Butterfield says there are still challenges
By Matt Shaw
Published in News on February 13, 2005 2:11 AM
When G.K. Butterfield was a high school student in Wilson, he competed with athletes at Dillard High School, then Goldsboro's segregated black high school.
He returned Saturday night as one of Wayne County's representatives in the U.S. House, and blacks hold many positions of leadership in the city and county.
"This community has come a long way," U.S. Rep. Butterfield said. "But there are still challenges. ... I ask each of you to work to serve people who are powerless or who are without a voice."
The congressman was the guest speaker at the 31st annual Human Relations Awards Banquet, held Saturday night at the Bear Creek Fellowship Hall. More than 100 people attended.
The banquet celebrates people, groups and businesses that promote unity.
The individual award was given to Danny King, of Dudley, the founder and executive director of ADLA. That stands for "A Lot of Direction, Love and Affection," explained Community Affairs Director LaTerrie Ward.
King's group works with at-risk youth, many who have emotional or behavioral problems, and helps them acquire skills they need to succeed, she said. Many people have seen the teens in action as they have served the annual Martin Luther King Breakfast the past two years.
King has also worked with Brodgen and Dillard middle schools as a behavior and emotional disability teacher. He also has served as a mentor to many at-risk children.
The civic group award was presented to the Gold-Wayne chapter of the Fayetteville State University Alumni Association. The chapter was singled out as the "hardest working alumni chapter" by Tom Joyner, host of ABC Radio Network's "The Tom Joyner Morning Show."
The chapter has been heavily involved with North Drive Elementary School, she said. Members provide mentoring to students and financial support to the school and staff. It also supports local families at Thanksgiving and Christmas, recognizes students for academic achievements, and honors teachers and staff at the close of the school year.
The chapter has provided more than $10,000 in scholarships in the last three years.
The business award was given to the Hispanic Community Development Center in Dudley. Executive Director Willie Cartagena accepted the award.
The center provided information and services to the Hispanic community on such things as immigration laws, law enforcement, medical/dental care, guidance and abuse counseling, job assistance, and community involvement. Many people come to the center to improve their English skills, Ms. Ward said.
All services at the center are provided free.
Ms. Ward also recognized students who designed posters or wrote essays on the theme of "Promoting Unity with Victory over Violence."
The student winners were: Kindergarten-second grade, first place, Josef Mills, Grantham School; second place, Elizabeth Alfreno, Summit Christian Academy; third place, Sarah Richards, Grantham School;
Grades 3-4, first place, Shatonia Kenion, Brogden Primary School; second place, Sarah Kemp, Spring Creek Elementary School; third place, Mollianna Kennedy;
Grades 5-6, first place, Deshawn Jefferson, Summit Christian Academy; second place, Tracy Kornegay, Summit Christian; third place, Ashley Hill, Grantham School;
Grades 7-9, first place, Daphne Warren, Eastern Wayne Middle School; second place, Nikki Best, Rosewood Middle School; third place, Josh Chappell, Grantham School.
Awards were handed out by Rep. Butterfield and Goldsboro Mayor Al King.
The banquet is sponsored by the city of Goldsboro, Wayne County, and the Community Affairs Commission. The commission's chairman, Dr. Kenneth Benson, served as master of ceremonies.
The grace and benediction were by the Rev. David Harvin of St. Luke United Methodist Church. Music was performed by Ben Johnson.