18th Annual Image Awards and Scholarship Gala

Photo Curtesy of Jay Johnson

From the Jackson Advocate: The Crescent Foundation and the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. – Mu Sigma Chapter held its 18th Annual Image Awards & Scholarship Gala November 29, 2025, at the Westin in downtown Jackson, MS. The night was filled with celebration and gratitude. This year’s distinguished honorees were: Coach T.C. Taylor – Education, Chief Joseph Daughtry Sr. – Law, Debra McGee – Business, Sheletta Buckley – Humanitarian, Rep. Zakiya Summers – Public Service, Mayor John Horhn – L.T. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award, and Rev. Stanley James – Faith Based. Special thanks were given to the fraternity’s leadership: International President – Hon. Bro. David Turner, International Executive Director – Bro. Dr. Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, Regional Director – Bro. Kenneth Straughter, State Director – Bro. Lorenzo Grimes, State Secretary – Bro. Synarus Green, State Director of Bigger & Better Business – Bro. DeAnthony Jones, and State Director of Collegiate Affairs – Bro. Ki-Jana Potee.

It’s an honor to be a part of the 18th class of Image Award recipients from the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Mu Sigma Chapter. I thank God for granting me a “great consciousness of purpose”… to serve and lead. I am also grateful to the individuals who nominated me. I dedicate this Public Service award to my greatest blessings - my three sons. May they always remember the poignant words of Shirley Chisholm: Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth. I encourage you to demonstrate love in action because we always have an opportunity to serve, especially during this time of the year. I also want to recognize that I wouldn’t be able to live out my purpose without my loving village - my husband, dad, brother, my colleagues and Sorors, and so many loved ones. Special thanks to MS Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Kabir Karriem and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Rho Iota Zeta Chapter Past President Sandrena Durr for their special tribute video.