WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General Karl Racine today announced the winners of the 2022 Right Direction Awards, an initiative honoring District youth who have demonstrated resilience and leadership in the District of Columbia.
“The pandemic impacted all of us. Mental health experts, teachers, coaches, and parents all recognize the profound and negative impact that COVID-19 had on our youth,” said AG Racine. “Tonight’s ceremony is an opportunity for DC leaders to turn the spotlight on our young people and celebrate them for working hard to create a better future for themselves and their communities.”
About the Right Direction Awards:
Established in 2015, the Right Direction Awards has celebrated over 150 inspiring young people in the District. The ceremony took place annually from 2015 to 2019, but paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. This year will be AG Racine’s last award ceremony as DC’s first elected Attorney General.
Tonight we will celebrate “DC’s Most Influential Under 24” who have improved their lives and/or the lives of others. These young people have demonstrated tenacity and resilience in the face of significant challenges, including: experiencing isolation, homelessness, loss of loved ones, and acclimating to a new country when English was not their first language.
Despite the challenges they have faced, several of the awardees are the first in their family to pursue post-high school education, and others have become leaders and advocates that selflessly give back to their communities.
How to Watch the 2022 Right Direction Awards Ceremony Live:
Watch the award ceremony for these inspiring young people LIVE online at 6:00PM ET tonight (10/12/22): https://fb.me/e/2kBwwTQsG
2022 Right Direction Award Winners:
- Darrell Anderson, 24 years old, Ward 7
- Kaitlyn Arbertha, 15 years old, Ward 2
- Mylan Barnes, 20 years old, Ward 5
- Eric Curry, III, 17 years old, Ward 5
- Arno Fonkoue, 22 years old, Ward 8
- Isabella Getahun, 14 years old, Ward 3
- Antwon Gibson, 20 years old, Ward 5
- Christy Hill, 21 years old, Ward 3
- Dellvon Hughes, 18 years old, Ward 7
- Dineia Jones, 18 years old, Ward 6
- Dieudonne Kazzembe, 21 years old, Ward 6
- Maleek Loggins, 20 years old, Ward 7
- Jymeen McGrier, 21 years old, Ward 3
- Osman Milla, 24 years old, Ward 2
- Ashanti Paylor, 20 years old, Ward 8
- Derren Richardson, 22 years old, Ward 7
- Eric Wade, Jr, 21 years old, Ward 8
- Jamarri Kane-White, 21 years old, Ward 5
- Natalie White, 23 years old, Ward 8