I’m healthier than an overdose of vitamin D3, a tad taller than Tom Cruise and a not-so-dark knight.
However this bright buttered brown Brad Pitt is no leading man and I don’t want to be, instead I’m somewhat the Delta’s own sun-tanned- Peter Pan.
The grown grandad who just didn’t grow up.
You see, like a kid I still believe in God, the power of prayers, the magic of love, hopes, dreams, wishes, and of course I believe in miracles. And a miracle is just what it took for Emancipating Minds Inc., founder, Djuan Hawkins, along with members of Emancipating Minds Inc., Mayor Steve Rosenthal, Indianola City Inspector, Elvis Pernell, Judge Lisa Bell and myself to put together one of the greatest Sunflower County Juneteenth proclamation/awards/ceremony in modern times.
We wanted to create the most ambitious intellectual journey into America’s extraordinary history while showcasing the sincere significance of Juneteenth and what it truly meant for all Americans.
There’s no doubt in my mind that we received help from Heaven.
Saturday May 1, 2021, was the day that my family and I said our final farewells to the physical essence of my mother, the late educator Marva Dillon-Hawkins-Jones.
My mom was the matriarch of our family and a long-time childhood development specialist whose classroom was always filled with thought-provoking materials for thinkers, future transformative leaders, and social visionaries to harness their future potential.
So instead of wasting our time being selfishly sad or ignorantly angry, we decided to dedicate this year’s two-day Juneteenth celebration in her honor. So to celebrate the hero’s journey and this poignant moment, we decided to create and design a program that would stimulates and nourishes the mind, body, and spirit while commemorating Juneteenth. Here’s my small written highlight.
The atmosphere was unreal, the speakers were excellent, the presenters were immaculate, the honorees were gracious, and the audience in attendance was simply amazing.
The courthouse ceremony started with an electrifying introduction of the honorable Justice Court Judge Gwendolyn Pernell (Sunflower County’s first African American Justice Court Judge) by 2021 Gentry High School graduate/ valedictorian T’ Rossi Pernell, followed by Gwendolyn Pernell.
This humble history-making human being is another awesome intellectual Aquarius who blessed the courthouse with grace, style and noble splendor. What a rare pleasure and I’m forever grateful for this beautiful woman coming out and celebrating this momentous occasion.
Then Mayor Steve Rosenthal welcomed the small scattered crowd of about 100 people that included legendary businessman Mr. Dorsey White, the always classy and intellectual educator, Mrs. Betty Sims-Hawkins, WNLA Radio legendary GM, Regina Hawkins, members of the Sunflower County Sheriff Department, three very attractive women watching from Nola’s restaurant, and others.
Mayor Rosenthal, one of the Juneteenth organizers, and one of the most consistent and consummate professionals, nailed the Juneteenth Proclamation ceremony with his own innovative and creative mastery.
Emancipating Minds Inc., founder D’Juan Hawkins’ sincere hard work and dedication radiated as he accepted the two proclamations from the mayor officially celebrating the national holiday.
Judge Lisa Bell, another awesome Aquarius, and one of the very few omega-level oracles in Mississippi graced the podium with reflections of Juneteenth and how it impacted her life.
With a bright and beautiful smile, she lit up the courthouse lawn with such a burst of positive energy.
Civil Rights historian Helen Sims did the official Juneteenth flag ceremony and NAACP President Charles Modley rocked the mic with a gospel-infused tribute to Humanitarian Award recipient Sunflower County Board of Supervisors President Mr. Riley Rice. Mayor Steve Rosenthal presented legendary businessman Mr. Victor Byas with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Judge Lisa Bell presented Sherriff James Haywood with the Pioneer Award that had been kept a secret for almost a week. State Rep. Otis Anthony blessed Saturday’s event with his always awesome presence, and the legendary artist/bluesman Bobby Whalen blessed our family and Juneteenth with live music and song.
But probably the most heart-felt goosebumps-producing presentation camefrom Domino’s general manager, Ms. Amy Zink, when she told a true story of triumph over hardship. Special thanks to Mrs. Kim Anderson, Mr. Robert, Mr. Harvey Watson, Mr. Michael Clark, Terry Burks, Delta News, Andranita Williams, Mr. Bryan Davis, Laura K. Cooper Eugene Pearson, Mrs. Pearlie Simpson/Walmart and everybody else who attended.
