Saturday, May 12, 2018 the Alabama Civil Rights Museum held a Pre-Mother’s Day Commemoration and Honors Program to lift up individuals for years of religious, civil rights, political and military leadership from the Knoxville and Snoddy Communities. The event was held at the Knoxville Fire Department. Rev. Charlie Means served as guest speaker. On Sunday, May 27, at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, community leaders from the Boligee, Clinton, Pleasant Ridge, Mt. Hebron and Lower Gainesville Road area were recognized. The theme for the occasion was Saluting Godly Men and Women and Honoring Past Leaders. Rev. Kelvin Cockrell, church pastor, delivered the message.

Elder Spiver Gordon, President of the Alabama Civil Right Museum, presented local Foot Soldiers with certificates of recognition for their contributions in paving the way to ensure a better future. Over 160 individuals were recognized. Recipients or family members came to received the award. Elder Gordon gave a brief history. Honorees included Mr. and Mrs. Will Little, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Finest Gandy, Nina Jo Hutton, Rev. and Mrs. Sherman Norwood, Mr.and Mrs. John Steele, Fannie Taylor, John Lavender, Susan Miller, Emanuel Jolly, Harry Collins, Cora Hill, West Taylor, Mr and Mrs. Hezekiah Watkins, Hurtlean Pippen, Willie Sanders, Martha Cameron, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Morgan, Mr. and Mrs. John McMillan, Arthur Williams, Sam Duncan, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Cox, Mellie Thompson, Mr and Mrs. Joe Rancher, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Amerson, Mr. and Mrs. Brady Hardy, Lillian Black, Ruby Cheatem, Mr. and Mrs. George Adams, Sarah Stalling, Gloria Outland. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cook, the first tax collector in Greene County, Lucious Amerson, the first Black Sheriff elected in the State of Alabama, Fannie Jackson, 114 year old when she passed aw, and numerous others. The Honoree shed light or highlight the impact or role played in the community, whether big or small. Local candidates in the 2018 June Primary and November General Elections were invited to come to meet and greet the community. For Probate Judge: Rev. John Kennard and Rev. James Carter and Jeremy Rancher were present; Circuit Clerk candidate Veronica Morton-Jones was present; Greene County Coroner candidate Finest Gandy, Jr. was present. In the Sheriff’s race Lorenzo French and Beverly Spencer were present.