Together SC’s Black Nonprofit Leaders Group has named Karriem Edwards, president of the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, the 2026 Joyce Gillespie Ford Black Nonprofit Leader of the Year.
The announcement is being made on Juneteenth, a day that honors freedom, resilience and the continued pursuit of opportunity and equity for Black communities.
Presented annually in honor of Mrs. Joyce G. Ford’s life and legacy, the award celebrates a Black nonprofit leader who demonstrates exceptional leadership, service and dedication to their community. Edwards was selected for his strategic, mission-driven leadership and his commitment to improving the lives of fathers, children and families throughout South Carolina.
“Karriem Edwards represents the kind of bold, compassionate and accountable leadership this award was created to honor,” said Karen Riordan, President and CEO, Together SC. “His commitment to serving more fathers, strengthening families and building sustainable systems of support is creating lasting change in communities across South Carolina.”
Since becoming president of the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families in 2022, Edwards has brought renewed energy, structure and focus to the organization’s statewide work. Guided by his vision to “Serve More Dads Better,” the Center has achieved double-digit growth in the reach and impact of key programs and services for fathers.
Under Edwards’ leadership, the Center has strengthened financial accountability and management practices, established leadership development programs, and introduced innovative fundraising strategies to support long-term growth. He has also invested in
the Center’s five regional fatherhood partners, equipping them with the training, resources and systems needed to provide consistent, high-quality services in communities across the state.
“Being recognized with an award that carries Mrs. Joyce G. Ford’s name and legacy is a tremendous honor,” Edwards said. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire statewide fatherhood network and the fathers who are working every day to build stronger relationships with their children. When we invest in fathers, we strengthen children, families and communities.”
