The founder of the local Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and a city worker are among eight local residents who will be honored by the Chattanooga Hamilton County Branch of the NAACP at the organization’s upcoming fundraiser.
The local NAACP chapter gives its Image Awards to “recognize the people, the unsung heroes, for their efforts in the community,” said Valoria Shipman, branch president.
Johnny D. Holloway, 74, moderator of the Chattanooga Chapter of Rainbow/PUSH, will be honored with the James. A. Mapp Citizen of the Year Award while Kenneth “Super T” Simpson will be given the Ruby Hurley Humanitarian award. They are the highest honors given by the local organization, Shipman said.
“Mr. Holloway has had a lifelong commitment around civil rights. And Super T has centered his efforts around our youth. He takes his work far beyond a job,” Shipman said.
“It’s a great feeling to have people behind you to say that they appreciate your sacrifice,” said Simpson, 42, an employee of the city Parks and Recreation Department.
Holloway said his fight for civil rights has been his lifelong obligation.
The local Rainbow/PUSH Coalition branch has given money and advice to help people fight discrimination at work or school, and it has provided a forum to share information about events affecting the black community.
The group meets at 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of each month at Second Missionary Baptist Church. The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition also sponsors an informational radio program Saturday at noon on WMPZ-FM 93.5.
“I think everybody should contribute back to the struggle,” Holloway said. “Many of us are in positions we never would have been in without the struggle of the past.”
The Image Awards ceremony is the civil rights organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, organizers said, allowing the Chattanooga Hamilton County Branch of the NAACP to maintain a local office and sponsor events such as its annual criminal justice and education seminars.