17 people in the Hall County community were honored Monday during the Newtown Florist Club's annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.
The 17 people each received a Drum Major for Justice award from the organization, which is meant to honor those who have shown dedication to civil and human rights.
2022 Drum Major for Justice winners include:
- Unsung Hero Awards: Jacob Wilmont, Sr., Neal Curry and Rodney Turner.
- Community Service Awards: Belinda Dickey, Andrew Davenport and Dr. Tom Smiley.
- Equal Justice and Advocacy Awards: Sabastian Wilson, Michael Fisher and Mary Lasris.
- Rosa Parks Humanitarian Award: Christine Osasu.
- Young Leaders of the Year Awards: Jeremy Sharp, Elton Castillo Garcia and Dorreka Faulkner.
- Educational Advancement Award: Dr. Merrianne Dyer.
- Trailblazer of the Year: Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish.
- Drum Majors of the Year: Phillipa Lewis Moss, Linda Hutchens and Dr. Winfred Pitts.
After accepting his award during the virtual ceremony Monday, Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish said his aim is to make the City of Gainesville a place of equal justice for everyone.
"We are all equal in the eyes of God, and we have to serve our citizens that way," Parrish said.
The celebration can be viewed on the Newtown Florist Club's Facebook page.
