LIVING LEGEND honorees
Courtney B. Vance
Emmy Award-Winning Artist/Philanthropist
Breaking Boundaries, Healing Hearts: Mental Health Advocate, and Cultural Change-Maker
Courtney B. Vance stands as a transformative force in American arts and advocacy, weaving together extraordinary artistic achievement with visionary leadership and committed community service. From his early days studying at Harvard and Yale School of Drama, Vance has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence that extends far beyond the stage and screen, establishing himself as a beacon of artistic integrity and social responsibility.
His masterful artistry has earned him an impressive array of accolades, including two Emmy Awards for his compelling portrayals of Johnnie Cochran in "The People v. O. J. Simpson" and Uncle George in "Lovecraft Country." His presence as Rev. C.L. Franklin in "Genius: Aretha" showcases his remarkable ability to embody complex historical figures with depth and nuance. This transformative work, along with his Tony Award-winning performance in "Lucky Guy," has garnered him numerous honors including Critics Choice, Black Reel TV, and NAACP Image Awards, as well as prestigious nominations from the Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globes, and Hollywood Critics Association.
In his role as President of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Vance has become a powerful advocate for performers' rights and professional development, championing initiatives that strengthen the performing arts community. His service on the board of The Actors Center in New York City further demonstrates his commitment to nurturing artistic excellence and innovation in the industry. Through Bassett Vance Productions, co-founded with his wife Angela Bassett, he continues to create groundbreaking content that pushes narrative boundaries, with projects like "Heist 88" for Showtime Networks and the critically acclaimed "61st Street" expanding the landscape of contemporary storytelling.
Vance's impact as a cultural leader extends into literature and advocacy. His co-authored work "Friends: A Love Story" with Angela Bassett offered intimate insights into sustaining both personal and professional excellence. His forthcoming book, "THE INVISIBLE ACHE: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power," written with Dr. Robin L. Smith, promises to address crucial conversations about mental health and emotional wellbeing in the Black community. His Grammy-nominated narration of Neil DeGrasse Tyson's "Accessory to War" demonstrates his ability to bring gravitas and clarity to complex subjects.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vance has maintained a steadfast commitment to authenticity and excellence, whether performing on Broadway, producing groundbreaking television, advocating for artists' rights, or mentoring the next generation. His journey from Detroit to the highest echelons of American entertainment and advocacy serves as an inspiration, showing how artistic achievement can be leveraged to create lasting positive change in society. Through his continued leadership and creative endeavors, Vance continues to shape the future of American arts while opening doors for diverse voices and stories in the industry.
William Allen Young
Actor/Director/Writer/Philanthropist
Distinguished Actor, Educational Reformer, and Champion of Youth Excellence, Elevating Dreams, Empowering Futures
From South Central Los Angeles to national acclaim, William Allen Young's journey embodies the profound intersection of artistic excellence and educational empowerment, forging a legacy that has redefined possibilities both in Hollywood and in countless classrooms across America. From his humble beginnings, inspired by his mother's determination to advance from domestic work to a successful healthcare career, Young developed an unwavering commitment to excellence and social change that would shape his remarkable journey.
His artistic achievements include starring roles in over 100 television, stage, and film projects, including Academy Award-nominated films "A Soldier's Story" and "District 9." Young's memorable performances as Frank Mitchell in "Moesha" and Dr. Rollie Guthrie in "Code Black" demonstrate his versatility and depth as an actor. As a former co-chair of the African-American Steering Committee of the Directors Guild of America, he helped broker the landmark 2000 TV Network Agreement, fundamentally transforming opportunities for diverse creators in Hollywood.
However, it's Young's dedication to educational reform that truly sets him apart. Through the Young Center for Academic & Cultural Enrichment, established in 2001, he has created pathways to success for students from over 250 schools, helping many become first-generation college graduates at more than 80 universities nationwide. His own academic excellence—graduating from USC where he led the Trojan Debate Squad to a National Championship as the nation's #1 ranked college speaker—serves as inspiration for the students he mentors.
Young's impact has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Ford Foundation Freedom Unsung Award, the NAACP Social Achievement Award, and the California Hero in Education Award. Alongside his wife, educator Dr. Helen Young, he continues to inspire audiences nationwide as a motivational speaker, embodying the principle that artistic success can be leveraged to create lasting educational change. His journey from South Central Los Angeles to the heights of Hollywood and educational advocacy demonstrates how vision, determination, and commitment to community can transform not just individual lives but entire generations.