WJPVanguard10242rdraft19 almost done copy RESIZE

~Honoring First Responders~

Assisting Others In Their Time Of Need

Friday, November 2, 2018

Bessemer Civic Center—Main Hall
Seven O’clock in the Evening

Speaker: Dr. Michael D. McClure, Sr., Pastor
Revelation Church Ministries, Irondale, Al
Mistress Of Ceremony : Mrs. Clarissa Kenty

The Willie J. Perry Foundation

A Non Profit 501c3 Organization

P. O. Box 110484—Birmingham, Alabama 35211

[email protected] Telephone: 205-800-4355

November 2, 2018

Good evening:

We greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a humbling experience to
greet you all tonight as Chairman of “The Willie J. Perry Foundation. The members of the
Board of Directors and I are delighted to share this experience of celebrating the brave men and
women who dedicate their lives to help save others. We are grateful to these men and women
and we are proud to honor first responders from across the Jefferson County area.

We pray that when you meet these men and women in your own community, that you take a mo-
ment to thank them for their dedication and their service. The men and women we honored to-
night are not only first responders, but they have gone above and beyond their regular job duties
to help their communities.

Also, visit The Willie J. Perry Foundation website and see all the various programs that the
Foundation has in place to help our communities. We will be glad for you to help us with the
different fundraising activities that we are hosting throughout the year.

Again, thank you for your participation and support.

Earnest L. King
Chairman

The Willie J. Perry Foundation

A Non Profit 501c3 Organization

P. O. Box 110484—Birmingham, Alabama 35211

November 2, 2018

Greetings:

On behalf of the Chairman, Earnest L. King and members of the Board of Directors, I want to
thank the program participants, our award recipients, ad purchasers, community partners and
guest for all of your support.

The members of The Willie J. Perry family and the members of the Board of Directors
acknowledges that our main mission is to serve as Mr. Perry did in his lifetime. He was a serv-
ant to the people of the Birmingham and surrounding municipalities.

As my dad, Mr. Willie J. Perry, and his “Rescue Ship” helped people literally get back on the
road, but also get back on “The Road of Life” is the current mission of the foundation. We
want to continue his legacy and also to restore the “Rescue Ship” to share with the students and
community in an effort to spread the word of “community service.”

Also, visit The Willie J. Perry Foundation website and see all the various programs that the
Foundation has in place to help our communities.

Again, thank you for your participation and support.

Marquetta Hill-King
Executive Director

About Mr. Willie J. Perry

Willie James Perry was born December 14, 1940. Willie lived in the South Titusville area and
attended the Birmingham Public School system and graduated from Ullman High School in
1959 with a four year scholarship to attend college. Instead of pursuing a college degree, he
decided to work with J. F. Day Company, a window distributor in Lakeview, where he assem-
bled doors and windows units and he was later promoted to Shop Manager

Mr. Perry was best known as the Birmingham Batman, a Good Samaritan who help stranded
motorists and gave free rides to the citizens of the Magic City. He was also a devoted family
man to his wife Dorothy, daughter Marquetta, mother, Alberta and sister Grace.

Willie was known around his neighborhood for his humanitarian acts of kindness and lived by
the motto “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

One day Willie heard about a group of men who stopped to help a woman whose car had bro-
ken down. However, instead of helping her, the men raped her.
As a husband and a father, this event resonated so deeply with Willie that he decided to do his
best to ensure that future situations like this would not happen again around Birmingham. He
immediately proceeded to purchase a 1971 Thunderbird.

On January 24, 1985, Willie died accidentally of carbon monoxide poisoning while getting the
“Rescue Ship” ready for the next mission. The spirit of Willie certainly lives on today
through the Willie J. Perry Foundation, a non-profit organization which is steered by his daugh-
ter Marquetta.

Remind everyone to “Make Every Day a Willie Perry Day.”

Mr. Willie J. Perry -“Birmingham Batman”

CURRENT MISSIONS:

As Willie did himself with “The Rescue Ship”, the Willie J. Perry Foundation not only wants to
help people get literally back on the road, but also get back on “The Road of Life” with our
current missions:

THE WHEELS OF CHANGE:

Willie certainly knew the importance of education and having a good job. This program will
help single parents who cannot get to their jobs without a ride. It is designed to help improve
their quality of life by providing them with a reliable automobile for transportation. Our goal is
to accept donated used automobiles that can be repaired and given to these individuals for relia-
ble transportation at no charge.

THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM:

This program conducts monthly lunch and learn workshops to support individuals . Our goal is
to help them obtain an education which will give the knowledge and skills necessary to im-
prove their lives and their communities.

THE CARING PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

This program we serve nutritious meals once a week to the homeless community in the Greater
Birmingham Historic Kelly Ingram and Lynn Parks. These parks are where the large majority
of the homeless congregate near downtown area and near the major interstate bridges.

THE WILLIE PERRY DAY:

In 1982 The Former Mayor Richard Arrington, Jr honored Mr. Perry declaring August 3rd Wil-
lie Perry Day. On August 3rd each year we celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Perry aka Bir-
mingham Batman by bringing awareness of his unselfish giving and serving in the community
to help change the lives of helping others. He lived by the motto: “Do unto others as you would
have them do unto you”.

THE ANNUAL VANGUARD LEADERSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM -:

This is a special end of the year event that is held to honor individuals throughout Jefferson
County, Alabama for their community service and humanitarian contributions in helping their
neighbors, children and their communities to be stewards of each other. It is also our major
fundraiser that enables the Willie J. Perry Foundation to offer these activities and programs to
the communities.

~ Programme~

Seven o’clock in the evening

Theme:

“Assisting Others In Their Time Of Need”

Mistress of Ceremony ............................................................................Mrs. Clarissa Kenty

The Ladiez Room Talk Show Host & Radio Announcer 91.1SM WAJH Spirit in Jazz

Prelude......................................................................................................... The Redeemed

Opening Prayer/Blessing of Food ................................................... Mr. Earnest L. King

Chairman of the Board of Director of the Willie J. Perry Foundation

Welcome .................................................................................................Mrs. Grace Jones

Sister of Mr. Willie Perry

Greetings The Honorable Kenneth E. Gulley
Selection
Mayor, City of Bessemer

Redeemed

Brief Overview of The Willie J. Perry Foundation and Introduction of the

Board of Directors Mrs. Marquetta Renee’ Hill– King, Executive Director

~Dinner~

Video Presentation

Music .................................................................................................................. Redeemed

Introduction of the Speaker ........................................................ Ms. Delethia Rembert

Speaker ........................................................ Reverend Michael D. McClure, Sr., Pastor

....................................................................................................Revelation Church Ministries, Irondale

Selection ............................................................................................................... Redeemed

Presentation of the Vanguard Leadership Award
(Honorees have 1 minute to speak) - Please read the honorees biographical sketch

Remarks Mr. Earnest L. King

We thank you for your continued support of the Willie J. Perry Foundation, Inc.

~ Menu~ ~Patron~

Fried Chicken Earnest Food Truck
Baked Chicken Sheila “Free U” Williams

Ham Mrs. Lois Simmons
Smashed Potatoes Mr. Timothy Cunningham
Vegetable Melody
Assorted Breads Min. Bertha Pauley
Min. Shirley Skinner
Garden Salad Mrs. Jeanette Hill & Family
Banana Pudding Min. Brian Smiley

Cake

COMMITTEES

Board of Directors: Decorator:
Earnest L. King, Chairman Designs by Renee Kidd
Delethia T. Rembert, Treasurer
Brenda Harris, Secretary Entertainment:
Maria Gregory, Member Redeemed
Grace Jones, Member Alexander McKelvey

Staff: Photographer:
Marquetta Hill-King, Executive Director Bill Henry, Pizazz Studios

Attorney: Printing
Charles F. Fields J. S. Printing

Caterer and Decorator: Videographer:
Edith Hunter Catering

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A Special Thank You To Ms. Chandler and the young ladies of the Pearls Organization
for your assistance this evening

The Speaker

Dr. Michael D. McClure, Sr., ABS, BCE

Pastor, Revelation Church Ministries
Irondale, Alabama

God is a merciful God and faithful to administer His character
towards His people. Such is the position of the heavens when it
comes to our Pastor, Michael D. McClure, Sr.

Born and raised in an environment of struggle, this
prophet of God overcame the perils of the inner city to rise up among his own people and show
them, by example, a more excellent way. Called by God with a fire in his mouth and insight for
excellence, Pastor Michael McClure has emerged as one of the leading visionaries in the greater
Birmingham area.

