BMORENEWS.com

There was standing room only at last night's "Legends and Leaders" awards ceremony.

Del. Keith Haynes and Sarah Matthews. Del. Haynes was key in helping save the troubled Bon Secours Hospital during the recent Maryland General Assembly session in Annapolis.

44th District Service Honorees

State Senator Verna L. Jones, Baltimore's 44th Legislative District Leaders, and the Community Building Network - which includes people like Kelly Fox and Anthony Pressley - presented the First Annual "Legends and Leaders" Community Awards ceremony last night at the Eubie Blake.

Del. Ruth Kirk, 'the Dean of Constituent Services' in the 44th, has been a strong supporter of West Baltimore for decades

Del. Melvin Stukes, the top vote getter in the 44th legislative district

Although not among last night's honorees, these four men all contribute regularly to the building of the community. They are Roscoe Johnson, Glen Middleton, Joel Hendricks, and G.I. Johnson.

Rev. Lee Michaels was the emcee and the "Legends and Leaders" Awards program. He told last night's audience, "Service is the rent we pay for living."

Elder C. W. Harris

Sen. Verna Jones Honors BMORENEWS Publisher at Eubie Blake Cultural Center
By Doni Glover, www.bmorenews.com  

(BALTIMORE – June 19, 2009) - I didn’t give an acceptance speech last night because I didn’t think people really wanted a speech. I honestly think they wanted folk to get up there, get their award, and bounce – so we could all get a slice of cake awaiting downstairs with Jackie the Caterer at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute & Cultural Center.

Given the opportunity, I would have said that alongside the award I received from the Sandtown Resident Action Committee about two or three years ago – this award is special because it comes from the people who actually live around you and some way, some how feel the impact of one’s work. In other words, you cannot fake them out.

As my late dad always said, you can fool some of the people some of the time. But, you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.

Yes, our website has won a number of awards each of the 7 years of business. And they have come from some pretty reputable organizations, both locally and nationally. However, ain’t no place like home. And when you get love from home, you are doing pretty alright in my book.

I would have also said that all of what I do is for the people – so as to point to a better life for us all. So, in fact, this award from State Senator Verna Jones for me goes to the people who toil with me in the vineyard each and every day. People like Marshall Cullens, Marsha Bannerman, Jackie Cornish, Richard Burton, Rev. A. C. D. Vaughn, LaVerne Stokes, Allan Tibbels, Gary Palmer, Pearl Moulton, Charlie Dugger, and Rev. Willie Ray.

For real, I am only a reflection of them – their hard work – and most importantly, their love for the community. This here is for my people - and for my friends and family members who unconditionally keep me going.

Lastly, again thinking of my dad, he taught me that it is all about service. From church to organizations to non-profits to even business: “Service is the rent we pay for living.”

Some people live a lifetime and never do anything for anybody else. And in today’s political climate, too many of our elected officials act as if it is all about them. It’s not! Never was! Never will be! It is all about the people! For our progress cannot be measured in terms of individual accomplishments. True progress is measured by its lasting impact on the community as a whole, as done by fallen soldiers like Margaret Ruffin, formerly of Gilmor Homes Projects, Dr. Doug Stanton of Sandtown, and Councilwoman Bea Gaddy.  

The other honorees last night included: Nemi Trent, The Auto Barn, Marian M. Blackwell, Elder C. W. Harris, The After-School AKAdemy for Middle School Girls, Wayne Sherman, Theresa Stephens, Lafayette Square Annual Community Health Fair, Lena Redman, Charles Samuels, Flora Baqoul, Reclaiming Our Children and Community Project, Inc., and super student Cache Yates. Honorable Mentions were given to Martha Benton, Elizabeth Carter, Tom Coyle, Darroll Crib, Eddie Duffin, Arlene Fisher, Steven Herlth, William Huff, John Kyle, Carol McCoy, Ella Moore, Ida Moore, Frances Muldrow, Douglass Paige, Catherine Stares, Melvin Stubbs, Shirley M. Watkins, Dr. Larry Young, Southwestern District Police Officers, the YWCA Transitional Housing Program, and The Red Hatters.

The entire 44th team was also present, including Del. Ruth Kirk, Del. Keith Haynes, and Del. Melvin Stukes. Further, entertainment was provided by the Douglass High School Jazz Band and classical guitarist Brittany Wharry.   

Tags: Maryland General Assembly, service awards