On Sunday, August 6th, Carlos C. Brown Jr. and Pearl H. Brown received the "Key to the City of Statesboro" in a surprise ceremony at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Statesboro.
The ceremony took place at 11am with a pre-reception happening beforehand at 10am.
According to Sophia Harris-Johnson, Bulloch NAACP Secretary, "The Browns have served the Bulloch County community for many years. Side by side, they have led the fight for civil rights and social justice. They have had a powerful impact on the education and economic system here in Bulloch County and other surrounding counties."
Several officials from the City of Statesboro were in attendance for the occasion including:
- Mayor Jonathan McCollar and First Lady Adrianne McCollar
- City Manager, Charles Penny
- Bulloch County Board of Education Member for District 8, Maurice Hill
Ray Mosley, County Commissioner District 1A, was not in attendance due to a prior engagement but sent congratulations, stating, "I would have very much liked to be in attendance. I have known the Browns for most of my life and know firsthand the work they have done for our great community."
President of the Bulloch NAACP, Yevette McCall, and Bulloch NAACP Secretary, Sophia Harris-Johnson were in attendance for the occasion as well.
The Browns were completely surprised upon entering the church, due to the many people there to witness the occasion, as well as the realization that they were the recipients of the "Key to the City of Statesboro" honor.
Mayor McCollar presented the plaque to the Browns, stating in part,
"We at the City of Statesboro would like to take the opportunity to honor you both for the work that you have done within the community and the spirit of service which you have passed onto others. You both have created a tree that many of us continue to fall up under; especially in regards to us being active and dynamic participants of our local community. We want to recognize you both by presenting you with the Key to the City of Statesboro. This is the highest honor the city can bestow upon anyone for incredible work done within the community."
Quotes from The Browns
"We should all strive to help people if we can. That's what we should all do: love people as we love ourselves. We appreciate the love that everyone has showed us on today."
-Carlos C. Brown Jr.
"Well, I am usually never speechless. However, I would like to say I thank God for everyone who took the time out of their busy schedules to be with us here today. We are extremely honored for this to have been done and we appreciate everything that you all do."
-Pearl H. Brown
Background of the Recipients
Carlos C Brown Jr
- Military Veteran
- Retired from GA Southern
- Alumni of GA Southern
- Member of Statesboro Kiwanis Club
- Played an instrumental role in the opening of a new 2 million dollar local food bank facility
- Past President of the Bulloch County NAACP; Held the office for many years
Pearl Huff Brown
- Alumni of Savannah State University
- Educator for over 31years, primarily in Bulloch County but in other counties as well
- She's taught thousands of students and has made lasting impressions on them. All former students still to this day speak highly of her and her concerns about their education.
- Past President of the Bulloch County NAACP, where she held the office for many years
- Mrs. Brown was very passionate about the Membership Committee within the organization. She knew the significance and importance of keeping the NAACP involved in the community and the community involved in NAACP.