Pastor McClure has proven over the years that an excellent God responds to an excellent
spirit in His people. His passion is to unashamedly and unapologetically fulfill the will and
mandate of God on his life, being a transparent and contemporary mentor for a people of desti-
ny. To this end, Pastor McClure has embedded in the culture of Revelation Church Ministries a
hunger for not only holiness, but wholeness, relevance and sobriety in terms of how the king-
dom of God distributes divine intervention in the earth. He believes that, because our God is a
covenant God, we, His people have no recourse but to become a vibrant, covenant keeping peo-
ple.

Pastor McClure is anointed and gifted by God to articulate and unfold the rhema word of
God in a dramatic, uncompromising way that is easily grasped and applied to everyday life. His
revelatory insight into kingdom authority continues to bring clarity and enlightenment to the
Body of Christ. Likewise, his provocative approach to functional Christianity has garnered sup-
port and respect from a great consortium of business and civic leaders.

Pastor McClure is faithfully submitted to Metropolitan Cathedral Ministries under the
apostleship of His Grace, Bishop Flynn Johnson, Senior Pastor of Atlanta Metropolitan Cathe-
dral, Atlanta, Georgia. A strong family man, Pastor McClure is under girded by his wife, Ange-
la Woods-McClure and their children: Pastor Mike Jr.(JaQuetta), Pastor Darius (Brittney) and
Angelique. Grandchildren: Xander, Michael III, Mason, Brittain, Brooklyn, Champion, Makin-
ley, Chancellor, Myles, and Amori, which have been his greatest accomplishment of having his

family support him in ministry.





Mrs. Clarissa Kenty

Mistress of Ceremony

Clarissa L. Kenty

Clarissa L. Kenty is a National/International Television/Radio Personality. She provides a me-
dia platform for Corporations, Organizations, Schools, Athletic Programs, Churches, Civil
Organizations and Individuals to promote success, opportunity, publicity and empowerment.

Clarissa has always enjoyed corresponding in the media industry for over 27 years. In fact, by
the time she was 17 yrs old, she had already become a Radio Personality and a Television
Talk Show Host. Soon afterwards, Clarissa received her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Mass
Communications with an emphasis in Broadcasting and Public Relations. Now she is the Host
of the Radio Show “ The Ladiez Room” which is an online radio show on
www.excelradio.org. The Ladiez Room targets women of all ages with all kinds of issues,
concerns, opportunities and some much more. While our target audience is women, we gladly
welcome men into the Ladiez Room so they can learn more about the women in their lives.

She is also the Radio Personality for 91.1 FM WAJH with The Spirt in Jazz.

Clarissa got into this line of business 30 years ago, prior to being crowned Miss Black USA
1990. She landed her first job as a Licensed Radio Announcer at 1530 WASC and the rest is
history. Since then, she is also a Voice-Over Contractor for Room 435, Zlenz Production and
also an Independent Contractor.

She also the owner/operator of Divine Images Finishing Institute, LLC. Divine Images pro-
vides corporate and personal training of Soft Skills, Etiquette, Social Protocol, Personal and
Business Branding, Customer Service Training, Sales Training just to name a few.

Clarissa continues to move upward in the media industry as she has now embraced social me-
dia and taken it by storm. She is a philanthropist who enjoys giving back to the community
and loves to mentor youth. She is the Executive Director of the National Youth Connection,
Inc. where she serves as the Director of the Miss Black Alabama USA Pageant Organization.
She is also the proud owner of ICU Media Group.

Retired Deputy Fire Chief Gary Carter
Bessemer Fire Department

Born in Amory, MS in 1957, as a child he was a resident of Roosevelt
City, AL a 1975 graduate of Wenonah High School, he attended Bes-
semer State Technical College earning an EMT Intermediate license in
1977 and earned an Associate Degree in Science from Lawson State.
Chief Carter served over 40 years as a first responder beginning his
career in 1977 with Suburban and Hank’s Ambulance Services, he was
employed as a certified law enforcement officer with UAB Police be-
fore beginning his career with the City Of Bessemer. He was a member
of 109th Evacuation Hospital (USARNG) and received an honorable discharge after serving six
years.

