2024 Dr. Marion J. Brooks Living Legends Awards Program

DR. MARION J. BROOKS

Class, professional excellence, selflessness…these are just a few of the words that describe Dr. Marion J. Brooks. The first honoree for the Living Legends Awards, Dr. Marion J. Brooks is the standard bearer for our Fort Worth legends.

Born on February 15, 1920 to Mr. and Mrs. Roy and Eula Brooks, Marion “Jack” Brooks was raised on the South Side of Fort Worth. Dr. Brooks was a graduate of the 1936 Class of I.M. Terrell High School and would go on to earn degrees from Prairie View A&M College in 1940 and Howard University in 1951. It was on Christmas Day in 1945 that Dr. Brooks took one of the most important steps of his life, marrying then Marie Louise Norris. After obtaining his medical degree from Howard, Marion and Marie Brooks returned to Fort Worth where Dr. Brooks began his medical practice in the Black Business district.

Many in Tarrant County would come to love and respect the man affectionately called “Dr. Jack.” Years later, those who never met Dr. Brooks still feel his impact as his efforts would lead to the integration of Fort Worth’s hospitals. He founded the Sickle Cell Anemia Association of Texas and Tarrant County Precinct Workers Council. Still others would know Dr. Brooks as their Sunday School teacher, as he also helped in the formation of Morningside United Methodist Church. Dr. Brooks found time to be active outside of his practice, including contributions to the McDonald Branch YMCA, Free and Accepted Masons-Prince Hall, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and NAACP to name a few.

His memory and legacy march on.

LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING

Words by James Weldon Johnson Music by John Rosamond Johnson

Lift every voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered. We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy p ast, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might, Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand, True to our God, True to our native land.

PROGRAM

Greetings Brittney Johnson, Mistress of Ceremonies

Invocation Bro. Rodney Johnson, BTL Chaplain-Elect

Musical Selection ‘Lift Every Voice’- Bro. Jock Lewis

~DINNER IS SERVED~

Welcome Bro. Davin Campbell, BTL Chapter Vice President-Elect

Greetings Bro. Glen Harmon, Livingston Community Development Foundation Executive Director

PRESENTATION OF 2024 LIVING LEGENDS

Dr. Monica Anderson Science & Technology

Barry King Arts & Humanities

Brenda Sanders-Wise Civic & Community Service

PRESENTATION OF 2024 LIVING LEGENDS IN THE MAKING

presented by Brittany Johnson, Mistress of Ceremonies

2024 SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

presented by Brittany Johnson, Mistress of Ceremonies

Bro. Kerven W. Carter, Jr. Scholarship

BTL Chapter Recognitions

Special Acknowledgements & Closing Remarks

presented by Bro. Jamal C. Williams

BTL Scholarship Committee Chair

presented by Bro. Adrian J. Gray, Esq.

BTL Chapter President

Bro. SaJade Miller & Naim Moses, Esq

Living Legends Event Chairs

LEGENDS AFTER DARK - AFTER PARTY

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.

DISTRICT OF TEXAS

Texas District of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. tx.dd@apa1906.net www.alphatexas.org

Willis

L. Lonzer III, Ph.D. General President

Sean

To My Brothers of Beta Tau Lambda,

It is with pride that I bring greetings to you as the 18th District Director for the Texas Council of Alpha Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Congratulations to the Brothers of Beta Tau Lambda on your 30th ANNUAL DR. MARION J. BROOKS LIVING LEGENDS AWARDS. For the past 84 years the brothers of Beta Tau Lambda have been a shining light in the Fort Worth community and exemplify the Aims of our fraternity, “Manly Deeds, Scholarship and Love for All Mankind”.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees: Stephanie Broussard, Renika Atkins - Science & Technology, Jordan Stimpson, Hon. Dr. Jared Williams, Brittnee Thomas - Civic & Community Engagement, Kali RogersSmith, Leon Bridges, Brian Dickson - Arts and Humanities.

