The sixth annual Ebony & Ivory Gala drew a packed ballroom Saturday (3.19/2016) night at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. Latricia Randolph did a superb job as the mistress of ceremonies.She offered a mix of wit, praise, humility and an injection of music to get a point across.
2016 F.A.I.T.H. AWARDS
First, what does F.A.I.T.H. stand for? Event founder Cynthia Lyons explained that it means First African-American In The History of Murfreesboro for specific categories. Those are specified in each F.A.I.T.H. Award.
The recipients of the prestigious F.A.I.T.H. Awards for 2016 were:
Dr. Paul Jackson
Dr. Paul Jackson is a clinical cardiologist with more than 24-years of experience. It was moving when a former patient came forward and shared the story of how Dr. Jackson saved his life. He is a regular guest Sunday morning's over WGNS on Mary Glass' "To God Be The Glory" radio broadcast (6:00-7:00AM).
Gladys Williams
Gladys Williams was the first African-American nurse hired at the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic. She retired from the Alvin C. York V.A. Medical Center in 2001 after 17 and a half years of service there.
Lt. Tara Corder
Rutherford County Sheriff Department's Lt. Tara Corder is the first African-American female in the history of Murfreesboro to become a lieutenant at the sheriff's office. She supervises the deputies assigned to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.
Rev. Richard Gordon
Dr. Richard Gordon was honored as the first African-American to have pastored the same church in Murfreesboro for 43-years. Even though he was retired, when he stepped to the stage and spoke to the audience, his full-powerful voice commanded your attention.
Corine Scales
Corine Scales came to the stage and shared memories and appreciation for being the first African-American female school crossing guard in the history of Murfreesboro.
The night was also filled with outstanding musical and inspirational talent. Rainey Harris and later Pastor Wess Morgan appeared. One of his selections was choreographed with "Gifted", the Zion Ministry Praise Team. The evening's theme, "Ebony and Ivory" was spotlighted in music by Angela Honeycutt and Zaniah Harris.
Giving Back
As has been the tradition, the F.A.I.T.H. AWARDS continued to make financial gifts to support the ministries and missions of several non-profit organizations and individuals. In fact, the first five years the gifts totaled $18,800.
Cynthia Lyons Wilson said, "This came from the proceeds and is nothing short of His presents of His presence" (see 1 Corinthians 13:13).
Her brother, Terrance Lyons, explained to NewsRadio WGNS, "The minimum allowed in the checking account is $5, and so donations to local worthy causes take the FAITH account down to the bottom."
$1,006 was donated to Wes Morgan's RECOVERY FEST.
$1,006 was presented to BROKEN RAIL.
$506 given to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship
$506 presented to JPJ Foundation
$506 donated to Amerlia's Closet
$506 for Habitat for Humanity
$506 given to S.E.E. Christian Ministry
$256 presented to YOUTH MOVE K.H.R.O.M.E.
$256 for the "Gifted" ministry
Hidden Jewels
The Ebony and Ivory Gala program guide was a professionally created 72-page booklet that honored others in the community. The program quotes Proverbs 11:25: "A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water."
YOUTH MOVE K.H.R.O.M.E.
Youth MOVE is a national youth organization devoted to supporting positive growth and development among juveniles. K.H.R.0.M.E. stands for "Kids Helping Rutherford County and Others Morph into Excellence". One of their primary goals is to reduce teen suicide.
Broken Rail, Inc.
The story of how 35-year construction businessman Michael Hosse had his life changed by what might have been a paralyzing accident, but prayer changed the outcome. Broken Rail now helps fixed-income elderly and handicapped persons make repairs and maintain their homes.
S.E.E. Christian Ministry
S.E.E. stands for "Save, Empower, Encourage" and that is what sisters Rev. Joyce Lytle and Rev. Earma Lane do. They help women to grow and mature into whom God created them to be.
WGNS' Bart Walker
WGNS' Bart Walker was totally surprised when a video started telling about his background. Terrance Lyons stepped to the stage and thanked Bart for working with him and teaching him about the broadcast business. Bart was humbled when Terrance presented him a trophy that looked like a microphone, and on it was inscribed "The Voice and The Vessel" F.A.I.T.H. Awards 2016.
Another Creation
And the kudos would not be complete without saying "thank you" to everyone associated with ANOTHER CREATION. Owner Cynthia Wilson and Co-Owner Veronica Lyons (Ronye) along with other associates and family members, created a faith-filled evening that looked toward the future and remembered the past. Once again supporting WGNS' continued reminders about the importance of supporting family businesses.
F.A.I.T.H. AWARDS Committee
It is important to recognize the movers and shakers behind the F.A.I.T.H. AWARDS. Cynthia Wilson was the founder and visionary behind the concept. Veronica Lyons is the treasurer and Melissa Lambert is the secretary.
A special note of appreciation for the four members: Kerry Malone-Marable, Melissa Harrell, Samuel I. Lyons, and Madelyn Scales Harris.
And the dedication and creative spirits of the F.A.I.T.H. AWARD volunteers was felt through the evening. They are Isoporia Scales, Cyntrece Thompson, Angela Lyons, Heather Bingham Edde, J. R. McGowan, Maurice Randolph, Randall Jordan, and Gabriel Lyons.
