2017 Arthur M. Brazier Award for Church and Community Advancement
Bishop Arthur Brazier, a pastor, community activist, and civil rights leader whose work extended nationally to rebuild lives and communities across the country. Internationally, Bishop Brazier built a school in Africa and supported mission projects. This award is presented to a church leader who has expanded the work of faith through involvement in national and international ministry, commerce and activism.
2012 Christian Education Award
John and Earnea (not Beanea) Bosley were dedicated missionaries. Since you have identified a receipt, I am open to giving these funds as a memorial award.
The Memorial Award which bears their names was gifted by their family to encourage those who are (please see the previous email for the purpose of the scholarship. It is not limited to those actively involved in national or international missions programs).
John and Earnea (not Bernea) Bosley were stalwart servants in their local congregation and representatives of the Grace of God in their community. They were also committed to taking the Gospel to the world. To that end, they each dedicated their lives to Missions Ministry. My dad did not travel on missions trips outside of this country. His involvement was in Christian Education and Service in this country. (John traveled on mission trips around the world) while Earnea (Bernea) focused on Christian education, local and short missionary service in the U.S. and elsewhere. After John’s passing, Earnea (Bernea) continued to work in missions’ ministry well into her 70s (not 80s), travelling to Mexico, Haiti (not Jamaica), Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Spain and various parts of the United States where she could do the work of God in drawing others to Christ and lending a helping hand to those in need.
In 2021, Elveria Walton, her husband Charles Walton, along with her sister, Sabrina Johnson donated the first Sankofa Memorial Award to a Sailes Legacy Scholar in the name of their parents.
In 2024, the family funded an endowment to award an adult who is actively involved in Christian Education and local and foreign missions’ ministry. Through their generosity, The John and Earnea (Bernea) Bosley Memorial Missions Award has been created. The inaugural award is being presented in 2025 to Sharonda Peck.
2021 Sankofa Memorial Recipients
John and Earnea (not Beanea) Bosley were dedicated missionaries. Since you have identified a receipt, I am open to giving these funds as a memorial award.
The Memorial Award which bears their names was gifted by their family to encourage those who are (please see the previous email for the purpose of the scholarship. It is not limited to those actively involved in national or international missions programs).
John and Earnea (not Bernea) Bosley were stalwart servants in their local congregation and representatives of the Grace of God in their community. They were also committed to taking the Gospel to the world. To that end, they each dedicated their lives to Missions Ministry. My dad did not travel on missions trips outside of this country. His involvement was in Christian Education and Service in this country. (John traveled on mission trips around the world) while Earnea (Bernea) focused on Christian education, local and short missionary service in the U.S. and elsewhere. After John’s passing, Earnea (Bernea) continued to work in missions’ ministry well into her 70s (not 80s), travelling to Mexico, Haiti (not Jamaica), Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Spain and various parts of the United States where she could do the work of God in drawing others to Christ and lending a helping hand to those in need.
In 2021, Elveria Walton, her husband Charles Walton, along with her sister, Sabrina Johnson donated the first Sankofa Memorial Award to a Sailes Legacy Scholar in the name of their parents.
In 2024, the family funded an endowment to award an adult who is actively involved in Christian Education and local and foreign missions’ ministry. Through their generosity, The John and Earnea (Bernea) Bosley Memorial Missions Award has been created. The inaugural award is being presented in 2025 to Sharonda Peck.
2023 Michael Sailes Legacy Scholars
Journey Briscoe is currently a freshman at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina with a major in Journalism and Mass Communication Production with her eye on sports journalism. A 2023 graduate of Muchin College Prep High School in Chicago, Journey achieved a G.P.A. of 4.458. Journey sees sport journalism as a platform for community engagement and an opportunity to particularly highlight the accomplishments of African American athletes in order to challenge stereotypes, inspire young athletes, and promote positive role models within the Black community.
A member of the Apostolic Church of God, Journey has also been active in the 21st Ward and has received a commendation from her alderman. In addition, her community service has included organizing peers to provide projects that fed the homeless, created care bags during the pandemic, and donated over 100 new library books to Advocate Children’s Hospital. Journey is an Ezra Project Sankofa Memorial Scholar.
