The Ezra Project Chicago

Day: July 3, 2026

  • Jermaine L. Anderson

    Jermaine L. Anderson

    2023 Humanitarian Award for Community Activism

    Jermain Lawrence Anderson, a native Chicagoan, was born on June 24, 1982. He is one of two children born to Frank and Carlene Anderson. As a child, he attended Bethel Christian School, St. Paul Lutheran School, and E.F. Young Elementary. After graduating from Steinmetz Academic Center, Jermaine attended Dominican University.

    Jermaine started his life of faith with his family at Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church in Chicago under the pastorate of the late Bishop D. Rayford Bell. In 1996, he became a member of the Apostolic Faith Church where he remains a staunch worshipper. For 25 years, Jermaine worked at Apostolic Faith Church as the Director of Special Events, and for 15 years he served in the Ministry of Pastoral Care.

    Jermaine Lawrence Anderson is a highly accomplished individual with a remarkable track record of community service, leadership, and faith. As a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Jermaine is the Founder and Executive Director of I AM A GENTLEMAN, INC. This non-profit organization, founded in March 2016, has a mission of engaging, enriching, and empowering young men for successful careers, healthy lifestyles, marketable skills, and well-balanced relationships.

    The work of I AM A GENTLEMAN has been highlighted by several news outlets as the young men who are in the program have helped families at Christmas, provided meals for individuals across the city of Chicago and been involved in community projects such as “The Race Against Gun Violence.” I AM A GENTLEMAN is no longer a Chicago organization. He has become part of the curriculum in several school districts across the United States. To date, several hundred young men and boys have had their lives and outlooks changed by their involvement in I AM A GENTLEMAN programs and events. Most recently Jermaine and the organization were featured on the Tamron Hall Show. Jermaine Anderson is also an author. His popular children’s book series, My Friend Carson, is a 3-part series that teaches children the value of performing positive acts for others.

    Since 2019 he has been a member of the NBC5 Community Action Board. He currently works with the Obama Foundation and is on the Board of My Brother’s Keeper, and, since 2021, has been a member of the Kroger Task Force Board. Jermaine has received numerous awards including the 2016 Man of Excellence Award from the Chicago Defender Newspaper and the 2017 Making A Difference Award from Industry Buzz Media. Other awards include the Outstanding Partner Award from AT&T, the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Far South Community Action Council of Chicago Public Schools, and the Black United Fund of Illinois’ Henry L. English Humanitarian Award.

  • Janiya Brooks – incomplete

    Janiya Brooks – incomplete

    2019 Michael & Rosa Sailes Legacy Award

    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.

  • Jamira McCoy

    Jamira McCoy

    2023 Michael Sailes Legacy Scholar Award

    Jamira McCoy is a freshman at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans majoring in pre-med/biology. A graduate of Saint Laurence High School in Burbank, Illinois with a G.P.A. of 4.5, Jamira confesses that both her parents encouraged her to be a leader. Very concerned about the inequities in healthcare for African Americans, Jamira grew up in a family of strong Black women with a mother and a grandmother who were nurses.

    Determined to follow in their footsteps, Jamira has already completed an internship at Stickney Township Clinic and received her FEMA training. An avid tennis player, Jamira excelled on her team at Saint Laurence and encouraged her coach to enact new traditions that encouraged the young ladies and built comradery and sportsmanship.

    She was a student ambassador and a member of the honor society, the leader scholars, and the Student Athlete Leadership Council. She is a volunteer with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Loyola Hospital as well as an active member of Harvey Memorial Church.

  • Ivory Nuckolls

    Ivory Nuckolls

    2018 President’s Award for Denominational Support

    Reverend Ivory Jean Nuckolls is the third of five generations of her family that serve at the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, Illinois. She received the Holy Spirit at the age of fifteen and became highly involved in all facets of church ministry.

    To prepare herself for her calling, Reverend Nuckolls studied at the American Conservatory of Music and is accredited with her Bachelor Degree from DePaul University in Counseling and Therapy. She is a member of the Iota Psi Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education and has received her Masters Degree from DePaul University in Education and Human Services and Counseling. Reverend Nuckolls also studied at the Moody Bible Institute.

