NAACP honors unsung heroes
The Rev. Claudia Waters, pastor of Harmony United Methodist Church said it was like a calling to God when she was called to help other African-Americans in Sussex County.
"When I was called, I was called because they needed someone to stand in the gap," said Waters. "When I was told that we were not highly qualified as African-Americans, that really set the fire under my feet."
Waters was honored as an unsung heroes during the annual Lower Sussex County Branch of the NAACP banquet held Sept. 17 in Georgetown. Each year the organization selects members of the African-American community who have gone above and beyond when it comes to supporting others. This year five residents were honored.
Waters' latest cause is getting black children on the Indian River School District's Odyssey of the Mind team, where she says there aren't any black children because none have come forward to do it.
"Children need to come out and fight for their education," Waters said.
Jane Hovington, president of the Lower Sussex County branch of the NAACP presented plaques to all the honorees.
"These honorees were chosen because they put others first and are with our theme of affirming America's promise by preparing tomorrow's leaders," said Hovington.
Keynote speaker and state Treasurer Chip Flowers talked about the importance of remembering family and community in today's society.
"We need to build each other up," Flowers said. "Too often when we see other successful people, we try to cut them down. We need to stop that."
Flowers urged others to join the NAACP because its membership numbers are dwindling, and many issues still need to be addressed in the black community.
"We need help in the police department, in housing and in the schools," said Hovington. "There are many areas that we need help."
Working in the community
Dr. Julius Mullen, cofounder of the Man-Up Program in Seaford, was the first to be honored. Clinical director of Children and Families First in Delaware, he works to improve mental health and educational opportunities for children and families throughout Sussex County. He started the Man-Up Program to help young men find their way in the world.
"I thank God. He's the head of my life, and he's solely responsible for charging me to help others," Mullen said.
The crowd of nearly 70 then applauded Magistrate Marceleate Ruffin, a native of Georgetown. Ruffin is the first black woman appointed magistrate in Sussex County and first took up the post in 1972. She specifically works with victims of domestic violence.
"It has been a pleasure to be a state employee. It will be 40 years in April," said Ruffin. "I have five more years in this appointment and would love to have someone come and replace me."
Also honored was Howard Smack Sr., a retired school teacher, who has supported many students in academics and sports.
"They are honoring me for something I just do," Smack said. "I like the idea of making sure you are successful at what you do. My grandmother probably instilled the idea in me. She said if you're going to be a dummy, be the best dummy you can be."
The final honoree was Harold Truxon of Ellendale, who traveled to Washington, D.C. last year to gain support for the community civic association. When the first funding proposal wasn't enough, Truxon went back for more and came home with nearly $11 million for the community's water system.
"Harold lives by the daily motto of, 'If I can help somebody as I travel along, if I can help somebody through a word or a song, if I can do my duty as I travel along ... then my living will not be in vain," said Diaz Bonville, who spoke about Truxon. "He is a man always devoted to the cause."
Truxon said he would go through all the hurdles again because in the end, he knows it was for the best and it helps his community.
"I have a vision and God gave it to me," Truxon said. "I love my church. I love my wife and I love God ... even when he wakes me up at 2 a.m., and he does that sometimes."
For more information on the NAACP in Sussex County, call 302-856-7656.