The leadership of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the District of Texas commend the brothers of Beta Tau Lambda for setting the standard. Congratulations again to the honorees and their efforts to uplift the Tarrant County community. Best of luck on a successful event.

Fraternally,

Derrell R. Robinson

18th Texas District Director

Derrell

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Texas District - Area 2

Bro. William Bernard, Area 2 Director 817-683-9952 (M) Wbernard22@yahoo.com

Bro. Victor Cathey, Assistant Area Director

Greetings,

On behalf of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Area 2 Leadership, I would like to recognize and honor Beta Tau Lambda on 30yrs of the Dr. Marion J. Brooks Living Legends Awards. This awards event has recognized trailblazers in the Tarrant County community for their selfless and untiring work for the betterment of “All Mankind”!

Congratulations to all the recipients, we are extremely proud of your achievements and accomplishments! We appreciate the contributions and efforts that your service present. With acknowledging another milestone, we are proud to know that you will inspire future leaders.

Finally, congratulations to Beta Tau Lambda on the first program event for the Livingston Community Development Foundation, this is truly a great accomplishment in the name of our dear Brother. Let us not forget the mission of this wonderful foundation:

“The Livingston Community Development Foundation (LCDF) is dedicated to fostering economic development within our community. Through the power of collaborative partnerships and the utilization of diverse talents, we strive to create sustainable growth for the benefit of all.”

Fraternally, William Bernard

Brother William Bernard

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc

Area 2 Director

2023-2024 Officers

Adrian J. Gray President

Frank J. Johnson* Vice President

Davin Campbell Recording Secretary

Jamal C. Williams Corresponding Secretary

Donovan Thompson Financial Secretary

Jesse L. Alston* Treasurer

Derek Hammonds Chaplain

Julian Hobdy Intake Coordinator

Kiwitta Paschal* Historian

Reggie Jennings Assoc. Editor of “The Sphinx”

George Ramsey Dir. of Educational Activities

Joshua Rivers Sergeant-At-Arms

Titus Ross Parliamentarian

Jay Corzine* Immediate Past President

*Life Member

May 18, 2024

With pride and admiration I offer congratulations to our 2024 Class of Living Legends, Dr. Monica Anderson, Mr. Barry King, and Ms. Brenda Sanders-Wise. For 30 years the Dr. Marion J. Brooks Living Legends Awards has honored the best and brightest in Tarrant County who have selflessly served our community. This year’s Legendary Class once again exemplifies the servant attitude exemplified by the late great Dr. Jack himself.

A warm and sincere congratulations to our 2024 Class of Legends in the Making. For all of our nominees we thank you for allowing us to celebrate your great accomplishments and contributions to Tarrant County and we encourage you to continue your good work for your labor is not in vain.

To our Chairs, Brothers Sajade Miller, Brother Rodney Johnson, Brother Na’Im Moses and the entire Beta Tau Lambda Living Legends Committee thank you for your tireless efforts to make this year’s event our best yet. We thank the Livingston Community Development Foundation for its strong partnership and look forward to the years to come in celebration of this important community event.

To Mr. Jim Austin, thank you once again for your trust in the Beta Tau Lambda Chapter in passing the baton in 2017 and for the vision of you, Mr. Tim Grace and Mrs. Gloria Austin in bringing this program to fruition and carrying the torch for so many years.

Finally, to our guests, thank you for sharing this landmark evening with us. We thank you for your support and hope to see you in 2025 for the 31st Annual Dr. Marion J. Brooks Living Legends Awards.

WithThanks,

Adrian.J.Gray,Esq. ChapterPresident AlphaPhiAlpha Fraternity,Inc. BetaTauLambdaChapter

Dear Esteemed Guests,

On behalf of the Livingston Community Development Foundation and the Beta Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, we are privileged to welcome you to the 2024 Dr. Marion J. Books Living Legends Awards Gala. For three decades, this event has celebrated the remarkable achievements of individuals who have significantly contributed to our community across diverse fields. With great pride, we continue this tradition of recognizing excellence and honoring those who embody the spirit of service and dedication.

