Local Community Heroes
Our 2026 Honoring Local Heroes Award Recipients
The Torch of Wisdom Foundation, Inc. is holding the 13th Annual "Honoring Local Heroes - Together We Thrive"
on Friday, April 17th at Wayne County Community College, Northwest Campus
in the Denise Wellons-Glover Welcome Center, 8200 Outer Drive, Detroit, MI
Honoring Local Heroes is our signature program through which we recognize everyday heroes and local leaders who are making a difference in the community. Each year nominations are accepted from community members and the TOWF Board of Directors vote on the awardees in the areas of Community Enrichment, Cultural Arts and Scholarship. The goal of the event is to recognize and highlight the amazing community work of our heroes and nominees and encourage them to continue to uplift the community.
In addition, special recognition may be given in the form of our Trailblazer and Icon awards. Past Trailblazer Award recipients include Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence. Past Icon Award recipients included Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist.
There is also a Rising Star recognition awarded to three nominees between 20-35 years-old who have made exemplary efforts in Community Enrichment, Cultural Arts and Scholarship.
Our 2026 Award Recipients
Honoring Dr. Cledie Taylor, Icon Award Recipient
It is our distinct honor to pay tribute to Dr. Cledie Taylor, a beacon in metro Detroit’s art community, and our 2026 Honoring Local Heroes Icon Award Recipient.
Dr. Taylor is a foundational figure in Detroit’s Black art scene, co-founding the Arts Extended Gallery, Inc. in the early 1950s to provide exhibition opportunities for Black artists excluded from mainstream galleries. A celebrated educator and artist who taught at Cass Tech, she has dedicated over 70 years to promoting art and mentoring creators in the Detroit area.
Honoring Njia Kai—Our 2026 Community Enrichment Hero!
As co-founder and senior producer of NKSK Events + Production, Njia Kai has transformed Detroit with major public events, arts-based youth programs, and cultural initiatives. Her dedication to placemaking, mentorship, and community engagement has inspired generations and enriched the city’s vibrant spirit.
From curating award-winning downtown park programs, serving as director for the African World Festival at the Charles H. Wright Museum, to founding C.A.M.P. Detroit for youth mentorship, Njia’s leadership continues to uplift and empower. A proud Detroit native, “Mama Njia” is recognized for her lifelong commitment to making a difference through arts, culture, and love for her city. Thank you, Njia, for leaving a lasting impact in Detroit!
Honoring Priscilla Phifer–Our 2026 Cultural Arts Hero!
Priscilla A. Phifer is a Detroit-based abstract expressionist painter, curator, collector, and author who proves it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Launching her art career at 70, Priscilla’s vibrant work tackles social, cultural, and human themes, with exhibitions at iconic venues like the Charles H. Wright Museum and the Detroit Historical Museum. She’s earned honors such as the Birmingham Community House Gold Medal Award and Rolling Out’s “Sisters With Superpowers,” and shares her journey on YouTube’s “Colors & Layers.”
Beyond her studio, Priscilla is Art Exhibit Liaison for the Southfield Public Arts Commission and an active member of cultural and service organizations. Overcoming childhood challenges, she inspires all with her resilience, leadership, and creativity. At 81, Priscilla continues to create and uplift, showing us all that it’s never too late to make an impact. #ArtsHero #Inspiration
Honoring Lisa Phillips—Our 2026 Scholarship Hero!
Principal Lisa Phillips leads Cass Technical High School, Detroit’s largest high school, with unmatched dedication. Under her guidance, Cass Tech boasts a 98% college entrance rate and has earned nearly $1 billion in scholarships over 16 years! Her leadership brought innovative programs like Wayne County Dual Enrollment, University of Michigan’s Doctors of Tomorrow, and partnerships with Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany’s, giving students incredible mentorship and career pathways.
Mrs. Phillips created Bridge to College, supporting seniors with essentials for their college journey. She’s celebrated as a National Principal of the Year, Michigan Principal of the Year, and has lifted countless educators into leadership roles. Her impact reaches beyond academics—she inspires students, educators, and the Detroit community every day. Congratulations, Principal Phillips, for shaping futures and opening doors! #ScholarshipHero #CassTech #DetroitEducation #Leadership #Inspiration
Honoring Jerjuan Howard—Our 2026 Community Enrichment Rising Star
We are proud to recognize Jerjuan Howard, the City of Detroit’s Director of Youth Affairs and founder of the Umoja Debate League and Umoja Village! Jerjuan champions youth empowerment by creating leadership pipelines through debate programs in over 25 schools, impacting 500+ students annually. His innovative approach transforms blighted spaces into vibrant community hubs, like Umoja Village, with gardens, art, and performance stages. Jerjuan’s forthcoming Howard Family Bookstore on Puritan Avenue will be a literacy-focused anchor, fostering creativity and community.
As a proud Army National Guard veteran and Western Michigan University graduate, Jerjuan has built strategic partnerships across schools, businesses, and nonprofits, always striving for equitable opportunities for Detroit youth. His service includes leading major city initiatives, such as gun violence reduction and Black Male Engagement. Jerjuan’s passion for public service and neighborhood transformation continues to inspire and create lasting change for Detroit’s next generation!
Hororing Elonte Davis, aka Slumdog Visionaire—Our 2026 Cultural Arts Rising Star!
Based in Detroit, Elonte is a talented photographer, Memory Engineer, and visual storyteller whose work celebrates community, culture, and everyday life with deep intention. He’s passionate about using photography and storytelling to honor people, places, and legacies that often go unnoticed, turning the camera into a tool for affirming identity and preserving memory.
As Lead Project Manager for City Walls Detroit, Elonte uplifts community identity, empowers local artists, and drives public art initiatives in preparation for the 2027 Final Four.
He’s a 2025 Kresge Artist Fellow and Spirit of Detroit Award recipient, with exhibitions at top museums and features in The New York Times and Forbes. Through workshops and public projects, Elonte inspires the next generation to define themselves and reflect their stories.
Honoring Johnnie & Alexa Turnage: Visionary Leaders Powering Equity in Tech!
As co-founders of Black Tech Saturdays, Johnnie and Alexa are reshaping the future of technology by empowering underrepresented communities. Their passion and leadership drive educational workshops, mentorship, and networking—creating real opportunities and breaking down barriers in the tech world. Together, they’re building a more diverse and inclusive ecosystem, one connection at a time.
#BlackTechSaturdays #TechForGood #DiversityInTech #InclusionMatters
