Greetings,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Second Annual Flame Awards Presentation in honor of the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, a civil rights icon led by God to bring change and end segregation in Birmingham and around the country.
The highlight of our commemoration is this event tonight when legendary actor/philanthropist Richard Roundtree (John Shaft) speaks on the theme: “Fighting Breast Cancer like Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth Fought Segregation.” Rev. Shuttlesworth was fearless and courageous in his battle against segregation, and Mr. Roundtree will encourage each of us to be fearless and courageous in battling cancer and in raising awareness to the disease in men and in women.
This year, we honor 12 individuals who in their own way have exhibited the spark that Rev. Shuttlesworth ignited wherever he traveled. While many often saw the face of Dr. Martin Luther Jr. out front in the pivotal years of the Civil Rights Movement, it was Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth working behind the scenes, leading countless scores of others who powered the movement and instilled pride in a people. Most of our 2014 work behind the scenes, while some may fulfill a variety of public roles.
We congratulate: Judge Phillip Bahakel, Jefferson County Commissioner Sandra Little Brown, Birmingham businessman and former NFL star Gary Burley, Madison County Commissioner Robert Harrison, Jefferson County Tax Assessor Gaynell Hendricks, community activist Adolphus Johnson, community activist Big Walter Wilson, civic leader Clarence Mohammed, Birmingham Mayor’s Office Chief of Operations Jarvis Patton, voting rights activist and Selma attorney Faya Ora Rose Toure (Rose Sanders), Jefferson County Tax Collector J.T. Smallwood, and former Birmingham News assistant Metro Editor, Sherrel Stewart.
Frank Matthews
Founder, Outcast Voters League
