William Allen Young Biography

Fast Facts

• Discovered acting at age 13; at 15 won a scholarship to study at the famed Inner City Acting Academy in Los Angeles
• Was the first African American to be ranked as the No
• 1 college speaker in the nation (for two consecutive years); led USC Trojan Debate Squad to a national championship
• In 1987 founded the Young Foundation to help youth achieve success; reorganized in 2000 as the Young Center for Academic and Cultural Enrichment to focus on youth leadership training
• Was named an Ambassador of Goodwill by President Bill Clinton
• Was an adjunct professor of English and Dramatic Arts at Woodbury University
• Was inducted into the African American Hall of Education
• Is the recipient of several distinguished awards, including the Ford Foundation Freedom Unsung Award, NAACP Social Achievement Award, President's Icon Award, and Man of the Year Award from the National Organization of Women at Work
• Best known as Brandy Norwood's father, Frank Mitchell, on Moesha
• Is a sought after motivational speaker