URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Saturday marks the 27th Annual MLK Jettie Rhodes Day Celebration. It’ll be held at King Park in Urbana.
The event is named after its founder, Jettie Rhodes, who was known as one of Urbana’s prime leaders.
“She was a big advocate of bringing people together, of unity, of services, of just having that community space for people to go,” said Tori Exum.
Exum, who is one of the board members for the Jettie Rhodes Neighborhood Day, is also a relative of Rhodes. Together with other committee members, they work to highlight individuals making impactful contributions in the community.
“I started venturing out into the streets, assisting people by guiding them towards recovery programs to help them reclaim their lives,” expressed Damen Rowell.
This year, Rowell is among the honorees and will receive the Community Unity Award. He mentioned that for the last seven years, his organization, New Beginnings Outreach, has been dedicated to supporting both children and adults.
“I know that God pulled me out of a situation, and once you pull me out, I knew that he wanted me to go into the streets and start pulling people out,” Rowell said. “Telling people what God did for me, how God took the doors and alcohol away from me.”
Rowell said being able to change people’s lives is why he gets up each morning, and Exum said she can’t disagree.
“I just think that he’s a difference maker,” Exum said. “He’s an unsung hero in the community. And for me, those are the people that we should be honoring in and celebrating.”
“I never thought about getting awards because I’m out here for the people and helping them,” Rowell said. “But it is nice to be recognized for the stuff that you do. But I’m out here for the people, that’s what I am. It’s a true blessing.”
For more information on the event, click here. To support Rowell, visit his Facebook page.
