Brunswick County NAACP Banquet recognizes two BCDP members

The Brunswick County NAACP held its annual Freedom Fund Banquet -- "The Legend Lives On" -- on Saturday at the Supply Senior Center. BC-NAACP President Carl Parker described the organization's outlook and one of its current focuses: "We believe when problems come to us, they become opportunities for us to join and take on the task of finding the solution. We continue to press for clean water for Brunswick County citizens."

Two Brunswick County Democrats were recognized with awards at the banquet. Dr. Kimberly Hardy, U.S. Congressional candidate for our district, attended as well, along with more than 20 BCDP members. 

Dr. Bill Flythe of Southport received the NAACP Humanitarian Service Award. Much of his life has been spent in service to others. Bill earned his doctorate in Physical Organic Chemistry from Howard University. His illustrious career included working in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, teaching high school science courses, and serving as a school advisor and county training coordinator. He was also a board member for the student organization, ROCAME -- Region "O" Council for the Advancement of Minorities in Engineering; the president of Save Our Community (SOC), a church-supported youth-oriented organization; a Sunday school teacher and deacon at Friendship Baptist Church in Southport; and a Brunswick County Planning Board member for five years. In addition, Flythe has been a devoted member of the BCDP, serving as treasurer and running multiple times for School Board and County Commissioner.

Dr. Shelley Allen, BCDP Chair, received the NAACP Community Service Award. She and her fellow BCDP volunteers focus on voter outreach and community efforts, educating residents about the impact of current office-holders' policies on their lives, recruiting and supporting viable candidates, and more. Shelley earned her doctorate in Reading Education from Ohio State University. She spent her professional career as a public school teacher, college professor, author, researcher at Vanderbilt University, seminar speaker, consultant, and reading tutor. She worked in Richmond, Virginia for two literacy non-profits, mentoring teachers, reading to children in inner city daycares and elementary schools, and developing school-wide read-aloud programs. As a BCDP Communications Committee member, vice chair, then chair in her second term, Shelley is passionate about fighting for the rights, freedoms, and quality of life of all the residents of our county.

BCDP Contingent

Left to right: Art Hill (BCDP 1st Vice Chair), Dr. Kimberly Hardy (District 7 Congressional Candidate), Shelley Allen (BCDP Chair), Janis Simmons (BCDP Chair Emeritus), Tom Simmons (District 7 Chair), Mike Rush (BCDP 3rd Vice Chair), and Rev. Dr. Erica Smith (Guest speaker and former state senator for District 3)