YOUR OPINION: Volunteers helped make service a success

Published 9:32 pm Wednesday, September 26, 2007

By Staff reports

As we gathered in Shiloh Baptist Church Aug. 18 to reflect on a truly historic moment in the history of Georgia and its flagship university, The University of Georgia, we remembered the sacrifices of those involved in its desegregation process. Historians and politicians alike greeted each other, citizens of the Tifton community and families of those whose parents made a significant impact on the University of Georgia. The two-hour service was filled with music, tributes, prayers and dynamic speeches that will enlighten anyone willing to learn and bring them positive inspiration.

Thanks so much to my church’s support (Shiloh Baptist), our pastor Rev. Freddie Castle; program participants: the Rev. Cory Colravy (New Life Presbyterian Church), Dr. Terry Bozeman (Tifton native; professor at Spelman College), the Rev. Joseph Crumley (Tift Avenue Church of God), Dr. Gary Roberts (professor emeritus, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College), Judge Bill and Lisa Reinhardt, Judge Gary and Betty McCorvey, our speaker, Justice Robert and Nell Benham, Darrien Teals (One Vision), Lester Cromer Jr. (SOVI Multi Media), Mother Easter Baptist Church Gospel Choir (Moultrie), Julie Ewing Hunt, Kirsten Underwood, The GA 51st ROTC of Tift County High School, Marianna Keesee (City Council), Sherri Hightower-Engram, attorney Edea Caldwell, UGA’s Erin Womack, Dr. Jean E. Hurst, Randy Groomes, Steven Brown (curator, Hargett Library), Nelson Morgan (photographer curator, Hargett Library), Steve Bell (director, broadcast and photography), Bettye Cushion, Jana Wiggins (MTC), the Rev. Richard McNair (pastor, First Baptist Church of Chula), organist Ruby Reddick (Shiloh), and pianist Kerri Shoemaker (First United Methodist).

Special thanks to our sponsors, security and wellwishers: The Tiftarea Bulldog Club, Capt. Larry Taylor, Col. Jason Jones and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office, The Tifton Gazette, Isaac Ross, Rachal and Raleigh Parson, Brenda Ates, Mary Wright, Doretha Green, Vernetha Jackson, Ella Pettiford, Dr. Homer and Caroline Day, the Rev. Christopher Shoemaker, Alton and Lavetta Jefferson, Prince Automotive Group, University of Georgia’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, Insurance Unlimited, Soderquist MotorCity, R. David Bryan, Esq., Adcock Pecans, Diversified Enterprises, Courtyard by Marriott, Christine Thomson Robbins, Badcock Furniture, Guy’s Drug Store, Branch’s Veterinary, Superior Uniform Service and Holly Hall.

If you were not present, you missed a treat! However, you can still experience the evening by purchasing a DVD/Video of the event by contacting Darrien Teals’ office at 382-8801 or e-mailing wone@friendlycity.net





Ambrose King II

Founder and president, The King Association For Social Change

Event planner and coordinator

Tifton