John James: “While we often recognize noteworthy and acclaimed personalities, we have so many other great, unsung heroes and amazing…”

“While we often recognize noteworthy and acclaimed personalities, we have so many other great, unsung heroes and amazing souls who do a ton of heavy lifting with little to no recognition. Yet, if truth be told, they serve as the glue, sturdiness, strength, and all that is good about America. They go about their jobs quietly, without having the expectation of recognition. In fact, they do what they do because it is God's work, it is the right thing to do. I am privileged to be in a position where I can acknowledge one such unsung hero who happens to be the grand matriarch of my family. Born February 14, 1929, to William E. and Lillie Mae Ward, she is my grandmother, Ms. Annie Ruth Nicks. In a few days, we are blessed to celebrate her 95th birthday. I am standing here on the shoulders of giants, her shoulders, four generations removed from slavery, because my grandmother has always covered me in prayer, has always had my back when I needed her the most, and because she didn't kill me as a child when I put a hole in her wall, flung applesauce on her ceiling, and played with matches too close to the house in the Mississippi summertime. I thank my Grandma and wish her a happy birthday. ____________________”