2026 Listen & Learn Speaker Series | September | Lee Young

This September, Project Unity's Listen & Learn series presents "Coming Together": Stories of a Black Seminole Texas Ranger, featuring Lee Young, Principal Chief of the Absentee Seminole Tribe of Texas and a descendant of Seminoles who fled to Mexico in 1850 to protect their freedom—including his Great-Great-Grandfather, Sgt. John Ward, a Seminole Indian Scout awarded the Medal of Honor in 1875. The event features Chief Young sharing his firsthand story of Black Seminole heritage alongside 29 years of service to the State of Texas, including time as a U.S. Navy service member, State of Texas Highway Patrol Trooper, and ultimately a Texas Ranger Sergeant before his retirement in 2003. He spends much of his time educating the community on the Black and Native American story, the migration of people to Mexico, the protection of land and family, and the role Seminoles played during various wars. As you listen to Chief Young's story, you'll experience a firsthand "coming together" of Black Seminole heritage and service to law enforcement—a story of history and service to mankind that's meant to be shared with generations to come. Invite your children, grandchildren, family, and friends to register for this special listening opportunity.