Chief Carter began his career with Bessemer Fire Department in January 1987 as a firefighter.
Serving the citizens of Bessemer for over thirty years, in 1992 he was promoted to Fire Lieutenant
in the Fire Prevention Bureau becoming the city’s first African American Inspector. He excelled
through the ranks in 1997 when he was promoted to Fire Captain (Fire Marshal) supervising the
day to day operations of Fire Prevention Bureau. In 2003 he was promoted to Deputy Chief. From
June - November 2017 he served as Interim Fire Chief. (Bessemer’s First African American to
serve in the position of Chief)

During Chief Carter tenure he received numerous awards and was successful in introducing, (with
the approval of the City Council) several ordinances that were implemented to reduce the loss of
life, property and injury to children in the city;

• 2003 Firefighter of the Year
• 2002 National Fire Protection Association Champion Risk Watch
• 2002 City of Bessemer Outstanding Employee
• 1997 National Fire Protection Champion Learn Not To Burn
• A fire sprinkler ordinance requirement, requiring new construction or renovation of buildings

over a certain square foot to be equipped with a fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems.
• Fireworks Ordinance, every year the city experience a high rate of juvenile injuries due to im-

proper use of fireworks by minors, also there was an increase of property damage caused b fire
works
• Knox Box (Lock Box), for certain occupancies allowing firefighters quicker access and re-
duce damage caused by firefighters entering buildings after closing.
• AED , requires the placement of External Defibrillators in certain type of occupancies
He also, established the first Public Education programs for children (K thru 8th grade) Learn Not
to Burn and a Senior Citizen’s Fire and Fall Prevention Program (Risk Watch).
Gary has a wife Karen, a son Matthew, a daughter Kaihla and grandson Bryan Cameron Johnson.
He has been married for 34 years and is a member of Mt Pilgrim Baptist Church Fairfield, AL
where is serves on the Deacon Ministry.

Thomas aka “Tommy” Carter
Fire Fighter/Paramedic
Birmingham Fire and Rescue

Tommy Carter is from Hueytown Alabama . He has been married to his wife Dana
Carter for 12 years and they have two children, Braelyn Carter and Maddox Carter. He is em-
ployed with the City of Birmingham as a Fire Fighter/Paramedic with the Fire and Rescue De-
partment.

Tommy has a passion for helping others. He has organized fundraising for under privi-
leged families in the community by providing them with food, clothes, hygiene products and
Christmas gifts for their children.

Besides his giving nature, he is more notable for his act of kindness that went viral when
he and his partner Tim Kennedy finished cutting grass for a retired 30-year army veteran who
became critically ill while cutting his yard When he has free time he loves going kayaking,
camping, and spending quality time with his family.

,

\

Officer Artez Daniels

Artez Daniel has been a Birmingham Police Officer
for 7.5 years. During my yeas of service I have accom-
plished numerous awards namely: Combat Medal, Jefferson
County Young Democrats Award for “Civic Leadership”,
Optimist Award for “Distinguished and Dedicate Service Advancing the Respect for Law
Objects” and Optimist Award for” Excellence in promoting respect for law in Birmingham
Youth”.

For 9 months I served as a domestic violence detective. Since then, I have been involved
in several shootouts during the timespan of my 7.5 years as a law enforcement officer. The
day the shooting occurred at Huffman High School, I was quite terrified. That was a day that
I never expected to experience within my lifetime (personally). We heard the second gun-
shot as we entered the school. At that point I told myself “It’s time to barbecue or mildew.
This is real. "With no hesitation or concerns on what we could be facing we charged up the
stairs with our guns in hand. As we approached the area we observed a juvenile laying on
the hallway floor suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.

Following this, we heard a classroom door slam. Almost instinctively, we pointed our
weapons towards the door. The time, we thought that the shooter was inside the classroom.
After having made an entryway and clearing it, we observed yet another juvenile laying on
the floor suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. At said point, we radioed for Bir-
mingham Fire and Rescue Unit to come render aid. I aided in the process of escorting the
juvenile to UAB hospital once I found out that she was deceased. I immediately began to
weep due to the fact that at that very moment I felt as if I failed as a law enforcement of-
ficer. I asked myself “ What could I have done to prevent this from happening?” I felt as if
I had let the students as well as the faculty and staff down that day. I made an oat to protect
and serve and that’s why I came to work each day…. To do just that protect and serve. If I
could switch spots with her, I would. She was a bright young student with all the potential in
the world ahead of her. She did not deserve to have such a promising life taken away from
her.

