Each year, the Chicago Defender takes great pride in recognizing African American men in our community who inspire others through excellence, vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and a commitment to empowerment in multiple ways. We are proud of the accomplishments of these men who are doing amazing things across broad spectrums of society.
“We salute men of valor who are not only doing remarkable work in their careers; but, equally as important, we are acknowledging men who give back to their communities. For most, doing a good job is expected, but the Chicago Defender Men of Excellence consistently raise the bar in career and community service efforts.”- Dyanna Knight Lewis, Publisher-Chicago Defender.
The 14th Annual Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Awards celebrates local African American men who motivate others through their actions and character. They are men who exemplify integrity, stature, and courage. These men are forward thinkers in their given fields. The 2021 Men of Excellence embody paramount dedication, conviction, and dignity. They continue to break the mold and inspire change in their professions and communities.
The Men of Excellence awards honor admirable men and creates a strong network of like-minded men in the Chicagoland area. This year’s honorees include:
| Gregg Arnold | Chef Manager | Pier 31 Restaurant |
| Stephen W. Beard, Esq. | Chief Operating Officer | Adtalem |
| Jeffery Beckham Jr. | Chief Executive Officer | Chicago Scholars |
| Kevin Betton | Fire Chief | Phoenix Fire Department |
| Jerry Brown, Esq. | Attorney | Siegel & Callahan, P.C |
| Darren Bryant | Mayor | City of Robbins |
| Vaughn Bryant | Executive Director | Metropolitan Family Services |
| William Andre Buchanan | CEO/Founder | Will Buchanan Investments |
| Honorable Kam Buckner | State Representative | Illinois 26th Legislative District |
| Kenneth Coles | Executive Director/CEO | DuPage Housing Authority |
| Derrick Curtis | Alderman, 18th Ward | City of Chicago |
| Mitchell R. Davis III | Chief of Police | Village of Hazel Crest |
| Rev. Dr. Patrick Daymond | Senior Pastor | Covenant United Church of Christ |
| Al Debonnett | Chief Operating Officer | CyberBanque |
| Thomas Henderson | CEO/President. | Thomas B. Henderson Insurance Agency Inc. |
| Sean Howard | CEO | STHMEDIA LTD |
| Darryl Hughes | CEO/Co-Founder | Hughes Who Technologies Studio-NFP |
| Terry Hunter | CEO | T’s Box/Chosen Few DJ’s |
| Gavin Jackson | Co-Owner | Jackson Nuckolls Group |
| Rael Jackson | President | Real Men Cook |
| Emmanuel Jackson | President | Evanston Technology Partners |
| Luther Lampkin | Director of Technology & Innovation | RG Construction |
| Frank Latin | Founder & Executive Director | Westside Media Project/Storyline Studios |
| Julious Lawson, Ph.D. | Chief of Schools | Chicago Public Schools |
| Alex Levesque | CEO/Founder | Automotive Mentoring Group |
| Marcus Manning | Dean of Students | LEARN Romano Butler |
| Cortez McCoy, Ph.D. | Principal | Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts |
| Jonathan McGee | Deputy Director | lL Department of Commerce & Economic Opp. |
| Rodric Miller | Owner & President | M5 Logistics Group Inc. |
| Sharone Mitchell Jr. Esq | Public Defender | Cook County |
| Rick Nesbitt | Founder & Winemaker | Vintrendi Wine Company |
| Pha’tal Perkins | Founder/CEO | Think Outside Da Block |
| Dwayne Pickett | Director of Regulatory Solutions | ComEd |
| Marc A. Pullins | Executive Director | Jordyne Cares NFP |
| Shaka Rawls | Principal | Leo High School |
| Hosea Sanders | Anchor/Reporter | ABC7 Chicago |
| Anthony Simpkins, Esq | President & Chief Executive Officer | Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago |
| Honorable Elgie R. Sims Jr. | Senator | Illinois Senate |
| Thurman Smith | Senior Vice President/Market Manager | PNC Bank |
| William Townsell | Assistant Director | Chicago Police Department |
| Damien Trimuel | Senior Manager-Financial Planning | Northwestern University |
| Mark Walker | Owner | Oooh Wee It Is |
| Terry Wells | Village President | Village of Phoenix |
| Michael Wilder, Esq. | Shareholder/Board of Directors Member | Littler Mendelson, P.C. |
| Keith Wyche | VP-Community Engagement & Support | Walmart, Inc. |
“This year’s honorees continue to break stereotypes about who Black men are and what they do. They show the world that the negative images and narratives that often describe black men are false. These men are powerhouses in our communities, and we are proud to honor them” – Danielle Sanders, Interim Managing Editor-Chicago Defender.
The Men of Excellence Red Carpet Awards Presentation Reception will take place on Friday, August 27, 2021, at Haven Entertainment Center, 932 East 43rd Street, Chicago, Illinois, from 6:00-8:00 pm with ComEd, as presenting sponsor; Samantha Thomas, WVON Radio Host as emcee, and Darryl Dennard, Broadcast Journalist and Host of Chicago Speaks will be keynote speaker. Tickets are still available.
COVID-19 safety guidelines will be in place as suggested by the CDC. Considering the increase in COVID-19 cases and the Delta variant surge, guests are preferred to be vaccinated; even so, masks/face coverings are required. We are excited to have an in-person event but are certainly mindful of safety and health concerns. Only ticketed guests will be allowed.