Four smiling African American women, one holding pink flowers, stand in front of a multi-color curtain in auditorium.
(From left to right) Sharon Spruill, Frederica Mayes-Gates, Bridgette Smith-Jackson and Jessica Williams are members of the Civic Engagement Collaboration. The group created Karaoke & Conversations, a way for residents to get connected while exchanging civic information. Credit: Najee Hall / Signal Cleveland

Cleveland Central Promise Neighborhood (CCPN) hosted the sixth annual Champions of Central awards ceremony on Thursday at the Friendly Inn. The awards were created to recognize and celebrate community members, partners and stakeholders who have done outstanding work in Central.

To become a Champion of Central, individuals must be nominated by a Promise Ambassador, community partner or stakeholder. After nominations are received, a committee of Promise Ambassadors, former honorees, community partners and CCPN staff review the nominations and vote.

Dawn Glasco, manager of Engagement and Social Innovation for CCPN, told Signal Cleveland that she is pleased the organization was able to host the ceremony for yet another year.

“This ceremony is important for the Central community because it demonstrates what can be possible for all communities,” Glasco said. “I’m most proud of our awareness and willingness to recognize the light in each of us and the work we do to foster deeper connections and strengthen community.”

The ceremony

Sharie Renee, founder of Cleveland Sews, poses with her flowers after the awards ceremony. Cleveland Sews is an education and workforce sewing program that brings communities together through sewn trades, circular manufacturing and regenerative agriculture.
Sharie Renee, founder of Cleveland Sews, poses with her flowers after the awards ceremony. Cleveland Sews is an education and workforce sewing program that brings communities together through sewn trades, circular manufacturing and regenerative agriculture.
Credit: Najee Hall / Signal Cleveland
Cerenity Palmer, CEO of Cerenity’s Lemonade, and her mom, Christina Collins. The lemonade stand has been a central in Central since the summer of 2020.
Cerenity Palmer, CEO of Cerenity’s Lemonade, and her mom, Christina Collins. The lemonade stand has been a central in Central since the summer of 2020. Credit: Najee Hall / Signal Cleveland
As they accepted the award, Collins thanked the community for the continued support throughout the lemonade season. They look forward to starting things back up in early 2025.
As they accepted the award, Collins thanked the community for the continued support throughout the lemonade season. They look forward to starting things back up in early 2025. Credit: Najee Hall / Signal Cleveland
The Purnell Family: Tiffany Purnell, Christopher Purnell, Zamir Purnell and Darrie’l Ahmad. They are major supporters of the East 39th Street Community Garden, always willing to lend their time to make sure the garden stays in top condition.
The Purnell Family: Tiffany Purnell, Christopher Purnell, Zamir Purnell and Darrie’l Ahmad. They are major supporters of the East 39th Street Community Garden, always willing to lend their time to make sure the garden stays in top condition. Credit: Najee Hall / Signal Cleveland
Jerry Rugley, MyCom regional director, is hugged by a young Central resident Rugley has mentored. Rugley also serves as an advisor to the Central Youth Leadership Council.
Jerry Rugley, MyCom regional director, is hugged by a young Central resident Rugley has mentored. Rugley also serves as an advisor to the Central Youth Leadership Council. Credit: Najee Hall / Signal Cleveland
Grace Wright poses with family who came to support her during the award ceremony. Wright is the Community Resource manager at University Settlement, a neighborhood center that provides social services to residents.
Grace Wright poses with family who came to support her during the award ceremony. Wright is the Community Resource manager at University Settlement, a neighborhood center that provides social services to residents. Credit: Najee Hall / Signal Cleveland
Anthony Hubbard in black hat and jacket poses with his mom, Pamela Hubbard, in a blue jean coat holding flowers, during the awards ceremony. Pamela was honored as a champion last year and Anthony was honored this year. The mother/son duo oversees Golden Ciphers, a grassroots organization that focuses on empowering the African American community.
Anthony Hubbard poses with his mom, Pamela Hubbard, during the awards ceremony. Pamela was honored as a champion last year and Anthony was honored this year. The mother/son duo oversees Golden Ciphers, a grassroots organization that focuses on empowering the African American community. Credit: Jessica Williams

The other 2024 Champions of Central are:

  • Faruq K. Abdul-Khalik 
  • Jennifer Arbogast
  • Arbor Park Village
  • Laura Brown
  • Yvonne Deal
  • Angel Drane
  • Andrea Flowers
  • Felicia Grant
  • Mikeya & Makala Howard
  • Valerie James
  • Taymiyyah Mack
  • Aja Pope
  • Charron & Braylon Rose
  • Joan Spoerl
  • The Garden Boyz
  • Valerie Thorpe-Baldwin
  • Paul Walker

Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.