Marion County "Community Celebration/Military Appreciation" Banquet

Last night, I photographed the Marion County  “Community Celebration/Military Appreciation” Banquet. It was such an honor to be asked. There are so many in my community that should be honored for what they do, too. At the banquet, awards were given out to those that went above and beyond the normal giving that many do here. Like I said it was an honor to be asked to photograph the event…although I was there working, I enjoyed every minute of it. I met many interesting people.

The hostess, a stunning woman, named Yvonne Harvey-Williams spoke straight from her heart. She is a powerful speaker. She lives not far from where I do…she is a transplant from Jersey. She actually went to the school seen in the movie “Lean On Me”. I thought that was cool, since that is one of my fave movies! She has accomplished many great feats…such as publishing four books and recently was named most valuable speaker for Monster.com. Her motto is… “It’s not about your start; it’s all about your finish…so finish BIG”. I so wish my daughter could have met her. I can tell she is a great role model for the youth of today!

I also met Roosevelt Jackson. He was born back in 1917…he is one of the oldest living Negro League Baseball players/managers/scouts in the United States. Last year, the US Postmaster General honored him during an unveiling of a postage stamp commemorating the Negro League. He played for teams that are long forgotten today. He was so sharply dressed for the formal event, that even at the age of 94, he was handsome. Before the ceremony, I actually talked to him and asked to take his photograph, although I had no clue who he was. I thought he was just a sharp dressed man…he was super sweet and genuine. I did manage to have someone take my photo with him…I know kinda unprofessional, but it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. =)

 There was another gentleman from the Negro League there, too. Dick “Lefty” O’Neal…shockingly he is white. He was the only white player to pitch for two teams. He crossed the color barrier, kinda like Jackie Robinson did back in the day, but only in reverse. He is an awesome man that retired from the US Air Force. Recently, he published a book…Dreaming of the Majors - Living in the Bush.

Baseball, has a history in Buena Vista, Georgia…Josh Gibson was born here in 1911, but later moved to Pittsburgh with his family. Many knew him as “the Black Babe Ruth”. He died in 1947, only a short time before Jackie Robinson crossed that color barrier in the Major Leagues. Mr. Gibson was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame, 38 yrs ago in 1972. His great-grandson was at the ceremony. Mr. Sean Gibson is the executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a phenomenal gentleman and speaker.

One of our local TV anchormen was in attendance. I thought this was way cool, since we watch him every morning. Chuck Leonard appears on WTVM news. When my daughter found out he would be attending she wrote him a note asking him for his autograph…then demanded that I give it to him. I did and he was a sweetheart and wrote her one back. His speech was amazing!

Ms. Carla Hawkins, former Miss Black Georgia sang at the event. OH MY GOSH, talk about a beautiful voice…she can belt out a song like no other. Besides being a great singer and a being supremely gorgeous, she is a sweetie.

It was an honor to meet all these people, along with everyone from my community.

I had an awesome time…which makes my job all the better!

Congratulations to all the award winners…you guys are truly remarkable.