THE RICKY BYRDSONG SPIRIT AWARDS GALA

By Marcia Byrdsong

It is after mid-night on April 7, 2002. I just returned home from the inaugural Ricky Byrdsong Spirit Awards GALA. It was an awesome affair and a night to remember. There are not ANY words that I could say that would give this night justice. You would have had to be there to experience it for yourself. It was one of the best events that I have ever attended and will be etched in my memory for the rest of my life. Everything about the evening was absolutely spectacular. The Ricky Byrdsong Spirit Awards have been established to honor and celebrate those heroes in our society who, through their professional and personal lives, exemplify Ricky’s character and desire to build an America where all young people - regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion or economic background - are able to achieve their full potential in pursuit of their hopes and dreams. Over 300 people were on hand to witness an event of a lifetime! Ricky’s mother and stepfather Mary and Robert Jasper, Sherialyn’s father and sister, Joe and Kimberly Kelley, all from Atlanta, Lute Olson, head basketball coach for the University of Arizona, Kim Perry from Detroit, and Mary Barnett, wife of Gary Barnett (former head football coach at Northwestern University) flew in from Colorado, just to name a few.

Walt Whitman and The Soul Children started the evening off by performing a song, God Save Us From Ourselves, which was written by Pastor Lyle Foster, pastor and friend of The Byrdsong family. The message behind the words in this song is so powerful. Mike Adamle, the sports reporter for CBS Chicago News was the Master of Ceremony for the evening. He did a sensational job. Sherialyn Byrdsong and Richard Hirschhaut welcomed the guest and honorees and thanked everyone for coming. Sherialyn recognized the eleven members of The Ricky Byrdsong Junior Board Members, The Ricky Byrdsong Foundation Board Members and also introduced her family members who came from Atlanta. The first award of the evening was The President’s Award. This award was presented to Jeffery and Jennifer Friday. Jeff is in charge of the weight and conditioning program for the Baltimore Raven. However, Jeff’s relationship with Ricky began in 1993 when he worked with Ricky’s Northwestern basketball team as their strength and conditioning coach. Jeff admired the manner in which Coach Byrdsong interacted with his players and saw first hand how young people’s lives were greatly impacted by the positive relationship. Sherialyn told the story of when the foundation was first established she started receiving checks in the mail every two weeks from Jeff. He and his wife, Jennifer, have been loyal and generous supporters of the work of the Ricky Byrdsong Foundation since its inception.

After the presentation of The President’s Award, Walt Whitman and The Soul Children of Chicago blessed us with another selection. THEY ROCKED THE HOUSE! The group consists of 56 young people whose voices lifted the roof! They sung America the Beautiful like I have never heard it sung before. It was magnificent!

The next award, The Ricky Byrdsong Spirit of America Award, was presented to Todd Beamer. Todd was a man of action, and his final words as he ended his conversation with a GTE Airfone operator on September 11^th proved that he was true to his character to the end. What made the presentation of this award so special was the presenter was the 911 operator who last spoke to and prayed with Todd before he said his famous last words “Let’s Roll!” His wife, Lisa Beamer and their new baby Morgan, whom Todd never got the chance to see, were on hand to accept his award. Lisa gave a very touching speech about how she made a decision to forgive the people who committed evil against her husband and destroyed the many dreams she had planned for their lives. She said that Todd prayed the Lords Prayer with Lisa Jeffers before he died and a verse from that Prayer said, “Forgive those who trespass against us.” She said that if Todd could forgive his enemies before he died then how could she not.

The Ricky Byrdsong Young Leadership Award was presented to an amazing 12-year old girl name Taylor Moore. She is an inspirational and motivational speaker. A talented writer, rapper and storyteller, Taylor has been bringing her message of non-violence, faith, excellence and racial harmony to young and old alike around and beyond the Chicagoland area. As they would say in the hood, THIS GIRL IS BAD!

The Ricky Byrdsong Spirit of Inspiration Award was presented to Walter Whitman, Jr. Walt is described as a mentor, motivator, rites of passage leader, disciplinarian, father figure, visionary and lifelong friend by those close to him. It is said that he is a man of integrity set with a charge to lead the children of the world into a new millennium. He accepts this charge boldly as he shapes the minds and hearts of today’s youth. The performance of Walt Whitman and The Soul Children was an experience of a lifetime!

The Ricky Byrdsong Spirit of Citizenship Award was presented to Superintendent Terry Hillard. Mr. Hillard, a 34-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department was appointed Superintendent of the police department in 1998. He gave all praises and honor for being given the award to the 13,500 police and 3,000 civilians who support him everyday.

The last and final award of the evening was presented to none other that Congressman John Lewis from Atlanta. He received The Ricky Byrdsong Living Legend Award. John Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting human rights, securing personal dignity and building what he calls “The Beloved Community.” He has displayed a sense of ethics and morality that has won him the admiration of his colleagues in the United Stated Congress. It is with great honor and praise that he was the recipient of this award.

I must say a word about the children. The girls, Sabrina and Kelley looked so beautiful dressed in their black evening dresses and Ricky was so handsome in his black Tuxedo. He was the best-dressed man/boy in the place. Oh yeah, their mother looked like a million dollars. They all could have graced the cover of any fashion magazine.

Those of you who were not able to share in the experience will have to imagine the evening through my writing. Lastly, I want to give honor and praise to the two most important people who made this event possible. That is our Almighty Savior and Ricky Byrdsong. To God I give all the Glory and to Ricky I want to say may you rest in peace with the Lord while we continue to keep your legacy alive on this earth. Good night my brother. I will see you on the other side.