The founder of a Jeannette-based nonprofit that focuses on educating athletes, as well as the pastor of a Greensburg church were recognized Saturday for their work in reaching out to help the Black community in the region.

Dorsey Cox of Jeannette, chief executive officer of Educated Athletes First, and Bishop Derrick Johnson of Blairsville, who is pastor at New Creation Family Worship Center, were honored Saturday for their leadership and activism by Unity in the Community.

The Greensburg-based activist organization sponsored the Black History Month event held at the New Creation church.

“There’s still a lot of work to do in helping to create opportunities for the kids and the community as a whole,” Cox told the crowd of about 50 people when he accepted the award.

Cox’s organization is focused on improving educational awareness in athletes so they can further their education, said Natalie Batista, faith director at Father’s Heart Church in Penn Township and executive director of the Educated Athletes First organization.

“He brings unity to the community,” Batista said. “He is one of the doors God has brought to our community.”

Cox said he has worked many years with youngsters in the Jeannette youth football league. He was joined by several young athletes when he received the award.

Johnson, who has been pastor for four years, said he believes unity in the community can be achieved if there is a stop to the stereotyping of people.

“We need to become more open-minded,” Johnson said. “That will produce the diversity to stay together.

“If we network and work together, we will help everyone (in the community).”

Ronel Baccus of Greensburg, founder of Unity in the Community and a member of New Creations, said the pastor deserves recognition for his outreach, particularly with youths and those who are in recovery from addiction.

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