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The Holy Angels Gospel Singers of Elba, Alabama presented a special Juneteenth celebration banquet Saturday, June 15, along with the annual scholarship awards ceremony at Elba Theater.  

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of Slavery in the United States.  It is also called Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. 

The Holy Angels decided to honor members of the Elba community for their heroism and contributions to the city. The honorees selected this year included those who made significant investments in the culture and development of the city, especially in the African American community.  The event was fringed with a delicious meal and musical entertainment.   

Among those honored was Superintendent William Keith Ellison, Pastor of Harris Temple COGIC.  Superintendent Ellison is a state, district, and national leader in the Church of God in Christ. His contributions to Elba are numerous. 

Attorney Gladys Yelverton is a civic leader, retired attorney, and educator.  Her involvement in religious, civic, and community activities is recognized throughout the city and state. 

Chequita Walker is the owner of J. J’s Barbeque Restaurant.  She uses the success of her business to invest in the community by providing employment opportunities and remaining humble in demeanor as a solid role model for the youth of our city. 

Kenya Martin was born and raised in Elba. She is a hometown hero in her own right.  After matriculating in the Elba School District, Martin studied at Troy University and returned home as an educator.  Proving herself as a successful educator, she has risen to significant heights as principal of Elba Elementary School.  

Gregory Sowell is one of Elba’s gentle giants.  He is the president of Coleman Mortuary.  Sowell is continuing a solid tradition he began with his grandfather, the late Rev. Virgil Coleman.  His ability to provide comfort to the tri-county area residents in their time of need is invaluable.  Mr. Sowell’s commitment to the development of Elba is unprecedented.  

A special posthumous award was presented to the family of the late Rosa Russell-Coleman.  Mrs. Coleman was a major inspiration in the organization of the Holy Angels Gospel Choir.  Mrs. Coleman’s love for humanity still impacts Elba as fervent teaching methods are still effective and used by those whose lives she touched.

One of the highlights was the annual scholarship ceremony. The group awarded the 2024 Darryl Crittenden and C. R. Sconiers’ scholarships to Tajah Robinson and Brooke Tinsley, seniors at Elba High School.