Project CommUNITY: YMCA's Black Achievers program empowers local youth
The YMCA's Black Achievers program has been empowering young people in the community since 1979.
"Being a part of Black Achievers is probably, like, the best thing I probably I could have done in my high school career because, I was really shy at one point in freshman year and they helped me get out of my comfort zone. And I made a lot of new friends and done a lot of things," said 18-year-old Makayla Brown.
This Saturday, Brown will be honored as the Youth Achiever of the Year at the 46th annual Black Achievers celebration.
As a first generation college student, she plans to attend Morehead State University, majoring in international affairs.
With seven years of Spanish study and ongoing Portuguese lessons, Makayla embodies the program's theme: "The World is Ours."
"I think, being in the Black Achievers and, like, being around people who look like me is important just for me, but also to let other people in the community know that we have to stick together," she said.
It's not just youth being recognized.
Adult achiever and chief administrative officer of the new Norton West Louisville Hospital, Corenza Townsend, hopes to exemplify what it means to own one's place in the world.
"This award not only is a high honor, but it's a head nod to. You can do this too, right? I'm just Corenza, I'm a duPont Manual grad. I'm a mom. I'm a normal, everyday person who achieved something great, and I have the opportunity to give back to my community. Every single kid that is there, every single young adult that is there can do the exact same thing," Townsend said.
As for young leaders like Brown, through Black Achievers she knows the world is truly hers.
"I'm really honored for the opportunity," she said.