We are profoundly honored to carry forward the rich legacy of distinction established by the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and to serve as stewards of this momentous occasion. This distinguished event, now in its 30th year, is a shining testament to the brilliance- providing a vital platform for acknowledging the remarkable achievements of individuals who have left an indelible mark on our society. These luminaries have ascended to legendary status among us through their boundless dedication, unwavering resolve, and extraordinary accomplishments.

This year, we are thrilled to commend the extraordinary accomplishments of our 2024 Living Legends Class: Dr. Monica Anderson, Mr. Barry King, and Ms. Brenda Sanders-Wise. These distinguished individuals have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community, upholding the legacy of the late Dr. Marion J. Brooks. Their impactful work and dedication serve as an inspiration to us all, highlighting the profound influence they have had on the Tarrant County community.

Beyond honoring our living legends, the Beta Tau Lambda Chapter remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Adding to the excitement of this evening, we are proud to introduce the Livingston Community Development Foundation (LCDF). As a nonprofit organization devoted to fostering economic prosperity within our community, the LCDF embodies our commitment to sustainable progress and development. Tonight, we unveil our cornerstone initiative, the Vision for Vickery, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our collective efforts toward growth and advancement.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported and contributed to the success of the Living Legends Awards over the years. Your dedication and support are invaluable to the continued celebration of community excellence and the fostering of a brighter future for all.Thank you for joining us tonight to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future filled with promise and opportunity.

Warmest regards,

SaJade J. Miller

Bro. SaJade J. Miller Chair, Living Legends Awards Board Secretary, Livingston Community Development Foundation

Na’Im Moses

Bro. Na’Im Moses, Esq. Chair, Living Legends Awards

Patrick Quarels

Bro. Patrick Quarels, Chair Livingston Community Development Foundation

202 4 LIVING LEGENDS

MISTRESS OF CEREMONI ES

Brittney Johnson

Brittney Johnson is an award-winning journalist who joined NBC DFW in September 2021 as co-anchor of NBC 5 News at 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. She was born in Dallas, Texas and spent part of her childhood in Little Rock, Arkansas before her family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Brittney started her journalism career as a staff writer and section editor at The Hilltop newspaper during her time as an undergraduate at Howard University. Johnson went on to earn her master’s degree at the University of California at Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. She also worked as a health reporting fellow for The Washington Post.

Prior to joining DFW, Johnson worked for six years in Charlotte, North Carolina where she anchored the market’s top-rated morning newscasts and delivered in-depth and investigative stories on the affordable housing crisis, mental health, and the foster care system.

As a result of her work, she has received several Emmy nominations and awards from the Associated Press. in addition, she was also named 2019 Anchor of the Year by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) and Anchor Team of the Year for 2019 and 2020 by the Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas (RTDNAC).

She is a fitness enthusiast who has run several marathons, practices yoga and enjoys indoor cycling. Johnson also enjoys mentoring and serving the community. She has served as a coach for Girls on the Run, volunteered and hosted bone marrow registry drives for Be The Match, and tutored children as a reading buddy. Furthermore, she is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the National Association of Black Journalists.

DR. MARION J. BROOKS

IN THE MAKING

ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Leon Bridges

Todd Michael "Leon" Bridges (born July 13, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He signed with Columbia Records to release his debut studio album, Coming Home (2015), which peaked at number six on the Billboard 200, received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and earned a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Bridges was discovered performing open-mics while working at Del Frisco’s Grille in Fort Worth, Texas.

Brian Dickson, Jr.

Brian Dickson Jr. is a Mixed Media artist from Fort Worth, Texas. He received a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies combining Studio Art, Art Education, and Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies from Texas Christian University. Today Brian is the Education Coordinator at Kinfolk House and is pursuing a Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies combining Educational Psychology and Art Education from the University of North Texas.

