The MLK Youth Awards Luncheon changed how my daughter sees herself. Standing on that stage, being recognized for her community service, gave her a sense of belonging and purpose I have never seen before.
Spring 2026 Edition
aamw.com · White Plains, NY
"We are creating real-world solutions to the challenges that affect everyone. Through collective effort and deep partnership with our community, we continue to be that positive light for young Black men across Westchester County."
John Tuller President, African American Men of Westchester
Our Four Pillars
Mission— ✦ —
AAMW's Brotherhood Breakfast is the most important room I walk into each year. The conversations, connections, and commitment to Westchester's future are unmatched. This organization embodies what partnership truly means.
The Albertina Bloom Scholarship didn't just cover tuition — it told me I was worth investing in. AAMW saw potential in me when I needed it most, and I carry that with me every single day at college.
Con Edison is proud to stand alongside AAMW. Their work developing Westchester's youth through financial literacy and leadership programs is exactly the kind of community investment that creates lasting impact.
Competing in the Business Skills Olympics was the most challenging — and most rewarding — experience of my high school years. Analyzing a Harvard Business School case with my team taught me how to think, collaborate, and lead under pressure.
White Plains Hospital believes deeply in building healthy communities from the ground up. AAMW's programs, initiatives, advocacy, and wellness fairs are a lifeline for families across Westchester.
Feature Story
Dr. King's Legacy Lives On: The 2026 MLK Youth Awards Luncheon
2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Youth Awards Luncheon — Westchester County's largest MLK tribute event.
Each January, more than 500 members of the Westchester community gather for the county's largest event held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Co-presented with the Westchester County Board of Legislators, the annual MLK Legacy Youth Awards Luncheon honors middle and high school students who have chosen, in the spirit of Dr. King, to answer the call of service.
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year's honorees were recognized across seven inspiring award categories — Building Bridges, Perseverance, Peace & Non-Violence, Social Action, Social Justice, Spirit of Love, and Vision — each reflecting a dimension of Dr. King's enduring philosophy. The luncheon is a reminder that his legacy is not preserved in monuments alone, but renewed in the hearts of every young person who chooses to serve.
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Business Skills Olympics
Education
2025 Business Skills Olympics — 150+ students from Westchester high schools competing on Harvard Business School cases.
Now in its second decade, the Business Skills Olympics is one of AAMW's most transformative youth programs. Each year, high school teams from across Westchester County analyze real Harvard Business School case studies and present their solutions to a distinguished panel of judges drawn from business, education, and law. More than just a competition, it's a gateway.
"One of my students was accepted by Johns Hopkins University partly because he attended the Business Skills Olympics. It gave me the confidence to realize that I could accomplish any problem set before me."— Program Alumna & Founder, RecoveRead
The 2026 competition, scheduled for April 22nd of this year, takes on one of today's most pressing issues: "Affordable Housing". Teams will analyze the Flanner House and Community-Led Development Harvard Business School case, exploring how a century-old nonprofit navigates the hard choices of financing 120 units of housing amid rising displacement pressures.
Competition Judge, Dean Akbar
Competition Judge, Dr. Neritan Mani
Competition Judge, Aleida Frederico
Student Team Member
Student Team Member
Student Team Member
AAMW member: Tim Lewis
AAMW member: Tony Epps
AAMW member: Kofi Sansculotte
Albertina Bloom Scholarship Grant — 2026
AAMW proudly announces the 2026 Albertina Bloom Scholarship Grants, made possible through the New York Community Trust. First-year college students from Westchester County are encouraged to apply. Named for dedicated White Plains teacher Albertina Bloom, these grants honor her lifelong commitment to education.
Awards
Program
Program
10 Awardees
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New from AAMW
Audio Podcast
New Podcast Series
Cyber Safe-Now
Navigating internet safety, social media risks, and the digital world — the facts you need NOW. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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2026 Calendar of Events
UpcomingMay
30
Environmental Stewardship Workshop
Promoting sustainability and environmental justice within our community. Join co-chairs George and Miguel — both professionals in technology and engineering — for a hands-on learning experience.
Jun
6
Youth Fishing Outing
Building mentorship through outdoor recreation. A beloved community tradition that pairs youth with AAMW mentors for a day of nature, conversation, and connection.
Jul
7-11
Golf Clinic
Empowering youth with essential golf skills.
Sep
12
Soccer Clinic
Teaching, coaching and refining basic soccer skills.
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AAMW Member Voices
AAMW Members"I was thrilled to facilitate a diverse group of high schoolers collaborate to tackle the global challenge of housing at the AAMW Business Competition. When they crystallized a new concept or crafted an aspect of their solution, you could see the lights bulbs turning on above thier heads."
I have been with this organization for many years and it never ceases to amaze me as to how the young people in our Westchester community are so able to adapt, change and successfully achieve their goals as was so admirably demonstrated at the recent Business Skills Olympic competition. As a member of AAMW it is extremely rewarding to know that “We make a difference”.
My participation in the Business Skills Olympics was very rewarding. The students were fired up. I had the opportunity to visit a number of teams and watch them put it all together without the resources of an Internet. e.g. no laptop or cell phones. Bravo. To each and every member of AAMW, it feels good to be a member of this organization.
I have been a member of African American Men of Westchester for more than 30 years, and what originally attracted me to this Ensemble of African American Men, still excites and energies me about AAMW today. The 4 pillars, Health, Economics, Education and Social Justice are the core mission and foundation of AAMW service core.
Competing in the Business Skills Olympics was the most challenging — and most rewarding — experience of my high school years. Analyzing a Harvard Business School case with my team taught me how to think, collaborate, and lead under pressure.
White Plains Hospital believes deeply in building healthy communities from the ground up. AAMW's health initiatives, mental health advocacy, and wellness fairs are a lifeline for families across Westchester.
It is truly wonderful to witness sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Westchester County Public High Schools compete to develop unique and thought-provoking solutions to complex Harvard Business School case studies. Their talent and dedication gives me great confidence that our future is bright.
The Business Skills Olympics has been a mainstay in the annual lineup of AAMW programs for youth. It's great to see students work as a group to solve a problem and then present their solutions to a set of judges under competitive pressure like a sporting event.