Community leaders, advocates, and supporters gathered for an inspiring evening at the Black Excellence Gala: Legacy in Motion, hosted by the African American Cultural Alliance of Lancaster. The event celebrated individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment continue to uplift communities across the region.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Michael Fuller, Anchor and Reporter for WGAL News, welcomed guests and guided the audience through a memorable evening dedicated to recognizing excellence and honoring legacy.

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Opening the Evening

The program began with welcoming remarks from Michael Fuller, setting the tone for an evening centered on leadership, culture, and community impact.

Following the welcome, Robert McKenzie led a meaningful Libation & Elder Call, honoring ancestors and elders whose strength and sacrifice paved the way for today’s leaders.

Guests then shared dinner together before the awards program began.

A Powerful Performance

The audience experienced an electrifying performance by the Infamous Unstoppables Drill Team & Drum Squad, also led by Vincent Derek Smith.

Their powerful chant energized the room:

“Confidence is what I want. Confidence is what I’m going to have.
Determination is what I need. Determination is what I’m going to have.
Unstoppable is what I am. Unstoppable is what I’m going to be.
Excuses? I don’t have any. Failure will never be one.” 

The performance perfectly captured the evening’s spirit of resilience and determination.

 

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Celebrating Leaders in Motion

 

The evening first recognized individuals making a significant difference in their communities through the Legacy in Motion Awards.

Recipients included:

• Dr. Kimeka Campbell

• Jordan Steffy

• Marshall Snively

Each honoree was recognized for their dedication to service, leadership, and positive community impact.

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A Vision from the President: Vincent Derek Smith

During the program, Vincent Derek Smith, President of the African American Cultural Alliance, shared a powerful message about the meaning behind the gala’s theme, “Legacy in Motion.”

Smith reflected on the strength that runs through communities—a strength rooted in love, resilience, and hope passed down through generations. He emphasized that legacy lives not only in history but in the stories communities share, the elders they honor, and the young people they inspire.

According to Smith, Legacy in Motion represents the courage of individuals who rise early to support their families, the wisdom of elders who guide future generations, and the determination of young leaders who step forward to create change.

He reminded attendees that honoring legacy means recognizing both the sacrifices of those who came before and the responsibility of those working today to continue that work.

Smith also highlighted the mission of the African American Cultural Alliance, which focuses on youth mentorship, cultural preservation, education, and community empowerment.

He encouraged the community to stay engaged and support the Alliance’s efforts.

“Together, we are the architects of our future,” Smith shared, reminding the audience that the strength of a community lies in its ability to work collectively toward progress.

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Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees

The evening then turned to recognizing individuals whose lifetime of work has left a lasting impact on their communities.

Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award included:

• Blanding Watson

• Rev. Edward Bailey

• Robert “Bobby” Simpson, CEO of Crispus Attucks York

As the final honoree of the evening, Mr. Simpson received a standing ovation from supporters, friends, and community partners in attendance.

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Honoring Robert “Bobby” Simpson

 

Introducing the award, Michael Fuller reflected on Mr. Simpson’s influence and decades of leadership.

“Tonight we celebrate a man whose work has strengthened communities, preserved history, and created opportunity for generations.”

Robert Simpson, affectionately known as Bobby Simpson, has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Crispus Attucks Association of York since 1979.

Under his leadership, what began as a modest community center has grown into a dynamic four-block campus offering vital programs that strengthen families and neighborhoods across York.

These initiatives include:

• Early childhood education

• Workforce development and job training

• Housing and neighborhood revitalization

• Cultural and educational programming

Mr. Simpson has also played an important role in preserving York’s African American heritage, including advocating for the development of the Crispus Attucks African American History and Cultural Center.

 

 

In addition to his leadership at Crispus Attucks York, he has served on several regional boards, including York Hospital, York College of Pennsylvania, and WITF Public Media.

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A Moment of Gratitude

Accepting the award, Mr. Simpson took time to thank those who supported him throughout his journey.

He began by expressing appreciation to Vincent Derek Smith and the African American Cultural Alliance for honoring him.

“You have recognized the 50 years I have given to the community. Most importantly, you’ve allowed me to smell the roses while I’m still living.”

Mr. Simpson also thanked lifelong friends Dan Elby and Ray Crenshaw, who supported him when he became CEO in 1979.

He expressed deep gratitude to his family, including his wife of 60 years, his son Mark, daughter Wonque, his grandchildren, and his godson Carl Williamson.

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Recognizing the Crispus Attucks York Family

Mr. Simpson invited Crispus Attucks York staff members to stand and be recognized for their dedication and years of service.

He also thanked the organization’s Board of Directors for their leadership and support.

Their collective efforts, he noted, have helped build Crispus Attucks York into the transformative community institution it is today.

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A Story from the Early Days

Mr. Simpson also shared an important story about the early development of Crispus Attucks York.

In 1980, when the organization sought financing for a new community development project, many banks declined to help.

However, Bob Pullo and Donna Pullo stepped forward. Mr. Simpson recalled that Bob Pullo was the only banker willing to lend $800,000, a pivotal investment that helped launch the project and support the organization’s future growth.

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Community Leaders in Attendance

Mr. Simpson also recognized several community leaders who attended the celebration, including:

• Sandie Walker, Mayor of York

• State Representative Carol Hill-Evans

• Edquina Washington, York City Council President

• Sheree Washington, President of the York NAACP

• Julie Wheeler, President of the York County Commissioners

• Kevin Schreiber, York County Chief Economic Development Officer

• Rev. Richard Sease, President of the Baptist Ministerium

• Pastor Smith and Reverend Boxy

• Kim Bracey, Director of the YWCA York

He also thanked the many friends and supporters who came to celebrate the occasion.

 

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A Powerful Closing Message

Mr. Simpson concluded his remarks with a quote shared by his friend Abdullah Jamison:

“It does not matter if one million people tell you no, or if ten million people tell you no. If you get one yes from God, that’s all you need to be successful.”

He then reflected on the journey that brought him to this moment.

“As you can see, we received our ‘Yes’ many years ago.”

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Closing the Evening

Following the awards presentation and President’s Address by Vincent Derek Smith, Michael Fuller returned to deliver closing remarks before inviting guests to continue celebrating on the dance floor.

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Celebrating a Living Legacy

For more than four decades, Robert “Bobby” Simpson has dedicated his life to strengthening communities, expanding opportunity, and uplifting generations of families throughout York.

This Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes not only his remarkable career, but the enduring legacy he continues to build.

The Crispus Attucks York family proudly congratulates Mr. Simpson on this well-deserved honor