Corporal Michael P. Erby
City of Fairfield Police Department

Corporal Michael P. Erby began his career as a police officer with the Fairfield Police
Department on July 9, 1992. From 1992 until 2007, Corporal Erby worked as a patrol officer. He
became a Detective in 2007. Corporal Erby has received Officer of the year Awards in 1998 and
again in 2009. Corporal Erby investigates all felony crimes such as murder, thief’s, Assaults,
Rape, Identity Thief and Property Damage. He is currently the lead investigator in all homicide
cases for the Fairfield Police Department. Corporal Erby presents felony cases to the Jefferson
County District Attorney’s office for Prosecution. He testifies in court on all criminal cases. He
was promoted to his current rank of Corporal in 2017. Although Detective Corporal Michael
P.Erby, has worked past his retirement requirements of twenty five years, he continues to serve
the city of Fairfield to ensure the safety of all of its residents.

Corporal Erby sees a need and don’t think twice about finding ways to make a difference
in the citizens lives. He has been a blessing to dozens of families that he either seen or heard was
having hardships. Officer Erby purchased several bicycle for kids that otherwise would not
have had anything for Christmas. All of his good deeds was done without financial assistance
from others.

Officer Erby has built a great relationship with the kids in the community he encouraged them to
do good in school and make good grades and by doing this he will reward them with money for
all their A’s and B’s with his own finances. Officer Erby is very modest and really don’t like
people to know what he doing because he believes in the word of God that whatever is done in
secret will be rewarded in Heaven.

Officer Antonio Fikes
The City of Birmingham Police Department

Officer Antonio Fikes, Jr was born November 28, 1986 in Birmingham, AL to Antonio
Fikes, Sr. and Evelyn Fikes. Antonio recently married his beautiful wife Codie Smith-
Fikes on September 1, 2018. Officer Fikes attended Holy Family Catholic Schools from
preschool all the way to through high school. During Officer Fikes early years he was
quite the athlete. He participated in basketball, track, and football; finishing 3rd in the
state in 2005 in track & field in the 200 meter dash.

After going off to school to find his way. Fikes decided he would return home and give
back to his community and coach the Holy Family middle school and High school bas-
ketball team. He has coached for 13 years, winning 8 basketball championships, and ap-
pearing in 11 championships games. Officer Fikes decided in March of 2018 that he
should give his coaching a rest to focus more on serving the community in the Birming-
ham City Schools and committing his time to PAT.

Fikes has been apart of the Birmingham Police Department for 5 years. His first assign-
ment was Birmingham West Precinct. He currently serves as one of three SROs at Huff-
man High School. Within these 5 years of service Officer Fikes has received some ac-
knowledgments, such as: A Letter of Accommodation from A.C. Roper, and Act of Val-
or Award.

Officer Antonio Fikes childhood dream was to become a police officer. He knew grow-
ing up that he wanted to a part of this wonderful department of law. To be able to get
back into the community, the city he was raised to make a difference. Fikes is a man of
morals and standards, and he plans on passing these characteristics into the children of
Birmingham City. Now, introducing Mr. Officer Antonio Fikes, Jr.

Officer Larry Heath
School Resource Officer
City of Birmingham Police Department

Officer Larry Heath was born in Brighton, Alabama in February of 1961
to Mr. Benny Graham and Annie Heath. He has five siblings’, three brothers and
two sisters. Officer Heath has seven children, four sons and three daughters.

He graduated from Brighton High School before moving on to North East
Alabama State Junior College on a basketball scholarship where he received his
Associates Degree.

He began working for the City of Birmingham Public Works from 1990-
2001 before transferring to the Birmingham Police Department in 2001 to pre-
sent. While working for the Birmingham Police department he began working as
a school resource officer in 2008 at all seven High Schools in the Birmingham
City Scholl System, and he is currently assigned to Ramsey High School. He was
selected for security detail for President Obama’s second Inauguration in January
of 2013 as well as President Trump’s inauguration in January 2017. Throughout
his career he has received numerous awards for his service in the community.

Officer Marvin Holt, Sr.
Birmingham Police Department

Officer Marvin M. Holt, Sr. has been serving
the citizens of Birmingham, AL as part of the Birming-
ham Police Department East Precinct since May 12,
1997. He was inspired to become a Police Officer after
seeing and talking with Officers that was on a domestic
call that dealt with a family member that had an addic-
tion. They dealt with this person with so much dignity
and respect that he, also most immediately new that
this was his calling. Although at the time Officer Holt
was a Correctional Officer at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility where he was em-
ployed for 8 years.

