By: Lennard James
Attorney Henry E. Reaves, III, Esq., founding partner of The Reaves Law Firm, PLLC, was recently honored with the 2025 Community Champion Award by the Man Up! Teacher Fellowship. The prestigious award was presented by Dr. Patrick Washington, CEO and Founder of Man Up! during a powerful ceremony held in Memphis, Tennessee. The recognition comes as a tribute to Reaves’ unwavering commitment to youth development, education equity, and community advancement.
Man Up! Teacher Fellowship is a transformative nonprofit organization working to increase the presence of high-quality male educators of color in classrooms across high-poverty, urban, and rural communities. With a mission to give students access to culturally responsive male teachers and to advocate for equitable policies in K-12 schools, Man Up! has become a beacon of opportunity and systemic change in education. The Community Champion Award is reserved for leaders whose work extends beyond their own success to uplift the lives and futures of others — a description that perfectly fits Attorney Reaves Henry E. Reaves, III Esq.
Known for his relentless pursuit of justice inside the courtroom, Attorney Henry E. Reaves, III Esq has built a parallel legacy outside the courtroom as a mentor, speaker, and advocate for underserved youth. With a deep understanding of the systemic barriers that impact access to education and opportunity, Reaves has spent years investing his time and resources to create pathways for success, particularly for young men of color.
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Patrick Washington
Dr. Washington commended Reaves during the award presentation, stating, “Attorney Henry E. Reaves, III Esq. is not only an accomplished legal professional but a pillar in our community. His belief in equity, education, and excellence mirrors everything we stand for at Man Up! This award is about celebrating leadership that leaves a legacy. Attorney Henry E. Reaves, III Esq. is doing just that.”
In his acceptance remarks, Attorney Henry E. Reaves, III Esq. expressed heartfelt gratitude. “I’m humbled and honored to receive this award from an organization whose mission I wholeheartedly support,” he said. “Education saved lives in my community — it gave many of us a shot. But for too many of our young men, that shot never comes. Man Up! is changing that. And I’m proud to stand beside you in the fight.”
Throughout his career, Reaves has emphasized mentorship and advocacy as central pillars of his professional philosophy. Whether hosting empowerment workshops for high school students, supporting initiatives that bridge the education gap, or sponsoring college-bound scholars from underrepresented communities, Reaves is known for showing up and following through.
Under his leadership, The Reaves Law Firm, PLLC has not only grown into one of the most respected personal injury law firms in the region, but it has also become a community-focused enterprise. The firm regularly donates to youth programs, funds educational resources, and partners with local organizations to promote economic mobility and justice.
The Community Champion Award also celebrates Attorney Henry E. Reaves, III Esq. commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders. As a frequent speaker at local schools, colleges, and community forums, he shares his journey and encourages young men to find their voice, their purpose, and their power through education and service.
“Representation matters,” Attorney Henry E. Reaves, III Esq. often says, “Not just in law, but in every space where our young people look for leadership, for truth, and for strength.”
Man Up! Founder Dr. Washington has seen firsthand how critical it is for boys of color to see men who look like them in leadership positions. “We can’t underestimate the impact of presence,” Washington noted. “Attorney Henry E. Reaves, III Esq, presence in this community is a reminder that success and service can—and should—coexist.”
As Man Up! continues to grow its footprint and mission nationwide, the partnership between the organization and leaders like Reaves underscores the importance of collaboration in the fight for educational equity. With plans to expand fellowships, teacher training pipelines, and youth mentorship programs, Man Up! is set to transform how young men of color experience education — and champions like Attorney Henry E. Reaves, III, Esq. are helping to make that transformation possible.
In a time when communities are calling for more visible, actionable leadership, Attorney Henry E. Reaves, III Esq., stands as a model of excellence, integrity, and service. The Community Champion Award is a well-deserved honor for a man who continues to lift others as he climbs — inspiring hope, change, and opportunity for generations to come.
Published by Jeremy S.