    Reverend Nuckolls is married to Gerald R. Nuckolls, Jr. and together they have utilized their gifts in many ministries to further the Church, including:

    Answering the call to preach and teach the word of God in the late 1980’s, Reverend Nuckolls has furthered her ministry by serving in numerous capacities including:

    • Assistant Pastor, Apostolic Church of God since Oct. 20, 1996
    • Director of Pastoral Care, Apostolic Church of God
    • Women’s Committee
    • Visitation and Family Life Ministry
    • Recreation and Fitness Ministry
    • Adviser, International and State Young People’s Chair of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
    • Adviser, International Pentecostal Young People’s Union
    • Adviser, Illinois District Council Women’s Chair
    • Liaison, Interdenominational Young People’s Union
    • Liaison, Interdenominational Board of Bishops Convention
    • Assistant to the Presiding Prelate – International Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
    • Conference Leader, Apostolic Church of God Retreat
    • Administrative Director, Lupus Support Group
    • Therapist, Lydia Home
    • Director of Programming for Pentecostal Assembly of the World Inc. Intercessors Conference
    • Conference Coordinator for Pentecostal Assembly of the World Inc. Intercessors Conference

    Reverend Nuckolls has also devoted her time to various other responsibilities throughout her career, such as:

    • Director, Young People’s Ministry
    • Director of Worship and Chaplaincy, International Pentecostal Young People’s Union
    • Director of Chaplaincy, Illinois District Council Young People’s Union
    • Director, A Crisis House
    • Staff Director of Singles Ministry
    • New Members Committee
    • Convention Coordinator, Apostolic Church of God
    • Chaplain, Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir
    • Liaison Advisor to the Support Group – Moody Bible Institute Solheim Center
    • Chair, Community Development Board YWCA – Chicago
    • Committee Member, La Rabida Big Heart Ambassador
    • Convention Coordinator, International Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Music Workshop
    • Convention Program Director, International Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

    Reverend Nuckolls was the recipient of the Big Hearts for Young Heroes award from La Rabida Children’s Hospital and was nominated for the Community Leader of the Year award from the National Council of Negro Women, Inc…

    Whilst this succinct recount serves as an overview of Ivory’s life, work and Godly commitment, it doesn’t truly reflect her passionate love of God and His word; her extensive and innumerable sacrifices for the work of the Lord and her sensitivity to the needs of his people.

  • Isaac Hayes

    Isaac Hayes

    2023 Rosa Sailes Legacy Scholar


    Rev. Isaac C. Hayes is an Assistant Pastor at the Apostolic Church of God where he has the responsibility for the strategic and operational support of the Apostolic Church of God’s auxiliaries and the programmatic activities. Already holding a masters in theology, Rev. Hayes is now a doctoral student at Trinity International University. His research focuses on Missional Thinking in the Black Church, a concept that propels the church, particularly the mega church, to move beyond the walls in ways that encourage and support the broader community by holistically ministering to the body, mind, and soul. Rev. Hayes has distinguished himself as a theologian and preacher within the Apostolic Pentecostal church community and beyond.

  • Irene Bibbie

    Irene Bibbie

    2023 President’s Award for Denominational Support

    Irene Bibbie was born in 1933 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is one of seven children born to Arthur and Evelyn Lee. She attended South High School in Grand Rapids, and later studied stenography, speech, and business at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois.

    Irene served for many years at Morgan Park Assembly/Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Morgan Park, under the leadership of two pastors, Suffragan Bishop Robert Baggett and Bishop William A. Ellis. For a number of years, Irene Bibbie coordinated the travel of guest speakers including Bishop Noel Jones for church programs and conventions. She was also the lead Usher Board member for several years.

    Irene Bibbie has been a member of the Victory Apostolic Church under the leadership of District Elder Andrew Singleton, Jr. for approximately 16 years. She has served as an usher, deaconess, hospitality committee member, Senior Ministry member, travel consultant, and usher for the Victory Association Summits.

    In her former denomination, The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Irene Bibbie, served as International Secretary of the PAW Usher Board, was Illinois District Council Secretary, and Tour Coordinator for the various national conventions for the PAW International Young People’s Conventions. During Suffragan Bishop Noah Nicholson’s tenure as present of the Young People’s Union, Irene Bibbie was responsible for arranging transportation for the convention speakers.