Kali Rogers-Smith

Kali Rogers-Smith is a New York City-born and South Carolina-raised awardwinning creative. The bulk of her work has revolved around weddings, events, portraits, and commercial photography. Mrs. Rogers-Smith has photographed hundreds of weddings both in the United States and abroad. Mrs. RogersSmith’s corporate client portfolio includes but is not limited to the Fort Worth Housing Solutions, CASA of Collin County, JP Morgan and Chase, Foot Locker, Gymshark, Meta, Puma, AEW Wrestling, and Reebok.

CIVIC & COMMUNITY EN GAGEMENT

Jordan Stimpson

Attorney Jordan Stimpson is a Partner at Linebarger where she provides exceptional legal representation for government clients in property tax related matters and litigation. Attorney Stimpson earned a bachelor’s degree in Arts in Journalism with honors from Southern Methodist University before transitioning to the University of Houston Law Center where she obtained her Juris Doctor. A former prosecutor with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, Attorney Stimpson prosecuted in Felony and Misdemeanor courts as well as the Felony Family Violence Unity. Attorney Stimpson has also served admirably with the Tarrant county Criminal District Attorney’s Office serving as Deputy Chief of a District Court. While serving in the Civil Division Attorney Stimpson had an array of responsibilities including reviewing and drafting contracts involving Tarrant county, litigation, labor and employment matters and public information requests.

Brittnee Thomas

Brittnee Thomas serves as Chief Executive Director of Northside InterCommunity Agency, Inc., an agency established in 1969 to provide food, clothing, and self help programs to families in the North Side of Fort Worth. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Ms. Thomas having earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Tarleton State University, an Executive Master’s degree in Public Administration from Southern University Baton Rouge and is currently serving as a Ph.D. candidate in Policy and Public Administration at Walden University. In addition to her work at Northside Inter-Community Agency, Inc., Ms. Thomas also serves as Chief Executive Officer of BlackBee Logistics. Ms. Thomas volunteers as as Chair of Finance for Fort Worth Bridge (2 years).,

Dr. Jared Williams

The Hon. Dr. Jared Williams is currently serving in his second term as member of the Fort Worth City Council representing the citizens of District 6. A local product, Dr. Williams graduated from North Crowley High School before earning his bachelor’s degree in Plant Science Biotechnology from Fort Valley State University, a master’s degree in Environmental Science from Texas Christian University, and a doctorate in Environmental Science and Science Education from the University of North Texas. Dr. Williams serves as a managing Partner of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden – botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), and as an Adjunct professor of biology at Tarrant County College. Former Board Member Tarrant County Area Food Bank. Dr. Williams is a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Tau Lambda Chapter.

2024 LEGENDS IN THE MAKING NOMINEES

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Stephanie Broussard

Stephanie Broadnax Broussard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board Approved Supervisor (LCSW-S), Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker (APHSW-C), and a Certified Advanced Care Planning Facilitator and Trainer. A proud Louisiana native, Ms. Broussard graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor’s of Science /Family and child Studies, before earning her master’s degree in Science in Social work from the University of Texas in Arlington and then her doctorate degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. Ms. Broussard is the Director of Palliative Care and Social Work in a Community Oncology practice and a therapist in private practice.

Renika Atkins

` Ms. Renika Atkins is the Founder & Executive Director of RISE, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between transitioning youth/young adults and their community through education, outreach, advocacy, awareness, and mentorship. Renika is a powerhouse speaker and empowering coach, with a passion to motivate students, young adults, and leaders to unlock their greatest potential and unleash their greatest skills and talents onto the world. Ms. Atkins earned her bachelor’s of science degree in Sociology from Texas Woman’s University and obtained her master’s degree in social work from The University of Texas at Arlington. Ms. Atkins is currently a doctoral candidate at Prairie View A&M University.

