ALL OF THE CIRCLE OF COURAGE HONOREES FOR 2022. THEY WERE HONORED AT AN EVENT, AUG. 19, AT THE DOUBLE TREE HOTEL IN MONROEVILLE. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)
HAVING THE FAITH AND COURAGE TO ‘PUSH THROUGH’
Have you ever been through some tough times in your life?
That’s where faith comes in.
People who have faith, a true belief in God, are the people that “push through,” said Russell Bynum, longtime member
of Brown Chapel AME Church, on the North Side. Bynum and his wife, Kathy, are also the co-owners of Bynums Marketing and Communications Inc., and they decided to start an awards ceremony for Pittsburghers who exemplify
faith and courage in the influential work they do for others.
The annual “Circle of Courage” awards completed its 12th ceremony on Aug. 19 at the Double Tree Hotel in Monroeville, where nearly 200 people turned out to congratulate the 17 honorees.
The honorees were: Craig Dawson (media); Pastor J. Anthony Gilbert (religion and media); Andre L. Henderson (law enforcement); Dr. Apostle Jermaine Horne (religion); Dr. Kathy W. Humphrey (education); Elaine B. Jenkins (health care); Turahn Jenkins (law); Nate Locklin (missions); Keith Murphy (education); Debbie Norrell (communications); Rev. Nathaniel Pennybaker (religion); Birdy Reynolds (missions); Malissa Seman (education); Dr. Rhonda Taliaferro (education and missions); Brittany Tonet (business); Brandon S. Thomas (social work); and Ricardo J. Williams (government).
“People look forward to the event,” Russell Bynum told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview, Sept. 26. “It’s a recognition of people who are sometimes pioneers in their area or someone who’s taken an organization up to a higher level.”
While Russell Bynum lauded each honoree for their tireless contributions to the Pittsburgh community, he noted the achievements of Dr. Humphrey, who, in March, made history as the first Black president of Carlow University.
“She has been a person of faith,” Russell Bynum said of Dr. Humphrey, “and instrumental in helping people get a higher education.”
Russell Bynum said that Dr. Humphrey had a belief in herself that she could make that type of history. “You have to have faith beyond yourself because being the first in that area in a region (Pittsburgh) that may not welcome you at that capacity says a lot,” Russell Bynum said. “Often, these people (the honorees) are working not only against what is going on in society, but their own mental blocks. When you talk about faith and courage, you’re looking at yourself and saying, ‘How can I do this?’ Well, with God, all things are possible.”
The event also featured a motivational speech by Super Bowl Champion Darnell Dinkins, music by The Healthy Village Learning Institute Enyimnyam Drummers, a solo by Julia Smith and Kathy Bynum, a pinning ceremony for past awardees, and dinner. Proceeds from the ceremony go to BCC Ministries, a component of Brown Chapel AME Church. BCC Ministries distributes food, blankets and other items for those who are less fortunate on the North Side.
“We feel that people that are working from a faith component often are willing to look beyond themselves,” Russell Bynum said, which is why the “Circle of Courage” awards differ from other honors. Bynum’s team makes sure that honorees have displayed a faith and courage component. “They may have an obstacle that most people would give up on, but because they have a faith in God or because they feel they have a purpose that’s beyond themselves…many of these people have overcome physical barriers, social barriers, and economic barriers to do what they’re doing.”
Russell Bynum added: “These people can go through the good times and bad times because they know that God will be with them no matter what.”
DEBBIE NORRELL
RICARDO J. WILLIAMS
TURAHN JENKINS
REV. NATHANIEL PENNYBAKER
BIRDY REYNOLDS
DR. RHONDA TALIAFERRO
KEITH MURPHY
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