30 leaders of the future - African-American community leaders

Ebony, Nov, 1993

WHILE many are heard to lamenent about "getting old" as they approach their 30th birthday, this glorious age represents youthful prime and promise rather than the beginning of one's demise. Nevertheless, age 30 is a milestone. And while many of this age are still trying to decide what to do with their lives, others--such as those in the dynamic group featured here--have made decisions and are forging toward their goals and dreams.

For the past several months, Ebony has been canvassing the country, asking established leaders to recommend individuals whom they consider leaders of tomorrow. After assessing the contributions of more than a hundred candidates, it was clear that these 30 individuals stand a head above the rest.

On these pages Ebony presents young people age 30 and younger who are leaders or well on their way to establishing themselves as such. They are pursuing various careers and professions, including law, finance, business management, public service and the ministry. But these vibrant individuals also know the importance of giving back to their communities. They sit on the boards of various chapters of the Urban League and the NAACP, as well as financial concerns and various grassroots organizations. But they also devote countless, patient hours as volunteer tutors and mentors for youth.

In a world full of dismay and disgruntled young people, it is encouraging to reaffirm that not all in the emerging generation are troublemakers, indecisive wanderers or selfish narcissists. There are many, such as the young men and women featured here, who naturally excel on the job and in community service. On these pages Ebony features a sampling of young Black leaders of tomorrow.

Marcus S. Mason (above), 23, chief of staff, U.S. Rep. Walter R. Tucker Ill., D-Calif., Washington, D.C.; managed the congressman's successful 1992 political campaign; honors political science graduate of Arizona State University; recipient, Citibank Athletic Scholarship.

Julia L. Johnson, 30, Tallahassee, Fla., attorney and commissioner, Florida Public Service Commission, which regulates Florida's $4 billion utility industry; board member, Talahassee Boys and Girls Club of America, Florida State University After School Drug Prevention Program Advisory Council, and Tallahassee Citizens For Youth Academic Improvements board.

Shannon F. Reeves (left), 25, director of the NAACP's West Coast Region, based in Los Angeles; responsible for enhancing NAACP activities in nine-state area, Japan and Pacific Rim; as Grambling State University student, was mayoral candidate for City of Grambling, La.; at age 17, member of NAACP National Board.

Mellody Hobson, 24, vice president/director of marketing, Ariel Capital Management Inc. (which has more than $2 billion in assets), Chicago, Ill.; oversees servicing of 50 clients and two publicly traded mutual funds; member, board of trustees, Calvert-Ariel Growth and Appreciation Funds; secretary, Princeton Club of Chicago; chair, Metropolitan Associates of Family Focus, Inc.

Karen Lynne Crump, 28, attorney, National Labor Relations Board, Washington, D.C.; board member/secretary, Coalition of 100 Black Women of D.C., Inc.; mentoring coordinator, Rising Stars Program; mentor/ tutor, Community of Hope and Stevens Elementary School.

Kevin George Arrington, 30, assistant to director, Boutwell Auditorium, City of Birmingham; evangelist/president, "Lift Christ Ministries," an entity of Rivers of Living Waters Faith Church; treasurer, National Forum of Black Public Administrators, Magic City Chapter.

Andre Brady, 24, constituent assistant, Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun, Chicago, Ill.; assists constituents in banking and consumer affairs; directed Senator's Task Force on Casework Procedure; member, Illinois State's Attorney Committee on Hate Crimes.

Win Case, 30, head men's basketball coach, Oklahoma City University; member, board of directors, Black Liberated Arts Center; motivational speaker for Kiwanis, Rotary Club, Lions Club, and various school programs; participant in individual Adopt-A-School program.

Sonia N. Baccus, 25, development manager, Magic Johnson Foundation Inc., Los Angeles; advisor, Concerned Citizens Community Involvement; youth counselor, Southside Church of Christ; public relations and pageant director, National Youth Conference.

O. Chance Brown, 26, associate director, affiliate services, resource development and marketing, National Urban League, New York City; executive editor, Urban League's Affiliate Services Quarterly.

Michael Chatman, 29, Miami, Fla., motivational speaker who has addressed more than a million teens with his inspirational message of self-empowerment; keynote speaker at Gov. L. Douglas Wilder's Virginia State Youth Leadership Education Conference (1991 and 1992); author of Learn How To Laugh Again...and Make Others Laugh At The Same Time.

Christy E. Davis, 29, projects director for U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg, Metuchen, N.J.; responsible for supervision of federal projects; former Edison Township rent control attorney; co-founder, Black Women Lawyers, Middlesex County, N.J.; chair, Legislation Committee, Garden State Bar Association; mentor and tutor for various youth programs; member, Economic Development Committee, Metuchen/ Edison NAACP.