The Carver Golden Dragon Association honored three longtime leaders Wednesday morning, June 18 at the Black Historical Cultural Center during a Juneteenth brunch celebrating legacy, unity, and progress in Amarillo’s Black community.
Former City Councilwoman Freda Powell, Potter County Precinct 4 Constable Idella Jackson, CDGA President Ray Nash, and community advocate Mary Penns presented awards to James Allen, Charles Hood, and Rose Taylor for their service across government, youth mentorship, and civic leadership.
“This is a day for not only African Americans, but for everyone to come together and recognize Juneteenth — a day of freedom,” Powell said. “We’re here to celebrate people who have given so much of themselves to help others.”
James Allen honored for civic and financial leadership
James Allen, a former Amarillo ISD trustee and longtime director of community development for the City of Amarillo, was the first to be recognized. Allen also spent two decades in banking with Amarillo National Bank and helped guide public investments that shaped key neighborhoods, including North Heights.
His impact included housing programs and capital projects that helped establish the very center where the ceremony was held.
Allen said his parents instilled the values of education, faith, and public service. A graduate of Tascosa High School and Morehouse College, he became the first Black trustee elected to the AISD board and served for 17 years.
“We all have differences, but we’ve got to push forward and support each other,” Allen said. “Too often, the majority isn’t pushing with us — they’re pushing against us.”
He encouraged community members to engage with redevelopment efforts on the 19 acres surrounding the former Saint Anthony’s property and emphasized the importance of economic collaboration.
“We can’t rely on anyone but ourselves,” he said. “If we support each other’s projects, we’ll make real change happen.”
Charles Hood recognized for youth mentorship
Charles Hood, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime mentor to youth through sports, was honored for more than 25 years of volunteer work. A member of the construction industry by trade, Hood has long served as a coach and mentor to young men in the Palo Duro High School community — often stepping into a fatherly role for those without one.
“Stop leaving it up to grandmothers and mothers,” Hood said in his acceptance speech. “We need to step up as men. These kids are watching, and they need us.”
Presenter Mary Penns called Hood a vital part of the community.
“To so many young people, Charles Hood wasn’t just a mentor — he was family,” she said.
Following the ceremony, Hood said the reason he kept showing up was simple: “I’ve had kids say, ‘Coach, I wish my dad was here like you are.’ That sticks with you. That’s why I never stopped.”
His son, Ziggy Hood — a former NFL player and current Palo Duro defensive coach — stood beside him during the ceremony.
“He’s been doing this long before I ever wore a jersey,” Ziggy said. “It’s only right he’s finally getting the recognition.”
Rose Taylor honored for lifetime of advocacy
The final award went to Rose Taylor, who received the Senior Service Award for her decades of work through the United Citizens Forum and consistent support of Amarillo’s youth.
Taylor’s community service began in 1978 when she agreed to sponsor a cheer team. That effort evolved into the Mahogany Strutters and other performance and cultural groups that shaped generations of youth. She was also instrumental in organizing Juneteenth events and local parades, often working behind the scenes with her daughter, the late Nasha Taylor.
“She was always there — making sure every child had a purpose, a platform, and some pride,” Powell said.
Although Taylor could not attend due to health reasons, her sister Doris Roland accepted the award and shared heartfelt thanks.
“Rose is an awesome person,” Roland said. “She’s worked in this community so long, and I really appreciate everyone recognizing her.”
Graves and Reese urge community action
The event concluded with remarks from Melodie Graves, executive director of the United Citizens Forum, who outlined an ambitious vision for the center’s future — including GED and computer literacy programs, resume and interview prep, and on-site support with WIC, HUD, and other social services.
In partnership with Operation First Five, the center now features a mural on its exterior wall and will soon include a play space for children ages 0–5.
“We’ve been steps away for years, but now we can finally see the light at the end of that tunnel,” Graves said. “This place will be a resource — not just a symbol.”
She also announced plans to restore the historic home in front of the center into the Jo Wyatt Museum, which will preserve memorabilia from Carver High School and the broader North Heights community.
“These kids need to know they come from greatness,” Graves said. “And because they come from greatness, greatness is in them.”
Graves responded to concerns from residents who mistook the ongoing renovations for a closure.
“The center cannot be lost — because the center belongs to this community,” she said. “What we’re asking is for people to donate their time, money, and ideas. We can make this place thrive.”
After the event, community advocate Julian Reese spoke about the turnout and the importance of youth-focused leadership.
“It’s exciting to see so many people come together to kick off Juneteenth and celebrate as one,” he said. “Old, young, big, small — we’ve got to keep coming together to work for the betterment of the community.”
Reese praised the mural’s focus on youth and recalled lessons from his own childhood.
“When I was a kid, the elders didn’t just talk — they pulled us in and worked beside us,” he said. “That’s what we’ve got to return to.”
He also reflected on the need to shift from symbolic gestures to real, on-the-ground engagement.
“Anybody can run on a treadmill, but you ain’t going nowhere,” Reese said. “We’ve got to get off the treadmill and get out on the pavement — mentoring, organizing, building. That’s how we move forward.”
Graves offered a powerful closing, urging residents to remember that change starts at home.
“No matter what happens in Washington, D.C., this little city of Amarillo, Texas, is ready for change,” she said. “And what we know is that as long as the foundation is strong, we can grow anything we plant.”
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