IMLA 2024 Awards Recap

The 46th Annual Dr. Cameron W. Jackson Awards Recognition Program took place on February 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Kenneth Monroe Transformation Center. It was an ornately decorated affair that paid homage to those who served. In the words of Sarah Kinard, Mistress of Ceremonies, “In the bustling rhythm of our daily lives, it is a rare and precious moment when we pause in heartfelt gratitude to show appreciation to those who serve.” The ballroom was beautifully decorated in black and gold. Metallic gold and crystal ornate centerpieces graced the tables. A sumptuous meal was the backdrop for an evening that continued the day's fellowship. Marie Denise Nialls and the occasion by Rev. Martin Boler gave a welcome. After singing Lift Every Voice and Sing, the invocation was given by Rev. Dr. Myrtle Bowen.

The following awards were presented:

The Paul Robeson Award was presented to Rev. Dr. Lester A. McCorn, President of Clinton College. He is a third-generation Zionite with thirty years of excellence in ministry and academia. Dr. McCorn was honored to receive this award in the name of a true Renaissance man.

The Samantha Wormley Lay Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Angela Davis-Baxter. She says that receiving this award reflects the dedication and support of the people who stand beside her.

The Sojourner Truth Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Merchuria Williams. She is happy to be honored by IMLA. She hopes that all people be respected and treated fairly. This is what God expects and who we should all strive to be.

The Frederick Douglas Award was presented to Rev. Dr. Anthony K. Gibson, International President of the Presiding Elder’s Council and Chair of Project 100. He states that being mentioned in the same breath as Frederick Douglas is an accolade that he accepts for himself and those who walk the road of justice with him.
The Bishops Small and Lartey International Award was presented to Rev. Orette William Darrell and Rev. Dr. John D. Givens.

Bishop Alfred G. Dunston Salute to Service Award to Mr. Darrell Bonapart. He stated that it was truly an honor. “It’s really cool to be recognized.”

The Harriet Tubman Award was presented to Bishop Dennis V. Proctor, Who is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Harriet Tubman Home.

The Young Gifted and Black Awards were presented to Dr. Ian Bell-Jefferson and Rev. Brandon Fisher.

The President’s Award was presented to Dr. Anthony J. Davis, the 13th President of Livingstone College. He says, “If service is beneath you, leadership is beyond you.”

The Episcopal Awards went to Bishop Kenneth Monroe and Bishop Michael A. Frencher. Of receiving the Award, Bishop Frencher has this to say: “I’ve tried over these almost twelve years to do a good day's work for the A.M.E. Zion Church.” He thanked his family and the areas in which he has served. Mostly, he thanked God for sustaining him. He also said, “I am keenly aware that there are others who may never receive an award but are faithful to do their work and will one day receive the greater reward of God: ‘Well done, thy good and faithful servant.'"

Bishop Monroe had the following remarks:
“This journey of ministry is an act of faith. I’ve learned to walk by faith. I went to college and didn’t have any money, but I learned to walk by faith. I’m surprised by where God has taken me, but it’s a walk by faith. When the church learns to embrace the calling of God, it is a call to walk by faith and employ the will of God with every step.”

May we all embrace the call to walk by faith.