The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. announced its newest class of inductees, and among the honorees, Daphney Young emerged as a standout figure whose lifelong commitment to service and empowerment earned her recognition in the Community Service Category. As the Foundation celebrated its 40th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, Young’s induction highlighted her remarkable legacy of leadership, advocacy, and intergenerational impact.The ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta and hosted by Journalists Monica Pearson and Kevin Frazier, honored graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who made significant contributions across a range of professional fields. Each year, the Foundation recognized these distinguished alumni not only to celebrate their achievements but also to uplift the enduring strength and national importance of HBCUs. In this class, Daphney Young’s contributions reflected the very essence of the Hall of Fame’s Mission.
A 1993 Honors Graduate of Dillard University, Young built a career centered on service, literacy, and community advancement. As a Senior Program Specialist with AARP, she championed initiatives supporting adults aged 50 and older, ensuring aging populations, particularly in underserved communities, had access to essential resources, advocacy, and engagement opportunities. Her work blended policy awareness, community organizing, and a deep commitment to uplifting seniors.
Her impact extended significantly to youth empowerment as well. As Co-Founder of Le Sanctuary, Inc., Young helped lead efforts that provided more than $50,000 in scholarships to young women pursuing higher education. Through mentorship, literacy programming, and leadership development, she created pathways for Black girls to excel academically and personally. Her work with schools, faith-based organizations, and community groups consistently reinforced education as a foundation for self-determination.
Young’s contributions drew recognition from major institutions, including Coca-Cola’s Salute to Sisterhood Awards and the YWCA. These honors underscored her unwavering dedication to community service and her role as a model of sustained engagement and compassion. Her values, rooted in faith, education, and a commitment to building stronger communities, aligned seamlessly with the Hall of Fame Foundation’s Mission to elevate the Legacy of HBCUs and the alumni who exemplify excellence.
While the class included distinguished honorees such as Stephen A. Smith in Entertainment, Dr. Richard Barnett in Athletics, Latica Archie-Oliver in Business, Dr. Juliet King in Education, and other trailblazers across fields including science, medicine, government, and the arts, Young’s induction was especially notable for its focus on service. Her life’s work embodied the core purpose of HBCUs: preparing individuals not only for professional success but also for transformative leadership and community uplift.
As the Foundation reflected on four decades of honoring HBCU Excellence, Daphney Young’s induction stood as a testament to the enduring power of service-driven leadership. Her journey, shaped by the values instilled at Dillard University, continued to inspire those dedicated to education, empowerment, and strengthening communities across the nation.
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