2022 Honorees are from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Scranton
Washington, D.C. - To celebrate Black History Month, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) will honor four Black leaders from Pennsylvania who have demonstrated powerful persistence in overcoming challenges and creating change. This year’s honorees are Della Clark, Julius Boatwright, Theo Braddy and Tyrone Holmes.
“These leaders have faithfully served Black communities in the Commonwealth by supporting and strengthening minority businesses, providing mental health support, advocating for people with disabilities and fighting for diversity and equitable inclusion. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is my honor to recognize the contributions of Della Clark, Julius Boatwright, Theo Braddy and Tyrone Holmes, and thank them for their tireless efforts to create meaningful change in their communities,” said Senator Casey.
More on the Honorees:
Della Clark is the President of The Enterprise Center—an organization which invests in minority entrepreneurs in the Greater Philadelphia region to promote economic growth by accelerating the capacity of minority businesses through business education, management support, access to capital and procurement opportunities. Under Della Clark’s leadership, businesses have obtained more than $870 million in contracts, $209 million in financing and created 3,221 jobs. Motivated by her belief that business success is a team sport, Ms. Clark is a collaborative leader who has successfully driven the Enterprise Center for many years. Additionally, Ms. Clark serves as a board member for the University City District, Bridge of Hope CDC, as well as a Trustee of Drexel University.
Julius Boatwright is the Managing Director and Founder of Steel Smiling—an organization that bridges the gap between Black people and mental health support through education, advocacy and awareness. Under Mr. Boatwright’s leadership, its vision is to connect every Black person in Pittsburgh to a positive mental health experience that improves their quality of life by 2030. Since 2019, Steel Smiling has provided over $650,000 for Black people to receive mental health treatment, training and support. Mr. Boatwright and his team have trained various partner clients, including the PA Department of Labor & Industry and the Department of Human Services. Additionally, he has received several acknowledgments and awards for his service, including the Mental Health America Social Work Award, Black Enterprise Modern Man distinction, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania Dick Jevon Advocacy Award, NAACP Young Person of the Year, Allegheny County Council Proclamation, Pittsburgh City Council Proclamation and Pittsburgh Magazine/PUMP 40 Under 40.
Theo Braddy is the President of Theo Braddy Consulting. For over 40 years, Mr. Braddy has advocated on behalf of persons with diverse disabilities. In 1988, he established and administered the Center for Independent Living of Central Pennsylvania (CILCP) which has become a strong voice for persons with disabilities. Additionally, Mr. Braddy was appointed by three different Pennsylvania Governors to serve as a Commissioner for the Pennsylvania Human Relation Commission, appointed by Governors Corbett and Wolf to serve on the PA Statewide Independent Living Council, and appointed to serve on the State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation. Outside of consulting, Mr. Braddy was an Adjunct Professor at Temple University, where he taught Social Welfare Policy I & II for Master’s Students, as well as at Millersville University where he taught courses on Discrimination and Oppression of Persons with Disabilities.
Tyrone Holmes is the President of the Lackawanna County NAACP Branch, as well as a member of the Scranton School Board. Mr. Holmes is the first African American to ever be elected to public office in Scranton. In his position at the Lackawanna County NAACP Branch, Mr. Holmes advocates for diversity and equitable inclusion in Scranton. Additionally, he serves as Board Member for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Youth Shelter, where he helps to provide quality emergency shelter and related services to unaccompanied youth. Prior to his time in office, Mr. Holmes served for 25 years in the military with the Navy and US Army where he was deployed to the Middle East and also spent time on support and rescue operations in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
More on Senator Casey’s 16th Annual Black History Month Celebration:
Each February, Senator Casey commemorates Black History Month by honoring Pennsylvanians who have made significant contributions to the Black community. The annual celebration includes a floor speech, symposium and reception with leaders and activists from across Pennsylvania. In light of the pandemic, this year’s event will be virtual and can be watched at https://www.casey.senate.gov/bhm. Please email Shoshana_Marin@casey.senate.gov if you wish to be connected to the honorees.
