History | �鶹��վ�б�

In 2002, �鶹��վ�б� launched the first Leadership Conference to kickoff Black History Month. The idea for the conference was birthed through Trustee Lamar P. Higgins and was implemented through the �鶹��վ�б� Leadership Institute. Dr. Shirley Woodie, Director of the Institute at that time, formed a small committee to help coordinate the first conference. The committee hoped to have 30 registrations for the conference. Forty-two individuals registered for the first conference and the community response was tremendous. As the conference grew, the City of �鶹��վ�б�became key to the success and provided resources and support and became a Co-Sponsor of the event. An advisory committee made up of University staff and faculty; representatives from the City of Troy; elected officials from �鶹��վ�б�and Pike County; and community and business leaders are appointed to help plan the annual event. Summer of 2020 the conference committee voted to rename the conference to the Congressman John Lewis Leadership Conference to honor the memory of the �鶹��վ�б�native. The conference could not be a success without the support of many to include the �鶹��վ�б� Leadership Institute, Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, �鶹��վ�б� Foundation, The City of Troy, Wal-Mart and Bishop S. D. James.

Chelsea Blunt receiving student award from Barbara Patterson

Alexis Garrett receiving student award from Barbara Patterson

Taylor Holt receiving student award from Barbara Patterson

Jermaine Van Buren receiving student award from Barbara Patterson

Herman Johnson, Jr. receiving student award from Barbara Patterson

Mavis Awuku receiving student award from Barbara Patterson

Speakers:

2024 - Mr. Rodney Bullard and Michelle Summers
2023 - Mr. Larry D. Thornton, Sr, and Rev. Darryl Caldwell
2021 - Dr. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson
2020 - Dr. Mary Frances Berry and Mrs. Peggy Wallace Kennedy
2019 - Dr. Raphael Warnock and Dr. Quinton Ross
2018 – Congressman John Lewis and Congresswoman Terri Sewell
2017 - Rickey Smiley and Bishop James Davis
2016 – Juanita Jones Abernathy and Jasmine Guy
2015 – Hill Harper and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Fernandez "Frank" Ponds
2014 – Rev. Bernice King and Judge Penny Brown Reynolds
2013 – Dr. Marc Lamont Hill and Sheri Riley
2012 – Dr. Randal Pinkett and Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock
2011 – Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie and Dr. Calvin Mackie
2010 – Ms. Lyn Vaughn and Mr. Tim Reid
2009 – Judge Greg Mathis and Former Ambassador Andrew Young
2008 – Dr. Richard Arrington and Ms. Cynthia Tucker
2007 – Dr. Joseph Lowery and Dr. Belle Wheelan
2006 – Dr. Ronald Myers and Rev. Jamal Bryant
2005 – Rep. Lois DeBerry and Dr. Tonea Stewart
2004 – Atty. Thomas N. Todd and Mr. Aubrey Miller
2003 – Dr. Patricia Russell-McCloud and Dr. Yvonne Kennedy
2002 – Rev. Michael Thurman and Judge Wilson Barnes

Advisory Committee Chairs:

2024 - Mrs. Gwendolyn Mosley
2023 - Mr. Shelby Tuck
2021 – Mrs. Mary Griffin
2020 - Mr. John Parker
2019 – Ms. Shelia Jackson
2018 – Bishop S. D. James
2017 - Mr. Derrick Brewster
2016 – Mr. Charlie (Sarge) Dunn
2015 – Mr. Mark Griffin
2014 – Ms. Barbara Patterson
2013 – Mrs. Wanda Moultry
2012 – Mr. Homer Wright
2011 – Mr. Lamar P. Higgins
2010 – Ms. Catherine Jordan
2009 – Dr. Robin Bynum
2008 – Mr. John Parker
2007 – Mr. Shelia Jackson
2006 – Ms. Shelia Jackson
2005 – Ms. Mary Griffin
2004 – Ms. Eleanor Lee
2003 – Mrs. Shelia Jackson and Bishop S.D. James
2002 – Leadership Institute