THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 29, 1995 TAG: 9510270163
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER BENNETT, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 89 lines
A group of area residents gathered recently to salute ``quiet unsung heroes'' of Virginia Beach.
The United Concerned Citizens League, a civic organization, sponsored an afternoon program honoring African-American men who have made significant, yet often overlooked, personal and professional contributions to their community.
Though some members said there was no connection between this event and the recent Million Man March in Washington, D.C., one nominee suggested that the local program's theme complemented that of the rally.
``It's really in keeping with the ideology of the Million Man March to show youth in the community that black men are doing things and that they can become whatever they want if they dedicate themselves,'' said award recipient, Dr. Philip Turner of Turner, Valentine, Spruielland Roberts.
The idea of this ceremony arose during the summer when a league officer saw a local coach and his team of supporters struggling to raise money for athletic uniforms, said Dr. Ronald Thomas, league vice president and psychology professor at Norfolk State University. Realizing that those efforts rarely get publicity, Thomas said he proposed a tribute.
Last summer, the league sent out a call for the community to nominate African-American men worthy of recognition.
Awards were given in several categories and included individuals as well as a business and a fraternity. Honored were: business - Lindsey Brothers Inc., a plumbing and heating concern; education - Tim Jackson, a Virginia Beach School Board member; arts - Elliott C. Jones, an assistant professor of art at Old Dominion University; sciences - Dr. Philip Turner, obstetrics and gynecology; community service - Leslie Hawks, a coach for the Aragona-Pembroke Recreation League; organization - Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Alpha Alpha Eta Sigma chapter.
``These men have enriched the tapestry of the American experience,'' said Olivia Dabney, league president and Strawbridge Elementary School principal.
Others at the recognition program said such events encourage not only youth, but also people working in the community to continue to do more.
Hawks, who coaches basketball, baseball and football teams of mostly African-American boys, said, ``I started this to show my three sons what a man can do in the community.'' He said his belief is that he is responsible for other young men as well as his own.
Although local problems may not be as obvious as in larger cities, many said young African-American males here face the same issues as urban youth. Caring community members must act to combat negative obstacles for youth, participants said.
``The legacy I want to pass on to others is that time is the best thing we've got to give our youth,'' Hawks said.
Between words of appreciation and adoration, African-American voices sang a cappella and young drummers pounded out music. Don Roberts, WAVY channel 10 news anchorman, hosted the program.
An organization with a 20-year history, the league was started in order to identify and form a support base for African-American candidates for city council in Virginia Beach, according to Helen Shropshire, who has been a member for 12 years. The group supported John Perry, who became the first African-American elected to city council here, she said.
The organization recently has been invigorated with ``new blood'' and plans a host of future activities to further the social, economic and educational needs of the community.
For more information, call 499-9627. ILLUSTRATION: COMMUNITY: Leslie Hawks, a coach in rec league
EDUCATION: Tim Jackson, Virginia Beach School Board
ARTS: Elliott C. Jones, assistant ODU professor
SCIENCES: Dr. Philip Turner, obstetrics and gynecology
by CNB