Classic Awards Winners

The African-American Affairs Commission’s Third Annual Classic Awards was held on February 8, 2002, at the Legislative Office Building. The Classic Awards was established in response to the AAAC’s mandate to secure appropriate recognition for the accomplishments and contributions of Connecticut’s African-American population.

2002 Classic Awards Winners:

Man of the Year: State Senator – Alvin Penn

Women of the Year: Dr. Janis M. Hadley
Chiquita D. Stephenson
Youth of the Year: Ronald Collins Jr.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Katherine “Kay” Wyrick

Special Community Business & Economic Development Award:
Hartford Community Construction Company 

2002 Honorable Mentions

Woman of the Year
The Honorable Joyce Kennedy Jones 

Man of the Year
Dr. John Norman

Youth of the Year
Merle James Smith, III

Lifetime Achievement
Edmond Lloyd Dickens 

2001 Classic Award Winners

Man of the Year: Ronald E. Manning
Woman of the Year: Elaine Thomas Williams
Youth of the Year: Demesheia Estes
Legislator of the Year: State Senator Eric D. Coleman
Economic Development Award: The Honorable Governor John G. Rowland

2000 Classic Award Winners

Man of the Year: Dr. David Carter 

Women of the Year: Senator Toni N. Harp
State Treasurer Denise Nappier

Youth of the Year: Benika Dixon

Special Community Business & Economic Development Award:
Dr. James H. Gatling

Legislative Award: State Representative William Dyson

Special Cultural Award: The Amistad Foundation 

2000 Honorable Mentions:

Women of the Year:

Yvonne D. Watson 
Mitzi Yates
Geraldine Farrar Johnson
Reverend Louella Hinton Tate
Patricia Wilson-Coker – Commissioner, State Department of Social Services 

Man of the Year: 

James “Jimmy” Griffin

Youth of the Year:

Jennifer M. Montgomery
Everton T. Wilson, Jr. 

State of Connecticut
African-American Affairs Commission
State Capitol 
210 Capitol Avenue, Room 509
Hartford, CT 06106

Phone: (860) 240-8555
Fax: (860) 240-8444