[Chicago, 2025-01-10] In an inspiring tribute to the enduring legacy of Congressman John Lewis, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias honored two extraordinary young leaders with the 2024 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. The ceremony, a collaboration with the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), highlighted the remarkable achievements of Ivoryana Neal and Anthony Ray Wright Jr.
Shaping Futures Through Service
At just 21 years old, Ivoryana Neal, a Bellwood native and soon-to-be graduate of Spelman College, has emerged as a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform. Drawing from hands-on experiences with law enforcement in Atlanta and Broadview, Neal is championing support systems that empower formerly incarcerated individuals and their families to rebuild their lives.
Anthony Ray Wright Jr., 23, is redefining how Black history is taught to younger generations. The Chicago-born author and University of Illinois graduate has crafted a curriculum that bridges past and present, encouraging teens to explore their family narratives within the context of the Great Migration. Beyond education, Wright played a pivotal role in registering young voters and inspiring civic participation in his community.
A Commitment to Inclusion and Access
The program also recognized 22-year-old Reagan Johnson, a dedicated school social worker from Vienna, Illinois, as first runner-up. Her efforts to secure transportation for high school students in remote areas have unlocked access to enriching arts and nature programs, demonstrating how one individual can make a difference in underserved communities.
Carrying the Torch Forward
The Illinois John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, now in its second year, celebrates young trailblazers aged 18 to 25 who embody the spirit of Congressman Lewis’ fight for justice, equality, and service.
As nominations open for the 2025 award next fall, the program continues to honor those who turn inspiration into action and uphold the legacy of a civil rights icon.