Community Leaders Honored at Black Expo
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowGovernor Mike Pence has presented 13 individuals with Governor's Awards for Achievement. The honors for education, military and community leaders were presented as part of the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration in Indianapolis.
July 16, 2013
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Today, Governor Pence presented 13 outstanding African-American Hoosiers and community leaders from across the state with several different awards during the Indiana Black Expo, Inc. 43rd Annual Summer Celebration (IBE) Governor’s Reception.
“I am honored to present these awards to individuals who exemplify the true meaning of public service and leadership,” said Governor Pence. “Their dedication and commitment to enhance their respective communities, and the lives of Hoosiers within those communities, deserves recognition and much respect.”
Thirteen individuals received the Governor's Award for Achievement for excellence and service in the fields of education, military, religion, business and entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage. Three individuals received specialized awards from the Governor for leadership and community service.
Reverend Charles Williams Community Service Award recipient:
Rev. Eugene A. Potter (Indianapolis), Reverend at New Life Development Ministries with 20 years of re-entry work experience
Sam Jones Trailblazer Award recipient:
Bishop Donald Alford (South Bend), founder of the Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ and Prelate of the Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Indiana North Central for the Churches of God in Christ with more than 50 years of commitment serving Hoosiers in his community and 40 years of experience in the funeral business
Achievement in Civic Leadership – Education recipients:
Mary Dollison and Rashaunah Shabazz (Muncie), Motivate our Minds, which offers supplemental educational services, such as reading assistance in an after school program
Reverend Larry Rascoe (Evansville), founder of Joshua Academy, developed an urban farming program for kids
Laura Smith-Wynn (Gary), Indiana Parenting Institute, teaches effective parenting techniques
Achievement in Civic Leadership – Military Service recipient:
Anne Bryant (Fort Wayne), Queen Anne’s Vineyard, provides services for homeless, disabled veterans
Achievement in Civic Leadership – Religion recipients:
Reverend Arnick Shouse (Terre Haute), Rapture Temple, provides services for homeless, ex felons, and home detention clients and serves on the national committee for the “Stop the Violence” initiative
Reverend Lonnie Anderson (Kokomo), Mt. Pisgah M.B.C., developed a health initiative which has helped his congregation to collectively lose 200 pounds and founded a school to mentor children ages Kindergarten to fourth grade in Kokomo
Achievement in Business and Entrepreneurship recipient:
Willie L. Haynes (Indianapolis), founder of ABC Barber and Beauty School, which has launched many entrepreneurs
Achievement in Cultural Heritage recipients:
Eunice A. Trotter (Indianapolis), Mary Bateman Clark Enterprises, and the great, great, great granddaughter of Mary Clark, whose lawsuit virtually ended slavery in Indiana
Maxine Brown (Corydon), Depot, founder of the African American Heritage Trail in six southern Indiana counties
Centurion Award recipient:
Pearl E. Bassett (Marion), community activist for 102 years
Award recipients were selected by the Governor in collaboration with state and community leaders. Pence and IBE Chief Executive Officer President Tanya Bell presented the awards during a ceremony at the Indiana Convention Center.
Source: Office of Indiana Governor Mike Pence