Officer Holt is a native of Birmingham, AL born and raised on the West side of Bir-
mingham. He graduated from Jones Valley High School in 1979. Once graduating from high
school, Officer Holt enlisted into the Unites States Armed Forces. Officer Holt is a retired vet-
eran of the U. S. Army serving 21 years of service where he did 7 years active. His base sta-
tions were first in Ft. Riley Kansas and then Germany. During his 14 years in the U.S. Army
Reserve, Officer Holt was a member of the 318th Smoke and Decontamination unit where he
held the rank of SSGT, he was the assistant squad leader. He served tours of duty as follow: Ft.
Campbell 1987, Saudi Arabia 1990, Kuwait and Iraq in 1991 where he served time defending
our country in the Desert Storm/Desert Shield war and at Ft. Bragg in 1995. He also spent most
of his time in the reserve at the United States Armed Forces Reserve Center on Oxmoor road,
in Homewood, AL. Officer Holt has always had a passion for serving and protecting people.

Officer Holt is also a great husband, he has been married to his wife Debera R. Holt for
23 years. He has two sons, one stepson, and two step daughters. He is also the grandfather of 8
and one on the way. He is also, a dedicated Christian, he is a member of the Mt. Pilgrim Mis-
sionary Baptist Church in West End where he serves as a trustee and a choir member. Officer
Holt is a quiet yet humble soul who loves his job protecting and serving the citizens of Bir-
mingham, Al, an outstanding Officer and gentlemen. Officer Holt also provides security for the
Piggly Wiggly grocery on 1st Avenue in Woodlawn where he is very loved and respected by
their patrons.

Firefighter Desland K. James
The City of Birmingham Fire and
Rescue Department

Desland James is the oldest of 4 children (Courtland,
Brittany, Jayland) born to Cleveland and Despera James. De-
sland grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and attended Council
Elementary, Daniel Payne Middle and Graduating from Pleasant
Grove High School in 2007. Desland coached Birmingham Park
& Rec swim team from 2008-2013 and Advent Episcopal school
Boys basketball team from 2009 - 2014. He completed EMT school in 2012 at the Alabama
Fire College and Advance EMT from Jeff State in 2016,

Desland began in the fire service as a volunteer for Pleasant Grove fire and rescue in
2011 and North Shelby Fire District in 2012. Desland began his professional career in 2013
with Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service Department and is currently assigned to Station 12 in
Woodlawn and is also currently employed at Graysville Fire and Rescue. Desland is an Advi-
sor for Birmingham Fire & Rescue Explorer program which teaches young men and women
ages 14- 21 about the fire service. Desland firmly believes in God and that he has the best fam-
ily, and best career in the world.

Captain Frankie L. Jefferson, Jr
Fire Marshall City of Fairfield
Fairfield Fire and Rescue

Frankie L. Jefferson, Jr. is a native of Fairfield, AL. He attended Fairfield High School
but is a graduate of Midfield High School. After graduation he went on to pursue his education
at Lawson State Community College and later earned his Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety
and Health Administration from Athens State University.

He is the oldest son of Frankie and BB Jefferson and has 10 siblings. He is married to
Tamora Jefferson and they are the proud parents of 4 children. Nyla, Voe Elle, Frankie III, and
Lalah. He has been with the City of Fairfield for 14 -1/2yrs and the Public Education and the
Fire Marshal for 4 years. He is a member of the Fire Marshal’s Association, Fire and Life Safe-
ty Educators Association, Central Alabama Fire Chief’s Association and also a proud member
of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Chief Harold Wright
First Black Firefighter
Bessemer Fire Department
Battalion Chief Harold Wright Fire Station No. 1
March 1980- July 2016

My journey of 36 years As Bessemer’s First Black Fighter
In March of 1980, under the leadership of Bessemer Mayor Ed Porter, a
Chief Joe Robinson of the Bessemer Fire Department, I started this 36
years journey. The first part of my working experience got off to a rough start being the first Black
firefighter hired in the City of Bessemer.
I was criticized by both blacks and white during a time when the city started bridging the gap of
division, and working to bringing the citizens together as one.
It was stated that I would not last and make it in the department because of the make-up of the city
Government.
I have always had a praying wife and mother who believed in me and trusted God no matter what
hand I had been dealt. God had a ram in the bush in my favor by the name of Chief Joe Robinson.
This was a man of integrity, strong morals and principles, and who had the quality of being fair,
honest and trustworthy.
Chief Robinson believed that all man should be treated the same. Because of his leadership, I was
treated and respected as a firefighter, friend and brother. He was instrumental in transforming the
relationship in the department.
Through it all with God‘s Grace and mercy, and much prayer we were able to stand the test of time.
The 80’s was truly a new beginning for the Bessemer Fire Department, my fellow co-workers and
me. A time to grow and a time to change.
My wife Irma of 40years and my two daughters Ke’Aundria and Tasheanna became their family,
even though we were the only black family attending.
Social events during this time (dinner, picnics, Thanksgiving and Christmas even white water raft-
ing). We were never seen as anyone other than friends and family of the Bessemer Fire Department
This Journey for me has been a once in a lifetime opportunity going from the first fighter, lead
worker Lieutenant, Captain and leaving as The Battalion Chief. It has been a blessing and I under-
stand and realize the spoken word of Captain Garland Gray ( Doc). You don’t make the man, the
men makes you.
The Brotherhood will always hold a special place in my heart. I am the original, No one before me,
but many after me.