02 4

2024 LIVING LEGEND (SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY)

Dr. Monica Anderson

Monica “Dr. mOe” Anderson is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, award winning podcast host, and dentist. Currently, she is a full-time, certified dental benefits consultant licensed in AZ, NJ, MO, and Texas. She earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota School Dentistry and holds a BA in Biology from Baylor University. Her oral healthcare experience includes: three decades of public speaking and writing on healthcare-related topics, successful private practice ownership (MN & TX), Director of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Director for a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO), contracted Director for Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP), Director of Clinical Management (DentaQuest/Sun Life), Associate Editor for the professional journals "Northwest Dentistry" and "The Beacon", as well as, contributing writer for Drbicuspid.com, the leading online dental journal in the country.

Dr. Anderson is the author of eight published books. This Texas native is widely published in journals, magazines, anthologies, and on-line. In 1996, she made history as the first African-American columnist for the Arlington Star-Telegram. The popularity of her articles led to a weekly editorial for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. For three decades, she has been a highly sought-after speaker for corporate, university, and civic groups. She is also the founder/president of DropTheDrugs.org, Inc. a 501c3 nonprofit working to curb prescription medication misuse/mismanagement. Her business background includes General Nutrition Centers franchise owner, producer/host of a Time Warner/Spectrum cable television program, private practice, real estate investor, and founder of TyMAC Books, a private publishing company.

Dr. Anderson has been the recipient of several awards for leadership and service, including: Outstanding Employer Support for the (National) Guard and Reserve from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Outstanding Community Leader from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, Outstanding Young Women of America, the "Outstanding Young Alumni" Award from the Alumni Association of Baylor University, the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Fort Worth Independent School District, and the Millennium Award for Medicine from Altrusa International, Inc. In 2022, she was nominated for the Texas Academy of General Dentistry’s prestigious “Dentist of the Year” award.

She has served on numerous nonprofit boards and maintains membership in many professional and civic organizations. Her volunteer involvement revolves around her core passions: education, children/ women’s issues, health, and communication. The Arlington Sports Facilities Development Authority, Life Raft Group, Fort Worth Academy of General Dentistry, Junior League, Baylor University Alumni Board, Communities in Schools, and Big Sisters are a few of her current and past commitments.

She is a graduate of Leadership Twin Cities, Leadership Austin Experience, and the American Dental Association’s Institute for Diversity in Leadership. Dr. Anderson is also a third-generation member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She is a member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. She divides her time between Grand Prairie and Austin, Texas. Dr. mOe is a proud mother of two and a grandmother of three.

2024 LIVING LEGEND

(ARTS & HUMANITIES)

Barry

King

Barry King’s multifaceted contributions and unwavering commitment to the community have left an indelible mark on the fabric of our society.

Barry’s life journey reads like a tapestry of diverse accomplishments and unwavering dedication to service. From his early days as a child artist to his remarkable career spanning fine arts, graphic design, advertising, and even the realms of television and cinema, Barry has exemplified creativity, innovation, and excellence in all his endeavors. His artistic prowess, coupled with his keen eye for storytelling, has not only entertained but also inspired countless individuals across Tarrant County and beyond.

However, Barry's impact extends far beyond the realms of art and entertainment. His active involvement in various community organizations, such as the Metropolitan Fort Worth Black Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Police Officers Award Foundation, the Arts Council of Fort Worth, and ACH Child and Family Services, underscores his deep-rooted commitment to the betterment of society. Through his dedicated service, Barry has played an instrumental role in fostering inclusivity, promoting cultural enrichment, and supporting the welfare of our community's most vulnerable members.

Yet, perhaps most notably, Barry's courageous journey through personal adversity is a beacon of hope and resilience for us all. His candid discussion about his own battle with depression and subsequent efforts to destigmatize mental health issues have sparked important conversations and catalyzed positive change within our community. By sharing his own story and advocating for greater awareness and support as a board member of the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation of Fort Worth, Barry has not only provided solace to those grappling with similar challenges but has also helped pave the way toward a more compassionate and understanding society.