2023 Michael Sailes Legacy Scholars
Journey Briscoe is currently a freshman at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina with a major in Journalism and Mass Communication Production with her eye on sports journalism. A 2023 graduate of Muchin College Prep High School in Chicago, Journey achieved a G.P.A. of 4.458.
Journey sees sport journalism as a platform for community engagement and an opportunity to particularly highlight the accomplishments of African American athletes in order to challenge stereotypes, inspire young athletes, and promote positive role models within the Black community. A member of the Apostolic Church of God, Journey has also been active in the 21st Ward and has received a commendation from her alderman. In addition, her community service has included organizing peers to provide projects that fed the homeless, created care bags during the pandemic, and donated over 100 new library books to Advocate Children’s Hospital. Journey is an Ezra Project Sankofa Memorial Scholar.
2021 Ella Mae Davis Award for Pastoral Care
Eddie Richards, Jr. was born in the south. He attended Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee where he excelled as a running back and defensive cornerback on the school’s varsity football team. From his football coach, Eddie learned the value of hard work and commitment. After high school, he received a “full-ride” scholarship to Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, Illinois where he studied education and played at the coveted cornerback spot, earning the nickname, “The Juice.” SIU taught him the value of perseverance and the importance of moving forward even under insurmountable pressures.
In 1971, Eddie Richards became a warrior on the battlefield as a U. S. Army Military Police officer (MP). Eddie later became a National Guardsman and served in Chicago. Military service taught him discipline and the importance of being under authority and following leadership without question. He was honorably discharged in 1976 having served his country well.
Eddie Richards was an avid bowler and gambler, known to get up in the middle of the night to bowl a game. One night in a Chicago alley, a fellow gambler became angry and attempted to shoot Eddie in the back of the head. The gun failed to discharge. God had other plans for Eddie Richards.
By this time, Eddie Richards was married to Margie Wynn whose mother was saved and not only prayed for them but reminded them often that they needed salvation. One night in January 1977, while attending a service “under protest,” Eddie followed Margie down the aisle to give his life to the Lord. That night, he was baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Later he received the gift of the Holy Ghost – on an elevator at the Merchandise Mart.
Eddie and Margie began attending the Morgan Park Assembly Church of the Apostolic Faith where the late District Elder Robert A. Baggett was pastor. There they both served as Sunday School teachers and Eddie worked in the Junior Church from 1978 – 1987, impacting the lives of hundreds of children.
In September 1987, the Lord called Eddie to the office of Pastor and he subsequently became the Pastor of the Hazel Crest Assembly Church where he has labored for more than thirty-three years. Elder Richards was ordained in April 1991 by the late Bishop Arthur M. Brazier. He became a District Elder in 1993 and was assigned to oversee 9 churches. On July 12, 2007, he was ordained as a Suffragan Bishop. As the Lord directed, Eddie was able to return to school and earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and his Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
While Suffragan Bishop Eddie Richards and Sister Marjorie Richards had both been married previously, they were united in holy matrimony for 43 years prior to her passing in July 2019. Altogether, the Richards had six children. Sister Richards came into the marriage with two children, Aaron and Antonio (deceased). Suffragan Bishop Richards had three children: Jocque and twins Jetton and Shonice. The couple had one child together, Eddie G. Richards, III.
2023 Trailblazer Award for Exceptional Achievement
Born in Charleston, West Virginia, Pam attended a segregated elementary school in Redd’s Hill and started Sunday School in her Aunt Mabel’s church in Saint Albans, West Virginia. After high school, Pam attended Virginia State University. Her work in radio started at the Stevie Wonder owned KLJH radio station in Los Angeles, California. Her journey continued to Chicago, Illinois at WBEE Radio in Harvey, Illinois. After a decade, Pam joined V-103 FM and now works at WVON 1690 where her signature program, “Gospel with Pam Morris-Walton,” can be heard on Sundays 11-2 pm (CST).
