JANS – On Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the Two Mississippi Museums, the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, Inc. (GMBSC) ended its 134th Annual Session with their 2nd Annual Freedom & Light Gala. The event supports the GMBSC’s Historically Black College and Universities Scholarship Fund. The gala, officiated by WLBT news anchor Maggie Wade, included entertainment from professional saxophonist Cedric D. Eubanks, and gospel recording artists Brandon Mitchell and Minister Ben Cone, III.

Under the leadership of the GMBSC’s 16th President Rev. Reginald M. Buckley, the event provides an opportunity for the convention to recognize outstanding leaders from the community who have exhibited remarkable commitment to the causes, missions, and ministries of the GMBSC. This year’s awards honorees included Senator Barbara Blackmon, Esq., who received the Presidential Medal of Honor; L.C. Mitchell (State Executive Director of the Laymen Department for the GMBSC of MS, Inc.), who received the Randle Pollard Leadership & Unity Award; and Circuit Judge Tomie Green [ret.], who received the G.W. Gayles Public Theology Award. Also recognized was actress, gospel recording artist and GMBSC Executive Director of the Music Department, Lannie Spann McBride. McBride received a commissioned portrait produced on-site by local musician and artist, Lorenzo D. Gayden.

Honoree L.C. Mitchell said, “It is so important that we learn to build relationships. The only time we really favor Jesus is when we are doing something to help others. Jesus spent his whole life meeting the needs of people and I thank God for allowing me to have that spirit to serve my fellow man.” Honoree Tomie Green said, “I grew up a little girl in Washington Addition going to an elementary school that faced a cemetery. I then went on to Jim Hill that faced the same cemetery. There were people who built the schools of Black children facing graves believing that would be the story of our futures. However, I am so thankful that God saw for us a vision beyond the grave. The story of my life is proof of God’s faithfulness. I accept this award on behalf of all those whose shoulders I stand…we are today our forefathers’ and foremothers’ wildest dreams.” 

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Check out photos from the 2023 Freedom & Light Gala