    Irene Bibbie worked with Travel Brokers in Homewood, Illinois and other agencies, retiring in 2022. During her 40-year career, Irene Bibbie brought saints together from PAW churches across the United States to travel and fellowship all over the world by land and sea. She is noted for guiding tours and travel experiences on all continents for many groups, families, churches, and other organizations, many of whom had never considered travel before.

    For a time, Irene was employed at Old Kent Bank (now 5th/3rd Bank) in Harvey, Illinois. For 30 years she worked at School District 147 in Harvey, Illinois as the secretary for the middle school, special education secretary in the main office, library clerk at Washington School, and secretary for the Assistant Superintendent. She also coordinated the first annual awards ceremony and the first District 147 Handbook which has continued to be updated annually for 20 years. A huge sports fan for young people, Irene Bibbie coached the elementary school cheerleaders, 3 of whom became Thornton High School cheerleaders. She also coordinated class trips for Rosa Parks Middle School graduates. At 89 years young, Irene Bibbie continues to attend high school, college, and professional sporting events for graduates of School District 147 and Thornton Township High School.

    Irene Bibbie was married to the late Donald Bibbie, Jr. for 65 years and was blessed with three sons: Donald (Carolyn), Lamont (Sherron), and Duane (Latonya). Each of her sons holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She also has a grandson and two great granddaughters.

  • Henry Griffin

    Henry Griffin

    2022 Ervin-Carter Award for Church Leadership

    Deacon Henry Griffin was born on September 27, 1926 to Georgia and Oliver Griffin. He was the sixth of the nine children born to the family. He was born on the family farm in Jackson Mississippi. His grandfather, Papa Wiley Griffin, owned several hundred acres of farmland where he raised cattle as well as various crops which were among the items he sold in two family-owned grocery stores. Deacon Henry Griffin was raised with an honorable legacy of service and family has sustained him through the years.

    In 1945, Henry Griffin was drafted into the United States Army during World War II where he served in both France and Germany. Following his discharge, Henry’s father encouraged him to move to Chicago where he worked during the day and continued his education at night under the GI Bill. The Virginia Board of Education awarded Deacon Griffin “in grateful recognition of personal sacrifice made to ensure the safety and security of our country and all mankind and in acknowledgement of a lifetime of learning and achievement that has enriched our community and our country.” Henry Griffin was employed for 32 years by the People’s Gas Company. He retired as a foreman.

    While Henry was raised in the church, he was not raised in an Apostolic family. On March 19, 1950, Henry Griffin was invited to Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church where he heard Elder Charles H. Ellis, the church’s pastor, preach from Acts that Cornelius was a good man who was not ready for heaven. The message resonated with Henry Griffin and that same day, he was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Spirit. Henry Griffin immediately began to work in the church, first as a Sunday School teacher where he served for 40 years, eventually becoming the superintendent in the 1990s. He was appointed Deacon under Pastor Odee Akins and was elevated to Chairman of the Board of Directors under Bishop Charles Davis. He has faithfully executed his role as Deacon for more than 65 years and is the only living one of the 5 original signers of the Articles of Incorporation and Board of Directors of IPC. He continues to fulfill his heartfelt obligation to encourage the well-being of the members in love. Through his time in service to the Lord, Deacon Griffin has held many positions and untiringly served the people of God personally and also supported various auxiliaries. Above all, his life has been an example to the younger members of the congregation, especially the young men who have come to respect and love Deacon Griffin as father in Christ and a father figure and role model for their own lives.

    It was at Indiana Avenue that Bro. Griffin met the beautiful Doris Ellis (not a member of the famous Ellis family). She was one of the Earnest Allen Singers invited to worship in song that day. The couple was married on June 23, 1951. The couple’s five children were raised to love the Lord, seek an education, and excel in the tradition of the family. Today, the Griffin offspring have devoted themselves to helping others in various religious and secular careers. The Griffins have 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren with two on the way. The legacy of excellence has continued unto a fourth generation, assuring that Deacon Griffin’s legacy will live on.

  • Post template-01

    Post template-01

    Trailblazer Award for Exceptional Achievement

    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.