PFC James Anderson,USMC Awarded the Medal of Honor for Heroism in Vietnam
His platoon came under heavy enemy fire. During the ensuing firefight, an enemy grenade landed near PFC Anderson and a number of other Marines. PFC Anderson pulled the grenade to his chest, curled around it, and absorbed the majority of the blast with his body, heroically saving the lives of the Marines around him at the cost of his own.
Honored by Austin Adams Fannie Lou Hamer
“Never to forget where we came from and always praise the bridges that carried us over.”
Honored by Angie Cook Malcolm X
“You're not to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality.
Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.”
Honored by Keland Johnson Harriet Tubman
“I freed thousands of slaves, and could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves.”
Honored by Jalyn Scott Coretta Scott King
“Hate is too great a burden to bear.
It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.”
Honored by Harlie Grove Ida B. Wells
Newspaper Owner and Publisher who Exposed the Horrors of Lynchings in the 1860’s
“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”
Honored by Sharon Byrd Carla Hunter Limbaugh, “Tahtee”
“Never give up on people. Always give them a second chance. God has a plan for everyone.”
Honored by Kaitlyn Grace Callaway Maya Angelou
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Honored by Brandon Batemen Cheryl I. Harris UCLA Law School, Critical Race Studies Director
“The ideological and rhetorical move [in the 1680’s] from ‘slave’ and ‘free’ to ‘Black’ and ‘White’ as polar constructs marked an important step in the social construction of race.”
Honored by Kathie Wright Rosa Parks
“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”
Honored by Gabriella Mendoza Susie King Taylor
Published a Memoir of her Wartime Experiences in 1902
“Justice, we ask, to be citizens of these United States, where so many of our people have shed their blood with their white comrades, that the stars and stripes should never be polluted.”
Honored by Leleyna Mendoza Medha Patkar
Environmental and Civil Rights Activist
“We are basically fighting this battle for an alternative economic and political perspective against the present development paradigm, which is being imposed on the people and the market.”
See the film, A Threat to Living Communities, Global Oneness Project, 2006-2013.
Honored by Dr. Nirmala Chandrasekharan Renne Sullines
“There are not enough words in the world to express how grateful I am for this woman. She helps those who are ready for a future (including me), and she goes out of her way to make sure we have a voice. She was my mentor throughout high school, and she helped me see the world from a different perspective.”
Honored by Keila Carrillo Ella Fitzgerald
“It isn't where you came from; it's where you're going that counts.”
Honored by Brenna Murray Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ ”
Honored by Summer Valenzuela George Washington Carver
“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.”
Honored by Kaylee Fields My Dad and Grandmother
“Be strong and never give up your dreams; these have to be your focus.”
Honored by Julia Goncalves Lieutenant Jeremy Hunt
“Don’t just tolerate cultural differences; celebrate them.
Many young soldiers had never met someone of a different race before enlisting. They support and depend on each other with maturity and professionalism. We expect it from them. So why do we expect so little from our country as a whole? We can do better.”
Honored by Jacob Hill Martin Luther King, Jr. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Honored by Shahir Rai Kim Whittwer
“My mother has worked as an early childhood development teacher for over eleven years because she knows those first years are crucial and she can make the biggest impact. She is amazing.”
Honored by Sarah Christensen Jackie Robbins
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
Honored by Hailey Kahrs Dr. William Butler
The First Doctor of African-American Descent in Abilene
Honored by John Caraway Eugenia Pickard
In 1953, Gave a Gift of $5,000 in her Will for the Library at the Woodson High School in Abilene, the Segregated, Black High School
Honored by John Caraway Jackie Robinson “Life is not a spectator sport. If you're going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you're wasting your life.”
Honored by Latisha Walker Lieutenant John Fox
Received the Medal of Honor in 1997 for Actions during World War II
His gallant and courageous actions, at the supreme sacrifice of his own life, contributed greatly to delaying the enemy advance until other infantry and artillery units could reorganize to repel the attack. His extraordinary valorous actions were in keeping with the most cherished traditions of military service.
Honored by Randy Golson Jacqueline Amisi
“She broke the boundaries of chauvinism in a male dominated environment. She is respected and treated equally by the men because of her hard work and drive.”
Honored by her Daughter, Cynthia Otieno Serena Williams
“I decided I can't pay a person to rewind time, so I may as well get over it.”
Honored by Tori Englerth Harriet Beecher Stowe
“The longest way must have its close - the gloomiest night will wear on to a morning.”
