The Centralia NAACP held its first awards banquet in a number of years over the weekend and presented three major awards, while its President was presented the Key to the City.
The Royal Pink Dolls Dance Team and its leaders, Diamond Battle and Faith Smith, were named Young Professionals of the Year. In two short years, the group has grown to include 32 girls, from six to 18 years old, all finding refuge and release through the power of dance. In the vibrant mix of majorette and hip hop beats, and the soulful rhythm of praise dance, the girls don’t just learn a new step; they find the courage and strength to overcome. The heartbeat of the organization is its founders’ belief in the transformative power of connection. They have proven that with enough heart, a small idea can become a truly powerful force of good.
Members of the Royal Pink Dollas Dance Team receive the award for Young Professionals of the Year. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The Centralia Community Youth Center Director of Youth Programs, Josh Favors, was named Citizen of the Year for his vision to turn the youth center into a beacon of hope. He traveled the world, visiting 71 countries as a musician before returning home in 2018 with a new purpose to invest his passion and global perspective into the community that raised him. His belief in collaboration has brought businesses, churches, and organizations together in a shared vision, proving that when we work together, we can achieve anything. But it was noted that the real magic isn’t in the programs, it’s in the mentorship.
The Centralia Youth Center Director of Youth Programs is presented with the Citizen of the Year Award. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The Community Improvement Award was presented to Christina Johnson-Wright. She was described as a local entrepreneur and pillar of strength. Johnson-Wright is currently the human resources manager for nine Walmart stores in the Metro-East and has launched the Simply Soul Food truck. Her vision is to not only build a new event venue, ghost kitchen, and restaurant, but to bring businesses and people back together in the heart of her childhood community. As the first in her family to graduate from college and buy a home, she didn’t just break a glass ceiling; she shattered it, paving a new path forward for her entire family and inspiring everyone who knows her.
The Community Improvement Award was presented to Christina Johnson-Wright. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder presented NAACP Chapter President Julius Flagg with the Key to the City when presenting his welcoming remarks from the city. Kuder praised Flagg for his assistance and for helping him build his career while both worked at the Centralia Correctional Center. Kuder also praised Flagg’s work in the community.
The Centralia NAACP presented $500 scholarships to Arion Hill, Aniah Young, and Marshae Cunningham.