Pam Morris-Walton is a recognized authority on Gospel music. She has recorded two Gospel albums and is recognized as an international gospel consultant. Her clients have included The Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy; The Gospel and Soul Easter Festival in Terni, Italy; The Tree of Life Gospel Event in Durbin, South Africa; and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She served on the Grammy Board of Governors for the Chicago Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.
In 1989, Mayor Richard M. Daley asked Pam to work in the City of Chicago’s Office of Special Events, where she planned the Mayor’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Breakfast, bringing in such influential speakers as the Reverend Bernice A. King, Martin Luther King, III, Ambassador Andrew Young, Reverend Michael L. Pfleger, Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D. Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., and Geoffrey Canada, CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone. It was Pam who first gave guidance to the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, the world’s largest, free admission Gospel event with more than 2,500 groups and nation-wide audience appeal. Pam was also instrumental in attracting corporate sponsors to underwrite the annual event.
In 2006, Pam received a Stellar Award as Announcer of the Year. In 2010, she was awarded the 2010 Who’s Who in Black Chicago Award, the Living Faith Church Lifetime Achievement Legacy Award, and the 2010 City of Chicago Appreciation Award. In 2012 she received accolades from the National Council of Negro Women in Media and N’Digo’s N’Religion Award. In 2014 she became a HistoryMaker, and in 2022 received a 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award from Lynn-Marcel Arts Academy and Larry Love University for her contribution to Gospel Music and Radio Broadcasting.
In 2009, Pam retired from the City of Chicago, but her career has continued. She currently serves on several boards including the African Festival of the Arts, the Bronzeville Children’s Museum, the Timuel Black Foundation, and Timeless Gifts of Performing Arts. Pam recently served as an Interfaith Liaison for two Illinois Gubernatorial candidates, and candidates for the United States House of Representatives. Pam is the Lead Ambassador for American Heart Association’s “Power to End Stroke Gospel Tour” and is an Ambassador for the Bernie Mac Foundation.
Pam Morris-Walton has written two books. Her second book, 57 Days: The Wait for a New Heart” records her spiritual journey of faith and love. With a commitment to her community and the Clergy, Pam continues to serve as needed, making a difference.
Rev. Frank C. Walton was born in Chicago, Illinois. He was the 4th of 8 children born to Robert and Joetta Walton who always celebrated faith and Gospel music. Frank accepted Christ at the age of 5 at the church where his uncle, J. L. Walton served as the pastor, Calvary Baptist Church in Chicago. Frank grew up surrounded by Gospel music. The famous recording artist Arthur Scales was his father’s best friend. Frank’s father and uncles were known as The Walton Brothers, a Gospel A Cappella group that performed across the country. They were the first live group featured on the renown Isabel Joseph Johnson radio program.
Growing up, Frank attended Lindblom High School and Kennedy-King College. He was also an Explorer Scout and attended school in Sweden as part of an exchange student program. Frank completed undergraduate studies in Business Management at the John F. Kennedy College in the University of Nebraska where he studied vocal music. He later completed his master’s degree in theological studies at Faith International University and Seminary in Tacoma, Washington. In addition to his certification from the Interim Ministry Network, Frank studied business operations at the University of Phoenix.
Frank’s career in radio began on the west coast where he was an announcer and hosted a program on Gospel 860 in Phoenix, Arizona. Frank is the founding president of the Seattle Area Gospel Announcers Guild and the West Coast Gospel Music Conference. He is an inductee of the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio and was the 2009 GMWA/GAG Gospel Announcer of the Year. Among his many awards are the National Jitsuo Morikawa Evangelism Award from the American Baptist Churches of America and the honor of being deemed one of the Most Distinguished Men of Illinois in 2017.
It was while he lived in Seattle that Frank accepted the call on his life. He definitely has a shepherd’s heart and has found his ministry niche to be support and leadership. He has helped several churches as they faced transition in ministry. He has served as the Interim Pastor of Christ Community Church of Wheaton, First Baptist Church of LaGrange, Community Baptist Church of Warrenville. In addition to his work with the Interim Ministerial Network, Frank works with several institutions to provide support for men across the country going through the grief process.
