FORT WORTH, Texas — How do you introduce seasoned community builders to young people eager to hear the stories, plot their own course and one day take the reins?
You get them all together over bacon and scrambled eggs.
Members of the Trailblazer community will come together to celebrate 22 change agents during the 11th annual Breakfast with our Elders at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, in the Dining Hall at Tarrant County College South, 5301 Campus Drive in Fort Worth.
Organizers use the event to help identify mentors for the next generation of community builders. Students from O.D. Wyatt High School, Paul Laurence High School and TCC/FWISD Collegiate High School will attend.
The honorees are Robert Ashley, Ruth “Cookie” Baker, Willie Faye Boyer, Bernice Castleberry Locklin, Mrs. Vernal Elliott, Gloria Harris, Dr. Brendalyn Jackson, Evelyn Knox, Ruby McEwing, the Rev. Johnny Castleberry, Bobbie Castleberry, Royalene Castleberry, Emmanuel McKinney, Hester Nayes, Dolores Owens, Vester Owens, Rubye Phillips, Matey Merle Prestridge, Burl Washington, Dr. T. C. Webster, Bonnie Winkfield and Dr. Carolyn Yusuf.
“These strong, wonderful people have made footprints in the community that amplify our culture,” said trustee Dr. Gwendolyn Morrison, who has represented TCC District 6 since 1976. “Through education, leadership and service, while executing their civic and civil responsibility, our Wise, Accomplished and Valued Elders (WAVES) share with us their exemplary lives of service.
“When others see it, they can be it. Through the continuing commitment of our Elders to the community and their determination to bring family members and generations together, we forge ahead with promising hope for our future.”
Breakfast with the Elders started in 2015 in concert with TCC’s Golden Jubilee to commemorate elders who were active in city and community affairs when the College was established by Tarrant County voters in 1965.
Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive two-year college with six campuses in Tarrant County and online classes, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.