The Lubbock Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority presented its Man and Woman of the Year Awards on Friday to LaCarl Richardson and Bennie Sims.
Bishop Leonard Chatham of Full Armor Ministries, speaker during a reception and program at Mae Simmons Community Center, told the audience that life is meant to be shared with others.
“My life is not mine alone,” he said.
Referring to individuals who are suffering discouragement, he said, “it’s very important to give someone a reason to live.”
Chatham added, “I’m so glad that East Lubbock didn’t give up on itself. We can’t afford to lose another generation of young people.”
He spoke also of his own family mentor. “My dad worked at a truck stop for 42 years without missing a day of work, except to bury his father and his sister. I’m so proud of my dad, because he taught us how to work.”
The 39th-annual Community Service Awards Program was designed to recognize outstanding work on behalf of others.
Richardson expressed appreciation for being chosen Man of the Year by the Lubbock Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
“It’s truly an honor to have a second chance at life, and having had a chance, I’ve had an opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate,” he said.
“It’s being able to help those that society has already given up on, to try to instill hope and interject some type of skill to assist them in realizing that life is as good as they make it.”
Sims said of the award, “This is very, very nice. The community service I do — and have always done since I have been back in Lubbock — is to be born into the Spirit.”
She added, “Sometimes if a person needs a ride to the doctor, I give them a ride. If they are in want or need of medical help, I help there also.”
To comment on this story:
ray.westbrook@lubbockonline.com
• 766-8711
leesha.faulkner@lubbockonline.com
• 766-8706
