2017 ICONs of Chesapeake To Be Recognized

Special to the New Journal and Guide

The ICONs of Chesapeake, a vision implemented by Rev. Glenda P. Murray-Kelly in 2016, exists to acknowledge individuals during Black History month in the city of Chesapeake. While there are many African-Americans who have contributed to the city’s enhancement and development, each year a select number of individuals will be acknowledged. The 2016 ICONs were recognized and acknowledged by the City of Chesapeake, Office of the Mayor.

Last year’s more than 200 people attended the inaugural event in February at Impact Worship Center, Chesapeake, VA, where Rev. Dr. Brennetta Williams is Pastor.  During the service, persons acknowledged were Dr. William P. Ward, Dr. Ella P. Ward, Mrs. Florine R. Clarke and Mr. Lessie Smith.

This year, there will not be formal celebration, due to time and the observance of the Presidential Volunteer Awards MLK Drum Majors for Service which was hosted on January 14, 2017 in honor of the 44th President Barack Obama and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thirteen individuals were acknowledged while receiving letters from the offices of the governor, senator and mayor for their volunteer services. That event was hosted at New GWC, Chesapeake, VA, where Rev. Dr. Toney D. Saunders is Pastor. Assisting in presenting the awards were Mr. Lessie Smith, President, Chesapeake Democratic Committee and Congressman Robert Bobby C. Scott.

The 2017 ICONs of Chesapeake are Mr. Kenny Easley, most recent selected as 2017 NFL Hall of Famer; Deacon  March Cromwell, former President, Chesapeake, NAACP, member, New Galilee Baptist Church, Chesapeake; Rev. Dr. Dwight S. Riddick, Pastor, Gethsemane Baptist Church, (Transformation Place), Newport News, and President of the Hampton University Ministers Conference; Rev. Dr. Bernnetta Williams, Pastor, Impact Worship Center, Chesapeake and special tribute to the Honorable Congressman Robert Bobby C. Scott. VA, 3RD Congressional District, Washington, D.C.