Deacon Marvin March, Jacqueline Moore, Jacqueline Quinn president of NSPKD Beta Gamma Chapter, Antoinette Walker of Jerusalem Baptist Church, Councilwoman McPherson and Robin Mathis
By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
Mt. Nebo Baptist Church’s The Voice of Hope Outreach Ministry recognized 11 individuals during a banquet held on Sunday, March 6 at Premier Banquet Hall on Heatherdowns. These individuals were acknowledged as Silent Soldiers for their countless and selfless contributions to the community. The celebration host was Brother Larry Jones of Indiana Avenue Baptist Church and the event began with the entrance of the honorees.
The 2022 Voice of Hope Honorees: Reverend Prentiss Anderson, Sister Nayla Marie Bell, Minister Troy Brown, Sister Elesondra Deromano, Elder Saul Gilmore, Elder Jenai Hicklin, Reverend Theodis Horton, Sister Gail Lindo, Sister Felicia Mitchell, Brother Edward Sanders and Reverend William Smith.
“The persons that you see here, have worked diligently in our community, and have gone without accolades. There are heroes that are still laboring, tonight we applaud their work,” shared Jones.
Immediately following the standing ovation of the honorees, City of Toledo Councilwoman Cerssandra McPherson who’s also a member of Braden United Methodist Church delivered welcome remarks.
“Greetings on behalf of the City of Toledo. It’s an honor and privilege to work for you, the citizens of Toledo. These silent soldiers, these heroes and she-roes are making a difference. God bless each of you and continue to do the work, don’t worry about getting recognition because God sees your work,” shared Councilwoman McPherson.
The banquet continued with musical selections, greetings by over program partners, an innovation and a special presentation to the honorees. Of the 54 partners, several were individuals, companies, faith-based institutions and elected officials. Each of the partners was granted a brief opportunity to address the audience including City of Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, Area Office on Aging, TARTA, Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union, Toledo Clerk of Court Vallie Bowman English and United States Senate candidate Traci Johnson.
“Ohio needs strong voices in Washington, we need solutions because we’re divided. People are tired and fed up. Gas prices and food prices have increased, we need to make sure that families can fee their children and seniors can purchase their prescriptions,” shared Traci Johnson.
The Voice Hope Outreach Ministry was envisioned by Rev. Cedric Brock, pastor of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church which is located on North Detroit Ave. and for over 16 years has sponsored numerous banquets to recognize unsung local heroes from throughout the city. Over the course of the ministry’s 16 year history, several community activities have been organized including: a radio ministry heard on 1520 AM and 95.7 FM since 1996, Adopt a Haircut ministry which is held at Poor Clark’s Barbershop which offers free haircuts for youth once per month, Adopt a Belt Outreach Ministry which provides free belts, Coat-give-a-way in partnership with Macy’s Department Store where approximately 200 coats were donated, Good Friday Ham give-a-way, Back to School give-a-way, a weekly broadcast on NOW network, advocating for mental health issues and providing mentoring tools for a successful life. In addition to honoring 11 individuals a donation drive was organized to collect socks for children in the community.
