The Wichita Branch NAACP has announced the individuals and organizations it will honor this year for their contributions to Wichita through civil rights, education, health care, mentorship, the arts and community service.
The honorees will be recognized during the branch’s annual Freedom Fund Awards and Banquet on Oct. 3 at the Wichita Marriott Hotel.
This year’s honorees are:
Dr. Val Jean Brown Jr. has spent more than four decades practicing medicine in Wichita. A third-generation physician, Brown began practicing with his father in 1982 and later served as chairman of the City/County Board of Health. He also volunteered for 18 years as medical director of the E.C. Tyree Clinic, which provided health care to residents who could not afford it.
Karen Cayce has spent decades working in civil rights, civic engagement and economic development. Her service has included the Wichita Civil Rights Advisory Council and Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce. Cayce is also an award-winning poet and photographer.
Jan Davis, a longtime Wichita educator, spent 33 years with Wichita Public Schools as a teacher, principal and administrator. She helped establish the district’s Grow Your Own Teacher program to recruit and retain educators of color. Since retiring, she has continued serving in nonprofit leadership and coaching roles.
Jill Docking has held numerous civic and philanthropic leadership positions across Kansas, including chair of the Kansas Board of Regents. Her work has included promoting financial literacy for students and helping raise support for children’s mental health services and pediatric psychiatry.
Bishop Fred Hayes Jr. founded New Life Church & Outreach Center in 1998 and has spent nearly three decades combining ministry with community outreach, youth programs and family support. Hayes also owns Hayes Insurance Services and provides financial education to families.
Dr. Tiesha Jarrett, a U.S. Air Force veteran, works in the defense industry as an Integrated Product Manager for Spirit Defense. Her community service includes food and back-to-school drives and volunteer work with organizations including the Kansas Food Bank, The Lord’s Diner and the Wichita NAACP Veterans Committee.
The Love Family Band will be recognized for its long contribution to Wichita’s musical culture. Led for many years by the late Rudy Love Sr., the family group included siblings Bob, Gerald, Peggy, Denise and Shirley Love. The group performed locally and nationally for decades, while Rudy Love also worked with artists including Sly Stone, Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles.
Emile McGill has spent more than 50 years working with children, parents and educators. During a 34-year career with Wichita Public Schools, she became the district’s first African-American director of Early Childhood Education. McGill remains active in education and community service.
Bongo Bobby Thomas built a career as a percussionist that took him from Northeast Wichita to national stages and Billboard-charting recordings. Thomas has performed with artists including Joseph Vincelli and Skinny Hightower. He has also been active in Wichita civic issues, including organizing a 10-day street protest in 2007 that called attention to neighborhood infrastructure needs.
Union Rescue Mission of Wichita, led by CEO David Hodge, will be honored for its work serving people experiencing homelessness, poverty and addiction. Founded in 1950, the organization operates an emergency men’s shelter and provides meals, recovery programs, workforce training and other services.
Robert David Wagner II has spent four decades mentoring Wichita youth through the Wichita Dynamic Steppers Drill Team and Drumline, which he co-founded in 1986. More than 3,000 young people have participated in the program, which has won national competitions and performed in President Barack Obama’s second inaugural parade.
Jackson Mortuary Marks 100 Years
The NAACP will also present special recognition to Jackson Mortuary Inc., which is celebrating 100 years of service in Wichita.
Founded in 1926 by Abner B. Jackson Sr., the Black-owned funeral home has remained in the Jackson family for five generations. Today it is led by fourth-generation funeral director Michael E. Jackson, with his son Torrance representing the fifth generation. The business has also supported numerous Wichita community and civil rights organizations throughout its history.
Banquet Details
The Wichita NAACP Freedom Fund Awards and Banquet will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Wichita Marriott Hotel.
Instead of a traditional keynote speaker, this year’s program will feature national jazz saxophonist Joseph Vincelli.
Individual tickets are $75. Tickets and commemorative program advertisements honoring award recipients can be purchased at WichitaKSNAACP.org.
