TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) – The Florida Department of Children and Families celebrated Black History Month at the Historic Capitol Museum at 10:30 Friday morning. Eleven community members were honored for their work and support for African American children and families in need.
The event was called “Strengthening Families & Communities: One Family at a Time.” It featured Rev. R. B. Holmes, Jr., pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, as the keynote speaker. There was also a musical tribute from Carl McBride and an inspirational story from James Barkley of Independent Living Youth.
“It's really about recognizing a lot of unique individuals in this community who have been dramatically successful in their own careers,” said Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary David Wilkins. “But not only that, they are people who have really committed their lives to giving back to their communities as well."
The eleven honorees are:
Mayor John Marks, City of Tallahassee
Coach Joe Taylor, retired Florida A&M football coach
Ronald Brise, Chairman, Florida Public Service Commission
Cynthia Douglas, adoptive parent
Beverly Johnson, Dependency Case Management Supervisor
Angela Wills, K-5 Assistant Principal, Florida State University School
Nana Gatlin, DCF Hotline Supervisor
Ron Ringo, DCF Children’s Legal Services Attorney
Aldrea Nicolson, DCF Child Protective Investigator
Gary and Josephine Montgomery, founders of Living Stones International Ministry
The Barkley Brothers—Xavier, James and Quanterious—Independent Living Youth
Wilkins said he hopes the event will encourage others to recognize the importance of diversity in organizations and spread awareness about children and families in need.
