By Okon Ekpenyong

People Like Me Project, Inc is behind Central Ohio honors, recognizing those “not just talking about changes but making them.” Since its inception, it has honored African American leaders who overcame obstacles, found success, and are now mentoring others, especially young people, to live out their full potential.

On Friday, April 28, the organization celebrated its tenth anniversary at the Embassy Suites Columbus Airport, which was epic. 

Gun violence is the leading cause of teen death, so to combat this epidemic.  The People Like Me Project partners with the honorees and their organizations to bring their expertise and work together to improve the quality of life-impacting some of the low-income areas within the city, reduce teen violence crime and increase graduation rates.

“Leaders need to engage in uncomfortable conversations with young adults and their families, particularly about conflict resolution,” Pullen said.

Honorees have faced multiple adversities and have known families who have battled addictions and imprisonment. Therefore, set a mission to show young people they can break generational curses by mentoring them.

Another example is the song “Can You Stop the Rain” by singer Peabo Bryson. Even though the singer is singing about love; however, when the chorus, “Won’t you chase my clouds away, and I’d give anything to see the sun again, Only you can stop these tears from falling, and I can’t face another day, comes up,” it’s often a reminder that there’s a young person out there reaching out for a mentor, hoping for that one conversation that could be a game-changer in their life.

A former recipient of the honors award, Rodney Dunigan, Assistant News Director at ABC 6 WYSX Columbus, entertained the crowds and ensured that the purpose of the night was indeed to convey to the young people in the room and others that the People Like Me Project is a community effort.

In recognition of his great years as an elected official, Senator Hearcel Craig received the Lifetime Achiever Award. Despite the Senator’s busy schedule and working on so many committee assignments, he always shows up when the community needs him.

Sharee Wells and Charmaine Campbell use their educational backgrounds to work with youth on and off the school turf. Wells is the superintendent of Whitehall, Ohio, and Campbell is the principal at one of Columbus Elementary Schools.

Educator Charmaine Campell trained Pullen as an Early Childhood teacher. When they reconnected years later, Pullen thanked her for how impactful that training was and that he will never forget.

She explained that receiving grants and scholarships for her dream resulted from talking to many nonprofit organizations, such as United Way, and city leaders about what she was doing in the community to help hundreds of lives to reach their full potential.

Dr. Rita Fuller-Yates, a TV Personality, author, and Historian, received honors for using Media to influence the lives of youth in the community and promote the black experiences in Columbus. Shavonne (R.Sean) Johnson, Tyā (Everette) Logan, and Donnice Milner, daughter of Donald Crockett, a pioneer in the community who passed away in 2022, received the Trailblazer Award on his behalf. Providing aides to anyone in need was a part of Mr. Crockett’s Christian values.

Tyrone Coleman, one of the twelve recipients of the Central Ohio Honors, is one of the founders of Destined Pathways. Coleman and the founders use their real-life experiences on the wrong side of gun violence and addiction to guide and mentor young people.

Michael A Forney received his recognition in the area of Arts. Forney owns Michael Anthony Productions, focusing on entertainment, arts, theatre, film, television, and literacy. Educator, author, speaker, and equity practitioner Dr. Revered Monica J Lowe received the Religion Award.

One of the youngest African American executives in the financial industry, specifically in corporate social responsibility, Stephen Steward-Young, received her recognition in the area of business.

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