The City of Longview Partners in Prevention’s Unity and Diversity Committee has selected Ms. Kasha Williams and Ms. LaDelle Kay as the 2019 Unity Honors recipients. The Unity Honors is a life time achievement award that recognizes individuals in the community who have demonstrated leadership in the promotion of unity, mutual understanding, and social justice.
Kasha Williams has been an advocate for enhancing the quality of life for the community of Longview since she was a student at Foster Middle School. Kasha researched the history of Black educators and historically black churches in the area and that exhibit is still on display at the local historical museum. She has served within Top Teens of America (TTA) as both a teenager and then as an adult becoming a Top Lady of Distinction. In addition to TTA, she has been a dedicated supporter of programs citywide that encourage youth like Partners in Prevention Mentoring Program and working with youth programs at her local church, St. Mark Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. In 2011, she became a member of the Longview City Council where she served her community diligently and brought attention to projects and enhancements that were needed in her district. Kasha’s care and support for the most vulnerable in our community can be seen through her service as the council liaison for the public transportation advisory and the housing and community development liaison. Kasha is a beacon of light for youth across East Texas and continues to be a voice for the unheard and a catalyst for change.
LaDelle Kay has been involved in every facet of this community since moving to Longview almost 20 years ago. Her heart for service impacted everyone she interacted with through her continued involvement in numerous coalitions and nonprofits across East Texas. LaDelle has proven her commitment to the Youth of East Texas through her volunteer efforts with Hope For Youth, Longview Nonprofit Coalition, East Texas Anti-Trafficking Team, and Women in Longview. Ladelle’s work with the Greater Longview United Way complemented her commitment to serving. She has brought the community and people together from all walks of life for the common goal of service and working for the greater good of all.
Special Recognition Awards will be presented to Silver Grizzly Espresso and Kevin Hawkins for their service in uniting Longview.
The Unity Honors Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, February 20 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Maude Cobb Convention Center located at 100 Grand Blvd., Longview, TX.
Tickets will go on sale January 5th for $20 and can be purchased at Partners in Prevention, 140 E. Tyler St, #400; Broughton Recreation Center, 801 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd; Longview Public Library, 222 W. Cotton St. or online at LongviewTexas.gov/UnityHonors No tickets will be available on the day of the luncheon. Trenton Bennett of KETK will emcee the event.
The Unity and Diversity Committee (formerly known as Race Relations) was established in 1995 and is sponsored by the City of Longview Partners in Prevention. For more information please call the Partners in Prevention office at 903-237-1019.