Today, the Houston Texans and Coca-Cola are celebrating the winners of the 2024 B.O.L.D. Awards.
The B.O.L.D. Awards were established to recognize Black Outstanding Leaders and Doers who are making a significant impact throughout the Greater Houston Area. This award celebrates African Americans who are positively influencing our city through their contributions in community impact, entrepreneurship, social equity, non-profits, civil service, or as a rising young leader (ages 16 to 25).
Each recipient is receiving a $5,000 donation in their name to a non-profit organization of their choice.
The 2024 B.O.L.D. Award winners are:
Della Leonard, an outstanding volunteer at the Fort Bend County Women's Center. For more than 15 years, Della has volunteered at the center and continues to do so as she personally battles cancer.
Ruhamah Rylander from Keturah's Haven, an organization that provides a safe haven for unwed mothers to be able to come to safely live and give birth to their children. The nonprofit provides counseling, transportation to medical appointments and helps mothers in transition transform their lives.
Kevin Coker, CEO of Restoring Justice. In Kevin's role, he helps provide client-centered representation to those in Harris County Jail who cannot afford adequate legal representation as part of the organization's mission to end mass incarceration.
Belinda Munro-Gardner of Jazz Houston. Through Belinda's efforts, the last class of the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra graduated with $5 million in scholarship funds, both for music and academic.
Leslie Smith II of Change Happens CDC. Smith had a vision in 1983 to restore and uplift the Third Ward community by building affordable houses, he has purchased former drug houses in undesirable neighborhoods and restored them increasing community pride and safe housing.
To learn more about the B.O.L.D. Awards, visit our webpage here.
