HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-2026 Honoring the 'Greatest' Generations of Seniors in Greater South BendSPECIAL PROCLAMATION NO. 02-2026
A SPECIAL PROCLAMATION AWARED BY THE SOUTH BEND COMMON
COUNCIL HONORING THE "GREATEST" GENERATIONS OF SENIORS IN
GREATER SOUTH BEND
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doarley deem hoe andreverence.
4ficittsi, Blessed Gospel Magazine, on Sunday, February 15, 2026 for the eleventh (11 th) year, is
hosting a Black History Program to Honor the "Greatest" Generations of Seniors in the South Bend
area at Christ Temple Church in South Bend, Indiana where the Senior Pastor is Kenneth Johnson;
and
41we recognize the immense contributions of Black Americans to our nation's history,
culture, and progress; and
Black history is an integral part of American history, and the stories, resilience, and
triumphs of Black elders have shaped our collective identity; and
Ofriaazi, we acknowledge that the struggle for civil rights and equality continues, and our elders
remain steadfast in their advocacy; and
c 1s their lived experiences provide invaluable lessons for us all, teaching us empathy,
compassion, and the importance of unity; and
G, Sister Brenda Blake (68) years, Deacon Sandy Combs (75) years, Sister Gloria Eddins
(65) years, Deacon Rodney Gadson (61) years, Deacon Michael Hardrict (67) years, Mother Clara
Hodges (86) years, Sister Esther Holmes (64) years, and Sister Evonda Kimmons (65) years, were
all selected as the 2026 Honorees.
Ofee anl. On behalf of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, and as elected members of
the South Bend Common Council, we are pleased to publicly honor and celebrate, Sister Brenda
Blake, Deacon Sandy Combs, Sister Gloria Eddins, Deacon Rodney Gadson, Deacon Michael
Hardrict, Mother Clara Hodges, Sister Esther Holmes, and Sister Evonda Kimmons, as the 2026
Blessed Gospel Magazine's Black History Honorees.
{ e&fal. The City of South Bend has been made stronger because of these eight (8) outstanding
citizens touching the hearts of so many individuals, youth, and families throughout the years. Their
influence continues to shine brightly in the lives of thousands of people every day.
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Caeth Lee, Coun President
1st District Representative
South Bend Common Council
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Sharon Mc ride, 3 d District
Representative
South Bend Common Council
Sherry 1olden-Simpson, 5th District
Representative
South Bend Common Council
(440 Li14-4 Vary
Rachel Tomas Morgan, At -Large
Council Representative
South Bend Common Council
Dr. Oliver , At -Large Council
Representative
South Bend Common Council
Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, 2"
Representative
South Bend Common Council
Wa er, th District
Troy , 4
Representative
South Bend Common Council
District
Presiden
t Niezgodski, &
6th District Representative
South Bend Common Council
ice
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Karen L. White, At -Large Council
Representative
South Bend Common Council