50 leaders of tomorrow

Ebony, Nov, 1995

In corporate offices, in classrooms, in pulpits and in the executive suites of their own businesses, a youthful generation of African-Americans is moving to the forefront to lead Black and White America into the future.

Quite contrary to the popular notion that young people are preoccupied with frivolous, narcissistic pursuits, the 50 young men and women featured on these pages are demonstrating that they are committed to serving others and bettering their communities. At the same time, they are excelling in their chosen careers and professions.

Ebony canvassed the country seeking recommendations for young people age 30 and younger who have established themselves as leaders or who have the potential to emerge as great leaders. After assessing the contributions of several hundred candidates, a panel of experts selected these 50 extraordinary young leaders. Among them are ministers, educators, public officials, attorneys, business men and women, students, an opera singer, two authors and the creator of a successful television show.

While their backgrounds, hometowns and interests differ, they all have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a commitment to giving back to their communities. On these pages, we present a representation of the leadership that will take us into the next century.

Yvette Lee Bowser, 30, Los Angeles, president and CEO, Sister Lee Productions; creator and executive producer of the sitcom Living Single, which is in its third season on Fox Broadcasting, Co.; show is the No. 1 rated series in Africa-American homes, and No. 2 in its time period; former producer, a Different World; co-writer and producer, Sweet Home Chicago; former producer, Hangin' With Mr. Cooper.

Jimmy Jackson, 25, NBA star guard who has $19 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks conducts clinics for students in Drug Free Youth in Texas program at Dallas schools, official spokesman for "Unsung Heroes"; spokesman for "Adopt-A-School"; conducts free youth basketball clinics: purchased and delivered Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners to needy families through Oak CLiff Bible Fellowship Outreach program.

Denyce Graves, 30, Leesburg, Va., mezzo-soprano opera singer who this season made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Carmen; presented charity performances at St. Louis County Detention Center and to benefit D.C. Action For Children and Funds For The Community Future; master class instructor at the Duke Ellington High School for the Performing Arts; headliner at benefit for New England Conservatory of Music.

Kendrick Meek (right), 29, development representative for the Wackenhut Corp. and member of the Florida House of Representatives (District 104); chair, criminal justice subcommittee on law enforcement; member, judiciary, community affairs and regulated industries committees; member, Greater Miami Service Corps Board and Focus Advisory Board.

Judith Bowman Howie, Ed.D., 30, Boston, Mass.; author, Rebuilding The Wall: 21st Century Inspirational and Womanist Poetry; former assistant pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, New Bedford, Mass.; founding president, HOPE Development Corporation; consultant, Teens In Action; former teaching fellow, Harvard Graduate School of Education; 1994 inductee, Sigma Tau Delta International Honor Society.

Myron D. Howie, 30, Boston, Mass., vice president, Wellington Management Company, where he is portfolio manager of the real estate sector fund; international insurance and real estate analyst; founding president, 100-Fold Ministries, which has goal of placing trust funds in churches; ordained elder and former pastor of A.M.E. Church; trustee, New Covenant Christian Center Foundation.

Jan T. Abernathy, 30, director, investor relations/assistant director, corporate relations, Dow Jones & Co., New York; board chair, Open Housing Center; participant, United Way s Linkages program; co-founder/president, Dreams Into Action program.

Bradford J. Bailey, 21, Yale University political science major, New Haven, Conn.; 1995 summer intern, the White House and the Open Society Foundation/ Mandela Mandate in South Africa; 1994 summer intern, the British Parliament.

Thomas L. Bowen, 30, Elyria, Ohio, executive director, Midnight Basketball League of Lorain County; elected member, Elyria Board of Education; member, board of trustees, Lorain County Urban League and Lorain Citizens League.

Nichole L. Bowman, 24, urban outreach coordinator, The Ability Center, Toledo, Ohio; president, Greater Toledo Housing Coalition; board member, YMCA child care services; advisory member, Mustard Seed Project for single mothers.

Elder Darryl S. Brister, 29, senior pastor, Beacon Light Missionary Baptist Church, New Orleans; founder, International Young Ministers Association; general director and district overseer, Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship; board member, Concerned Clergymen for Change.

Felicia Burress, 29, director of marketing and public relations, Syracuse (N.Y.) Community Health Centers; chair, Rites of Passage Program; co-founder, Young Black Professionals, Inc. (Memphis); past board member, Parenting Center of Memphis.