By Pastor Roger Mills, AHERN Publisher / 4-1-2022

Kingsport, TN- The awards program honors individuals who worked in the community to make it a better place, military veterans who have served our country to keep us safe, and our youth who write essays on past or present African Americans who have or are making this world a better place.

This year's event was held on February 26, 2022, in the Kingsport Ren Center, highlighted by a fashion show by Hawkins County native, Lesa Patte’ Promise Clothing- Haute Couture Clothing Design based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ms. Patte` was also the guest speaker.

H.O.P.E. founder, Stella Robinette, presented 25 awards in the following categories.

Community support / Volunteers awards were presented to Kristie Leonard, Van Dobbins, John Gardner, James Phillips, Aundrea Salyer, Danelle Glasscock, Teresa Haywood, Joy Eastridge, Keira Moore-Majeed, Wesley Idlette, Express AV, and Morris Baker.

Military awards were presented to Anthony (Tony) Bond, Sonora Lewis, Bryant Rutledge, and Mary Shull, thank you for your service.

1st Black Nurse, Lola Campbell, and the Black-owned business 2022 award was presented to Jerry & Linda Machen.

H.O.P.E. is a community resource organization that helps youth (ages 11-19) achieve their goals for education, career, and service

H.O.P.E.'s purpose is to educate the surrounding area youth with life skills, the skills to become future business and community leaders; to educate and advocate multi-cultural understanding within the Tri-Cities area. To teach and promote community services, outreach skills, and other opportunities to our area youth, with a mission of connecting community resources to help youth (ages 11-19) achieve their goals for education, career, and service.