The message to help communities is simple-get involved.
Tracy Steele had a simple message during his speech at the 2018 Freedom Fund Awards Banquet Saturday night at the Texarkana, Texas, Convention Center.
"The message is simple tonight-get involved in our communities like never before. This is the best time to show leadership. There is chaos and confusion. I think communities across the country are screaming out for help," Steele said.
"It's organizations like the NAACP that can provide that help, but provide that help in the right way. Provide help and encourage people to have tolerance and love, but at the same time show courage and strength to move this country forward in the right direction," he said. The Greater Texarkana Branch of the NAACP sponsored the event.
Steele's background confirms his work ethic.
Steele, raised by a single parent in North Little Rock, Ark., earned a full scholarship at Rice University and would later graduate with a degree in political science.
Steele has served three terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives and two four-year terms in the Arkansas Senate. During his political career, Steele has supported the 2006 Arkansas Clean Indoor Air Act to reduce secondhand smoke in public places and Act 393 of 2009, which created a statewide emergency trauma system.
He has also supported legislation for the unemployed to gain quicker access to unemployment benefits, banning the sale of toy guns that are replicas of real guns and eliminating "sagging" in public schools. One of his proudest legislative achievements, he said, was the funding and completion of the State Capitol Monument Testament, which is dedicated to the Little Rock Nine and the civil rights movement.
In 2008, Steele established the nonprofit STAND Foundation with the goal of supporting leadership development. In 2013, he was also named the state director of the Division of Youth Services, a division that assists adjudicated youth. In 2015, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson appointed Steele director of the Health Services Permit Agency.
During the banquet, the 2019 NAACP Award recipients were honored:
Cassandra Rhone received the A.E. Alton/Mott Mosley Educational Award. Rhone has been in the education field for 34 years as a teacher and counselor with 31 of those years in the Texarkana Independent School District.
Laura Spencer received the John Jay Jones Sr. Community Service Award. Spencer is a licensed social worker helping the elderly and disabled. Since retiring, she has volunteered for about 20 local agencies and organizations.
Dr. James Morris received the Dr. G.W. Thompson Award. Morris was an IBM sales and marketing executive for 22 years. He now serves as pastor of Hamilton Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in Texarkana. He is also an adjunct professor at Texarkana College.
Kimberly King Webb received the Trailblazer Award. King Webb, a Texarkana native, is vice president and deputy general counsel at CHRISTUS Health. She heads labor and employment matters as well as commercial litigation. She works to promote diversity in the legal profession and access to justice.
Arthalia Hardy received the Torch Bearer Award. As a nurse, Hardy was the first person of color to work in a supervisory role at Wadley Regional Medical Center and the first to work in an administrative role at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System. She worked as the neonatal coordinator for the state of Texas, in conjunction with Wadley. She has also taught certified nurses aide courses at Texarkana College.
The Rev. T. J. Roberson received the Religious Affairs Award. Roberson has served as pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church since 1998. He also serves in several leadership organizations for ministries and as an instructor for Good Shepherd Theological Seminary and Bible College.
Miracle Closet (Miracle Hendrix) received with the Dr. Calvin Rolark Business and Economic Development Award. Hendrix started what is now a successful boutique and salon out of his car trunk. The business also has a website and Hendrix is an author and motivational speaker.
Antonio Donell Williams received the Benjamin Dennis President Award. Williams worked in the defense industry for 12 years before entering the affordable housing industry, where he has increased the performance of several housing authorities in the country.
The Scholars received the Special Achievement Award. A nonprofit organization, The Scholars developed and offers an entrepreneurial mentoring program for youth 9-16. The organization fosters academic, professional and interpersonal advancement.