We See You: WV Black Excellence Honors 2025 Trailblazers and Rising Stars

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By: Black By God – The West Virginian

Even from a distance, the impact of the 5th Annual WV Black Excellence Trailblazer & Scholarship Event was unmistakable. Held on April 12, 2024, at the Erickson Alumni Center at West Virginia State University, this invitation-only gathering honored Black West Virginians who lead with service, strength, and heart.

Founded by Tracey Palmer, WV Black Excellence is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: shine a light on Black West Virginians who are doing extraordinary things, often without fanfare. Palmer’s mission is about honoring legacy, celebrating leadership, and building community through recognition.

This year’s 2025 Trailblazer Class reflects that mission:

Dr. Barbara J. Oden
Barbara J. Oden, of Tougaloo, Mississippi, earned her B.S. degree from Tougaloo College, M.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin, and a Ph. D. from the University of South Carolina. In 1957, she joined the faculty at West Virginia State College, where she taught in the biology department. While at State, Oden also served as the Chair of the Biology Department, Dean of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chair of the Faculty Senate, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Oden’s passion for learning and higher education allowed her to challenge her students to achieve their dreams and beyond. Barbara Oden is a positive role model and example of leadership for WV State University and the surrounding community. Her legacy is still bearing fruit at WVSU even after her retirement. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Xi Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Charleston’s Xi Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

The mission statement of Charleston’s Xi Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. states that it is committed to building a strong and effective force of men dedicated to our cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. Since our establishment on October 1, 1936, we have served the Charleston metropolitan region and state.

Xi Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi is comprised of about 70 members who are committed to service. Xi Alpha lives by the Fraternity’s motto, “friendship is essential to the soul” (which is why many men in purple and gold are traditionally observed throughout the community serving together). Xi Alpha is comprised of 14 committees to fulfill community needs through hard work and dedication to social, political, educational, economic, and community events throughout the area.

The following is a brief synopsis of some of the activities supported by the members of Xi Alpha Chapter.

• Xi Alpha is committed to higher education and offers scholarships to high school students

• Supporting and encouraging Voter Registration Education and Mobilization for each election

• Supporting and encouraging local talent with annual Talent Hunt programs

• Feeding the at need community through local food distribution organizations

• Supporting the community through annual blood drives

• Distribution of toys and gifts to needy families during the holiday season

• Rings bells for the Salvation Army Christmas Fundraising initiative

• Provided slacks, shirts, and ties to the Dunbar Middle School Basketball Team and taught them how to tie their tie

• Participated in a dress to impress at Dunbar Middle School and Charleston Job Corps

• Volunteers as read-aloud readers at local elementary schools

• Host annual Black History Program, and provide Black History education to local schools

• Participated in the West Virginia Black Caucus Formation and Political Action Activities

• Participates in mentoring endeavors for young men

• Participates annually at Juneteenth Celebrations and Multifest with a booth on suicide prevention and health initiatives

• Maintains an active Fatherhood program for men with children

• Hosted the first annual Xi Alpha Ques Community Uplift Football Camp for elementary and middle school students at West Virginia State University

• Distributes book bags to students in need

• Greets and encourages students on the first day of school at two local elementary schools and one middle school

• Assist with the Summer Basketball League at Second Avenue Recreation Center

As a chapter of progressive college-educated Black men, it is our goal to uplift our community and collaborate with others who promote community service and goodwill.

Dr. Orlando Yusef Craighead

Dr. Orlando Yusef Craighead is a dedicated public health professional with extensive expertise in policy development, program evaluation, community outreach, and health education. He recently earned his Ph.D. in Public Health with a specialization in Community Promotion and Education from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN. His academic foundation is strong, holding an MBA in Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix, a Regents BA in Business from West Virginia State University, and an AS in Business/Communications and Management from West Virginia State Community and Technical College.

As the Executive Director of the Kanawha Coalition for Community Health Improvement, Dr. Craighead plays a pivotal role in conducting triennial Community Health Needs Assessments, facilitating strategic planning, and fostering multi-sector collaboration to enhance public health outcomes. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Kanawha Diabetes Coalition, where he leads educational initiatives and collaborative programs, such as literature-based outreach and community cooking classes, to combat this chronic disease.

Dr. Craighead’s professional experience spans multiple roles in public health and human services. As an HHR Specialist, he has coordinated health education and promotion programs, while his tenure as an Economic Service Worker allowed him to assess and approve benefits for critical programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. His dedication to health and wellness extends beyond administration—he is a certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Walk with Ease Trainer, Peer Recovery Coach, and First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor for adults, children, and infants.

Beyond his leadership in public health, Dr. Craighead serves as the CEO and Executive Director of the Spotted Owl Healthcare Organization, a nonprofit committed to addressing chronic diseases linked to obesity. Through this organization, he provides individual health coaching for adults and offers diverse physical activity classes to promote holistic wellness within the community.

With a career dedicated to advancing public health, Dr. Orlando Yusef Craighead continues to shape and implement impactful initiatives that empower individuals and communities to lead healthier lives.

Shawn Lewis

Shawn Lewis got the unction to serve one day while assistant coaching at a high school basketball game. He likens it to an encounter with God where he felt a deep calling to train the whole person, training that would include basketball fundamentals paralleled with mentorship. The calling became so strong that he took the leap and founded Apex Athlete Sports Training in 2017.

