.png)
BASTROP – Eight local legends of the African American community received recognition and honors this past week, celebrating the lives and actions of Bastrop County’s unsung heroes.
The Bastrop County African American Cultural Center and Freedom Colonies Museum presented their first ever round of awards to representatives from Elgin, Smithville, Bastrop and Cedar Creek.
The distinction was created to recognize individuals who have devoted their lives to family, community service and the preservation of African American history, but who have not yet been included in historical record, according to organizers.
“Tonight, we highlight eight unsung heroes, we celebrate their stories,” said Doris Williams, foundation president who acted as mistress of ceremonies. “We celebrate their service to the community, this county and to the country. They exemplify endurance under difficult circumstance and prohibited laws, they made a way when there was no way.”
The banquet hall was near capacity with the families and community members responsible for nominating the awardees, according to those present.
Awards were distributed with biographies and surrounded by applause.
Benjamin “BJ” Anderson, born in Smithville, was drafted and served for the U.S. Air Corps in 1943, where he was honorably discharged after three years. He went on to serve Bastrop as an automotive repairman for 40 years.
Viola Faye Reese Goodman, born in Bastrop, has overcome adversity and kept her faith while raising nine children, as well as helping raise grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Ruby Mae Thomas Johnson, born outside of Sayersville, provided care for her family and community through the Dust Bowl, Great Depression and WWII.
Ruth DeShay Jones, born in Travis County, has lived her life in loving service of others, working as a certified nurse’s assistant and in group homes for the mentally challenged. She has helped preserve African American history and cultural heritage through her efforts with the Hopewell Rosenwald School Restoration Project.
Tyree King, born in Lund, has served as Pastor for the Greater Swenson Grove Baptist Church for over 59 years, receiving his bachelor’s degrees in theology and divinity during that time.
Mary Jo Alexander Mc-Donald, born in Cedar Creek, grew up under Jim Crow laws and still exemplifies determination at 102 years of age.
Ora Perkins Moore, born in McDade, became a member of Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church at age 15, where she has served for 77 years, becoming the oldest living woman and Mother of the church.
Charles “C.A.” Williams, born in Pierce, was diagnosed with pneumonia at the age of three, not expected to live. He went on to not only beat the diagnosis, but become a well-recognized and respected pastor, helping to build a fellowship hall for the Macedonia First Baptist Church.
