City of Milwaukee closes out Black History Month by honoring 'Living Legends' in the community

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As Black History Month ends, the city of Milwaukee is capping off its 28 days of Black history campaign with a public celebration inside City Hall.

The public celebration was all about honoring living legends and for the first time, the city is recognizing a young person as an "emerging leader."

Jeremiah Johnson is Milwaukee's first "emerging leader." He's a sophomore at Marquette High School and co-founder of 29ELEVEN.

"I've done a lot of things. Me and my mom. We're co-founders of 29ELEVEN, helping women with breast cancer," he said.

He's also a competitive athlete and says he's honored that his accomplishments are being recognized by the city during Black History Month.

"Everything you do is not seen and you're not trying to make it be seen. You're just doing it out of the goodness of your heart. So, knowing that people are recognizing what I'm doing just being a normal, nice human, it feels special," said Johnson.

Also honored with the Living Legend award is Yvonne Kemp, for her work in the community. "I am so honored that the Common Council thought about me to give me this award. They know how I feel. I'm behind the camera girl," said Kemp.

After a 30-year career as an accountant, Kemp took over her brother's passion of photography and is known for highlighting the positive side of the city. "I'm walking in my brother's shoes. My brother did this for 50 years," said Kemp.

She is now one of the most prominent photographers in the city and volunteers her time in the community as well. "My job is to show the community what is really going on," she said.

Both awardees say they hope their work motivates others to step up for their communities as well. "Be the impact that people need," said Johnson.

City leaders say honoring Black history is an effort that should continue long after this month ends.