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Chiton County educators Geraldin baker, Monique Harton and Marlon Harton were among the night's honorees. (JOYANNA LOVE | ADVERTISER)

By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Celebrating Our Own Black History Makers honored a number of successful people from Chilton County in a night of presentations, entertainment and food on Feb. 20.

This was the third year for the West End Neighborhood Watch Children and Youth Division to host the event.

“I just love reading the history on people and getting to know what we have right here in Chilton County,” organizer Francine Lewis said.“… I want these young people to know… that we have greatness right here in Chilton County.”

This year’s honorees included WENW President Jackie Baker; WENW Executive Chairman Paul Dickerson; educators Erika Crum, Shannon Oliver, Douglas Laister, Monique Harton, Marlon Harton and Geraldine Baker; diabetes specialist Barbara Nix; pharmacist Charlotte “Joan” Goodwin; entrepreneurs Deborah Goodwin Hall, James Sullivan and Warren Wright;  U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Desmond Agee; Alabama Deputy Commissioner for Family Resources Margie Faye Nelson; Perry County Superintendent of Transportation Jessie Adams; Firefighter Andre’ Nix and NFL honoree Tommie Agee.

“My dream for this program is that the youth serve the community, and everything that was done tonight … was done by young people.”

A silent auction during the event raised money for the student scholarships that the West End Neighborhood Watch Children and Youth Division awards.

Lewis said the group is looking to expand the number of scholarships that it awards.

She said the impact of the West End Neighborhood Watch has expanded to other parts of the county to serve the community.

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