▩ Press Release 

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 25, 2025 — State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, has been selected as a 2025 Vanguard Leadership Award Honoree by the National Assembly of African American Thought Leaders (NAATL) State Action Council. Today, he will be presented the award at the 12th Annual State Action Council Policy Meeting and Reception at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The Vanguard Award recognizes leaders who demonstrate courage, vision and commitment to public service. O’Neal is being honored for his leadership that the Council states, “prefers civility and intellect in debate or public discourse, but understands and is prepared to deal with the realities of both irrational and immoral culture wars.”

“Public discourse in our state and in our nation requires both grace and grit,” O’Neal said. “I accept this honor not for myself alone, but on behalf of all who labor each day in the service of fairness, truth and the common good. The measure of our public life is not how we treat one another when the path is smooth, but how we carry ourselves when the debate grows difficult. In those moments, we must never lose sight of what lifts up our communities and strengthens the bonds that hold us together.”

Born and raised in Saginaw, O’Neal has built a legislative record centered on criminal justice reform, public health and investment in Michigan’s workforce. He currently represents Michigan’s 94th House District, serves as chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, is minority vice chair of key appropriations subcommittees including Public Health and Corrections and Judiciary and has long been recognized for his work in public health, labor and local governance.

“I’m honored to stand with my fellow Vanguard Honorees and to recommit myself to the larger work before us: ensuring that our institutions reflect the best of who we are, and that progress is measured not only in policy, but in the dignity and opportunity it secures for every Michigander,” O’Neal concluded.

In 2024, Vanguard Award honorees from Michigan included Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s senior advisor Thomas Stallworth III and former state Rep. Sherry J. Gay-Dagnogo (2015-21).

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