LBPI Announces 2025 Grassroots Leadership Awards Honorees

The Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative, a community-advised committee of Blue Grass Community Foundation, is proudly recognizing community leaders who are driving positive change with the 2025 Grassroots Leadership Awards.  

Launched in 2021, this award honors and supports individuals at the forefront of addressing racial equity, disparities in the Black community and social justice throughout Lexington. Recipients of the award receive an unrestricted stipend of $5,000 in acknowledgment of their grassroots efforts to create meaningful change in our community. 

MEET THE 2025 GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP AWARDS RECIPIENTS 

Tanya S. Clark

Co-Founder, West End Community Empowerment Project of Lexington, Inc. 

For over 30 years, Tanya S. Clark has worked to uplift youth and families through education, mentorship, and leadership development. As a co-founder of the West End Community Empowerment Project (WECEP), she has helped shape programs that inspire personal growth and community engagement. WECEP’s Sankofa University provides academic support and cultural enrichment for young people, fostering a new generation of leaders. Tanya’s unwavering commitment to empowering others is reflected in the ongoing success of WECEP and the young lives it transforms. 

 

Dora M. Hudson

Co-Founder, West End Community Empowerment Project of Lexington, Inc. 

Dora M. Hudson has spent her life in service to others, first as a nurse for 41 years at the VA Hospital and for more than three decades as a leader in community empowerment. A co-founder of WECEP, Dora was moved to action after witnessing violence in Lexington’s West End, believing in the power of grassroots efforts to create change. Despite experiencing personal loss to gun violence, she has remained steadfast in her mission, mentoring generations of youth through programs like Sankofa University. Her legacy of resilience, faith and dedication continues to inspire. 

 

Christine Elizabeth Smith

Executive Director, Seedleaf Inc. 

As the Executive Director of Seedleaf Inc., Christine Elizabeth Smith is transforming urban agriculture in Lexington by improving food access and strengthening community relationships. Through Seedleaf’s free u-pick gardens and youth job-training programs, Christine promotes self-sufficiency and sustainability in neighborhoods experiencing food insecurity. Her hands-on approach to community gardening fosters connection, resilience and a deeper appreciation for growing and sharing fresh food. 

 

Rebecca Webb

Co-Founder & Executive Director, Community Inspired Lexington 

A tireless advocate for youth and families, Rebecca Webb has dedicated more than a decade to creating safe, enriching spaces through Community Inspired Lexington. Under her leadership, the organization’s free summer camp has provided hundreds of children with educational and social development opportunities, while its monthly food pantry has grown to serve over 100 families. Rebecca’s commitment to mentorship, skill-building programs and community partnerships continues to empower youth and strengthen families across the region. 

 

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP 

The 2025 Grassroots Leadership Awards reception will take place May 13 at DV8 Kitchen, from 5:30-7:30pm. We invite all who are inspired by the work of these outstanding community leaders and their impact to attend.