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ELIZABETHTOWN – The Baldwin Branch Missionary Baptist Church celebrated Black History month in an unusual manner utilizing the theme “I AM SUCCESS”.
The church Pastor, Rev. Dr. Louie Boykin and Jessica Wilson, Christian Education Ministry Chairwoman, looked within the congregation and selected four individuals: Deacon Arthur Bullock, Rita Cutler Ford, Dr. Katrina Boykin and Deacon Charles Wendell Gillespie as trailblazers. They started from humble beginnings working hard to make a better life for themselves, their families and the communities.
• Arthur Bullock: From working his family’s farm in the 1960s to college, Level 1 District Manager Social Security Administration, Church Deacon, County Commissioner, member of West Bladen NAACP, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Cape Fear Masonic Lodge #300, PHA, Chairman of MLK Parade Committee and a host of other community activities.
• Rita Cutler Ford: From a single mother to college, prominent business owner, and motivational influencer.
• Dr. Katrina Boykin: From working the family farm to college, a majorette, a coach, a school counselor, received her Doctorate Degree, a published author and minister of the gospel.
• Charles W. Gillespie: From working the family farm to college, to a mechanic technician, receiving an innovation award with Clark-Shaw Ford Company (first time ever given), business owner, North Carolina Pork Council 2018 number 1 hog producer of the year, elected November 2022 to the Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor board and participates in a host of community involvement activities.
Kenneth Armstrong was recognized with a community service award. His photos have captured the hearts of many. Mr. Armstrong’s contributions to the community will last a lifetime.
February 26th was “Sunday Wear Your African Attire Day”. Following up the monthly magnificent and extraordinary Black History celebrations was a huge and delicious Black-history soul food luncheon served in the Rev. G.F. Pone Fellowship Hall.
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