Harlem YMCA, call 212-281-4100 or visit www.ymcanyc.org.

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