~Congratulations~

To The

Willie J. Perry Foundation, Inc.

and

Our daughter Mrs. Marquetta Renee’ Hill- King

On your 3rd Annual

Vanguard Leadership Awards Gala

Thank you for continuing the legacy of my late husband,
the

” Birmingham Batman”
It brings me great joy to know that this foundation has the

same heart and passion for people as Willie
in helping and serving in the communities. Continue to

do as he did by following his motto”

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

Just knowing that his labor was
not done in vain.

From his wife, your mother
Mrs. Dorothy M. Perry

~Congratulations”

to the

Willie J. Perry Foundation, Inc.

on your

2018 Vanguard Leadership Gala

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Licensed by the State of Alabama department of Insurance to sell Pre-need Funeral
Arrangements

Musicians for Chapel Services
Licensed Ministers for Chapel, Church or Graveside Services

New Generation Charter and Tours, Inc.

1027 18th Street North
Bessemer, Alabama 35020
Telephone: (205) 424-6928

“We are your Charter Choice”

Professional and Courteous Service

No trip is too small or too large, Call us for a quote!
(205) 424-6928

"The One-Stop Non-profit Center”

410-N Plaza Street
Fairfield, Al 35064
Charles L. Fields, MBA, JD

Manager

Telephone: (205) 788-2222
Email: [email protected]

• Grant Writing Services

• Establishing 501-C (3) Non-profit for
Churches & Community Organizations

• Business Consulting

• Financial Workshop

~Congratulations~

Marquetta R. Hill- King
&

The Willie J. Perry Foundation
On your 3rd Annual Vanguard Leadership Black Tie

Gala
May God continue to bless everything that you puts
your hands to do! Your dad would be very proud of you

and the board on all of your accomplishments.

Thanks,
Mrs. Barbara Jackson

E. L. King Ministries

“Presents: The Crisis Center”
“COMING SOON”

Domestic Violence Prevention
and Intervention Relief.

Counseling, Workshops, and Healing.

Gen 21:8-21

For more information contact::
205-390-8030

K & S Financial & Tax Services

Exquisite Travels Phase 2

Let me plan your dream vacation, getaways, family reunions, or
class reunion. No trip is too small.

Contact
Marquetta Hill-King,

Independent Travel Agent P 173372

205-249-2318
Email: [email protected]

C.P. CONSTRUCTION LLC

“Working For You!

Barbara C. Williams
Administrator

905 24th Street S.W. 205-515-0866
Birmingham, Alabama 35211
[email protected]

CONCRETE AND ADA SPECILAIST

Special Thanks to NAPA Auto Parts For donating all of
the Parts to Restore The Birmingham Batman Rescue

Ship

NAPA Auto Parts
701 39th St N

“We Offer The Best Quality
Home Care To Our Clients”

CLEOPHUS BEARDEN
205-240-0977

• PAINTING • TITLE
• CUTTERS • ROOFING

• LAWN CARE

Thank God for His Cox and Cox Lawn Service
many blessings
We take pride in what we do,
Amen No job to Big or too Small

Lavanda Cox (Lee)

2220 Treadwell Road

~Congratulations”

to the

Willie J. Perry Foundation, Inc.

on your

2018 Vanguard Leadership Gala

Cal’s Ego
Clothing Store

103 20th Street North—Bessemer, Alabama 35020

~We dress you with class from the head to the toe!

Stacy Adams
Casual Wear
Formal Wear
Call: (205) 426-3346
For all your occasion

wear!

We also personalize your wardrobe to fit your style!

