Leon Carter's accomplishments and accolades speak volumes in the sports world and his impressive impact continues to play a valuable role in young athletic journalists.
 
The Norfolk State University alum received the Red Smith Award in 2022, an honor only three African American journalists have earned (Sam Lacy and Wendell Smith were the other two) as the impact he has made has integrated diversity into news organizations in the country.
 
The Red Smith Award is awarded by the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) organization for outstanding contributions to sports journalism.
 
Unlike many journalism awards, the Red Smith Award is open to both writers and editors. Winners of the award are traditionally announced in April and it is bestowed in June at the annual APSE convention. It is named in honor of Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith (1905–1982) whose sports writing career spanned 1927-1982, and was the first recipient of the award in 1981.
 
"We are extremely proud of the contributions and his success as a sports journalist," Norfolk State University Director of Athletics Melody Webb said. "His drive, passion and leadership are among the highlights of why he continues to succeed on this platform."

The veteran journalist is the editorial director for talent and development at The Athletic. He's also worked for the Louisville Courier-Journal, Newsday, the New York Daily News and ESPN.
 
"Norfolk State was where it all started for me," Carter said. "Working on the Spartan Echo and the encouragement from faculty members helped me land my first internship at the Virginian Pilot. That experience led me to my first job in Louisville. That launched an award-winning career that included working for ESPN, New York Daily News and The Athletic. It also involved creating a Sports Journalism Institute to help open doors for women and minorities. And it includes winning the 2022 Red Smith Award, the highest award in sports journalism. It has been an amazing journey."
 
Carter is most proud of being one of the founders of the Sports Journalism Institute, which recently celebrated its 30^th class in 2022. Hundreds of women and journalists of color have gotten their start through SJI.
 
SJI alumni include Malika Andrews (ESPN NBA studio host, Class of 2016), Heather Dinich (ESPN college reporter, 1999), James Wagner (New York Times national baseball reporter, 2006), Greg Lee (Boston Globe senior AME, 1994), Soraya McDonald (Andscape cultural critic, 2004), Candace Bucker (Washington Post columnist, 2001) and Marcus Thompson (The Athletic senior columnist, 1998).
 
"My plaque was recently added to the APSE Red Smith Hall of Fame at the Indiana University National Sports Hall of Fame in downtown Indianapolis," Carter said. "I was in Indy in March and saw the Hall of Fame wall. To see me up there with so many greats in our industry was an amazing feeling."
 
Carter was the 2022 recipient and Claire Smith, a sportswriter, garnered the honor in 2023.
 
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