OMG! Insider co-anchor Kevin Frazier and Actress Keke Palmer congratulate Education Honoree Haywood Galbreath, a history-making photojournalist for his work with the youth
The Ford Freedom Unsung Awards is part of Ford Motor Company Fund’s ongoing commitment to honor distinguished Americans who dedicate their lives to improving their communities and the world. Awards are given in five categories: Community, Education, Military, Youth and Organization. Twenty deserving people from the Southern California area were honored at the Grammy Museum on June 19, 2013.
Kevin Frazier, co-anchor of “OMG! Insider , hosted the second annual community event. Award-winning actress KeKe Palmer, known for her commitment to bullying prevention and other youth issues, served as the program’s youth ambassador. The recognition program included a special performance by actor/singer/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Haywood Galbreath was one of the 20 winners for his work in the category of education. “It is a great honor to be selected among more than 130 nominees and to receive a national recognition for my work with the youth,” said Galbreath, a 29-year veteran as an award-winning photojournalist and the founder of the Minority Photo/Journalism Institute (MPJI), a nonprofit organization.
An advocate of transference of knowledge, Galbreath has dedicated his life to teaching young people about photojournalism and broadcasting. “I recognized the pull of gang life and other antisocial behavior that plagues the youth, especially those of color, and saw professional involvement in an occupation that will build up their self-esteem, as well as, increase their knowledge of communication skills, as a means of countering the negative influences of society,” says Galbreath.
He teaches the youth the skills needed to pursue a career in photo journalism and broadcasting. “For nearly 10 years, I have taught students to be productive and positive citizens through visual, written, and verbal communication skills,” he states. In spite of the students’ limited resources, it has not stopped him from unselfishly permitting his students to use his high-end digital cameras for training. To meet the needs of his growing institute, Galbreath continues efforts to raise funds to purchase the latest photography equipment, computers, and printers for the students for training. Haywood opened a photo exhibit at the African American Museum of Art that includes the sale of 60 of the historical photos to raise funds for much-needed equipment for the students. His exhibit closes on June 30, 2013.
Galbreath, as a role model to the youth and through his numerous accomplishments, sets an exemplary example of what can be achieved with the right education, guidance, and perseverance. Just to name a few of his “first” accomplishments, Galbreath was the only member of the African-American media to accompany President George Bush on his historic trip to South Central Los Angeles in April 2002, the only African-American owned news service to have a continuous field position for the Super Bowl, and the first African-American owned news photo service to cover the prestigious Breeders’ Cup.
Galbreath is a history-making African American news photographer of the 20th Century. Because of his dedication for equality among America’s Black Press, Galbreath was given all-access and became the only photojournalist in the world to photograph on a daily basis the biggest criminal trial and news media event of the 20th century – the O.J. Simpson trial. To book Galbreath for appearances, speaking engagements, or inquiries about his photo exhibit, send an email to platinumstarprnews@gmail.com.
