Billie Jean Young loves to read, and as a writer and teacher at Judson College, shares the power of drama and poetry with her students and the Perry County community. Young is president of the Southwest Alabama Association of Rural and Minority Women, on the board of trustees for the Alabama School of Fine Arts, a board member for the Alabama Humanities Foundation and on the advisory board for the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative for Economic & Social Justice.
Young received her B.A. in English magna cum laude from Judson College, and earned her J.D. from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.
Her honors include being being named a Legend in Our Own Time by Essence Magazine and Outstanding Alumna of Judson College in 2002. She has also received the Lucy Terry Prince Unsung Heroine Award and the Mississippi Governor’s Award for Artistic Achievement.
As a published author, Young is a role model for all girls, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. She says, “Be intrepid. Never quit because of the first ‘no’ or a roadblock. Keep going. Go around the obstacles. There is usually a gate that is wide open. Find it.”
Young will be honored at the West Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 7. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/wodwest.