In his secular career, Frank held the position of National Director of Sales for Urban Ministries, Inc. Since 2002 Frank has owned First Class Financial Christian Services, providing resources to churches and non-profits with PowerChurch Software and consulting services. For nine years, Frank served as the Director of Business Operations for The Salvation Army Salvation in Tacoma, Washington. He also worked for Pacific Northwest and the Xerox Corporation. In work that merged his gift of ministry and secular talents, Frank was part of the Probation Challenge founded by the Honorable Eugene Pincham and Howard Bailey. The Probation Challenge’s aim was to provide the necessary education support for formerly incarcerated men and women to lead successful lives.
Frank Walton and Pam Morris-Walton have proven to be a powerful force in trailblazing a special place in Gospel Radio. But their commitment of faith and love is not on display for the notoriety of broadcasting. Their love of ministry, helping others, and promoting Gospel music as a way of life, has touched thousands across the United States. They serve the community in many ways. They provide weekly services including food, fellowship, prayer, and communion to seniors through nuHeart Ministries. Their influence is shown through their involvement in the Bud Billiken Gospel Fest, the Annual Black Marriage Chicago Conference, as Ambassadors for the Bernie Mac Foundation, and co-hosts of the Broadcast Minister’s Alliance with the late Archbishop Lucius Hall. In 2020, this spirited husband-wife team became joint recipients of honorary doctorate degrees from the GMOR Theological Institute of America Midwest Region. Together they have more than sixty years in radio and media markets across the country. They are authorities on Gospel Music and have been positioned by God to collectively deliver a fresh, unique, and dynamic presentation of inspirational music. Collectively, Frank and Pam have three adult sons, one adult daughter, and five grandchildren.
2023 Arthur Brazier Award for Church and Community Advancement
Bob McGee’s story is about 3 generations of family. In 1932, his grandfather, Elder Walter Clemens, founded the Apostolic Church of God. His father, Elder Robert McGee, Sr., became the assistant pastor and his uncle, Gerald Nuckolls, chaired the deacon board and was the director of the Sunday School.
Bob attended Tilden High School in Chicago and, as a teenager, was a dedicated basketball player. After graduation, Bob attended Bradley University in Peoria and played basketball his freshman year; but in 1971, a knee injury forced him to give up basketball. That same year, he met a fellow student, Therese Naddy. They married two years later.
Three days after the wedding, Bob’s father helped him get a job working on a project in Woodlawn with construction layout engineer, Larry Bowie, one of the few Black union technical engineers in Chicago. Larry mentored Bob in the industry. For the next 12 years, Bob worked for various large construction companies, moving up from technical engineer to general superintendent to estimator and finally project manager. The projects took him across the Chicago area and included the Olympia Center, a 63-story high rise on the magnificent mile in Chicago. His work as an estimator took him on jobs from Iowa to Washington State. During this time, Bob completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting at DePaul University.
Early on, Bob told Therese that his dream was to own his own company. In 1984, he and his former teacher, Oliver Fifer, started a construction company, II in One Contractors. Over the years, the company has built highways, bridges, churches, university buildings, hospital infrastructure, parking garages, tunnels, sewage treatment plants, and affordable housing. His company has furnished and installed the ironwork and concrete for high profile projects such as Millennium Park, University of Chicago hospital and school, Northwestern Memorial hospital, Rush University hospital, University of Illinois Microbiology building, Cook County hospital, Chicago 911 center, Chicago police headquarters, Illinois State Police Forensic Laboratory, the Wells Street bridge, the 95th Street CTA station, the Wilson CTA station, and two buildings at the Apostolic Church of God. Currently II in One Contractors is helping to build the Obama Presidential Center.
Importantly, too, Bob has opened the door for many young Black men and women to have opportunities in the construction trades as carpenters, ironworkers, laborers, and heavy equipment operators. Currently he has 110 employees on six projects. Sixty-five percent of his workers are Black or Hispanic. He is past president of Associated Steel Erectors and currently serves as a trustee to the Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program.