In addition to his professional achievements and philanthropic endeavors, Barry is a devoted family man, cherishing the love and support from his wife Leah, their son Ian, daughter-in-love Eronia (because the “law” had nothing to do with bringing them together!), and grandsons Ari 5 and Uriyah 7 months old. His unwavering commitment to both his family and his community exemplifies the essence of what it means to lead a life of purpose and significance.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the arts, his dedicated service to the community, and his unwavering advocacy for mental health awareness, we salute Barry King as a Living Legend in Tarrant County. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of all who have crossed paths with this remarkable individual.

2024 LIVING LEGEND

(CIVIC & COMMUNITY SERVICE)

Brenda Sanders-Wise

Brenda Sanders-Wise currently serves as the Executive Director of the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc., providing educational programming and genealogy workshops for adults and children. Brenda also serves as the director and curator of the Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum. She has forged partnerships with other area museums to share in exhibitions and displays of African American history as well as summer outreach programs for children in underserved communities. Throughout the school year, Brenda is the TCBHGS representative for the Adopt-A-School Partner program at Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary. She also volunteers as a reading mentor at Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary (FWISD) and Cheney Hills Elementary, Jack C. Binion Elementary, Holiday Heights Elementary and other schools within the Birdville Independent School District.

For 12 years Brenda served as a Commissioner for the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission, where she assisted other members in discovering and preserving the history of Fort Worth’s architectural and cultural resources while helping to ensure the public’s understanding of historic preservation. She continues to serve on various committees and focus groups for the City of Fort Worth.

In 2004, Brenda moved back to her hometown of Fort Worth and was instrumental in organizing the Garden of Eden NA, the Carson Street Historic Preservation Group. She was responsible for the zoning changes of the neighborhood, street repairs, and designation of the neighborhood as the first African American Historic and Cultural Landmark District in Tarrant County. In 2005, Brenda was responsible for the neighborhood association receiving the Historic Fort Worth Historic Preservation Award – “Citation of Merit for Preservation.” Brenda served on the Historic and Cultural Landmark Commission’s designation committee as well as a Commissioner. She also served on the board of the FWLNA. She assisted with the selection of the 2006 Neighborhood Park Development Grant Program, and curated the Black History Month’s art exhibit for the FW Public Central Library. When requested, she is always receptive to speak to other organizations to share the success of the Garden of Eden as well as share the best practices of her organization. Some of these organizations include the Birdville Historical Society, Tarrant County Historic Commission, Saginaw Historical Society and the Richland Hills Historical Society.

Her most cherished achievements include succeeding in receiving recognition for the community as “The Carson Street Garden of Eden Historic & Cultural Landmark District, the first African American historic and cultural landmark district in Tarrant County and the neighborhood received the “Neighborhood of the Year” award in 2004” from the City of Fort Worth and in 2006 became the “National Neighborhood of the Year”. Brenda is married to Retired U. S. Army Captain, Dennis Wise, the mother of 7 children and has 26 grandchildren. Brenda has one great granddaughter, and four great-grandsons.

PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS

PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS

2024 NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

ERIC ALLEN

SABRINA CONNER

GLEN HARMON

PAMELA DUNLOP-GATES, ESQ.

SAJADE MILLER

PAULETTE TURNER

TRACY WILLIAMS

RODERICK MILES

DR. JAMAL WILLIAMS

JIM AUSTIN

ADRIAN J. GRAY, ESQ.- CHAIRMAN

PROGRAM HISTORY

The Renaissance Cultural Center, co-founded by Jim Austin and Tim Grace, Sr. with Gloria Austin as executive director, created the Living Legends Awards and Scholarship program in 1994 as an effort to give public appreciation and recognition to individuals who had dedicated their lives to serving their community. The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum took the helm of continuing the annual program in 2011, and in 2015 forged relationships with the Fort Worth Library, (Dr. Gleniece A. Robinson, Director) to preserve the document artifacts the museum had gathered regarding Living Legends Award recipients. Alpha Pi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (Dr. Tara C. Reed, President); revamped and reinstated awarding scholarships at the Dr. Marion J. Brooks Living Legends Awards Program.

