WASHINGTON -- This week, U.S. Representative Artur Davis (D-Birmingham) will honor unsung heroes from the community throughout the 7^th Congressional District during the 3^rd Annual Celebration of Excellence reception scheduled for Thursday, September 22 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at The Decatur House.

This year’s honorees span a full range of talent and achievement with a special focus on those doing groundbreaking work in the world of medicine on behalf of Alabama’s Black Belt.  Others will be honored in areas of academic achievement, civil rights and law enforcement.

 “I look forward to the Celebration of Excellence every year because the event gives us a chance to recognize people who are doing tremendous work in our community, but who may never receive the type of recognition they deserve,” Davis said. 

 The event is part of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference scheduled September 21 – 24.  The four-day event, sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, focuses on issues pertinent to the African American community.

This year’s Celebration of Excellence honorees are:

Maggie Bozeman (posthumously)

A legendary political activist and civil rights advocate, each election season Bozeman’s work resonates with people throughout Alabama’s Black Belt.  As a teacher in the Pickens and Sumter county schools, Bozeman believed in educating individuals about their right to vote and selecting officials who would support African American issues.  Bozeman passed away in August 2004 at the age of 75.  Her daughter, Punta Deleste Bozeman-Nickens, will accept the award.

Frances Ford

With more than 30 years of committed work in healthcare in the Black Belt, Ford serves as a consistent voice for the healthcare needs of people in the region.  Ford currently serves as the Executive Director and Healthcare Coordinator with Sowing Seeds of Hope, a non-profit, faith-based organization based in Perry County that educates members of the community about making informed decisions concerning their health.

Michael Jackson

Elected as the District Attorney for Dallas County in November 2004, Jackson is the first African American to serve in this post in Dallas County and the only district attorney of color in the state of Alabama. Prior to entering private practice, Jackson served as a municipal judge for the City of Selma.

Groesbeck Parham

A staple in the UAB medical school family, Parham has conducted groundbreaking research in the fields of gynecology, oncology and heart disease.  His most recent work examines the dietary habits of Black Belt families.  Parham is now working to educate individuals about how good eating choices contribute to healthy living and long life.

Gene Robinson

The founder and president of Integrated Medical Systems, Inc., Robinson has devoted his life to working in medically undeserved communities around the world.  His most recent venture, in partnership with Congressman Davis, is the Instruments of Mercy Black Belt Healthcare Initiative.  IOM is a non-profit group charged with transporting surplus medical supplies from Birmingham healthcare organizations to facilities in the Black Belt.  To date, the organization has distributed more than $800 thousand in medical equipment in the region.

Portia Shepard

Shepard is a student at Miles College in Birmingham where she currently serves as Student Government Association president.  The Sawyerville, Alabama native is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in political science and maintains a 3.7 overall grade point average.  In addition to her many on-campus activities, Shepard is an active member of MTV’s Rock the Vote project and serves as the business manager for the United Negro College Fund Pre-Alumni Council.

The Decatur House is located at 748 Jackson Place, NW.  For more information on this event, contact Corey Ealons at 202-226-1251.

Congressman Davis will also host a panel discussion, “Where do we go from here?  Questioning the Emergence of New Black Politics” Friday, September 23 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. at The Washington Convention Center, room 146B.