Bob and Therese have always been involved in the work of the church. At the Apostolic Church of God, Bob was the first van driver. He also worked in the kitchen and the finance room processing the offerings on Sunday morning. In 1976, Bob was invited to be on the official board of Apostolic Church of God. He has partnered with Therese, who is a clinical psychologist, to counsel married couples.
With a passion for youth ministry, Bob began teaching Sunday School to youth and teenagers in 1988. As co-teachers, Bob and Therese have consistently taught teens for over 20 years, even through the Pandemic. Bob and other men in the church developed the Lions of Judah, a Friday night program for teen boys which incorporated Bible Study and basketball. Often called upon to speak to high school groups about opportunities in construction, Bob has greatly supported scholarship programs for young college students and has mentored young people over the years.
Bob places a high value on generosity and being of help wherever he can. He has been a consultant to many pastors as they embarked on building projects. He is currently very involved in supporting men who are caregivers for their wives or are widowers. Bob’s mission statement is “I want to be of value to Jesus Christ in the building of His kingdom and the blessing of his people.”
On June 2, 2023, Bob and Therese celebrated their 50th anniversary. They are blessed to have three adult children, and four grandchildren. Today they are members of the Apostolic Faith Church under the leadership of Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D. and are continuing their work in Christian education.
2018 President’s Award for Denominational and Community Support
lder Ronald E. Smith, Sr. was born on April 12, 1949, to Claude and Annabelle Smith. He grew up in the Woodlawn Community and has been a member of the Apostolic Church of God since childhood. His faith was nurtured by his mother, Annabelle, who was very active in the church.
Ronald graduated from Simeon Vocational High School in 1967, and soon after began his military service in the United States Marine Corps. He served with valor in the Vietnam War. After his tour of duty, he was honorably discharged and received six medals of commendation including the Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry. He worked for the Chicago Transit Authority for 25 years to support his family. He also attended Kennedy-King College and Moody Bible Institute. After returning home from Vietnam, he married his childhood sweetheart, Dolene Clemons. Ronald celebrates 48 years of marriage with Dolene. He is the father of three children and four grandchildren.
Ronald’s community work began in his teens when his pastor, then Elder Arthur Brazier, was beginning his work with The Woodlawn Association (T.W.O.). Working with community organizers, Ronald became the Vice President and later the Chairman of the Youth Committee of T.W.O. during the time when the organization was instrumental in desegregating Chicago’s schools. Over the years, his community involvement has included serving on the Board of Directors of the Woodlawn Preservation and Investment Corporation, becoming President of the Hyde Park High School Local School Council, and completing his tenure as a board member of the Park Shore East Cooperative.
In 1975, Ronald accepted the call to ministry. His first assignment was the care of the pastor. For 35 years he served as an armor bearer for the late Bishop Arthur M. Brazier. His thirst for souls to be saved and passion for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ without hesitation is the basis for his mantra: “You must be born again.” In 1990, he was ordained and elevated to Elder. When he retired from CTA in 1997, he devoted himself to the full-time ministry of the Gospel. Committed to the work of the Lord, he has always been a stalwart volunteer in the church. His faithful volunteer service includes the choir, Prison Outreach Ministry, the Internal Security Ministry, Saving Grace Ministries (Television), and the Baptismal and Prayer Committee. He served as the Vice-President and President of the Apostolic Church of God Men’s Ministry before working on the Men’s Ministry Leadership Team. His service also includes being elected to various leadership roles at state and national levels of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW). He was elected Young People’s President, state Brotherhood Chairman, and President of the International Men’s Ministry. Ronald’s commitment to supporting men’s ministry was always evident. Therefore, on May 9, 1995, he began teaching an evening class for men known as The Apostolic Man. Twenty-three years later, over 1000 men have been saved through that class.
In 2008, Elder Ronald E. Smith was elevated to Assistant Pastor at the Apostolic Church of God under the pastorate of Dr. Byron T. Brazier. He serves on the Official Board and leads the Seniors Ministry for the church. He regularly teaches, preaches, gives counsel to church members, and officiates funerals and weddings.
