Prentice Butler Awarded Lyke African American Male Image Award

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Prentice Butler, Executive Director of The Neighborhood Bridge, was awarded the Archbishop James P. Lyke African American Male Image Award.

Butler is the founding Executive Director of The Neighborhood Bridge, a nonprofit created in 2023 to accompany residents on the West Side of Chicago as they reach their full potential by connecting them to human services in the area, particularly students from the Austin neighborhood attending St. Catherine-St. Lucy, St. Angela, Chicago Jesuit Academy, Catalyst Circle Rock, and Christ the King Jesuit College Prep.

The award is named for one of the first Black Catholic Archbishops in the U.S., Archbishop Lyke, O.F.M.  He was born on the South Side of Chicago and became a Franciscan Friar.  He died in 1992 while serving as the Archbishop of Atlanta, Georgia.

The award recognizes “outstanding African American men for their leadership, Christian values, community service, and dedication to the African American community.”

Butler was joined at the awards dinner by his mother and family members, as well as Fr. Carl Morello, Pastor of the Catholic Communities of Oak Park.  Also present were The Neighborhood Bridge board members, Kimberly Walton of Catalyst School, and Jack Crowe.

The award was made by the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary.  

We are truly honored to have Prentice Butler—an inspiring leader and dedicated advocate at the helm of our organization.

Learn more about Prentice Butler by reading this profile and his biography.