By Edward Henderson
On Saturday, February 6th, 2016 the San Diego community gathered at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation in their best attire for the Voice and Viewpoint’s 56th Anniversary Gala. William Tayari Howard hosted the event with co-publishers Dr. John E. Warren and Chida R. Warren-Darby. The catered celebration featured captivating performances from gospel acts Voices of Fulfillment and Men 4 Christ as well as cultural music and dance from Naruwan Taiko and Ms. Foster King’s Dance Company.
Throughout the evening, members of the community were recognized for their contributions to goodwill and development of the San Diego area. Bishop Cornelius Bowser, Pastor Terry Wayne Brooks, Pastor Ray Smith, Pastor John A. Greene and Pastor Brian Clater were tapped for the Good Shepard Award for their service in the ministries. Larry Price received the Unsung Hero Award for his work serving veterans and incarcerated men. Brother Charles III received the Community Activist Award for being an omnipresent force in the area. Tinesia Conwright received the Under 40 Award for her stellar non-profit organization DETOUR (Depositing Empowerment Through Outreach and Urban Redevelopment.)
“The Voice and Viewpoint has always been around. They always make sure that things that are going on in the community is out there so we know all of the good that’s happening vs. all of the bad that’s generally circulated throughout other media publications,” Conwright said. “It was an honor to be recognized by an organization that has such a legacy in the community.”
Mayor Kevin Faulconer echoed this sentiment of the newspaper’s importance with his address to attendees.
“It’s a voice that so many San Diegans know they can turn to all the time. That’s why we’re here tonight,” Faulconer said.
The Gerri Warren Humanitarian Award went to Dr. Netreia Carroll who has garnered the nickname ‘Mother Theresa San Diego.’ She along with her team of volunteers serve approximately 5000-8000 individuals in need per month providing food and a loving presence. The San Diego Food Bank has recorded Dr. Carroll as one of the largest food distributers in the city. In her remarks, Dr. Warren reflected on her battle with Cancer and her conversations with God on the purpose for her life.
“He told me there’s got to come a time where we tear down the walls that separate us as people. All of the political differences, black – white, rich – poor, religion. The main thing is the focus of love,” Dr. Warren said.
One of the most touching moments of the evening came when Warren-Darby honored her father with a surprise video presentation documenting his life and accomplishments with the newspaper and working in San Diego.
“I thought it was important because I hadn’t remembered a time when he was really honored,” Warren-Darby said. “It was good for people to remember the contributions that he’s made to the area.”
Dr. Warren was visibly touched by the presentation and recognition from his family.
“It was overwhelming because it represented a lifetime rolling in a matter of moments. You see the impact you’ve had in terms of the years. It let me know that the legacy is secure,” Dr. Warren said.
