President’s Award of Freedom
The President’s Award of Freedom is meant to honor individuals who rendered services in direct alignment with the NAACP’s goals and values, particularly in one of several areas like economic sustainability, education, health and voting rights and political representation.
The 2023 President’s Award of Freedom was given to former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley.
In particular, the NAACP cited Whaley’s long career in Dayton area politics, including being elected mayor of Dayton in 2013, running unopposed for the same position in 2017 before attempting to run for state governor in 2022. The NAACP also pointed to Whaley’s serving on different committees, such as the Greater Ohio Community Revitalization Committee, the Learn to Earn Executive Committee for Education, the Montgomery County Planning Commission and the Dayton Access Television Board of Trustees.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to “outstanding leaders” who made significant contributions to advancing civil and human rights, and is the highest civilian honor given by the NAACP.
The 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Wayne Lee Wheat, the owner of House of Wheat Funeral Home.
The NAACP pointed to Wheat’s long service in the funeral home business, which began when he was still in high school as he worked as a funeral home attendant at the McLin Funeral Home and came to a head with the opening of the House of Wheat in 1969.
After continuing to succeed and expand, the NAACP said that the House of Wheat Funeral Home has become a household name, and understands the importance of community service.
Miley O. Williamson Award of Distinction
The Miley O. Williamson Award of Distinction is meant to honor and recognize an individual for more than 20 years of activism working for the NAACP, their church and other organizations.
The 2023 Miley O. Williamson Award of Distinction was posthumously awarded to Mary E. Taylor, a long-time member of the NAACP and prolific activist across many organizations.
The NAACP in particular pointed to Taylor’s service in many different ministries with the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, her work in the Eta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, and serving in her community, including starting the first pancake breakfast in the West Dayton Area with all proceeds going to feed the hungry and assist the homeless.
“This active lady was affiliated with many religious, civic, and civil organizations,” the NAACP said.
Other awards
Other award recipients were:
- Michele Roberts, retired deputy auditor with the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office, received the Frederick Bowers Public Policy Award.
- Jim Johnson, president and general manager of WDAO Radio, received the Bob and Norma Ross Outstanding Leadership Award.
- Eddie Davis, principal of the Meadowdale Career Technology Center, received the Louise Troy Excellence in Education Award.
- Donald Domineck, chair of the Dayton Chapter of the New Black Panther Party, received the W. S. McIntosh Courageous Activist Award.
- Adele M. Riley, retired judge of the Montgomery County Municipal Court, received the Judge Arthur O’Neil Fisher Fair & Just Award.
- Carol A. Prewitt, president of Prewitt Consulting LLC, received the Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley Award of Excellence.
- Anthony Parker, director of the Miami Valley Leadership Foundation’s Hope4Trotwood Community, received the Youth Development Award.
- Daj’za Demmings, founder of the Dayton Young Black Professionals, received the Community Service Award.
- Willie A. Terrell Jr., third vice president and scholarship chair of the Dayton Unit NAACP, received the Distinguished Volunteer of the Year Award.
- Carlos Buford, founder of Black Lives Matter Dayton, received the Breakthrough Award.
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