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From the granddaughter of the Rev. Jack Yates to the founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 20 distinguished African American leaders were honored by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis on Friday, Feb. 24 for their contributions to the community.

In addition to Jacqueline Bostic and the Rev. William “Bill” Lawson, state Rep. Alma Allen, S.H.A.P.E. Community Center founder Deloyd Parker, labor leader Clara Caldwell, political activist Willie Belle Boone and attorney Algenita Scott Davis were among the honorees at the Living Legends Black History Luncheon event at Tom Bass Community Center.

“It’s because of your leadership and connections with one another that our community continues to thrive and prosper,” Commissioner Ellis said. “I am honored to be in a room full of so much wisdom and life experiences. Your contributions to our community are powerful. And I appreciate every single one of you.”

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Parker called the event a family reunion.

“All these great people (and) I’m among them,” Parker said. “This makes me feel great. And again, neither one of us is a legend. But (we are) a part of a legendary team because we could not do what we do by ourselves. We have to have support. So I support the legendary teams that were honored in this presentation today.”

Said Scott Davis: “This was a wonderful event for so many living legends and so many people who are at an advanced age. Most of the honorees are over 70. Some of the honorees are over 90 and they were still here. This was wonderful to salute people for all of the work that they’ve done – that work that really goes unsung in so many ways.”

The honorees received resolutions recognizing their significant contributions to Precinct One that align with the precinct’s mission to improve the quality of life and advance equity and opportunity in Harris County. They also were treated to a performance by Tom Bass Community Center Choir, which sang the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

“At Precinct One, we’re committed to lifting up and strengthening our communities through public service and a dedication to making sure every person has the opportunity to build and maintain a better life for themselves and their families,” Commissioner Ellis said. “That’s why the work we do at our community centers, neighborhoods, and Commissioners Court is so important. But we cannot do it without you.”