24th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr.

James “Smitty” Smith
2025 Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award Recipient

James “Smitty” Smith was born in Goldsboro, N.C. He was educated in the New York Public School System in Brooklyn, N.Y. After high school, Smitty went into the U.S. Marine Corps where he served four years including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1967 at the rank of E-5.
Smitty enrolled at Federal City College in Washington, D.C. (now the University of the District of Columbia), majoring in business management.

In June 1971, he began a career with McDonald’s Corporation. In his 13 years working for the corporation, he learned how the company functioned, which gave him the motivation and foundation to become an entrepreneur. Since 1984, he has owned and operated McDonald’s restaurants in Houston Tx, Los Angeles, CA and currently operates a number of restaurants in the Greensboro, NC area.

In addition to being a successful businessman, Smitty has been a vital part of the community, serving as past president of the Greensboro Men’s Club. He has also served on several boards include, Chaired Metro YMCA, Hayes Taylor Board Mgmt, United Way, International Civil Rights Center and Museum, N.C. A&T Entrepreneurship, N.C. A&T Board, the Gwendolyn and Dr Alvin Blount Achievement Award, UNCG Board of Trustees to name a few.
Smitty is a 33rd Degree Master Mason (G.I.G.) and Past Master of C.W. Lawrence Lodge #837 Free and Accepted Masons.

As a result of his commitment to the community, Smitty has received numerous honors and awards including the Outstanding Business Award , the Certification of Recognition for extraordinary civic service, the NAACP Corporate Humanitarian Award, the McDonald’s Ronald Award and the Golden Arch Award, the highest awards a McDonald’s Owner can receive.

He is married to the former Debra F. Cousins of Bluefield, W.VA. They have two children: Adrian T. Smith, a graduate of Florida A&M State University, and Danielle B. Smith, a graduate of N.C. A&T State University. Smitty is a member of Providence Baptist Church where he served as past Chairman of the Trustee Board, and on the Deacon and Usher Board.

Judge Teresa Vincent
2025 Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award Recipient

Teresa Vincent is a native of Shelby, North Carolina. She was elected to serve the citizens of Guilford County as a District Court Judge in November of 2000. Judge Vincent received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Juris Doctorate Degree from North Carolina Central University.

Prior to becoming a District Court Judge, she was an Assistant District Attorney for seven years handling cases ranging from traffic to murder. During her tenure as a District Court Judge, she has presided in each of the district courts including, but not limited to, domestic, traffic, criminal, child support, juvenile and civil. In August of 2019, Judge Vincent made history by becoming the first African American woman to serve as chief District Court Judge in Guilford County.

Judge Vincent has a passion for changing lives, especially for persons suffering with substance use disorders. Consequently, she feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve as the presiding judge in the Guilford County Adult Drug Treatment Court for the past twelve years.

Her efforts extend beyond court with her involvement in the Guilford County Community. She has served as a Family Services of the Piedmont Presenter, Greensboro Bar Association President and board member, President of the North Carolina Association of District Court Judges (2023-2024), President of the Greensboro Bar Association (2018-2019), Greensboro Opera Board, Guilford Inn of Court, Jack & Jill of America, Junior League of Greensboro (former Board of Director), North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission (2013-2018), North Carolina State Bar Specialization Board (2012-2016), Opera Board, Elon Law School Externship Program Mentor, North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys, Jack and Jill of America (Associate), Women’s Resource Center Board, Women’s Professional Forum, Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers, History Museum Board, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Greensboro Alumnae Chapter), President of the Greensboro Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (2021-2025), North Carolina State Board of Specialization, North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission, among other organizations.

Judge Vincent was rated a “Judge of Excellence” by attorneys in 2012 and 2016. She has received the following awards: Woman of Excellence award from Elon Law School in 2012, Woman of Distinction award from the NAACP in 2019, 100 Most Influential Professionals in North Carolina from Black Business, Inc., Ruth Wicker LEADS recipient for two year exhibition for leadership in 2023, Judge of the Year from the N.C. Association of Women Attorneys in 2024, Friend of the Court award presented by Chief Justice Paul Newby (highest award given by the Courts), and the Guilford County Commissioners will name the allocated space for The Legal Support Center in the Greensboro Courthouse in honor of the Honorable Teresa Vincent.

Lastly, Judge Vincent is a member of Oak Springs Missionary Baptist Church where she serves in ministry with the Sound of the Genuine. She is the widow of the late Dr. Drewry J. M. Vincent and has one son, Drewry Vincent, II.