2nd Annual Black Trailblazer Awards Held At Ebenezer Baptist Church

Oklahomans gathered Sunday morning for the second annual Black History Trailblazer Awards.

JC Watts was one of several Black leaders honored at Ebenezer Baptist Church’s Black Trailblazer Awards, a recognition he calls a great honor.

“I’m somewhat surprised that they threw my name in the mix,” Watts said.

Worship, music, prayer, and celebration filled the sanctuary as the congregation honored black history and heritage and the importance of civil rights activism.

“I think it means that in spite of the challenges in spite of the adversity, as our speaker said today, there’s still plenty of room for you,” said Watts.

The overarching message; to continue breaking down barriers and lifting each other up.

“In spite of your skin color, in spite of your gender, in spite of what part of town you’ve grown up in,” said Watts. “Don’t allow the adversities to discourage you from being bold and reaching for the stars. That’s the message. If you look at the lineup of the people that were honored, I think that’s their message. That’s their story.”

Honorees also included Marilyn Luper, Leonard Benton, Col. Stanley L. Evans, Cecilia Robinson-Woods, Willa Johnson, Kevin Cox, Horace Stevenson, Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, Angela Monson, and Stan Evans Boule.

“It’s quite an honor when your body of work can be recognized by the community and also to be recognized with such a distinguished group of people,” said Watts.

All of them local figures in different fields from education to politics being recognized for their impact this Black History Month; but, community members also said that the celebration should extend beyond just the month of February.