Dr. George Newby, Jr. Community Health Fellowship
The Mary Black Foundation established the Dr. George Newby, Jr. Community Health Fellowship to honor the legacy of the late Dr. George Paul Archie Newby, Jr., a tireless advocate for health equity. The fellowship recognizes non-profit leaders who are advancing community health through innovation, advocacy, and meaningful impact. Fellows receive funding and capacity-building support to further their mission and drive sustainable change.
About Dr. George Newby, Jr.
George Paul Archie Newby, Jr. Dr. Newby dedicated his professional life to ensuring accessible healthcare for all. He attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and obtained a Master of Public Health from Yale University and a Doctor of Public Health from The University of South Carolina. As the former CEO of ReGenesis Health Care and as a professor at USC Upstate, Dr. Newby became a friend to and partner with the Mary Black Foundation on a variety of community initiatives. We were deeply saddened by his death due to COVID on October 17, 2020.
2025 Newby Fellow
Amber Pendergraph-Leak, executive director of BirthMatters, is the 2025 George Newby Community Health Fellow. Under her leadership, BirthMatters is transforming maternal and infant health outcomes in Spartanburg County—making childbirth safer and healthier for young mothers and their babies through free, community-based doula support.
Being named a Newby Fellow feels like a moment of deep connection to Dr. Newby’s legacy. His work showed me that change starts with community care, and I’m excited to continue that work in a way that brings hope and support to so many more families."
Previous Recipients
2024: Antiwan Tate
Antiwan Tate’s work through My Brother’s Keeper-Spartanburg uses the guiding principle of belonging to address the social-emotional health and well-being of young men of color in our community. The initiative’s evidence-based approach and curriculum reaches youth at a young age and walks alongside them through young adulthood.
2023: Mount Moriah Baptist Church
Mount Moriah Baptist Church has worked for over 40 years to reduce health inequities and disparities in Spartanburg’s Southside community. Their long list of impactful programs and resources includes the Mount Moriah Diabetes Support Group, the Exercise Ministry, mental health counseling, health and dental screenings, and weekly food distribution.
2022: Nora Curiel
Nora Curiel of Vida y Salud (formerly PASOs Spartanburg) was named the inaugural Dr. George Newby Jr. Health Equity Leadership Award recipient.
Nora Curiel’s work with Vida y Salud supports the Latino community in Spartanburg with education, advocacy, and leadership development.