On May 29, 2023, The Emancipation Committee of Upson hosted the first Heritage Awards Banquet at Xchelon in Thomaston, Georgia.
This banquet was a tribute to the May 29, 1865 date and the African American community of past and future trailblazers.
A Pre-Welcome was given from The Emancipation Committee's President, Deneane Jones followed by an invocation from Rev. Robert Chatman. Dinner was then served to guests in attendance who packed out the establishment. The MC of the night was Jasmine Grisham who gave presenter information and historical facts throughout the night. Brenda Hobbs opened with the Welcome followed by Melinda Evans-Byrd who sung Greatest Love of All by Whitney Houston.
The first award of the evening was the Youth Alive Scholarship presented to Amare' Wilson. Martha E. Bentley received the George W. Drake Education Award. Pastor Greg Smith received the James C. Banks Recreation Award. Travon Walker received the Roman "Big Doc" Turmon Athletic Award. Pickard Grocery received the Elijah L. Green Local Business Award. Greta King received the Hillary Cunningham Business Award. New Life Church received the Monroe G. Worthy Non-Profit Award.
After the first half of awards were presented, Brittney Sherman sung When You Believe by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
George Carriker received the Johnnie E. Bentley Civil Rights Award. Renee Harris received the George E. Trice Jr. Governmental Services Award. Pastor Ralph Searcy received the Rev. C.H. Atwater Award. Langston Johnson received the Rev. Otis King Sr. Holding The Light Award. Patricia Strickland received the Marzella King Devoted Member Award. George Carriker received the George E. Green Jr. Lincoln Park Trustee Award. Evangelist Sandra Trice received the William Guilford Emancipation Award.
Closing Remarks were made by President Jones.
The event would not have been possible without our sponsors, Monroe G. Banks & The Atlanta Jazz Listener's Club, The Travon Walker Foundation, RyanPrints, Willis Innovations, Dr. Waine Kong, Trice Funeral Home, Word of Knowledge Ministry and Exotic Wings & Thingz.
The event was catered by Joyce Brazil. DJ Bear provided the musical entertainment and Regina Montgomery provided the photographic memories.
You can click the link below to view images of event.