***CALL FOR NOMINATIONS***
Unity in Community is excited to announce the call for nominations for the Lenzy R. Wallace, Jr. Excellence Award.
Lenzy was a member of UiC from its inception in 2018. He was a World War II veteran, a retired educator, and a corporate Diversity and Equity Inclusion trainer who devoted his life to living the principles of inclusion, racial equity, community dialogue and collaboration, and building bridges across different races and cultures.
We are requesting nominations in two categories: Individual and Community Partner. Please review the nomination eligibility guidelines and nominating criteria below. If you know of an organization or an individual that exhibits these qualifications, please complete and submit a nomination form for one or both categories. You or your organization may also self-nominate, if you feel it meets the qualifications.
Please complete the Lenzy R. Wallace, Jr. Excellence Award Nomination Form by noon, Friday, March 13, 2026.
NOMINATION CRITERIA
Nomination Categories
1. Lenzy R. Wallace Jr. Individual Award for Inclusive Leadership
This award honors a UiC supporter whose consistent involvement and actions have demonstrated exceptional commitment to creating inclusive spaces, fostering cross-community collaboration, and advancing equity through education, advocacy, or engagement.
2. Lenzy R. Wallace Jr. Community Partner of the Year
This award recognizes an organization or institution that has actively partnered with UiC to promote equity, inclusiveness, and community engagement—strengthening the bonds across diverse groups in the North Mecklenburg area.
Eligibility & Nomination Guidelines
Individual Award
- The nominee must be an active UiC supporter with at least one year of engagement on behalf of the organization.
- Nominations may be submitted by other UiC members or through self-nomination.
- UiC Board Members and Nominating Committee Members are not eligible for nomination.
Community Partner Award
- Open to organizations that have demonstrated a sustained partnership with UiC and measurable impact in advancing equity and inclusion.
- Organizations may be nominated by UiC members, partners, or the UiC Board.
Selection Criteria
Nominees will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Commitment:
Demonstrated dedication to UiC’s mission of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through consistent engagement and advocacy. - Engagement:
Active participation in UiC programs, UiC Large Group meetings, community events, or collaborative initiatives. - Impact:
Evidence of measurable actions, programs, or leadership that have advanced equity and inclusiveness within the broader community.
A message from Adrianne Baughns-Wallace:
My husband, Dr. Lenzy R. Wallace Jr. was a man of conviction who believed there is good in all of us. His mission in life was to help people grow and be their best selves. Today he would remind us not to be discouraged despite what is happening in the world. He would recognize and encourage people of goodwill, with diverse backgrounds, religious and political perspectives to continue the hard work of bridging divides. And, finally he would want us to have faith in the future and continue our labor in the service of humanity and a better world. His vision lives on in our hearts.
From UiC’s inception, it was rare for Lenzy to miss any UiC meeting, activity or event. He was co-facilitator of the small group Just Us and he participated in the UiC video organized by Ada Jenkins. Lenzy was an educator and shared his knowledge and his wisdom freely. His humor and his commitment to equity, justice, and inclusion made him an inspiration to all who knew him, he was caring, kind and humble and he was committed to bringing people together. UiC was so blessed to count him as one of our own.
