(photo credit: Jerome Saintjones)
The Rosetta James Foundation has proudly released its 2025 slate of honorees — a distinguished group of citizens recognized for their lifelong commitment to volunteerism and service. The revered organization, known for its dedication to honoring area residents over the age of 70, celebrates stellar community leadership and awards scholarships to youth who embody the same spirit of service.
Born in Akron, Alabama, the late Mrs. Rosetta James was a powerful voting activist and beloved community advocate. Her legacy lives on through this annual celebration, now in its 19th year, uplifts those who continue to serve gracefully and purposefully.
The 2025 Class of Honorees includes:
•Rev. Dr. Theodis “Ted” Acklin, Pastor, Briar Fork CPCA Church
•Ms. Mary Lanier Curry, Educator, Drake State Community and Technical College
•Dr. Dorothy Downing, Retiree, U.S. Army
•Rev. Dr. Oscar L. Montgomery, Pastor, Union Hill PB Church
•Mr. Charles Scruggs, Deacon, First Missionary Baptist Church
•Mr. William Smothers, Publisher, Speakin’ Out News
•Mrs. Nancy Valkenburgh and Mr. Richard Valkenburgh, Valkenburgh & Wilkinson Properties, Inc.
•Rev. Jacqueline Wilson, Phillips CME Church
The Foundation’s signature “Honoring Our Elders” Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at The Jackson Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
The celebration, led by Mr. Gary T. Whitley, Jr., Treasurer of the Foundation and Master of Ceremonies, included a stirring tribute from Mariah Mathis, RJF Scholarship Recipient and University of Alabama Chemical Engineering Graduate.
In a moment of solemn beauty, a memorial candle was lit by Mr. Eugene Dickerson and Mrs. Linda Spalla, past honorees, in remembrance of those who had journeyed on — their light still guiding the way.
Rev. Earla S. Lockhart, a 2015 RJF Pioneer, offered the invocation and grace, her voice with such reverence. Then came the time to break bread — not just lunch, but a communion of community, gathered around legacy and love.
As music swelled, Mr. Michael Morns and Mr. Robert H. Drake brought images and voices of the honorees to life through a moving video presentation. The applause that followed was more than appreciation — it was gratitude. And then Mr. Horace Wilson reminded them all with a powerful message: “Give Honor to Whom It Is Due.”
Awards were presented, scholarships were granted, smiles beamed, and tears welled. Dr. Dorothy W. Huston, President of the Foundation, offered closing acknowledgments, her words weaving together the day’s many threads: history, hope, and honor.
Finally, Rev. Lockhart returned to offer the benediction. And just like that, the 19th annual celebration came to a close — but the legacy continued.
Behind it all was Rosetta James—a woman of Hale County, a daughter of Alabama’s Black Belt, and a servant to the people. Her life, marked by courage and compassion, still bore fruit in the lives she touched. From volunteering at churches to registering over 6,000 voters, from aiding the incarcerated to mentoring the young, Mrs. James proved that a single life lived with purpose could ripple through generations.
As honorees wore yellow roses, they carried with them more than memories. They carried a mission — to honor their elders, lift their voices, and walk in the light Rosetta James left behind.