Honored by Noel Refamonte Marsha 'Pay It No Mind' Johnson
Drag Queen Credited with Instigating the Stonewall Riots, the Catalyst for the Gay Rights Movement, and Helping Homeless Transgender Youth and Supporting Other LGBTQA Rights Issues
Honored by Kari Montoya Michael Jordan “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”
Honored by Heric Bustamante Harriet Tubman
“I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person now I was free. There was such glory over everything. The sun came up like gold through the trees and I felt like I was in heaven.”
Honored by Chrystal Welch President Barak Obama
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
Honored by Dillon Quinn David Robinson
"Your peers will respect you for your integrity and character, not your possessions.”
Honored by Jacob Hill Nelson Mandela
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Honored by Laci Jones Fannie Lou Hamer
“Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.”
“She was an irrepressible advocate for social justice, challenging voter suppression, state-sanctioned violence, poverty, and gender inequality.” Honored by Sheron Caton Mae Jemison
“Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.”
Honored by Rebecca Matthews Barak Dorothy Vaughan
Hidden Figures Depicted her Story as a Mathematician at NASA
“I changed what I could and what I couldn’t, I endured.”
Honored by Jacob Hill Dorothy Irene Height
“Progress comes from caring more about what needs to be done than about who gets the credit.”
Freedom from Want Award, Presented by President Franklin Roosevelt Presented, 1944. Citizens’ Medal Award for Distinguished Service, Presented by President Ronald Reagan, 1989. Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Presented by President George W. Bush, 2000. Honored by Rebecca Smith Pierre Claver Mbonimpa Burundian Human Rights Activist, Shown in this Photo from Prison for his Efforts
When the opposition murdered members of his family, he said, “I forgive the people who killed my son.”
Honored by Gabriella Iranshumbushije Maya Angelou
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
Honored by Katie Allen Elon Musk
“Some people don’t like change, but you need to embrace change if the alternative is disaster.”
Honored by Ryan Tipton Mary Jackson
First Woman Engineer of African American Descent at NASA
“We have to do something… to get [kids] interested in science. Sometimes they are not aware of the number of Black scientists, and don't even know of the career opportunities until it is too late."
Honored by Jacob Hill Ben Carson
“Success is determined not by whether or not you face obstacles, but by your reaction to them. And if you look at these obstacles as a containing fence, they become your excuse for failure. If you look at them as a hurdle, each one strengthens you for the next.”
Honored by Jacob Hill Katherine Johnson Physicist and Mathematician who Calculated NASA’s Rocket Flight Trajectories
“Math, It’s just there…You’re either right or you’re wrong. That’s what I like about it.”
Honored by Jacob Hill Richard Overton age 111 “I am the oldest World War II veteran. I eat ice cream every night. It makes me happy.”
Honored by Tucker Brown Vernon Baker
Earned a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Distinguished Service Cross, and the Congressional Medal of Honor
“Treat people the way you want to be treated. Remember the mission. Set the example. Keep going.”
Honored by Tucker Brown Ify Onyemelukwe
“Ify is an inspiration, overcoming many obstacles as an international student who started at Cisco College earning two Associates Degrees and is now dreaming of a Masters Degree with the hope of returning to her home country and opening a school.”
Honored by Beth Jackson Harriet Tubman
“Twant me, 'twas the Lord. I always told him, 'I trust to you. I don't know where to go or what to do, but I expect you to lead me,' and He always did.”
Honored by August Strasser Rosa Parks
“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free ... so other people would be also free.”
Honored by August Strasser Christiane Jeanne Monje
“My mother survived Nazi-occupied France as a child. She taught me about true courage. Once she invited two young Black men to dine with her at her father’s house. Her Father was the Chief of Gendarme, the National Police force. My Grandfather opened his home to the young men and they enjoyed bread and fine champagne together.” Honored by her daughter, Corrine Monje 5000 Soldiers of African-American Descent are in the National Archives as Warriors in the American Revolution
.
“We need names and not just numbers in our history books.”
Honored by Dr. Duane Hale “The Battle of San Juan Hill was won by two Black regiments that flanked the Rough Riders.”
. Honored by Dr. Duane Hale 22 men of African-American Descent Earned the Congressional Medal of Honor in the Civil War William Christian Carney Fleetwood Charles Veal Edward Ratcliff Robert Pinn Joachim Pease James Mifflin John Lawson James Miles Milton Holland Alfred Hilton Powhatan Clement Alexander Thomas James James Harris Beaty Dees Kelly Hawkins Gardiner Decatur Dorsey Wilson Brown William Brown James Bronson Robert Blake “We need names William Barnes and not just numbers Bruce Anderson in our history books.” Aaron Anderson Honored by Dr. Duane Hale Bessie Coleman “The air is the only place free from prejudice. I decided Blacks should not have to experience the difficulties I had faced, so I decided to open a flying school and teach other Black women to fly. I refused to take no for an answer.”
