The Eleven Black Men of Liberty County had its annual banquet March 19 at Club Stewart. Author Joseph B. Washington spoke to the crowd about breaking the split of average.
Washington said his passion for speaking is a result of his own personal struggle with stuttering as he grew up in San Diego. He worked to overcome his disability, and when he was about 15, he noticed his speech began to change. At that point, he said, he no longer was afraid to speak publicly. Washington said he was motivated to inspire others through his story.
For the past 20 years, Washington has held management roles with several U.S. corporations, including Delta Airlines, a large CPA firm and an air filter company in the Midwest, where he was awarded the Eli Lilly award for his sales performance.
At the organization’s banquet, Shakur Cook won an award for academics and Tevin Smalls was named the most improved Transcender. Presidents awards for outstanding service to the group were given to Liberty County Commissioner and local playwright Donald Lovette, Robert Blue, Dr. Robert Simmons, Raymond Dent and James Latimer.