It is a list that includes educators and activists, former athletes, politicians and judges, a jazz singer — difference-makers who come from varied backgrounds but share a common ability to inspire.
The New Pittsburgh Courier on Wednesday published its 2009 Men of Excellence list honoring 50 successful black men in Pittsburgh. It is a moment of recognition that those named to the list take seriously.
"It is an honor to be acknowledged by your own community and the publication put out about your community," said Milton Raiford, who was named to the list for his work as headmaster at Imani Christian Academy in East Hills, which takes in kids from disadvantaged backgrounds.
"I am humbled to be on this list. It means there are men out there, African-American men, who are not breaking their communities down, but are actually providing positive role models for our sons and daughters."
Like a similar list the Courier publishes acknowledging Women of Excellence, the Men of Excellence list recognizes people whose actions might go unnoticed, said Rod Doss, editor and publisher.
"It's an opportunity to lift the community in many different ways and showcase a variety of accomplishments, talent and a sense of commitment to the community," Doss said.
"They are a beacon for young people to look to. They all come from diverse backgrounds, have different pursuits, and that allows young people to see great opportunities are out there, as long as they pursue them the proper way, such as getting the right education."
Among the men honored this year are the Rev. Jason Aristotle Barr Jr., who recently celebrated his 20th year as senior pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church in the Hill District; former Steelers running back Charles "Chuck" Sanders, whose company Urban Settlement Services started as a two-person operation in 1988 and now employs 120 people; Richard Adams, assistant dean at Community College of Allegheny County's Homewood-Brushton Center; Common Pleas Judge Joe Williams, who was re-elected to the Allegheny County bench Tuesday; and Howard Slaughter Jr., who runs a South Side nonprofit that promotes economic development among minorities.
"This is significant," said Slaughter. "When someone else recognizes what you've done and what you're doing, that to me is the highest level of adoration. This is not an award you go after — you're chosen for this out of many, many people. And I've worked in Pittsburgh all my life, and this is the first time I've received this award. I definitely appreciate it."
In August, the paper published its 50 Women of Excellence list. Honorees included Port Authority Chief Financial Officer Claudia Allen, Imani Principal Marilyn Barnett, August Wilson Center President and CEO Marva Harris, jazz singer Etta Cox and Pittsburgh Police spokeswoman Diane Richard.
"I am very honored and very humbled to be among these women who have made such strides in the community and who continue to make a difference in the city of Pittsburgh," Richard said.
There is never a shortage of nominees, Doss said.
"There are a lot of people who do things not for publicity or in grandiose style, but who are very accomplished in what they do and are low-key," he said. "They provide a tremendous service and are great assets to the community."
The Men of Excellence will be honored during an awards reception Nov. 19 at the Rivers Club in Oxford Centre, Downtown. The $75 per person ticket helps raise money for the paper. The women were honored in September at a luncheon.
The newspaper, owned by Detroit-based Real Times Inc., carries a "Fab 40" list in December or January, with an event to honor 40 people under age 40, and honors high school athletes in football and basketball in April.
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