Honored by Richard Bohm Scott Joplin
Born in Texarkana, Texas The King of Ragtime Writers
"When I'm dead twenty-five years, people are going to begin to recognize me."
Honored by Richard Bohm Barbara Jordan Attorney, Congresswoman, Advocate for Equal Rights
“There is no obstacle in the path of young people who are poor or members of minority groups that hard work and preparation cannot cure.”
Honored by Richard Bohm Henry O. Flipper West Point Graduate 1877
“I viewed the hills about West Point, her stone structures perched thereon, thus rising still higher, as if providing access to the very pinnacle of fame, and shuddered. With my mind full of the horrors of the treatment of all former cadets of color, and the dread of inevitable ostracism, I approached tremblingly yet confidently.”
Honored by Richard Bohm Jerry Pinkney Writer and Illustrator of Children’s Books
"Never forget there are many different ways to learn. Be curious."
“His beautiful, detailed illustrations tell the story better than words. My favorite is The Lion and the Mouse.” Honored by Cindy Brookey Alice Walker
“And then the two of us sat there just enjoying, until it was time to go in the house and go to bed.”
of Maggie and Mama in “Everyday Use.”
“In this story Walker shows the richness of heritage passed from one generation to the next and urges us to value all these gifts.” Honored by Cindy Brookey Ben Carson “Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give.”
“Ben Carson is amazing not only for his accomplishments as a gifted neurosurgeon, but also as a man of faith and integrity.” Honored by Cindy Brookey Thurgood Marshall Supreme Court Justice
“Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”
Honored by Barbara Di Castro Sojourner Truth Activist Inspired by Faith who Fought for Abolition and Suffrage
“I have as much muscle as any man, and I can do as much work as any man… And ain’t I a woman?”
Honored by Kathie Wright Ruby Bridges At Age 6, The First to Integrate an All White School in the South
“Kids know nothing about racism. They are taught that by adults.”
Honored by Nicole Limones Shirley Chisholm First Woman of African American Descent Elected to Congress “Service is the rent that you pay for room on this earth.”
Honored by Kathie Wright Desmond Tutu Headed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Mandela’s government “Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
Honored by Kathie Wright Nelson Mandela Led South Africa from Apartheid “We as a people chose the path of negotiation, compromise and peaceful settlement. Instead of hatred and revenge we chose reconciliation and nation building.”
Honored by Richard Ndayishimiye Jesse Owens Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, 1936 “I wanted no part of politics. And I wasn’t in Berlin to compete against any one athlete. The purpose of the Olympics, anyway, was to do your best. As I’d learned long ago… the only victory that counts is the one over yourself.”
Honored by Kathie Wright Maya Angelou
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Honored by Chassity Hall Mellani Royals Nurse
“She has shown me and others how to be strong in hard times, and she always brings joy.” Honored by Grayson Martin Colin Powell “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”
Honored by Cindy Brookey Adam Clayton Powell “Unless man is committed to the belief that all mankind are his brothers, then he labors in vain and hypocritically in the vineyards of equality.”
Honored by Kathie Wright Oprah Winfrey “Turn your wounds into wisdom.”
Honored by Cindy Brookey Malcolm X “Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.”
Honored by Rosa Lampkin Emma Watson UN Goodwill Ambassador, Striving to Achieve Gender Equality Around the World
“If not me, who? If not now, when?”
“For me she has been an icon of justice in society, and an inspiration for many who believe in feminism and think women and men should be equal.” Honored by Jesus Jimenez Joseph L. White Father of Black Psychology, Challenged Eurocentric Views that Misunderstood African American Spirituality, Time Perspective, and Emphasis on Collective Groups “You cannot seek validation from people who are oppressing you,”
Honored by Tatiana Walker Rosa Parks
“I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
Honored by Magali Oliver The Little Rock Nine Desegregated Central High Escorted by US Troops
“If you go only where you are welcome, that’s where other people want you to go, not where you choose to go. You’re limited by their vision—not living your own dreams.”
Melba Pattillo Beals Minnijean Brown Elizabeth Eckford Ernest Green Gloria Ray Karlmark Carlotta Walls LaNier Thelma Mothershed Terrence Roberts Jefferson Thomas
Honored by Kathie Wright Martin Luther King Jr.
“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”
Honored by Zebby Langat Meghan Markle
“Being biracial paints a blurred line that is equal parts staggering and illuminating.”
Honored by Olubunmi Segun-Bello Larry Dean Baker
“My Pappaw served in the Vietnam War and is my hero! He inspires me to be a better person because he never gives up on me… He worked hard all his life and now everything is paying off.”
Honored by Samantha Bailey Nelson Mandela
Nobel Peace Prize Recipient
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
Honored by Miguel Ngoubili Martin Luther King Jr. . “I have a dream.”
Honored by Gilbert Ramirez Billie Holiday
“Sometimes it's worse to win a fight than to lose.”
Honored by Yuko Takano Jennifer Ritchey
Served Two Years in the Peace Corp in Africa
Serves on the International Refugee Board
Leads the International Program at Highline Community College in Des Moines, WA
Has Spent a Lifetime Empowering Those Who Need to Know that They Have a Voice
Honored by her Mother, Kathy Kennedy Taylor Terry
“My coach gives us as a squad an equal chance to win. He also pushes us all equally to do our best at practice and believes in each of us equally.” Honored by Lily McCutchen Dr. Jackolyn Morgan
“Dr. Morgan served as Dean of the Cisco College Nursing Program and spent most of her career here at Cisco College. She served as a mentor for a multitude of students and opened doors for those who wanted to pursue a nursing career. Her leadership and professionalism set a high standard for all who worked with her.”
Honored by Dr. Carol Dupree Anthony and Lynette Williams
The Mayor and First Lady of Abilene
“You really should not do this job unless you're willing to put in that enormous amount of effort. You should not do the job unless you're willing to take risks. And you shouldn't do the job unless you're willing to lose the job, too.”
Honored by Mayor Williams’ Sister, Deborah Castleman Dr. Jerry Taylor Leader of the Abilene Racial Unity Summit
“We invite all that have a heart for peace to join us in this work of God, reconciling the world unto Himself.”
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Honored by Kathie Wright Nelson Mandela “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the World.”
Honored by Emeline Mbabazi Francois Clemmons and Fred Rogers
“Fred Rogers invited me to rest my feet in the water with him. The icon Fred Rogers was not only was showing my brown skin in the tub with his white skin as two friends but as I was getting out of that tub, he was helping me dry. That scene touched me in a way that I was not prepared for. He was making a very strong statement. That was his way.”
Honored by Kathie Wright “Lee Hammond, shown here at his restaurant in Midland, Texas, tended to every aspect of life with a steadfastness that served as an example to all. His brother, Willie Hammond, Jr., was the first African-American county commissioner in Ector County, Texas, ringing the bell of history louder. But when life went awry for any among his family or friends, Lee Hammond responded as always by rising early, staying late and serving as a solid foundation of consistency, character and soul. Lee Hammond was an everyday, day in and day out, hero.” . Honored by Tom Bell Neil deGrasse Tyson “Curious that we spend more time congratulating people who have succeeded than encouraging people who have not.”
Honored by Jerry Clemons Odis Dolton
Odis enjoys giving back to the community. He works for the City of Abilene in the Office of Neighborhood Services. He is a Social Worker by trade and serves on the Board of many Community Non Profits. He is Chairman of the Abilene Community Health Center as well as the Abilene Health Center. He serves on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board. He volunteers on a committee at Cisco College to promote more opportunities for trades for individuals. He works with students at Abilene High and makes recommendations to administration. He serves with neighborhood associations like the Alameda Community and Connecting Caring Communities. He is a part of the African American Men’s Breakfast Group and works with the refugee community. “Odis loves his community and is very dedicated to improving the lives of others.”
Honored by Pearl Merritt Honored by Dr. Pearl Merritt Dr. Morris Baker Outstanding Alumnus of Cisco College Outstanding Alumnus of McMurray University Presented The Franklin H. Williams Award for Outstanding Community Service in Washington, D.C.
“Seek peace.”
Honored by Dr. Pearl Merritt Thaddee Uwimana Nurse Practitioner
“I am married to Pascasie Uwimana. We have 3 children, Sylvie, Sylva, and Sylvanius.
I have been in USA and Abilene since 2004. I came as refugee. I got my Associate Degree in nursing at Cisco College in 2010 and then got my BSN in 2012 and MSN in 2016 at TTUHSC. I have been thankful to Abilene community for a warm welcome.”
Honored by Dr. Pearl Merritt Morgan Freeman “I am going to stop calling you a white man and I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man.”
Honored by Brandon Quintero Cleo Wade
“Want to change the world? Start by being brave enough to care.”
Honored by Mychellya Shadle Michelle Obama
“There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made.”
Honored by Zane Moreno