Thirteen individuals were recognized Monday at the Tallahassee Community College for the Cherry Hall African-American History calendar unveiling.
The ceremony honored those who have made an impact in their local communities.
The fourteenth annual calendar’s theme this year was “Civil Rights Unsung Heroes: Great by Choice.”
Cherry Hall Alexander, Tallahassee resident and calendar founder, said she designed this calendar to reach out to the youth searching for a career path.
“Students will see that if these honorees could achieve so much that their dreams are never impossible,” Alexander said.
The diverse set of honorees consisted of educators, judges, mayors, activists, coaches and humanitarians.
Each honoree was nominated by his or her community and chosen among more than 50 choices, Alexander said.
The ceremony had dance tributes to black history presented by the TCC dance group with the unveiling of the honorees following. Each honoree was awarded a gold plaque that included the month of the year dedicated to his or her achievements.
One of FAMU’s own was among the honorees. Jonathan Maples, a fourth-year political science student from Tallahassee, has served in the U.S. Army Reserve and contributed to the Gadsden County School Board as a student representative.
“I’m so humbled to be honored, and I hope this achievement will impact students from Gadsden County to get involved and lead their community,” Maples said.
Another honoree, Evangelist Bryant, said she was overwhelmed with joy when she found out she was being honored.
“I’ve dedicated most of my life to serving students, and my Professional Opportunity Program has provided students with employment opportunities before and after college,” Bryant said.
Bryant has served more than 35 years as an educator in Leon County and the month of July is dedicated to her success.
“The calendar is intended to serve as an educational tool for the youth of the community, and I’m so grateful that this is our fourteenth calendar that will showcase individuals who contribute to black history every day,” Bryant said.