Photo credit: Cameron Sweet, Clear Motion Films
It was an evening full of surprises at the inaugural Bishop Omar Jahwar Foundation “Life to Legacy” Awards Gala held recently at Gilley’s Dallas.
The Life to Legacy Gala honored several high-profile North Texas leaders who have exemplified the high-five model that Bishop Jahwar employed in his community impact including social interaction, social services, faith-based approaches, entrepreneurial empowerment, and business and social networking. The inaugural honorees are:
- Curtis King, founder of The Black Academy of Arts & Letters
- Richard Miles, founder and CEO of Miles of Freedom
- The late Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
- Venton Jones, Texas State Representative
- Sheriff Marian Brown, Dallas County Sheriff Chief Deputy
Additional “People’s Choice” awards were given in recognition of individual aspects of the high-five model, including:
- Advocates for Change Award: Sherry Hill, American Diabetes Association
- Economic Empowerment Award: Harrison Blair, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
- The Jack Matthews Emerging Entrepreneurship Award: Christie K. Moore, Mansfield Funeral Home
- Publication Impact Award: Darryl Blair, Elite News
- Social Network Influencer Award: Anita Hawkins, Find One Reason to Smile
- Enhanced Adoration Award: Pastor Carl Butler, Compassionate Church of Dallas, Texas
A special surprise “Achieving Against the Odds” award was presented to Fayth Jefferson, sister of Bishop Omar Jahwar and owner of The Fivee Bistro and Bar, which exemplifies the social interaction elements of Bishop Jahwar’s High-Five Model.
The sold-out event was hosted by KXXV News Anchor Shardae LaRae and included a VIP reception, silent auction, a full-course dinner with dessert, and live entertainment by 2ŁØT. Sponsored by: The Stand Together Foundation, Concord Church, the South Side Quarter Development Corporation, The Epiphany Foundation, Paul Quinn College, Procure Impact, Credit Union of Texas, Motivated Moms Media and more; the gala featured presenters Dr. Opal Lee, known as the grandmother of Juneteenth; Dione Sims, president and founder of Unity Unlimited, Inc.; Dr. Deforest Soaries, founder of DFREE; Alice Marie Johnson, CEO of Taking Action for Good; and dianne gibson, known as Miss Community.
Byron Sanders, president and CEO of Big Thought, was the keynote speaker.
The Bishop Omar Jahwar Foundation was launched in January 2024 as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization to continue the legacy of work started by internationally renowned community activist, businessman, and faith leader, Bishop Omar Jahwar to provide solutions around the country for businesses, educational institutions and school districts, nonprofit organizations, congregations, and communities.
Bishop Jahwar, a Dallas native, was most notably known for the work he did to eradicate violence.
Since he was a teen, Bishop Omar worked diligently to curb the violence plaguing urban communities and became a prominent leader within the urban culture. He inspired and provided solutions around the country for businesses, educational institutions and school districts, nonprofit organizations, congregations, and communities.
As founder of the Urban Specialists, he was widely known all over the world for his results-driven approach to interrupting senseless violence and bringing about positive change in communities with increased crime and high poverty rates.
Not only did he create and launch programs that decreased crime, violence and poverty in Dallas, but he also developed and implemented programs, CourseCon and Heal America, where he partnered with businesses and celebrities to impact under-resourced communities around the country.
Now with the Bishop Omar Jahwar Foundation, led by his son, Omar Jahwar, II as president and CEO, plans are underway to continue the impactful work his father started. Jahwar II spoke at the gala, reflecting on his father’s legacy while emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the work that lies ahead of the foundation.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, well I say it takes a village to implement a vision: I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead this foundation and carry on my father’s legacy alongside every single one of you,” said Omar Jahwar, II. “Today, as we gather to honor my father’s legacy, we also gather to renew our commitment to his mission and to amplify his voice through our collective efforts.
“We understand that no single individual, no single organization, can solve these issues alone. It’s through unity and collaboration that we can truly make a lasting impact.
Stressing the importance of collaborations, he continued, “Together, we can be the change we want to see in the world. Together, we can break down barriers, bridge divides and build a brighter future for these generations to come. Let’s not be complacent in the face of injustice; let us rise up with courage, determination and love.”
In addition to the awards gala, The Bishop Omar Jahwar Foundation has plans to invest and partner with social entrepreneurs that are aligned with their mission and goals. For example, they have partnered with Bonton Farms and Wal-Mart to bring transformative programs to the citizens of North Texas.
“We are looking forward to building partnerships with other change makers to create massive benefits for the communities we serve,” concluded Jahwar.
