On Friday, October 4th the Department of Community Justice (DCJ) hosted the 3rd annual African American Program (AAP) Awards Banquet at the Miracles Recover Center in NE Portland. The evening celebrated former and current AAP clients who are succeeding in the program. Parole and Probation Officers Javelin Hardy and Nate Roberts coordinated the event with the support of clients who volunteered their assistance.
The evening included good food, dance, poetry and song, including a heartfelt performance from Tamara Monique Walker (aka) F.I.Y.A!. Pastor Renee Ward, an ordained minister and social justice activist, delivered the keynote address where she challenged the audience to think about what their legacy will be and encouraged them to ”mediate on the good things”.
The evening ended with awards. Five women received recognition for their good work in the program, including a special award given to one of the women for volunteering in a local homeless shelter. Several women shared their stories of success and thanking the many people for helping them reach their goals. The evening closed with the presentation of the Erick Montgomery Award to Tyrone C. Taylor, who is now an inspirational speaker. He shared his story and provided advice and hope to the audience, advising them to focus and remember that results take time to measure.
For more information about the African American Program, please contact Kate Desmond, Community Justice Manager, 503.988.4999