When Tennessee state Rep. Barbara Cooper launched the Living Legends Awards three years ago, she had no idea that Sunday’s 2020 program would garner an overflow crowd at the National Civil Rights Museum.
“We just had not expected the number of people that came out on Sunday,” she said. “There were only 50 people at our first recognition program, and last year the gathering was a bit larger. But hundreds of people came out Sunday. People were standing because there were no more seats. That blew me away.”
President George H.W. Bush proclaimed March 10 “Harriet Tubman Day” in 1990. She died on March 10, 1913. State Reps. Barbara Cooper and the late Ulysses Jones started the Cooper-Jones Initiative to commemorate the day. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired the tenor of the project.
“We wanted to recognize Harriet Tubman Day and create an event to help our people,” Cooper said. “We had sessions on education, health care, economic development — things like that. But they weren’t well attended.
“In 2018, we added a recognition component. I wasn’t sure we would do it every year, but that quickly changed. It is important to recognize the people who are making a real difference in our communities.”
A tribute by Beverly Robinson, Greater Memphis Chamber executive director, called honorees “beacons of light” and offered five points of advice to aspiring legends:
Dream big. Develop a plan. Pursue the plan with passion. Make wise choices. Make sure your personal package and appearance is together. Remember, it’s never too late to embark on the legendary.
National Civil Rights Museum Marketing Director Faith Morris felt “honored to be considered a living legend inspired by two civil rights powerhouses.” She was presented a Leadership Award.
“Because Dr. King and Harriet Tubman lived their lives for the betterment of others, this is a high honor,” she said, “and I congratulate the exceptional icons and new movement makers who share in this honor with me.”
Citizens For Better Service Founder Johnnie Mosley was also recognized for leadership.
“As the son of a father who was a sanitation worker in 1968 and a mother who was a church missionary, I am in a real sense a reflection of them. Their values inspire me as I advocate for the least among us.”
Mark Stansbury, a Community recipient, was recognized for his work at radio station WDIA.
“First, I must tell the Lord ‘thank you’ for this awesome award presented by State Rep. Barbara Cooper,” Stansbury said. “Yes, I have received many awards, but this one means so much, coming from a legend herself. I have been involved in community activities for decades, not to get an award, but to represent those who could not represent themselves. I thank God for blessing me to make contributions to my community, city and state.”
Forty-five recipients were presented Tennessee House Proclamations honoring their work in five areas: Leadership, Health, Economic Development, Environmental and Community.
Honorees, or “Honorary’ Harriett Tubman Conductors,” were chosen by the Living Legends Awards Planning Team.
Four “Student Conductors” were honored: Christopher Clark, Stax Academy; Joyce Gardner, legislative intern, LeMoyne-Owen College; Aaron Lewis III, major electrical engineering, Tennessee State University, and Zambia Shores, a scholarship recipient, Tennessee State University.
A Candle Lighting Memorial also honored 12 Legends who have died.
The legendary Tubman, who was born into slavery, is known for heroic efforts to help slaves escape to free freedom and her political activism.
