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2024 Awardees

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“Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement” Award

This award recognizes exceptional individuals who have made Phoenix a better place to live through a lifelong dedication to promoting social and economic justice, defending civil rights, and enhancing the dignity of all people. Nominations must emulate the lifelong dedication of Calvin C. Goode.

“Living The Dream” Award

This award recognizes individuals who embody the ideas of Dr. King through their continued personal commitment to human relations and social justice.

“Dr. Gene C. Blue Beacon” Award

Celebrating students who demonstrate the principles of scholarship and civic participation and the ideals of hope and possibility lived by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These students demonstrate a personal commitment to the ideals of Dr. King through participation and leadership in school and community activities.

AZMLK Corporate Award - New For 2025

The AZMLK Corporate Award recognizes an organization or business that has demonstrated exceptional achievement and commitment to promoting and practicing diversity, inclusion, equity, and access for Phoenix residents.

2024 AZMLK Awardees

Mr. Dennis Prince, Sr.

Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement Award

Mr. Dennis Prince, Sr.

By God’s grace and mercy, Dennis Prince, continues this journey called LIFE. Born one of 7 kids to Cullen and Ethel Prince, “Prince” was raised in Tuscaloosa (AL) where champions are made…”Roll Tide”. His parents made great sacrifices to provide for their family and care for neighbors. In his town, everybody looked out for each other and knew your name. Prince’s mom even bought him a set of encyclopedias (Britannica) that the entire neighborhood used. His mother was a cook at one of the white schools and provided food for the entire neighborhood. His dad was a truck driver. One year, a day before Thanksgiving, their house burned down and everything was lost. The neighbors collected money and bought him a suit for graduation. The love and support of the neighbors provided what was needed for students to survive in segregated neighborhoods.

Dennis excelled in academics and sports, ranked in the top 10 of 2500 kids, and was awarded scholarships to 10 colleges. When he wasn’t allowed to attend the University of Alabama, he was able to attend Upper Iowa University on an academic scholarship. Although he managed several large businesses, Prince’s life changed dramatically when he entered the teaching profession in Kyrene Elementary School District, where he would serve as an educator for 25 years.

His faith provided him the best wife - she is his ultimate support system. The American Legion Post 65, under the direction of Post Commander Jarvis Reddick, continues to be an asset and resource for veterans, families, and youth in the South Phoenix. The long-standing partnership between “The Legion” and the HeroZona Foundation, under the leadership of Alan "AP" Powell and Aaron Bare, has resulted in a dynamic team committed to lifelong service to our Nation and community.

"Living The Dream" Award

Pastor Aubrey L. Barnwell

Pastor Aubrey L. Barnwell

Pastor Aubrey L. Barnwell, born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is a military brat and PK (preacher’s kid). He holds degrees from Glendale Community College and North Park University, along with a Pastoral Leadership Certificate from Seattle University. In 2003, he relocated to Peoria, AZ, by 2005 he was Senior Pastor of First New Life Church. With a corporate background in Project and Change Management, he fosters collaboration in faith-based and non-profit sectors. As Chair of the Arizona African American Christian Clergy Coalition and a leader in the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Celebration Committee, he addresses diversity and social issues. Pastor Aubrey has chaired the AZ MLK Candlelight Concert for 7 years, served on the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board since 2005, and is on the Board of the Worker Power Institute. Committed to community transformation, he advocates for collective advancement, believing we are "Better Together."

Mr. Kenny W. Harris

Mr. Kenny W. Harris

Kenny W. Harris, P.E., a civil engineering graduate from the University of Notre Dame, rose swiftly to become Phoenix City Engineer Director, leading the successful execution of the 1990 Bond program and overseeing iconic projects such as Phoenix City Hall, Phoenix Suns Arena, Burton Bar Museum, Orpheum Theatre, Art/Science/ and History Museums. During his decade-long tenure, he managed construction bid openings for key infrastructure expansions. As the first minority in the Phoenix Thunderbirds in 1990, Kenny played a historic role in the philanthropic group behind the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Currently with Ardurra Engineering, he consults on development projects. Kenny’s inspiration is his mother who reads the bible daily. Her favorite is Romans 8:28, “...All things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Kenny is a proud father of two boys and one girl, with one grandson.

