The MVP3 Foundation’s Men of Excellence Awards and John Amos Student Grant ceremony isn’t just about honoring achievements — it’s about lighting a path for the next generation.
“These boys out here — so many don’t have fathers or guidance,” said Marie Pizano, founder of the MVP3 Foundation. “That’s why it was so important to honor these great men and inspire that connection.”
This year’s event, held recently at the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, recognized fathers, sons and mentors who serve as role models for youth while also investing in the future of storytelling. The 2025 Men of Excellence honorees:
- Bishop Edward H. Stephens Jr. and Eron J. Stephens
- Walter Bailey Jr. and Taurus Bailey
- Councilman Edmund Ford Sr. and Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr.
Each was recognized for their leadership, integrity and commitment to uplifting others. Bailey, a civil rights attorney and living legend, reflected on the importance of passing the torch to future generations.
“The Men of Excellence Awards isn’t just about looking good. It’s about saying to the community: Pay attention, be inspired and take action,” Bailey told The Tri-State Defender after the event. “The world is in constant need of trailblazers — people who are willing to take the baton and run with it, continuing the race for progress, justice and equity.”
The event also celebrated Joshua Casey, a student at Memphis East T-STEM Academy, as the recipient of the John Amos Student Grant. Named after the legendary actor best known for his role as James Evans Sr. on the classic TV series Good Times, the John Amos Student Grant was established to support young creatives who demonstrate integrity in media.
Before his death in August 2024, Amos was a longtime advocate for education and storytelling, and he dedicated much of his career to uplifting positive narratives, particularly those that highlight family, resilience and cultural history.
The grant, sponsored by Strong Women In Film, is awarded annually to a student who shows exceptional promise in film and media, ensuring that the next generation of storytellers carries forward the values of honesty, excellence and impactful storytelling.
Nominated by his teacher Marshonn Calvin and sponsored by Strong Women In Film, Casey’s passion for film and storytelling made him a standout choice.
“He was nominated for being a student that embodies integrity in media,” Pizano said. “He is going to help finish out the Walter Bailey documentary while getting skills. He’s got a promising career.”
About that Walter Bailey documentary: The MVP3 Foundation launched a student film program at Westwood High School, where students will gain hands-on experience helping to complete a documentary on Walter Bailey’s life. It’s a project designed to preserve history while teaching valuable skills.
“We are building this on a solid foundation,” Pizano said. “We’ve got all these stories to tell — to uplift, to teach — and that’s what this is all about.”
Amos and his son K.C. Jones developed an affection for Memphis over the past few years, Pizano said. Eventually, it became a deep connection and desire to make meaningful changes in the community. It’s why K.C. Jones plans to be involved with MVP3’s efforts going forward.
“Being in Memphis, there’s a strong sense of community,” said K.C. Jones, a filmmaker with a master’s degree from the California Institute of the Arts. “It’s refreshing compared to bigger cities where everyone’s just trying to make it. Here, people genuinely want to uplift each other.
“Anytime you can acknowledge the youth and help them see the opportunities that they can reach — by awarding them grants and giving them accolades — it can definitely help further and motivate their careers and change their lives,” Jones said.
The Men of Excellence evening also featured a performance by Dr. Alvin McKinny, the Prime Minister of Joyful Jazz, and collaborations with the Memphis Black Arts Alliance and FathersFirst Memphis.
For more information, visit www.MVP3foundation.org or contact Marie Pizano, founder/president, at info@mvp3foundation.org.
