Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) is celebrating 11 years of Visions Awards (Visions) on November 30, 2021, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Visions honors those who act as agents of change in the community, providing leadership to enrich and enliven those whom they serve.

Doctor George E. Young, Sr., who also holds the titles of Reverend and State Senator, will be honored with the President’s Award. This award will go to an individual as a special recognition of the president and CEO of OKCNP.

 “George’s many titles alone qualify him for this award,- but his true title is servant leader,” said Marnie Taylor, president and CEO, OKCNP. “George has taken initiative in so many corners of this community through his board service and countless efforts to bring diverse groups of people to the table to solve problems. He believes that if we aren’t moving forward than we are losing ground, and George works in all of his leadership roles to move our community and State forward with compassion and respect for all.”

George, born in Memphis, Tenn., was the eighth of nine children. He graduated from Lambuth University before he earned a Masters of Arts in Ministry and a Masters of Business Administration from Oklahoma Christian University, as well as a Masters of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary. In 2013, he retired after 30 years of pastoral service, however his service to the community would continue. In 2014, George was elected to the Oklahoma State House of Representatives, and in 2018 was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate.

As a State Representative George was elected as the Democratic Caucus Vice-Chair and served as the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Chair, a position he kept when he was elected to the Oklahoma Senate. 

In addition to his public service, George authored “Christology: A Look at Practical Christianity.” He is a certified medication specialist in family and divorce issues. He has been a member of Oklahoma City Law Enforcement Task Force, the Governor’s Legislative CARES Advisory Group, Oklahoma Christian University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community Task Force, District Chair, New Horizons District, Council of State Governments Healthy Task Force, among many others.

His lifetime memberships include: National Association of Colored People (NAACP), Oklahoma Academy, Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City, Kappa Alpha Psi Province, Kappa Alpha Psi National and Leadership Oklahoma.

George credits his parents for his inspiration to continue being vigilant and persistent in the furtherance of the communities he serves.

“They encouraged me to make a positive difference in the lives of others,” said George. “I have maintained to the best of my ability, the same dedicated work ethic espoused by my parents throughout my life. The catalyst to servant leadership is realizing the work is far greater than you. Because of the many years of opportunity to serve, has provided me the privilege to be a part of that which has truly kept me grounded, open to progress and has benefited me in ways that I can only describe as awe inspiring. All of this inspires me daily to stay the course; do the work.”

To learn more about the 2021 Visions Awards, visit the OKCNP Visions Award Page: https://okcnp.org/Visions.