Mayor honors black leaders during awards ceremony
African-American Houstonians recognized for civic work at mayor’s second annual event
Mayor Sylvester Turner greets the Rev. William Lawson during the mayor’s second annual History Makers Awards on Friday at the Houstonian hotel.
A historian, a pastor, volunteers and nonprofit leaders were honored Friday at the second annual Mayor’s History Makers Awards presented by Comcast and the city of Houston.
“They’re making history now with the work they’re doing in our city,” said T. Ray Purser, vice president of external affairs in the Houston region for Comcast.
The ceremony, which ties in to Black History Month, recognized 10 black Houstonians for their personal impact in the community, helping further the mission of a nonprofit organization and overcoming personal obstacles, said Purser. All nonprofits that nominated the winning honorees received $1,000 each from Comcast.
Patricia Smith Prather, historian and co-founder and executive director of the Texas Trailblazer Preservation Association, received the Living Legend award for her work highlighting the accomplishments of African-Americans in Texas and Houston.
Her daughter, Keiba Stevenson, accepted the award in her place as Prather recovers from an illness.
“She was so excited,” Stevenson said, “and it takes a lot to get her excited.”
Stevenson added that she felt grateful for the recognition while her mother is still alive to enjoy as so often accolades are given posthumously.
Mayor Sylvester Turner, who selected Prather as this year’s Living Legend recipient, said the ceremony’s intent was to set an example for others to also give back to the community.
“You don’t have to be a seasoned saint to make a vital contribution,” he said.
Additional honorees included the Rev. William Lawson, pastor emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, for his work in helping establish the Houston Chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC.
Lawson, who played a leading role in the Civil Rights Movement through his church, said he felt honored to be nominated by LU-
LAC.
“I’ve always been concerned about minorities, and certainly about Latinos,” he said.
Several veterans were also honored including Patrick Purnell, a U.S. Air Force veteran and survivor of three cancer diagnoses and a stroke. Purnell volunteers regularly at four different nonprofits, and was nominated by Mental Health America Greater Houston for his mentorship of veterans struggling through difficult transitions into civilian life.
“When you work for your purpose, your purpose will work for you,” Purnell said.
There were also nonprofit leaders including Donna Brownlow, director of food services operations at Target Hunger, a United Way affiliate. Brownlow oversees the delivery of food to senior citizens in need, serving 600 seniors a month.
Giving of her time and resources to others is a passion, she said.
“I really believe I was put on this earth to serve other people.”