By Janice K. Neal-Vincent
Contributing Writer
Several hundred Jackson State University and community supporters poured into the school’s Student Center Ballrooms A & B at 11 a.m. Aug. 6, for the Mary S. Nelums Foundation biennial luncheon to recognize three outstanding citizens who made noteworthy contributions to humanity for 2016.
The Invisible Giant Award was granted to Marshall Thompson Jr., a master’s level graduate student in the field of social work. Thompson was cited as a young African American who had made positive community impact. He contributed his community presence to God. Thompson warmly thanked Mary S. Nelums, retired Jackson State University professor of social work, and supporters for encouragement they provided in his service to others. Accordingly, he pledged to continue to provide community service.
The L. C. Dorsey Social Activist Award was created to honor and celebrate Dorsey for giving voice to the voiceless and hope to others. The Rev. C. Edward (“CJ”) Rhodes II was the recipient of the award.
In 2010, Rhodes became the youngest pastor of Mt. Helm Baptist Church, which is the oldest historically African-American church in Jackson. A national minister, Rhodes is active in ecumenical and civic affairs. His leadership has made Mt. Helm more relevant and visible in the 21st century. Under his leadership an 88-house community development has been created in downtown Jackson.
Rhodes expressed being overwhelmed by remarks of appraisals and God’s call to move back to Mississippi.
“I serve not because I am a black man, but it’s a calling, all for the glory of God. So we must dare to do something different, to move beyond common place and mediocrity,” Rhodes said.
Ora Stanton was the recipient of The Social Work Trailblazer Award. This award encompasses contributions in academia and social justice.
Professor Jean Brooks underscored that Stanton took time to mentor students who otherwise would have been neglected during their educational pursuits in the field of social work. Jackson State’s origin of social work courses occurred in 1969. Stanton, however, served as director of Social Work in 1971 and 1972. “Stanton was the sounding board for African-American students who needed a mentor; one with whom they could identify,” Brooks said.
In her closing remarks, Nelums spoke candidly to the crowd.
“The foundation is the rent we pay the living. Somebody gave back to us. It becomes our responsibility to do the same. Social activists are the ones who set out to change the human condition, to change the world. We will be judged by scripture: ‘I was hungry, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in. Naked and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.’”
The Mary S. Nelums Foundation was created in 2007 when Nelums retired from the School of Social Work at Jackson State. Prior to Nelums’ retirement, however, she desired to have a book scholarship in her name for deserving students. Several students recommended that she found instead, the Mary S. Nelums Foundation in honor of young men who are doing well in their families and community. Along with Nelums, members of the premiere (1995) masters of social work class started the foundation.
Since its inception, the foundation has celebrated 12 young African-American men who quietly make a difference in their communities. Their work is consistent with the motto of the foundation “giving back.”
Several weeks ago, Thelma Crockett became the MSW Scholarship recipient for the 2016 Summer School term. The foundation has given 10 financial scholarships to master level students, totaling more than $15,000 and celebrated three social work trailblazers. In 2015, the foundation adopted a third grade class at Lake Elementary School. These students will be mentored until they go to college or choose a career path.
To make donations, contact The Mary S. Nelums Foundation, P.O. Box 12385, Jackson, MS 39236 or visit the website www.msnfoundation.org.
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