FOR GILBERT YOUNG, ANOTHER WELL EARNED RECOGNITION!

On April 30th, 2026, Gilbert Young received the "Visionary Black Art & Legacy Award" during the 20th annual "Let Us Make Man" Scholarship and Awards Gala held at Atlanta Metropolitan College in Atlanta, Georgia

 It was a night of "YOUNGS" as the renowed artist was recognized alongside Ambassador Andrew Young and his brother Dr. Walter F. Young. Both received a "Living Legends Award".

The annual event celebrated twenty years of providing scholarships that "promote excellence in training, developing, and empowering Black men committed to rebuilding and transforming the Black family and community."

Atlanta's arts, cultural, spiritual, political, academic, and athletic elite came together to celebrate the village of "Let Us Make Man" that has worked so diligently to empower and uplift African American excellence in every field. 

The term "Let us make man" originates from the Bible. It is in Genesis 1:26 wherein GOD states "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."

Gilbert Young is most widely known as the creator of the longest selling, most recognized image by a living artist. The artwork known as "He Ain't Heavy," shows a man reaching down for another man's hand. The iconic image has become a universal symbol for social responsibility, and for nearly 50 years has been marketed and sold as a signed lithograph, a sculpture, and an eye-catching image on a wide varity of products and accessories. You've seen it in movies, and on tee-shirts worn by stars.

"This was a great honor and great fun to share the evening with my unofficial 'cousins' Ambassador Young and his brother Walter," said Young, "My intention is to share my story and my artwork with as many young people as possible, so they will remember to reach back whenever and however they can--no matter where they are in life!"

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