BY JENN SAMSEL
Concerned Citizens of Bradford County held its ninth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Service Award Banquet on Jan. 17 at the Gov. Charley E. Johns Conference Center in Bradford County.
The event opened with a powerful speech from the guest speaker, the Hon. Tatum Davis, Bradford County judge.
“We come together to honor Dr. King, a leader whose voice still echoes across time, calling us towards justice, compassion, unity,” he said.
Awards were presented for the countless volunteer hours dedicated to Concerned Citizens of Bradford County and the community at large. Maria Hankerson received the MLK Service Award, while the Drum Major award recipients this year were Scott Roberts and Ceolar Johnson Hudson.
According to the Concerned Citizens, Roberts’ leadership, integrity and commitment to community service span several decades. “A successful local business owner for 40 years, Scott has demonstrated sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and a steady dedication to serving others through both professional and civic leadership,” their profile read.
Of Hudson, they said she is a “humble woman with a very strong Christian faith, love for all mankind and a wonderful sense of humor.” A Lawtey native, she had held many official positions within her church affiliation at the local, district and convention levels. She retired from the school district after 32 years.
Unfortunately, Hudson was unable to attend the event, but it was noted that she is celebrating her 100th birthday.
