Selma AIR, Blackbelt Wellness Center holds AIDS Awareness Month Kickoff Brunch

Published 2:37 pm Thursday, October 1, 2020

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Selma Air and the Blackbelt Wellness Center hosted a AIDS Awareness Month Kickoff Brunch on Thursday.

Five Horizons Director of Outreach Cedric Wherry, a former Selma AIR employee, was the guest speaker at the event.

Wherry spoke passionately about working at Selma AIR when Executive Director Mel Prince gave him a chance when he was unemployed 15 years ago. At the time, Wherry resided in Huntsville.

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“I was reluctant to move but my aunt told me, ‘the same God that’s in Huntsville is the same God that’s in Selma,” Wherry said. “The timing was incredible. It was the best move of my life. Through Mel Prince, God allowed me to grow.”

Wherry received a gift after the ceremony by Prince and Selma AIR/BBWC Managing Director Larry Cowan.

Prince, who founded Selma AIR in 1995, was given a key to Dallas County by Dallas County Commissioner Curtis Williams.

Selma AIR and BBWC Grants Program Manager and Public Relations Director Lydia Chatmon gave an overview of services what the organization provides.

Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn provided remarks and praised Selma AIR/BBWC for their outstanding years of service.

“Selma Air and the Blackbelt Wellness Center are vital to the community,” Nunn said. “When AIDS first came out in 1981, it was first something serious. It reminds me of the coronavirus. It was that fear. We have to live with each other.”

Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum, Dallas County Commissioner Valerie Reubin and Dallas County School board of Education District 2 Melvin Flanagan Brown also attended the event.

LaTangilia Williams, Selma AIR event coordinator, was master of ceremonies.

DJ Its Barack provided the music. Bows N Blessings, Selenia Powell and Luxury Creations provided the catering. Bows N Blessings and Jennifer R. Griffin did the décor.