By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
Toledo residents gathered at the Toledo Club located in downtown Toledo to celebrate the Black Kings of Kwanzaa. The audience for the black tie occasion on September 12, 2024 witnessed 30 men receive crowns and receive a token of appreciation. The Black Kings event is the brainchild of Kathleen Greely and Juneteenth NY.
Guests experienced a cocktail reception and live jazz performance by Sax Fifth and Friends starting at 5:00 p.m. The program opened with a traditional Kwanzaa celebration libation, in which ancestors were acknowledged and elders were honored. The ceremony was led by Diane Gordon and Donald Lynn. Nicole Wilson and Clarence Smith, Jr. shared information about African drumming and led the Black National Anthem. Mistress of ceremony, TaTiana Cash, warmly welcomed everyone and facilitated the award presentations.
“Thank you to each of you for coming to honor these men with your attendance,” said Cash. “Thank you to these men for being here to allow us to honor you for the work that you do.”
The occasion acknowledged traditional Kwanzaa customs by uplifting spirituals, respecting elders and celebrating family within the seven principles.
- Umoja Award recognized Change Agents who bridge the gap between the community and their peers,
- Collective Award recognizes outstanding community leaders who have made a significant contribution to solving a community problem.
- Nia Award recognizes outstanding mentors, fathers or father-figures who have restored people to their purpose.
- Kuumbj Award recognizes architects or artists who have impacted the community.
- Kujichagulia Award recognizes outstanding leaders who continue to use their voice and influence for community issues,
- Ujamaa Award recognizes outstanding business owners who have grown their businesses while supporting other community businesses.
The 2024 honorees: Anthony Atkins, Rev. Cedric Brock, Calvin Burney, Jr., Victor Coleman, Truman Claytor, Edward Cook, Judge Myron Duhart, Judge Ian English, James Gant, John Glover, Kendall Harvey, Roy Hodge (posthumously), Richard Jackson, Larry Jones, Tracy Knighten, Willie Knighten, Joseph Peterson, Wakeso Peterson, John Preston, Shawn Mahone, Milt McIntyre, Maurice Morris, Randall Parkers, Emilio Ramirez, Ronald Rice, State Rep. Elgin Rogers, LeSean Shaw, Clarence Smith, Jr., State Rep. Josh Williams, and Lee Williams.
“I appreciate the opportunity, I do this work for the community,” noted Kendall Harvey during his acceptance, a sentiment that would be shared by all of the honored gentlemen.
The evening continued with a short performance and keynote address by Ben Tankard, former professional basketball player and Grammy-nominated musician.
According the 2023 event history page the celebration was funded in part by a grant from the Greater Toledo Community Foundation to proactively address concerns raised by communities that are still disproportionately impacted by inequity and lack of access in the greater Toledo area. St. Martin De Porres Parish was awarded a grant to launch a resident-driven leadership training program and job readiness program for Englewood neighborhood in collaboration with Community RE Reinvestment Coalition Englewood SW and Robinson Elementary.
