The West Haven Black Heritage Committee has chosen longtime youth and community activist Levi Jordan as the second recipient of the “Ernestine Jackson Citizen of Distinction Award.”
This honor replaces the previously named “African-American Citizen of the Year Award” and honors the life of Jackson, who was a charter member of the Black Heritage Committee when it was founded by Bea Johnson in 1996.
A native of West Haven, Jordan is the son of Thomas and Stephanie Jordan. He attended West Haven Schools and graduated from West Haven High School in 2004.
Jordan excelled in sports at a young age. He served as captain of the WHHS track & field team. He also played varsity basketball and was a member Class LL State Football Championship as a starting running back and safety for the Blue Devils.
Just over a decade ago, Jordan teamed up with Transformerz Barbershop in hosting back to school bonanzas which provide school supplies and free haircuts to over 200 children. “Levi Jordan personifies the giving spirit of West Haven,” said Black Heritage President Steven R. Mullins.
Jordan is the founder and chief executive officer of Best in the West, which focuses on youth character building and life skills, while practicing basketball drills. “It is so good to see a young man like Levi inspiring the youth of our city,” Mullins said.
Jordan has been married to Shayna Jordan for the past seven years. Together, they have six children.
The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. in the Harriet C. North Meeting Room on the second floor of West Haven City Hall.
Also, during the ceremony, West Haven High School Senior Caleb Awuah, Notre Dame High School Senior Delvin Donniri and Hill Career Regional High School Senior Awurabena Ofori Amo, all of West Haven will receive special achievement awards for their academic and leadership success.
West Haven Black Coalition founder and president and former Board of Education member Carroll Brown will also be recognized for her years of service to West Haven’s black community. Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell, a 2006 graduate of West Haven High School will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.
The West Haven High School Bel Canto Choir will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and two selections. A reception will follow the ceremony in the lower level of City Hall.
For more information, contact Mullins at (203) 824-42
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