The Harnett County African American Heritage Center recently hosted its inaugural “In Their Footsteps Legacy Project: Harnett County Trailblazers Awards” on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Harnett County Commons Building.
The event celebrated contemporary trailblazers from the community, recognizing their significant contributions with music, praise, and encouragement. Honorees included a diverse group of individuals such as veterans, career educators, principals, school board members, non-profit leaders, musicians, morticians, NAACP leaders, spiritual leaders, and historians, among many others.
The inaugural honorees included Tony Spears & the Harnett County NAACP, Carolyn McDougald, Sharon Gainey, Bishop Brenda Johnson, Dr. Jasmine Nixon, Dr. Benika Thompson, Dawn Young, Tiffany Artis, Dr. Calvetta Sutton-Beard, Renee Gilmore, Jeffrey Booker, E. J. Stewart, Lawanda Leggett, Rosa McDougald, Dallas Dafford, Kittrane Sanders, The Sandhills Family Heritage Association, Willie Brinkley, Naomi Ried Swann, and special recognition to Beatrice Bailey-Hill. Mrs. Bailey-Hill received special recognition as a centenarian who has paved the way for future generations through leadership and advocacy. Harnett County NAACP President Pastor Tony Spears, in his remarks, encapsulated the spirit of the evening, stating, “Striving, thriving, and living with purpose.”
This inspiring inaugural event provided a vital space for the community to share stories, rally attendees, and encourage everyone to be mindful of their own contributions while celebrating the work of others. The palpable sense of love and motivation filled the venue…