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Lincoln Ellis, Executive Director, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Boys & Girls Club, and recipient of the First Annual Lou Dantzler Award, is seldom surprised by the determination and commitment of Lou Dantzler. Over the past 14 years, Ellis has observed Dantzler build one of the strongest organizations within the Movement. He has watched him take youth in disadvantaged circumstances" and help them become productive members of society. He has also seen Dantzler set the foundation for the Society of African American Professionals (SOAAP).

"Receiving this award is very special to me, Ellis said. "I cannot think of one individual in the Boys & Girls Club Movement that has done more for African Americans than Lou. I'm proud to be the recipient of this award, and even more so, having had the opportunity to learn so much from Lou."

Ellis grew up as a member of the Boys Club of Stockton, in Stockton, Cali. After having a number of positions in the government and the private sectors, Ellis returned to Stockton in 1978, and started the alumni association for the Club. This led to becoming a member on one of the Branch boards, and eventually becoming a member of the Corporate Board, where he served in the offices of Program Committee Chair, Vice President, and President. Ellis became the first African American Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Stockton in 1988. During his tenure, he developed the organization into one of the premier youth service organizations in Northern California. He left the Stockton organization in 1998, and became the Executive Director of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Boys & Girls Club in East St. Louis, Ill.

Ellis, working with numerous other professionals within the Movement, including Dantzler, met in St. Louis in 1999 and founded the Society of African American Professionals. Ellis has made many contributions to the Movement, and has served on numerous National and Regional Committees.

By: Mr. John Miller - Regional Vice President
Boys & Girls Clubs of America