Mr. Jalen Herring

Jalen, a Phoenix native and freshman honors student at a Maricopa Community College, is pursuing a degree in Communications/Media studies with the goal of earning a master’s degree. Balancing school and football for the Maricopa Mustangs, he is dedicated to community service, volunteering weekly at CCV-Laveen and engaging in youth outreach. His passion for sports and helping young people has led him to volunteer with youth sports, food pantries, and church activities for the past six years. Jalen's high school years were marked by active involvement in church, multiple sports, and various educational programs. He was selected for the All-Star Indigenous Football Bowl at the NFL Minnesota Vikings stadium, fostering connections with players from tribes across the US and Canada. Currently involved in the Honors Program, Blach Student Union, and more, Jalen aspires to travel to Oklahoma to delve into his Muscogee Creek Nation heritage.

Mr. Jalen Herring

Mr. Essen Otu

Essen Otu, MPA, is a DEI and community affairs leader with a diverse career across government, healthcare, non-profit, and utility sectors. Currently the Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Salt River Project (SRP), Essen drives SRP's DEI strategies for a more equitable and sustainable future. He spent over ten years in the healthcare industry in progressive roles overseeing DEI and community affairs strategy. Essen, a Valley Leadership Class 26 graduate and Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 awardee, holds degrees from Arizona State University and Baruch College. Actively contributing to the community, he co-founded the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) black men's giving circle, REAP. He is also a former Board Chair and current Emeritus Trustee for the Vitalyst Health Foundation. Essen takes pride in his role as a husband and father of three daughters.

Mr. Essen Otu

Honorable Leah Landrum Taylor

Honorable Leah Landrum Taylor

Leah Landrum Taylor, Assistant Director in the Department of Economic Security (DES) Director’s Office, manages key offices, including Community Engagement, Tribal Relations, Ombudsman’s Office, and Volunteer Engagement Center. With a background in the Arizona Department of Education and a distinguished 16-year tenure in the Arizona State Senate and House of Representatives, where she also served as Senate Minority Leader. Recognized for her contributions, she is an alumna of the American Council of Young Political Leaders and an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow. Leah, a Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Beta Mu Sigma Chapter member, founded the Arizona African American Commission and African American Legislative Day Conference. A third-generation Phoenician, she holds Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Political Science from Arizona State University.

Dr. Gene C. Blue Beacon Award

Thomasina Hurlbut

Thomasina (Tamsin) Hurlbut

Thomasina (Tamsin) Hulbert is a senior at Tempe Preparatory Academy. She is involved in various youth and teen organizations including the Aris Foundation, the City of Tempe Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, and the Maricopa County Teen Court. As the Youth Outreach Coordinator for the Aris Foundation, Thomasina visits local elementary schools to share about the work of Aris and recruits student volunteers to assist with weekly meal delivery for unhoused residents. She also serves as a Defense Attorney for the Maricopa County Teen Court, a program that is part of the community justice movement, where she represents teenagers accused of misdemeanor crimes before a teen jury. Thomasina is involved in language, arts, and literary activities, serves at the President of her school’s Advisory Council, and is a 3-sport varsity athlete.

Loren Jones

Loren Jones

Loren Jones is a junior at Arizona College Preparatory High School. Loren volunteers at New Vistas Center for Education (NVCE), a private elementary school in Chandler (AZ). As an alumnus of NVCE, Loren’s duties range from assisting preschoolers as they learn shapes and colors to tutoring sixth graders who are being introduced to pre-algebra. She also has a special interest in students with behavioral issues, teaching them calming techniques to support them in their classroom experience. As an extension of her commitment to community service and her own personal leadership development, Loren serves as the Teen Editor to the Teen Board of the Phoenix Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She also is a recipient of the National African American Recognition Award. Loren is a member of her school’s varsity basketball team.

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