3/19/2011 - Young named to West Alabama's 'Women of Distinction

Judson Spotlight On...

Young Awarded Once Again 
Named to West Alabama's ‘Women of Distinction'
By Michael J. Brooks

Judson College artist in residence, Dr. Billie Jean Young, has been named to the West Alabama "Women of Distinction" for 2011, and will be honored at a luncheon on April 7 in Tuscaloosa.

The event is sponsored by the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama and recognizes those who have made significant contributions in their communities and professions and are positive role models for past, current and future Girl Scouts.

Young is one of eight honorees chosen from Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Marion, Perry, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.

Young graduated from Judson College in 1974 as part of the class that included two black graduates for the first time in the college's history, and she was the second African-American woman to earn a law degree from Samford University's Cumberland School of Law.

The college honored her as an Outstanding Alumna in 2002 and named her artist-in-residence in January, 2006.

Young is perhaps best known for her one-woman play, "Fannie Lou Hamer: This Little Light," based on the life of the Mississippi civil rights activist. Her performances compelled the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus to award her the "Fannie Lou Hamer on the Road to Freedom Award."

Young published a book of poetry and her play, "Fear Not the Fall," in 2003 and "Now, How You Do? A Memoir" last year.

Her stage credits include regional productions of August Wilson's "Fences" and "The Piano Lesson," and film credits include "Mississippi Burning" and the NBC movie, "Blue Bayou." 

Additionally Young is founder and director of "The Drama Project/Child Abuse Project" which seeks to help women and young people recognize and respond to child abuse.

Currently Young teaches drama production at Judson and in four Perry County schools.

The 2011 "Women of Distinction" awards luncheon will be held at the Indian Hills Country Club at 11:30 a.m.

More information is available at www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodwest or by calling 205.453.9513.

*Article courtesy of the Judson College Public Relations Department.

<-- Go Back