In 2017, the Beta Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was asked to facilitate the event in partnership with the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum for that year’s program held at the downtown Fort Worth Library.

The 2017 Living Legends honorees included:

Brother Dr. Robert T. McDaniel

Bishop Robert Sample

Mrs. Paulette Turner

Mrs. Gwen Barbee

Beginning in 2018, the Fort Worth Alphas took full control of the event and installed the first class of LegendsintheMaking , including Tarrant County Commissioner Devan Allen, Dr. Kelley Mills, Mr. Dante Williams and Mr. Jeremiah Anderson. That same year, the Beta Tau Lambda Charitable Foundation partnered with the Beta Tau Lambda Chapter to further support the awards program

Since 2017, the Dr. Marion J. Brooks Living Legends Awards has been held at Tarrant County College Trinity River Campus (Dr. Sean Madison, President), the Palmwood Event Center and The Petroleum Club. In 2019, the Legends After Dark Awards After Party was added to compliment the program and provide honorees an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments alongside their peers and loved ones. Program partners have included the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Tarrant County, Alpha Pi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Fort Worth Bridge and the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education.

BETA TAU LAMBDA CHAP TER

TARRANT COUNTY LEADE RSHIP

Brother Roy Charles Brooks – Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 1

Brother Michael Evans – Mayor, City of Mansfield

Brother Jared Williams, Ph.D. – Fort Worth City Councilmember

Brother Quinton Phillips – Fort Worth ISD School Board Trustee

Brother Leonard Hornsby – Tarrant County College Board Trustee

Brother Daryl R. Davis, II – Crowley ISD School Board Trustee

Brother Sean Madison, Ed.D. – President, Tarrant County College Trinity River

Brother Glenn O. Lewis, Esq. – Board Chairman, Texas Wesleyan University

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Beta Tau Lambda Chapter House 162

Extends our sincere congratulations to the 2024 dr. marion j. brooks living legends and legends in the making award recipients

Congratulations, Barry, on this signature achievement, being named a Dr. Marion J. Brooks Living Legend!

Your commitment to helping people, supporting your family, friends, and community, and sharing the extraordinary artistic gift God gave you is truly legendary. May God continue to bless you as you pursue excellence in all of your endeavors.

With unlimited love, your brother and sister-in-law,

George & Charliese King

BRENDA SANDERS WISE

From Her Very Proud Uncle, BOB RAY SANDERS (And PEACHES).

Glen and Pamela Harmon

~d]L V NCG

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE RECIPIENTS OF THE LIVINGSTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

LIVING LEGENDS AWARD . You PERSONIFY AND EXEMPLIFY THE CHARACTERISTICS EMBODIED BY THIS AWARD . You HAVE BLAZED A TRAIL FOR MANY TO FOLLOW. THAN I< YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED.

!<._ARMEN JOHNSON, A_TTORNEY AT I.I}W

Congratulations to the Brilliant Dream Manifestor, Renika Atkins, on her nomination as the Dr. Marion J. Brooks Legend In the Making Award alongside Stephanie Broussard.

Renika, we are awe-inspired by what you do, but most importantly who you are, we thank you for your time, dedication, and efforts to bring awareness regarding foster youth and investing time to ensure we DO SOMETHING.

Creating STEM Leaders by planting a seed for their success? Now that is 'Rising to the Occasion.'

With love and admiration, Tiesa Leggett, on behalf of RISE Youth and the Board of Directors

LIVING LEGENDS PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Vince Adams

Lewis Alston

Frank J. Johnson

Sajade Miller, Co-Chairman

Na’Im Moses, Co-Chairman

Rodney Johnson, Co-Chairman

Lynden Marshall

Glen L. Harmon

Jay Corzine

Josh Willis

Special thanks to Shantelle Gray (Event Décor)

VENDORS

Program design by Shantelle Gray, Impressive Imprints Paperie