Key points:
• Rep. Hank Johnson has honored nearly 120 local leaders since 2019.
• The awards ceremony is set for Feb. 7 at Lou Walker Senior Center.
• The categories are Beacon of Light, Champion of the 4th, Diamond of the District, Pillar of Power, and Community Cornerstone.
Sixteen community leaders who have devoted their time and energy to serving DeKalb County and metro Atlanta will be honored at the seventh annual Unsung Heroes Awards on Feb. 7.
The awards program is an initiative of Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Georgia, who has honored almost 120 community advocates in District 4 since 2019. The awards ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2358 Panola Road, Lithonia.
The Unsung Heroes program was developed by Johnson and his District Outreach Director Eric Hubbard to recognize people in the community making a difference in the lives of fellow residents.
“In times like this, it is critical for us to come together as a community and recognize the efforts of the unsung heroes of the community that give us a sense of joy of where we are and where we can be,” Johnson said in a statement. “These unsung heroes don’t do it for the thanks or for the accolades, but today we stop and tell them how important they are.”
The 16 Unsung Heroes honorees
Diamond of the District: Individuals, entities and/or organizations that serve the district through advocating on behalf of faith-based organizations, schools, municipalities or disadvantaged communities.
- Nadine Ali is the founder and executive director of South Candler Neighborhood Advocates (SCNA).
- Sheldon Fleming has spent more than 40 years connecting people to nature through horticulture, education, and public service.
- Curtis Parker dedicated his career to community storytelling and behind-the-scenes leadership as vice president and chief operations officer of CrossRoadsNews.
- Jeff Taylor has devoted more than three decades to expanding access to quality health care across Metro Atlanta as CEO of MedCura.
- Pillar of Power: Individuals who have served in a seat of government, faith-based institutions, or corporate entities. A person that has utilized their authority for the betterment of others.
- LaVeda Bennett is a United States Marine Corps veteran whose life reflects resilience, faith, and service.
- Edward Patton has dedicated his career to leadership, service, and community development in DeKalb County.
Community Cornerstone: Individuals who have served the district for five years or more, making a direct positive contribution in the lives of constituents.
- John Leak is a lifelong civic leader whose career spans public service, community development, and compassionate care.
- Lawrence Sharp has spent more than five decades building relationships, strengthening communities, and mentoring others.
- Marvin Toliver has spent more than 50 years serving the Spring Valley area of DeKalb County.
Beacon of Light: Professionals, advocates, and servant leaders who shine brightly through their efforts with our youth, veterans, and/or seniors.
- Charlene Daise has dedicated more than 20 years to supporting at-risk youth in Atlanta Public Schools.
- Cornelius Flowers, a retired cardiologist, has more than four decades of service improving healthcare in DeKalb County.
- Lance Hammonds has dedicated lifelong service, leadership, and mentorship to DeKalb County residents and inspired a generation in education, civic engagement, and community growth.
Champion of the 4th: Advocates, educators and/or professionals who give of themselves to enhance the lives of others, while building up the district.
- Ernest L. Brown is a lifelong advocate of education, technology, and community empowerment.
- Renee Cail, a Boston University graduate and immigration paralegal, has spent her life advocating for justice and community well-being since her teens.
- Erroyl Hylton has trained young people in construction and entrepreneurship, creating pathways to sustainable careers.