2025 COMMUNITY LEADER AWARDS BREAKFAST
HELP US NOMINATE CHARLOTTE-MECK VERY BEST
A LOCAL LEADER OR ORGANIZATION that:
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Lives out MeckMIN's vision of a world of understanding, compassion and justice inspired by the highest values and core virtues of our rich faith traditions
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Works to create an inclusive community that respects the dignity of every person;
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Exemplifies leadership and collaboration across differences in the community;
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Fosters interfaith understanding to promote racial and ethnic understanding and address social needs in the community.
A A COMMUNITY MEMBER who:
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Lives out MeckMIN's vision of a world of understanding, compassion and justice inspired by the highest values and core virtues of our rich faith traditions
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Works to create an inclusive community that respects the dignity of every person;
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Is an unsung hero, volunteer, grassroots level person;
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Directly promotes one-on-one relationships and bridge building across differences through their actions and daily life;
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Fosters interfaith cooperation, promotes racial and ethnic understanding, and addresses social needs in the community.
A COMMUNITY MIDDLE, HIGH SCHOOL or COLLEGE student who:
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Lives out MeckMIN's vision of a world of understanding, compassion and justice inspired by the highest values and core virtues of our rich faith traditions
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Works to create an inclusive community that respects the dignity of every person;
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Is an unsung hero, volunteer, grassroots level person;
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Directly promotes one-on-one relationships and bridge building across differences through their actions and daily life;
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Fosters interfaith cooperation, promotes racial and ethnic understanding, and addresses social needs in the community.
Past Award Winners
SYDNOR THOMPSON, Jr.
COMMUNITY LEADER AWARD
BRIDGE BUILDER AWARD
BETH WELLS INTERFAITH SERVICE AWARD
Greg & Helms Jarrell
Beverly Howard
Russ Dean
Rodney Sadler
Dale Mullennix
Gail Card
Dianne English
Willie Ratchford
Sara Haymond
Darren Ash
Imam Khalil Akbar
Chris Wolf/A Way Home
Mary Nell McPherson
Sidney Sussman
Rabbi Judy Schindler
Robert Bayless
Rev. Deborah C. Warren
Angie Forde
Shakieta Maloye
Rev. Glencie Rhedrick
Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox
Danny Trapp
Robert Dawkins
Bob Henderson
Peter Wherry
Braxton Winston
Mike Campagna
Jerry Cannon
Sarah Stevenson
Levine Museum of the New South
Toussaint Romain
Rose Hamid
Race Matters for Juvenile Justice
Ophelia Garmon-Brown
Pamela L Davies
Ruth & Dick Gault
Marsha Kelly & Nikola Taylor / Migrant Assistance Project
Susan Suarez Webster
Temako "Meko" McCarthy
Ismaail Qaiyim
Becky Schisler
Joanne Stevenson Jenkins
Beth Wells
Amee Roome
Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox
SYDNOR THOMPSON, Jr.
COMMUNITY LEADER AWARD
Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox has been the pastor of Greater Bethel AME Church since 2019. In a relatively short time, he has revitalized the congregation,
spearheading the completion of major capital improvement initiatives on the church campus, reviving several ministries, beginning new ministries, partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build an affordable housing community, and beginning a Children’s Church. He is passionate about the role of houses of faith in serving the larger community and has already become well-known throughout Charlotte. His philosophy is summed up in the working theme he has brought to the congregation: “Love God, Love the People, Do the Work."
Joanne
Stevenson Jenkins
BRIDGE BUILDER AWARD
Joanne Stevenson Jenkins is a devotee to reconciliation and peace-seeking across the myriad divides among humans. Retired after working 44 years in nonprofits serving the needs of our most fragile neighbors, Joanne is now providing support and leadership to Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte, a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. She also spends many hours volunteering on various committees and projects throughout the city and state. She's a member of Christ Episcopal Church, a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and she says that she "likes to keep it simple and quiet."
Amee Roome
BETH WELLS SERVICE INTERFAITH AWARD
Amee Roome has been happily married to Aaron Roome for 23 years. She is the mother to 19-year-old son Aaron and 14-year-old daughter Audrey. Amee is a former MeckMIN board member, currently serving as the Head of the Volunteer Committee. With a passion for community service, she's actively involved in various initiatives, such as being a liaison for the Latin American Coalition and MeckMIN, as well as serving as President of the Charlotte chapter of Church Women United. Amee also volunteers for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a JustServe and community resource specialist. Her commitment extends to the planning committee for the Light The World Giving Machines in Charlotte, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact.
THANKS TO THE 2024 SPONSORS
We gratefully acknowledge the late Rev. Dr. Charles Sydnor Thompson, III,
who sponsored this year's Community Leader Award.
After last year's breakfast, he expressed a desire to sponsor this year's award (which is named for his late father) and made a generous personal gift to do so. His thoughtfulness in planning ahead in this way and his kind contribution exemplify the life he led.
Following an extended illness, Dr. Thompson passed away in February of this year. We offer our gratitude for his life and the many ways he served the common good and offer sincere condolences to his family and all who loved him.
A full obituary is available Here
Brenneman Thompson
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - NC Charlotte Coordinating Council
Stephanie Fielder
Beverly & Richard Hester
Dianne English
Kevin & Jenny Kendrick
Beth Wells
FOOD DRIVE IN SUPPORT OF OUR
HUNGRY NEIGHBORS
We don’t usually have a food drive in connection with our Awards Breakfast, but the current need in our community is dire and so we’re partnering with Nourish Up (formerly Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays) and asking you to consider bringing non-perishable foods with you to donate at the event.
In 2023, Nourish Up (formerly Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays) provided nutritious groceries to 137,806 people through our food pantries and our grocery home delivery program. Of those, 24,034 had their groceries delivered directly to their doorstep by volunteers through grocery home delivery. In addition, volunteers delivered more than 128,000 nutritiously prepared meals to those unable to obtain or prepare meals for themselves due to age, disability, or illness through our Meals on Wheels program.
We cannot nourish our neighbors without neighbors like you. Thank you for your support and compassion.
As you come to enjoy a delicious breakfast in good company, please consider bringing some of these most-needed items:
