BY MELISSA PYLE
Special to the Telegraph
There was a celebratory atmosphere in the Gov. Charley E. Johns Conference Center on Saturday evening as the Concerned Citizens of Bradford of County held the 8th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award Banquet.
The banquet honors the legacy of Dr. King’s service and fight for justice by honoring those who give by deed and donation to the people of Bradford County. The evening began with a welcome by the emcee of the event, Elder Devon McKnight. Minister Charlie McCastle followed with prayer. All in attendance were then led in song by musical guest, Keith Taylor, singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
This year’s Drum Major Award honorees were Glory Jackson, Mildred A. Griffin, Sherry E. Williams and the Rev. Dr. Cynthia J.W. Bailey. Bailey received this year’s Key to the Community Award. Each honoree has an impressive impact by serving tirelessly in their field.
Jackson is a lifelong resident of Bradford and retired school board secretary. She is currently an advocate for the elderly and disadvantaged. She is active in various organizations, some of which are Santa Fe College Minority Scholarship Committee, poll inspector for the supervisor of elections and the RJE Alumni Association.
Griffin, a spry 91 years old, is known for using her amazing culinary skills to serve those around her. She has exemplified a life of service, the spirit of Dr. King and the mission of the CCBC by continuing to serve her Ebenezer Baptist Church community on the deaconess board, the choir and currently as a church mother. Griffin lives by her favorite scripture: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”
Williams is the secretary of the Concerned Citizens, treasurer for RJE Alumni and member of Upward Bound Parent Advisory Board. Williams was also recognized by CCBC President Alica McMillian as a key person in assisting with the MLK Banquet. McMillian said that Williams’ absence at last year’s banquet, due to illness, was a huge reminder of how much she means to her personally and to the CCBC.
Rev. Bailey, has served, alongside her husband as pastor of Greater Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church since 2009. Bailey was recognized for her years of service to Bradford County. She also currently serves as Suwanee North District A.M.E. Women in Ministry treasurer and president of the East Conference A.M.E. Ministerial Alliance.
The evening was also a time to recognize the financial sponsors of Concerned Citizens. The list includes: (platinum level) Bradford County Commissioners, city of Starke, GFL Environmental Inc., (gold level) FPL, Woodward & Curran, (silver) Bowen & Bug Blocker Service, Folds Walker Attorneys at Law, Hampton Law, L&M Mobile Homes LLC, Linda Watkins, Carnell Williams, and the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office.
Speaking on behalf of the city of Starke, Mayor Andy Redding shared some of the words of Dr. King that have encouraged him to be a better servant leader. “He who loves is a participant in the being of God,” is the quote he spotlighted when thanking the CCBC for their love for the community. He said, “You make Starke and Bradford County a greater place. … The Concerned Citizens keep that at the center of what they do, it’s their love for the community.”
Outside of the awards, the highlight of the evening was this year’s keynote speaker, the Honorable Jaqueline Randall, mayor of Hawthorne. Randall has a long list of accomplishments, which include a master’s degree in health care administration, specializing in patient advocacy in home health, creating Hawthorne’s first strategic plan, and serving on Florida’s League of Mayors, as NAACP education chair and as a mentor for Take Stock in Children.
Randall’s challenging message focused on this year’s event theme: “When we fight, we win.” Randall went on to explain that after we experience a hard loss, we still must move forward. “What do you do when the fight doesn’t yield a win?” she asked, and “How to move forward in the good work we do every day.” She explained that the word fight doesn’t represent violence but perseverance in setbacks. She said that sometimes in leadership, you can feel like your work is fruitless, but it’s not about immediate results. It’s about “setting an example and inspiring others.”
Randall went on to explain her personal revelation in college that Dr. King was not superhuman, but he had struggles just like we all do. He was relatable. “His work came alive” when she understood she could also make a difference. She emphasized that we were all meant to live in community, saying to look at creation, “God designed it that way. … Every dream needs a team.” She encouraged older leaders to make room for the progress behind them, and said “If you aren’t mentoring someone, you’re in the way.” To the younger leaders she said “Remain humble and teachable. … Stay respectful even to those who are able to help you but refuse to help you. … Keep a clean heart and a renewed right spirit.”
Randall’s inspiring words were a perfect summation of all the CCBC does daily. Their goal is to serve all those around them and plant seeds in the next generation to make positive change in the world.
At the close of the evening, President McMillian thanked everyone for their attendance and gave a challenge to those who are not yet involved. McMillan said don’t sit at home but serve because there is always more to be done.
McMillan gave a special thanks to the volunteers from Upward Bound and Twenty Strong for serving at the banquet. Also to banquet coordinator Louise Johnson, culinary team director Rosa Thomas, and to the various caterers from Delicious Country Cooking, Downtown Grill and Williamson’s Food Store.
If you would like to learn more about volunteering with the Concerned Citizens of Bradford County, reach out for more information at [email protected].
CCBC leaders with the 2025 MLK Banquet keynote speaker, Mayor Jacqueline Randall of Hawthorne.: (front, l-r) Mayor Randall, City Commissioner Janice Mortimer (back) CCBC VP Glenda Ruise, President Alica McMillian and Secretary Sherry Williams.
