AHERN Daps Awards
2025 Distinguished African Americans
Pastor of The Year:
Rev. Dr. Carol Price Guthrie
Haven Chapel United Methodist Church
Powell, Tennessee
Professional of The Year:
Honorable Roland Dykes III
Mayor of Newport, Tennessee
Educator of The Year:
Mrs. Angela Jackson
Rogersville, Tennessee
Student of The Year: Ms. Kamora Hunt
Morristown, Tennessee
AE Contributor of The Year
Mrs. Susan Rhea Wagner
Thankful Baptist Church Secretary
Johnson City, TN
Community Service Advocacy Award
Ms. Katherine Hackler
Hackler Event Center, Greeneville, Tennessee
H R Mills Black Culture Award:
UMOJA Arts & Crafts, Inc.
Johnson City, Tennessee
AHERN Board of Directors Sponsor Award
First Horizon Bank - East Region
Receiving the Gold Eagle Sponsor Award is Vice-President, Rev. Preston Thompson
Pastor of the Year: This award is conferred upon a pastor with at least three years of pastoral experience and who is actively engaged in community activism.
Professional of the Year: This award is conferred upon an individual with at least three years of professional experience in their respective field and who is actively engaged as a community activist.
Educator of the Year Award: This prestigious award is presented to an educator with a minimum of three years of experience in education and demonstrates a commitment to community activism.
Student of the Year Award is conferred upon high school seniors, college freshmen, or sophomores. Preference is given to high school seniors who plan to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or are currently attending an HBCU. All nominees will be evaluated equally, ensuring a selection process that is both fair and inclusive.
Reporter of the Year: This award is conferred upon an individual who has demonstrated excellence in reporting on African American cultural and historical news and has held a reporting position for at least three years.
Ministry of the Year: This award recognizes a religious ministry or community organization that exemplifies a profound spirit of love and compassion, as outlined in Matthew 25:40.
Community Service Advocacy Award: This award acknowledges an individual who demonstrates active involvement in various facets of community life, exemplifying a commitment to service and advocacy.
The H.R. Mills Black Culture Award is for individuals or organizations actively preserving and promoting African American culture and history within their communities. This accolade recognizes the significant contributions to the enrichment of cultural heritage and underscores the importance of fostering historical awareness.
Each nominee is evaluated based on five key criteria: Academic Achievement, School Involvement, Church Involvement, Community Involvement, and Organizational Affiliations.
To nominate someone, please send a biography of the nominee and a brief explanation of why you believe they deserve the award to hrmills750@gmail.com.