Thomas Family Medicine

Dr. Takeshia M. Dent-Thomas

• I received my graduate degrees from the University of Alabama
at Tuscaloosa and Samford University.

• We are currently accepting new patients from 6 months-21
years of age, in addition to family planning.

•

• Thomas Family Medicine mission is to educate parents and
children on prevention, health promotion, disease and encour-
age people from all walks of life.
Vision

"My faith demands that I do what ever I can, where ever I am,
when ever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to
make a difference. "Jimmy Carter.



Congratulations to the Willie J. Perry Foundation
on your 3rd Annual

Vanguard Leadership Awards Gala

Neighborhood Outreach Ministry
Holiness Church of the Apostolic Faith, Inc.

N. O. M. H.C

~ Service Times~

Word of Wisdom, Prayer, Worship & Prayer Service

Sunday Morning 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday Night 7:15 p.m.

Bishop Larry G. Hudson, Sr.

Senior Bishop

First Lady Overseer Gloria Hudson

Founder/ Pastor

Location:
1632 Tuscaloosa Avenue
Birmingham, Al 35211

(205) 925-4349

The Willie J. Perry Foundation Scholarship

2017-2018

Name of Sponsor: The Willie J. Perry Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) 3 or-
ganization dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievement in the automotive
and related industries; preserving automotive heritage; and educating future
generations of industry participants, and STEM.

Award: $500.00 will be awarded in the spring along with the school’s Award
Day 2019.

Eligibility requirements:
• Submit a completed application form indicating a sincere interest in an auto-

motive career and/or science career
• Provide an official transcript of all academic work.
• Submit two letters of recommendation supporting your automotive interests.
• Submit a letter of acceptance for an associate, bachelor, or master’s program.
• Be accepted at an accredited college, university or trade school within the

United States at the time of application (trade school should equal a two-
year associate program).
• Student must be a United States citizen or in the United States on a Student
Visa.
• Must be enrolled full-time.
• Must have 2.5 GPA or higher

Criteria for awarding scholarship: In addition to a complete application, can-
didates must submit an essay, a letter of recommendation and a letter for a
parent/guardian that state financial need.

How to apply: [email protected]
Scholarship deadline: Apply between August 1st - October 31st
Category: High School Senior
Miscellaneous: Scholarships may be used for any type of post-high school edu-
cation or training, certification, licensing, two- or four-year trade and technical
education or a two- or four-year college degree

Contact information:
The Willie J. Perry Foundation Scholarship

To be successful an organization must partner with individuals, and corporations
to work within the community. We are fortunate that we have partners who share

our vision of service in keeping with the mission of Mr. Willie J. (Birmingham
Batman) Perry. We Salute our Community Partners and look forward to this list

growing.

Community Partners

United Car Care Center
Bessemer Civic Center
Bright Star Restaurant
State Representative Priscilla Dunn
Lawson State Community College
Arrington Funeral Home
Davenport & Harris Funeral Home
Anthony Underwood Automotive

Fields & Associates
Thomas Family Medicine
Cleophus Bearden Lawn Service

Lavish Limo Service
Cox & Cox Lawn Service
Marvel Federal Credit Union

Moore Coal Company
Corry's Restaurant

Bishop Hudson and Overseer Hudson
Cal’s Ego Clothing Store
Dr. Charles Diggins

~Congratulations to the
Willie J. Perry Foundation

Great Low Prices - Competitive pricing, no hid-
den fees of any kind and no contracts! You will
receive a 30-day notice of any price change.

Excellent Service – We care about our
customers and strive to make your experience
with us the best ever. If you have any questions or problems,

Serving Greater Birmingham for 4 Generations
Call us at 205-424-2705

~Congratulations to the
Willie J. Perry Foundation~

If your employer is a member of the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce,
you are qualified to join the Marvel City Federal Credit Union You may also
qualify if you have an immediate family member who already has an account

with MCFCU. For more information, call (205) 426-0578

Share Accounts Draft Accounts
Loans Christmas Club

Certificate of Individual
Retirement Account

Marvel City Federal Credit Union

316 17th Street North
Bessemer, Alabama 35020

(205) 426-0578

Come By and See Us First
Gina Bigham, Manager

~Congratulations ~

to the

Willie J. Perry Foundation
On your 3rd Annual Vanguard Leadership Gala and to the

First Responders Honorees!

Anthony Underwood Automotive

3600 Bessemer Superhighway
Bessemer, Alabama 35020
(205) 424-4033