Apex has trained nearly 8,500 athletes of all ages and abilities in collaboration with community and civic organizations, schools, corporate partnerships, and higher education affiliates. Shawn attributes his knack for training to his athletic journey that started as a young boy and includes playing AAU basketball with NBA Hall of Famer Randy Moss and NBA Alum Jason Williams.

He also played baseball, football, and competed in track, but always came back to basketball, his calling and first love. He cultivated that love further by competing collegiately at Solano College and subsequently playing semi-professional basketball for the Charleston Heat.

Although his journey is full of amazing accomplishments, celebrating with his mentees as they earn scholarships and awards and witnessing their personal transformation remains his greatest achievement. I am a father, a brother, a son, a man of faith,h and a servant leader who leads young people both on and off the court.

Iva Thomas Monroe

Iva Thomas Monroe has spent the last 11 years as the Kanawha County Coroner and Autopsy Technician at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office for the State of West Virginia.

Iva graduated from Gupton Jones College in Atlanta, GA, obtaining an Associate Degree in 2000, later on received a Regents Bachelor Degree(2013) an Associate Degree in Gerontology (2011) at WV State University in Institute, WV. Iva worked in the funeral service industry for several years before finding her passion at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, where she examines suspicious, unexpected, violent, or unexplained deaths.

Iva is dedicated to providing excellent service to the State of WV and always strives to consistently exceed expectations as she is the only African American Coroner in the State of WV. Iva is passionate about embracing new challenges and opportunities while continuing to learn and evolve in the field of death investigations.

Mike Howard Jr.

A native of Dunbar, WV, and a graduate of South Charleston H.S., Mike Howard Jr. used his tenacious diligence and meticulous work ethic to apply to and be accepted into the United States Army in 1994. Encouraged by his parents’ family, peers, and professional mentors that he encountered throughout his youth in WV, he held several positions and specialties with the United States Army in the fields of Telecommunications, Military Intelligence, and Aviation. With service spanning across several bases in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Mike has served with the Active-Duty component, the Army Reserve, and the National Guard.

Mike was consistently promoted above his peers and awarded coveted Pilot and Command positions. He has accumulated over 10,000 hours of flight time, is a Military Helicopter and Airplane Pilot, Instructor Pilot, Evaluator and Test Pilot, Pilot Mentor, and a Decorated Combat Veteran.

Mr. Howard holds a Graduate degree in International Business from Salem International University, in Salem, WV. He is also a civilian Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument Instructor, Remote Pilot, and Airline Transport Pilot.

After 20 active-duty military years, Mike has honed his skills with organizations such as NASA and the Department of Homeland Security. Mike currently serves as a pilot and Captain with Southwest Airlines, a Major Airline, and commands three different variations of the Boeing 737.

He is also an active member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and a Florida Tuskegee Airmen honoree chapter promoting aviation and STEM among high school students.

James “JW” Spencer

James W. Spencer (JW) leads a life dedicated to service, mentorship, and community involvement. Born in Switchback, WV, JW was one of 10 children in the Spencer family.

His early years were marked by a move to Charleston, WV, and later to West Dunbar, where he excelled in sports, particularly football and baseball, as a member of the Kanawha Supply Pony League. Though he faced challenges during his teenage years, especially due to racial tensions during school integration, JW went on to form lasting friendships with individuals who were once skeptical of him.

After graduating from high school, JW joined the West Virginia National Guard and, in 1967, enrolled at West Virginia State College, where he played football. In 1968, he married Betty Cardwell, and together they had two children: Lea Jay Spencer Ford (Memphis, TN) and Staci Marie Spencer (deceased), along with his older son, Anthony Mason. JW and Betty made the West Dunbar-Institute area their lifelong home.

JW’s career began at Union Carbide in 1969, where he worked for over three decades, primarily as a lab supervisor until his retirement in 2004. His true passion, however, was mentoring young people. In 1974, after being asked by Mr. Melvin Henry Haston, a deacon at the Institute Nazarene Church, to take over the Boy Scout Troop, JW embraced the opportunity and guided many young people in their development, teaching them everything from life skills like changing tires and building projects to the importance of community service.

For over 30 years, JW was also a referee for various sports and mentored local youth, always striving to make a positive impact in their lives.

In addition to his work with youth, JW became a trusted figure in his community, known for his kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand. Whether assisting senior citizens with yard work, building small walls, or offering rides, JW’s generosity made him a beloved figure in the Institute and Dunbar areas. His home was also a gathering place for local kids, where they could enjoy a safe space to dance, have fun, and grow.

For many, JW’s guidance and support left a lasting imprint, and they continue to express their gratitude to him for offering them a space to grow and have fun without fear.

Through his life’s work and dedication, JW Spencer continues to make a profound difference in his community, and his legacy is one of love, service, and friendship.

The evening also included the awarding of scholarships to outstanding Black high school seniors — young scholars already walking in excellence and ready to lead.

Supporting the effort is the WV Black Excellence Advisory Board, including Dr. Christopher Jackson, Erika Boxley, Ricci Kellum, LaTausha Taylor, Frank Walker II, Jennifer Davis, and Mikki Owens.

WV Black Excellence isn’t just an event — it’s a legacy.

To join the movement, follow WV Black Excellence on Facebook, learn more at www.wvblackexcellence.org, or call 678.994.3002.