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Photos: Richmond Hill MLK Jr. Observance Committee hosts Black Tie Gala
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Attendees at the Black Tie Gala included (L-R): Ronald Carswell, Clyde Shepherd and Johnnie Miller, Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of Pembroke. (Photo/Justin Hall).

Justin Hall, correspondent

The Richmond Hill MLK Jr. Observance Committee Black Tie Gala was hosted at the John W. Stevens Education Center this past Saturday, September 19.

Hosted since 2019, the event is part of a vision to bring the Richmond Hill community together to honor, celebrate and preserve the life, legacy and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Black Tie Gala also raises money for scholarships and for Richmond Hill’s annual MLK Jr. Parade in January.

The theme for the evening was "Impact Through Unity." Guest speaker Terry Enoch orated on this subject and gave his insights on why the MLK Jr. Committee must achieve unity.

"When we combine all our voices and efforts, we can make a difference," Enoch said. "We need to be not only hearers but doers. We can have an impact and make the changes that we can serve the community we live in."

Johnnie Quiller, Vice President of the Observance Committee, wants the organization to continue its ongoing quest to recognize Dr. King's mission.

"We want to make sure people understand that there is a committee in the community," Quiller said. "We want to be true to Dr. King's vision and we really want to keep his vision alive in our community."

Clyde Shepard was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Mr. Shepard has displayed 30 years of professional service, military leadership and a longstanding commitment to serving the community of Richmond Hill.

A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Shepard served 30 years in the United States Army where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.

Some of his community achievements include dedicating 30 years of service to the LRADAC (Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council). Other achievements for Shepard include being involved as a Mason, working with the Bryan County NAACP and he is also a member of the Richmond Hill MLK Jr. Observance Committee.

The committee thanked the following vendors and special acknowledgements for the event as follows:

  • Await to Create Catering
  • DJ Ricky Nails
  • Spoken Word by LaLa
  • Cynthia's Elegant Touch
  • Terry Enoch
  • The Happy Baker
  • Dr. Karen Boles
  • Vida Hill Photography
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Dr. Hubert Quiller speaking as the Master of Ceremonies.
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(L-R): Veronica Enoch, Terry Enoch, Angelica Chambers and Johnnie Quiller.
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LaLa Martin gives an improv spoken word performance.