By: Shelley McKinley, Ed.D.
The South Houston Concerned Citizens Coalition (SHCCC) recently held its 10th Annual Awards Banquet to acknowledge all the hard work among the 25+ civic clubs and homeowner associations found within 77045 and parts of 77035, 77047, 77053, and 77085, as well as shine a light on several sponsors, organizations, and individuals who have moved projects forward to improve the living environment for citizens in Houston’s District K and portions of District D. Against the backdrop of live music provided by the Joe Carmouche & Friends Band, the banquet was a display of accountability between local, state, and national government, business entities, and SHCCC. Greetings from SHCCC President Homer Clark opened the banquet followed by remarks from the City of Houston Mayor Pro-Tem and District K councilmember Martha CastexTatum. “Public Service is the rent we pay for the lives we live,” shared Castex-Tatum.
Congressman Al Green presented Congressional Recognition to the organization and reminded the audience that enslaved African Americans provided the economic foundation to make America great in the first place. “I include slavery remembrance on every document I sign because the economic foundational mothers and fathers were intended to be a permanent identifiable caste, not class, of people who should never be forgotten,” stated Rep. Green. Former Police Chief Troy Finner, who grew up in Hiram Clarke, served as the keynote speaker and praised the organization for its diversity, which was also visible to all who attended. “Diversity is a strength. We are a community of one. Accountability starts in our communities. Keep your property. Keep it in the family and hold people accountable,” advised Finner.
Master of Ceremony, George Anderson, commended Chief Troy Finner for the leader- ship he provided to the community, including organizing the funeral for George Floyd which was held in District K at the Fountain of Praise, putting the community on the global stage for the world to see. Troy Finner skillfully provided logistical organization and security while preserving the dignity of the occasion. “I could always call Chief Finner and he would always answer,” shared Anderson.
Mrs. Vivian Harris, Ms. Suzette Lartigue, and Mrs. Melva Thorn- ton, all of whom are members of SHCCC, acknowledged their sponsors then gave out awards. Recipients were truly surprised when their name or company was an- nounced. Cemex, New Faith Church, George Anderson, and Kelly Coleson were among the many recipients that received awards for their work and impact in the community.
As Mrs. Vivian Harris was about to take her seat, she was stopped and presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership and dedication that brought her to tears. The purpose of the organization is to improve the community through urban design and beautification, crime reduction and public safety, economic development, and improved education and recreation.
As Homer Clark and Troy Finner both stated throughout the ceremony, Ms. Harris is a driving force and holds all levels of leadership accountable. The banquet ended with attendees looking forward to next year’s affair.
