Jerry Lorenzo and Desiree Manuel Recognized for Impact at PSV Honors Event
In a momentous celebration held on May 31, 2026, Jerry Lorenzo Manuel and his wife, Desiree Manuel, were honored with the Village Trailblazer Award at the inaugural PSV Honors event in Los Angeles. Founded by Jerry, the label Fear of God has emerged as a powerful cultural force, seamlessly blending fashion with cultural significance. The couple was recognized not only for their professional accomplishments but also for their deep-rooted commitment to their community and values.
The event attracted around 200 attendees, including well-known personalities like author Anna Malaika Tubbs and actresses Tia Mowry and Lizzy Mathis, who gathered to celebrate educational leaders nominated by the community. This gathering recognized educators and school leaders who have positively influenced Black and brown students' experiences within the private education system.
Co-hosted by members of the Private School Village (PSV) High School Student Executive Board, the event featured an engaging atmosphere that fostered a sense of belonging and community. Lisa Meyers Johnson, the founder of the nonprofit Private School Village, expressed the necessity of creating belonging within school environments, emphasizing how feelings of isolation can affect students attending private institutions. "Research shows there is real benefit to building belonging within the school community, not outside of it. PSV exists to close that gap," she stated, highlighting the importance of partnerships with educators to foster these vital connections.
During the celebration, Kofi Thomas, a humanities teacher at The Country School in Los Angeles, was named PSV's first Educator of the Year. Nominated by his colleagues and students for his unwavering dedication and ability to connect with students, Kofi has been a pivotal figure for many students who had their first experiences with a Black male teacher in his classroom.
In addition to Kofi, other nominees included standout educators like Katya Warner from Chandler School and Leila Marchbanks from Turning Point School. Honorable mentions were also given to educators from emerging PSV markets, showcasing the organization's commitment to inclusive education across various backgrounds.
The ceremony not only honored individual educators but also celebrated innovative programs aimed at advancing inclusion and belonging within schools. Notable initiatives included The Buckley School's Black Student Union Sitcom and the BLACC club at Harvard-Westlake, among others, demonstrating the creativity and commitment of the student bodies to make a difference.
PSV Honors will continue its celebration until June 10, highlighted by an online auction featuring unique items to raise funds for the organization. Items available include a signed guitar from Tom Morello and a chance to attend a live event with comedians and other entertainers, emphasizing PSV's drive to create opportunities and resources for families.
Founded in 2018, Private School Village aims to transform the private school experience for Black and brown families through community engagement. Currently operating in regions like Los Angeles and Pasadena, the organization is expanding into new areas, committed to building supportive environments that foster student success.
The event exemplifies how community recognition and celebration can play a vital role in nurturing relationships, promoting inclusivity, and cultivating environments where every student can thrive. As the celebration progresses through the week, the impact of such initiatives remains a testament to the power of community, hope, and commitment to change.
The event attracted around 200 attendees, including well-known personalities like author Anna Malaika Tubbs and actresses Tia Mowry and Lizzy Mathis, who gathered to celebrate educational leaders nominated by the community. This gathering recognized educators and school leaders who have positively influenced Black and brown students' experiences within the private education system.
Co-hosted by members of the Private School Village (PSV) High School Student Executive Board, the event featured an engaging atmosphere that fostered a sense of belonging and community. Lisa Meyers Johnson, the founder of the nonprofit Private School Village, expressed the necessity of creating belonging within school environments, emphasizing how feelings of isolation can affect students attending private institutions. "Research shows there is real benefit to building belonging within the school community, not outside of it. PSV exists to close that gap," she stated, highlighting the importance of partnerships with educators to foster these vital connections.
During the celebration, Kofi Thomas, a humanities teacher at The Country School in Los Angeles, was named PSV's first Educator of the Year. Nominated by his colleagues and students for his unwavering dedication and ability to connect with students, Kofi has been a pivotal figure for many students who had their first experiences with a Black male teacher in his classroom.
In addition to Kofi, other nominees included standout educators like Katya Warner from Chandler School and Leila Marchbanks from Turning Point School. Honorable mentions were also given to educators from emerging PSV markets, showcasing the organization's commitment to inclusive education across various backgrounds.
The ceremony not only honored individual educators but also celebrated innovative programs aimed at advancing inclusion and belonging within schools. Notable initiatives included The Buckley School's Black Student Union Sitcom and the BLACC club at Harvard-Westlake, among others, demonstrating the creativity and commitment of the student bodies to make a difference.
PSV Honors will continue its celebration until June 10, highlighted by an online auction featuring unique items to raise funds for the organization. Items available include a signed guitar from Tom Morello and a chance to attend a live event with comedians and other entertainers, emphasizing PSV's drive to create opportunities and resources for families.
Founded in 2018, Private School Village aims to transform the private school experience for Black and brown families through community engagement. Currently operating in regions like Los Angeles and Pasadena, the organization is expanding into new areas, committed to building supportive environments that foster student success.
The event exemplifies how community recognition and celebration can play a vital role in nurturing relationships, promoting inclusivity, and cultivating environments where every student can thrive. As the celebration progresses through the week, the impact of such initiatives remains a testament to the power of community, hope, and commitment to change.
Topics People & Culture）
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