About the Paragon Awards
The Paragon Awards is a partnership between the Ivy Foundation of St. Louis, Inc. and its community partners of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® – Omicron Eta Omega Chapter, The Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated® – Epsilon Lambda Chapter.
Nearly a decade ago, the Paragon Awards were created to intentionally recognize and uplift Black men whose leadership, character, and service help move our community forward. The word “Paragon” means a model of excellence, and the awards highlight individuals whose professional success is matched by their commitment to mentorship, civic engagement, and community leadership. To preserve the significance of the honor, the Paragon Awards are presented once
every two years. This year we will host the 2026 Paragon Awards, continuing a growing tradition that celebrates leaders who are building businesses, strengthening institutions, mentoring young people, and contributing to a stronger and more connected region.
every two years. This year we will host the 2026 Paragon Awards, continuing a growing tradition that celebrates leaders who are building businesses, strengthening institutions, mentoring young people, and contributing to a stronger and more connected region.
At a time when narratives about Black men are often incomplete, the Paragon Awards intentionally elevate stories of excellence, integrity, and impact, the stories that reflect the leadership shaping a safer, healthier, and more competitive St. Louis region.
We will honor African American men of excellence in the following categories:
- Community Impact Award
- Education & Youth Empowerment Award
- Game-Changer Award
- Arts, Culture & Creative Expression Award
- Economic & Entrepreneurial Leadership Award
- Health & Wellness Champion Award
- Service & Public Safety Award
Questions or inquiries: paragon@aka-omicronetaomega.org
2024 Honorees:
- Mr. Cbabi Bayoc
- Mr. Reginald Ferguson
- Rev. Darryl Gray-Clergy
- Dr. Andwele Purnell
- Dr. Jason Purnell
- Mr. Reginald Slaughter
-
Mr. Andrico Spates- Corporate/Business
-
Dr. Andwele Jolly-Health
- Sgt. Donnell “Donny” Walters- First Responders
-
Mr. Lawrence Taylor- Entrepreneurship
2022 Honorees:
- Carlton Adams-Nonprofit
- Dr. Steven Player-First Responder/Social Justice
- Robett Powell-Arts & Education
- Neal Richardson-Community Service
- Orving T. Kimbrough-Corporate/Business
- Pastor Carlos Smith-Clergy
- Rick Stevens-Health
- Terrell Borum-Entreprenuership
2018 Honorees:
- Rodney Crim-Corporate/Business
- Lanor Payne-Education
- Cordell Michael Edwards II-Entrepreneurship
- Briant K. Mitchell-Health
- Korey Johnson-Non-Profit
- Wesley Bell-Social Justice
Additional Event Information:
Questions or inquiries: paragon@aka-omicronetaomega.org
