Mt. Nebo Missionary
Baptist Church, under the guidance of Pastor Cedric Brock,
held its 17th annual Black History Celebration
banquet on March 4 at the Premiere Banquet Complex and
honored, as usual, the “silent soldiers” who accomplish so
much behind the scenes. This year almost 600 people attended
the event hosted by the church’s Voice of Hope Outreach
Ministry.
The master of ceremonies
for this year’s event was, once again, Larry Jones of
Indiana Avenue MBC. After the introduction of this year’s
honorees, Sheryl Riggs, of Dale-Riggs Funeral Home, welcomes
guests and the church’s First Lady, Debra Brock, performed a
musical selection. The many sponsors were thanked and then
Nicolle Brown offered a special presentation as Nikketa
Sugarfoot.
After dinner, the Youth
Ministry performed, then followed the presentation of
honorees. This year’s honorees are: James Adams, Thelma
Autman, Dian Benton, Lionel Brock, Barbara Crawford-Griffin,
Earle Gunn, II, Mary Hawkins, Lisa Heard, Evangelist Addie
Holley, Cliffie Hunter, Iris Page-Jones, Arlene Potter,
Theresa Powell, Deborah Rivers, Jelise Roberts, Annette
Savage, Deacon L.V. Sledge, Sr, Doris Thomas, Shelia Watkins
and Shirley Williams.
The annual event started
as a dinner held in the church dining area 17 years ago with
an attendance of about 150 people. It rapidly out grew that
space and has been held in mach larger banquet rooms for
more than a decade.
The Voice of Hope Outreach
Ministry is the brainchild of Pastor Brock and sponsors the
banquet to honor the unsung heroes of the city and
surrounding communities. Throughout the years, the ministry
has sponsored a number of community services, such as: Radio
Outreach (1520 AM and 95.7 FM); Adopt A Haircut Ministries
at Poor Clark’s Barbershop; Adopt A Belt Outreach; Coat
Give-Away; Good Friday Ham Give-Away; Back To School
Give-Away and Weekly Broadcast NOW Network.
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