February 21, 2022
As a part of Black History Month, the City of South Bend and the Black History Month Committee are honoring 12 leaders who’ve made important contributions to South Bend’s history and culture. Today, digital billboards honoring each of the awardees are displayed throughout South Bend.
“It’s important that we recognize the vital role these Black leaders play in our community,” said Mayor James Mueller. “I thank the Black History Month committee for celebrating their work and the difference they make in South Bend.”
Each of the awardees are featured on a series of digital billboards and will be honored at the Black History Month Celebration, which will be held at the Charles Black Community Center at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24.
The 12 leaders being honored as a part of Black History Month 2022 are:
- The Honorable Cristal Brisco
- Pastors Dennis and Debra Givens
- Calvin Johnson
- Bishop Erskine and Pastor Diona Jones
- Jimmie “Hal” Lindsey
- Rafael Morton
- Eva Jones-Young
- Jalen Lee (Leaders Under Forty Award)
- Aja Ellington (Obama Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions in Community Service)
- The Honorable Andre Gammage (Special Tribute)
The honorees are featured on three digital billboards located on the intersections of Angela Boulevard and Indiana 23, Ironwood Drive and Indiana 23, and Ironwood Drive and Lincolnway East. The billboard ads will run until Sunday, February 27.