Leaders and Legends
YMCA of Newark & Vicinity – Annual Leaders & Legends Recognition & Scholarship Dinner
The YMCA of Newark & Vicinity proudly celebrates our 33rd Annual Leaders & Legends Recognition & Scholarship Dinner—an evening dedicated to honoring visionary leaders who embody the mission and values of the YMCA. We also recognize future Leaders & Legends by awarding area High School Seniors with Scholarships to support their continued academic journeys.
Our 33rd Annual Event will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 - Save the Date & Plan to Join us in celebrating the very best of our community members!
2026 Leaders & Legends Class of Honorees
The awards bear the names of trailblazers who shaped history and broke barriers, including:
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Sir George Williams Award – Founder of the YMCA
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Robert Wilson Award – First African American CEO of a Metropolitan YMCA and one of the earliest to break the NBA color barrier
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Violet King Henry Award – First African American to graduate from law school in Alberta and the first woman appointed to a senior leadership role at Y-USA
This annual celebration not only recognizes outstanding leaders, but also ensures that we continue to invest in the future. Proceeds from the Leaders & Legends Recognition & Scholarship Dinner directly support deserving young students in their pursuit of a college education.
Event Date: October 27, 2026 6 - 9 pm at NJ Performing Arts Center
