ALBANY – Some know Angelo “Justice” Maddox Jr. as a longtime business owner on South Pearl Street. Others know him as a devoted father and loyal friend. But most know Maddox as a strong role model and mentor who inspires at-risk youth, college students and formerly incarcerated people in the Capital Region.
As Mayor Kathy Sheehan put it before presenting the 6.Th Maddox was “many things to many people” at the annual Henry Johnson Award for Distinguished Community Service on Saturday.
Maddox — owner of Fresh and Fly, a University at Albany graduate and member of the Covid Recovery Task Force — was presented with the award at a ceremony at Jennings Landing Amphitheater in Corning’s Riverfront Park the afternoon before the start of the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival.
Dozens of community members gathered for the free-to-the-public event, including New York Assemblywoman Patricia Fahey, veteran Larry Turner, Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins and members of Albany 369.Th Veterans Association.
Maddox’s acceptance speech was full of gratitude and reflection. The sergeant shared a quote from Albany World War I hero Henry Johnson, the award’s namesake, about how he survived 21 wounds in hand-to-hand combat with German soldiers.
Johnson’s response? “There was nothing so good about him. He just fought for my life.
Maddock said he carries with him the fight for justice and opportunity that makes him a Medal of Honor winner, and feels a kinship with those words — ostracized for standing up to racism in the military — proud.
I am fighting for the betterment of my life, my family, the people in the society and not only our societies, but if we can, it is the part of all of us to fight this war and fight together. the world,” Maddox said.
In her remarks, Fahey Hoods House, Maddox said one of her favorite community initiatives is providing safe athletic programs for the city’s youth.
Maddox’s story is one of redemption. After being arrested as a youth, he graduated from the University of Albany and turned his life around as a strong pillar of society.
“Angelo Judge Maddox is a testament to the adage that it’s not where you start, but where you finish,” said Kevin Johnson, Maddox’s friend and executive director of the Albany Palace Theatre.
The Henry Johnson Award was created by the City of Albany six years ago and is given to community members who “give their time and talents to build a better Albany.”
