Event celebrates Black Excellence in Greenville

The Muhlenberg County NAACP held a “Tribute to Black Excellence” on Feb. 27 at Veteran’s Plaza in downtown Greenville. The event honored three members of the African American community for their contribution to the NAACP’s mission for equality.

The ceremony began with an opening prayer led by Cassie Reynolds, followed by a group singing of “Lift Every Voice”. State Representative Melinda Prunty spoke to the crowd, and later in an interview stressed the need for communication with the African American community and praised Muhlenberg County Judge Executive Curtis McGehee’s fiscal plan, for its inclusion initiative.

Jamicha Phelps-Keaton gave a moving speech about the need for younger generations to step forward and fight for social justice. “We are the people promised,” she said. Music was provided by Kirby Davis, who performed a selection of John Coltrane classics.

The award ceremony began with the acceptance of the Legacy Award, on behalf of Mrs. Dorothy Martin. A teacher, Mrs. Martin was celebrated for her impact on education in the community. The award was accepted by her son, Marty Martin, who relayed that Mrs. Martin stated, “If I get it, it ain’t much”.

The Memorial Award was granted posthumously to Mrs. Leslie Smith, who was a columnist, historian, and civil rights legend. She is a member of the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame, inducted in the same class as boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and accompanies the likes of President Abraham Lincoln in the prestigious organization.

The award was accepted by the Muhlenberg County NAACP.

The Making a Difference Award, was received by Brittney Stevenson, President of the NAACP in Muhlenberg County. All recipients received a Citation of Achievement from the Kentucky General Assembly, awarded by Rep. Prunty.

Following the ceremony, Stevenson stressed the importance of a dialogue between the NAACP, the government, and the community as a whole.

“We want to be in the room, we want to sit on that council and share our ideas,” Stevenson said. “Talk with community members, make some changes in laws and bills that will reflect change for minority communities.”

Stevenson praised the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked if she felt the African American community was being left behind, as reported nationally, she said, “We don’t have the same issues some of the larger cities have. This is a great community to live in.”

Stevenson noted local health officials have made an effort to reach out to minority communities to ensure no one is left behind. In closing she said, “I’m just grateful for the opportunity that we are able to host an event in the community again. I look forward to it being something we do annually. It’s important for us to recognize people right here in our own community, that they’re doing great things. Not only for Muhlenberg County but nationally as well, so we’re going to continually recognize those individuals.”

If you would like to join the NAACP visit www.naacp.org to sign up. Annual membership is $30 for adults 21 and older.

The award ceremony was followed later in the evening by an event at Sip & Spin in downtown Greenville. The National African American Read-In included live music, readings of poems, and literature celebrating civil rights.

Fifteen-year-old Josie Davis gave an impressive performance of Daniel Caesar’s “Best Part.” Greenville Mayor Jan Yonts read Langston Hughes’s classic “I Dream a World.”

Both events were a celebration of unity and excellence in the African American community. When President Ford established Black History Month, he said, “Seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” This sentiment was on display on Saturday.