Dr. Joseph Henderson receiving honoree award
| Photo credit: Sydne Vigille
Joseph Henderson is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and served seven years as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in physics from FAMU.
“I am a graduate of Florida A&M University and without FAMU I wouldn’t be what I am today. I’m proud of what the university is doing for many of the young men and women. Famuans go out and become world changers,” he said. “I am excited to be a part of the rich history and I hope it continues to fulfill its mission in making us better citizens and better contributors to the world.”
Henderson is one of 12 local veterans who are being featured in Tallahassee Community College’s annual Black History Month tribute calendar. He and the other 11 were honored during an unveiling of the calendar on Monday.
Henderson is also the founding pastor of Celebrate New Life Tabernacle Church in Tallahassee. Along with his ministries he oversees the Timothy Training and Development Center. TTDC is a Tallahassee non-profit organization that houses community service ministries in youth tutoring and mentoring.
“I am deeply honored that the committee decided to select me to be one of the honorees for this calendar,” he said. “I think it speaks volumes to the tributes what TCC is doing for the military veterans.”
Ronald M. Joe is also being featured in this year’s calendar.
Joe served 30 years in the military. His accolades include but not limited to, Defense Superior Service, Bronze Star Medal, and Legion of Merit. Col.
“This award is based on the fact that I served in the military. FAMU prepared me for that as graduate of FAMU ROTC, to be an outstanding member of the military. Knowing that service is something the FAMU stands for, ‘Excellence with Caring,’” said Joe.
Col. Ronald Joe receiving honoree award
| Photo credit: Sydne Vigille
Joe has received the FAMU Distinguished Alumni Award, FAMU President's Service Award, and is one of FAMU's 125 Distinguished Alumni. He also served four years as president of the 100 Black Men of Tallahassee Area, Inc.
“I’m excited about being an honoree. I am going to do my best to live up to the honor that has been bestowed upon me. It’s a pleasure to give back to the community,” Joe said.
The calendar is the 18th annual Cherry Alexander African-American History Calendar.
The theme of this year’s calendar is African-Americans in Times of War.
The African-American History Calendar was established by Cherry Hall Alexander, a former director of library service and coordinator for TCC’s African-American History Month activities.
Alexander was inspired to reintroduce black history activities on TCC’s campus. The corroboration of the calendar was a way to shed light on the achievements of local contributors who were often overlooked. Alexander and Majorie Turnbull, a former legislator, raised money to start what is now a staple feature and namesake. As of 2009, upon Alexander’s retirement, the calendar included her name.
This calendar has been beneficial for expanding the minority demographic on campus, but most importantly a way to inspire youth by showcasing their everyday citizens.
“The children can relate because that person is just as common they are. If they can do it, I can do it,” Alexander said.
“I want those common people to be recognized for their contributions, because their contributions are no less than others.”