Phil Castellini (center) receives Wendell P. Dabney Award for Diversity at CVB 2009 Annual Meeting

Wendell Dabney was the son of a Virginia slave who attended college in Cincinnati and was an early 20th century author, publisher, musician and political activist. The award named in his honor goes to an individual or organization that demonstrates excellence in the practice of diversity and inclusion. Nominate someone today!

Winner Profile: In 2008, Phil Castellini, chief operating officer of the Cincinnati Reds, won the Dabney Award for his efforts to bring the Civil Rights Game to Cincinnati USA in June 2009. Phil had the vision to introduce this event to the Major League Baseball calendar and bring both the city and the Civil Rights Game to the forefront of America's consciousness. His vision became grand reality on June 20, 2009, when the Reds met the Chicago White Sox and paid tribute to the civil rights era and the extraordinary struggle and ultimate triumph of African American baseball players.