Israel Hernandez, Manager of the Local Walmart in Sulphur Springs, welcomes a host of guests and honorees
to this year's Black History Month Tribute Luncheon.

 

 

Walmart Hosts Annual
Black History Tribute, Friday

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Joe Hooten served as the Master of Ceremonies for Friday's event.

 

It was a large crowd of honored, invited guests from the community, as well as an impressive list of honorees, that made their way to Walmart, on Friday, in celebration of Black History Month and cultural awareness in our community. The annual event, with one of the most delicious meals you'll ever eat, all year, is looked forward to by everyone.

Invited guests included: Judge Robert Newsom, Sheriff Butch Adams, Police Chief Jim Bayuk, Judge Yvonne King, Judge Ronnie Glossup, Councilman Freddie Taylor, Lewis Hawkins,
Bobby McDonald, 1st Convenience Bank, Judge Amy Smith, Harry Lewis, Judge Phyllis Rodgers, Shawonda Nash, Norman Colyer, Min. Rex Morgan, Oscar Aguilar, and Judge Demetria Robinson.

 

 

Joe Hooten served as the Master of Ceremonies and introduced Israel Hernandez, Manager of the Sulphur Springs Walmart, who welcomed guests. Judge Yvonne King led the group in the occasion and a wonderful solo was provided by Natalie Gatlin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Councilman Freddie Taylor and Judge Ronny Glossup provided words of encouragement as they told of the many, many advancements that have been made in this community, in cultural sharing, but encouraged everyone to continue to be aware of sensitivities and to do what God would have us all to do! Both men told of the dark days before and during the Civil Rights Movement, and the many, many opportunities that are alive in our community, today, because of those great struggles.

 

 

   

Freddie Taylor and Ronny Glossup were the speakers for Friday's event and encouraged the group with some of the struggles that we've overcome
in this community, as we celebrate cultural awareness, and work together for a better community for everyone to live.

 

Sulphur Spring Police Chief Jim Bayuk led the group in prayer, and the wonderful meal was truly enjoyed by all!

 

 

 

"I'm so full I don't know where I'm going to sleep!" allowed one of the participants. "The employees of Walmart have got to be the best cooks on the face of the earth!"

"Do you think if when I retire that I can be a Walmart greeter and come up here and get meals like this every day!" asked Ronny Glossup. "I want to get on the Walmart meal plan!"

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

Selected to be honored this year were:

Harry Washington, an undercover officer ad member of numerous drug task forces, was the first honoree, for his over 25 years of service.

Alvin Jordan, a patrol deputy for the Hopkins County Sheriff's office.

The Nehemiah Foundation for providing home ownership dreams in this community.

Rolando Solis for efforts working with at risk youth and encouraging them to believe in themselves.

Russ Nuss for his efforts in community improvement with the City of Sulphur Springs.

 

 

      

 

 

Juan Ortiz as a firefighter and EMS rescue employee.

Koby Hume for work as a patrol deputy for the Hopkins County Sheriff's office.

Shakea Godbolt for her untiring efforts in the SSISD Head Start Program.

 

 

Tony Goodson for his over 22 years in the maintenance department at the Sheriff's Department.

Rita Taylor for her efforts as a Family Service Specialist, working with families in the community to reach goals.

Jerry Maynard for his many years of leadership in the Hopkins County Baseball Association.

Major Willis for his effort as a sergeant with the Sheriff's Posse.

Melissa Bosworth for her efforts as the leader of the Outreach Committee of Wesley United Church and the "Backpack Buddies" program.

 

     

 

 

  

 

Thank You, to all of those who serve
our community and promote multicultural relationships!!!


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