1st Presbyterian Church

https://www.fpclex.org/

2024 UNITY AWARD

The First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, serves as a significant agent of positive transformation within its community, extending its influence beyond spiritual guidance to address social, educational, and environmental needs. Through initiatives like food drives and clothing donations, it provides critical support to the less fortunate, embodying a mission rooted in compassion and communal solidarity. The church also prioritizes education by offering tutoring and workshops, contributing to the personal growth and empowerment of community members across all age groups. As a cultural hub, it enriches Lexington’s arts scene with events that foster connectivity and cultural exchange among residents. Moreover, its commitment to environmental sustainability, through practices like community gardening and recycling, underscores the church’s role in promoting responsible stewardship of the planet.

Devine Carama

2024 UNITY AWARD

Devine Carama, an Emmy Award-winning hip-hop artist and community activist from Lexington, KY, has significantly impacted his community through his roles in education, activism, and music. As the director of ONE Lexington, a youth gun violence reduction program, he has launched various initiatives contributing to a notable decrease in local homicides and shootings. Through his nonprofit, Believing In Forever Inc., Devine has orchestrated impactful projects such as coat drives delivering over 22,000 coats to children and water collection efforts for Flint, Michigan. His creative endeavors extend to founding The Luna Library, offering free educational books to children, and engaging in educational roles at the University of Kentucky, where he teaches about the intersection of hip-hop and community change. Devine’s musical career is marked by collaborations with high-profile artists and recognition in major music publications, further establishing his multifaceted influence in both the artistic and social spheres.