Gloucester Township is looking for nominees to honor at its upcoming Black History Month Celebration.
Each year, the township honors African-American citizens in the community who have made great personal achievements or have helped others in their community through community service or good deeds. The township will hold its celebration during the Feb. 25 Council meeting at the Gloucester Township Municipal Building.
Nominations can be made now by filling out a form that can be found at the Gloucester Township website. All nominations must include an essay that details the nominee's accomplishments and why they are deserving of this honor. Past honorees cannot be nominated again. A three-person panel appointed by the mayor will review the nominations and choose who will be honored at the Feb. 25 Council meeting.
Last year's Black History Month Celebration was extra special as the township honored 92-year-old Pennsauken resident John Pritchett. Prichett was a former Tuskegee Airman who fought during World War II. He flew with the squadron depicted in the movie Red Tails.
Fourteen other citizens were honored at last year's celebration as well. They included nine middle- and high-school students, as well Dr. Michael DeShields, the medical director of the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, and Ron Tinsley, a head coach with Gloucester Township Lions football.
five Gloucester Township students were honored with the "Success Equals Sacrifice" award. Long-time Gloucester Township Stallions coach Louis Peebles and Curtis Phillips, the first black fire chief in township history, were among the other six residents honored.
Nominations for this year's celebration must be returned to the township Clerk's Office by Thursday, Feb. 14, at 5 p.m. Nomination forms can either be faxed to the office at 856-374-3527 or sent by email to rdijosie@glotwp.com. To see a full list of criteria and past honorees, go to the Black History Month Celebration page on the Gloucester Township website.
