2017 Starks Honorees

The Legacy Award is presented to individuals/groups who have a demonstrated legacy of activism and advocacy; who by their actions have changed an unlimited number of lives and opened lasting doors of opportunity for future generations in the areas of education, liberation and social-economic justice in an expression of their faith.

Dr. Erma L. Clanton is considered the matriarch of Black Theater in Memphis.  Dr. Clanton taught at Melrose High School and the University of Memphis; she was an educator and artist of extraordinary influence for decades. Her original works—which have delighted audiences around the country—include “An Evening of Soul,” (later “Roots, Rhymes, and Righteous Times!”) “God’s Trombones”, “Listen Children”, “Walk in My Shoes”, “Black & White and Red All Over, “Blues and Sunday Morning”, “The Other Side of Soul – A Tribute to Black Sacred Music”, and other original plays and pageants. Her artistry and educational leadership has received accolades and awards too numerous to list.

With a record of high level professional plays behind her, Dr. Clanton now enjoys working and presenting pageants and spiritual plays at New Sardis Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray, Jr. Pastor.

The President’s Humanitarian Award is presented to a philanthropist and an ambassador of goodwill who, with faith and compassion, builds the community of God by breaking down barriers that separate us and improves the welfare of humankind irrespective of race, gender, faith expression or socioeconomic background.

Kathy Buckman Gibson, President & COO, Buckman International (Regina) is nominated for how she uses her connections throughout the community for neighborhood development and her commitment to encouraging her employees to make time to serve.

https://www.buckman.com/en/about-us/news/583-kathy-buckman-gibson-receives-legends-award

http://www.commercialappeal.com/opinion/local/guest-column-new-plan-aims-for-proficient-readers-at-third-grade-30637226-fce0-2d0b-e053-0100007f276-375964941.html

The Dr. Henry Logan Starks Distinguished Service Award is presented to an exceptional community leader who, as an expression of her/his faith, has rendered extraordinarily, exceptional ministry and/or service in providing courageous leadership for social justice on behalf of the marginalized, impoverished and underrepresented people in his/her community.

Alice Faye Duncan Thompson is the personification of Dr. Starks’ social-justice advocacy. She was just one-year-old at the time of Dr. King’s death, and received weekly lessons on Civil Rights as she rode with her mother each Sunday to and from St. James AMEC (African Methodist Episcopal Church).  Each Sunday, her pastor, Dr. Henry Logan Starks, would affirm her, “You are somebody.”

Today, she credits those experiences as the foundation for her passion and is regarded as a “Literary Drum Major for Justice. Through her presentations and blog, she surfaces critical issues regarding “Black Lives Matter,” police brutality, and facilitates discussions about Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, and others. Of greater significance, Duncan engages the discussion of Civil Rights with preschool and elementary school audiences—nationwide.

Duncan’s approach allows young children to not only become familiar with the Civil Rights movement, but also, to become justice and social activists. Her publications and resources are found in schools, libraries, and community centers throughout the nation, and are frequently used as references for multicultural conversations and activities.

The Starks Outstanding African American Alumni Award is presented to MTS graduates who have demonstrated a thirst for theological education, a passion for ministry modeled by a commitment to community service and faithfulness to social justice in ministry on behalf of those who are marginalized socially, economically, spiritually or communally.

Rev. Dr. Delois Broady’s work as a pastor and chaplain has touched thousands of lives. Her leadership has brought, and continues to inspire, exceptional care for those grieving and experiencing hardship.

Appointed as Lead Chaplain at Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare South in 2007, Rev. Dr. Broady was the first African American female to assume the role of Spiritual Care Faith and Health Chaplain Manager. In this role she has developed programming, instituted new opportunities for prayer and education, and become an integral part of the MLH South Leadership Team.

Her gifts extend to the greater community in her role as Co-Chairperson to the Diabetes Wellness Prevention Council’s Community Advisory Council, through her her work as a caregiver for the Memphis/Mid-South Multiply Myeloma support group, and numerous efforts in ministry. Rev. Dr. Broady’s passion for Christ and love for her neighbors is evident in all of her endeavors.

The Starks Outstanding African American Alumni Award is presented to MTS graduates who have demonstrated a thirst for theological education, a passion for ministry modeled by a commitment to community service and faithfulness to social justice in ministry on behalf of those who are marginalized socially, economically, spiritually or communally.

Rev. Dr. Dave Adams has always been willing to share his time and talents with those in need. Pastor of St. Mark AME Church in Munford, TN, Rev. Dr. Dave has led his congregation to minister to the community in a number of ways, under the mission to “To minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people.” They are involved with local schools and educational initiatives, including the Tipton County Summer Feeding Program, which provides hundreds of meals to needy children each week. Rev. Dr. Dave has also been a volunteer at Manna House for almost a decade, where he and his congregation have been deeply involved with providing hospitality for persons experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Rev. Dr. Dave Adams’ spirit of deep humility is evidenced by his commitment to service outside the church as well. He served as President of the AME Ministerial Alliance of Memphis and Vicinity and as a member of the Regional One Spiritual, Health, and Wellness Council, where he has played a key role in the development and implementation of numerous health initiatives. Also with Regional One, Rev. Dr. Dave has met the needs of the sick, suffering, and their families as a volunteer chaplain. Despite all this, Rev. Dr. Dave still finds time to volunteer as a tutor at the Shelby County Correctional Center. His life is a testament to the love of God and MTS is proud to honor him for his role in furthering Christ’s work and continuing Dr. Starks’ legacy.

The Starks Candlebearer Award is presented to individuals and/or groups of young people 18 years old and under, who are demonstrating a love for excellence in education, a passion for community service and faithfulness to social justice on behalf of those who are marginalized socially, economically, spiritually or communally.

These are the faces of our future. These are the faces of the hope in which we see reflections of many who gave their all so that they could stand together. These students from Overton and Central High School have participated in the Lynching Project to help our community face and eradicate racism. Their work, including the creation of a film about lynching victim Ell Persons, has honored and memorialized the victims and survivors of atrocity, and catalyzed healing in the city of Memphis.

https://lynchingsitesmem.org/about

Photo by Matteo Servantes.