For the 13th year, Halifax Community College (HCC) will host its celebration of local African American Heroes.

Heroes are chosen based on their commitment and contributions to the community, unselfish devotion to others, initiative, innovation and leadership, and willingness to share time and wisdom through community service.

“Here in Halifax County, we are privileged to have so many heroes living among us,” said HCC President Michael A. Elam. “We have many citizens who have committed their lives to the future of others. The heroes in the Roanoke Valley have forever changed the future of our area. On February 26, we will take the time to honor them.”

The 2020 honorees hail from all walks of life, and span all age groups. This year’s slate of winners proves that anyone can change the world. 

The winners are as follows:

Catherine Moody, Retired

Rev. Mark Barfield, Director of Student Services, Northampton County School District

James and Gladys Walden, retired educators

Rev. Danny Jones, pastor of Twilight Baptist Church

Ruth Thomas Williams, retired educator

Clinton Williams, Owner of CW Counseling Services

Fannie Greene, Chair of the Vidant North Board of Trustees and member of the HCC Board of Trustees

Marie Robinson, retired educator and member of the HCC Board of Trustees

Dr. O.D. Sykes, pastor of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church

Valencia Davis, IDEA fiscal monitoring consultant for the NC Department of Public Instruction

Chelsea Harris, HCC Student Government Association president

Elijah Lee, Stop Child Abuse Advocate

Each recipient will be honored at this year’s Saluting Local African American Heroes celebration and luncheon on Wednesday, February 26, beginning at 11 a.m. The event will take place in the Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, Sr. Centre and is free and open to the public.