2026 Freedom Fund Banquet

Their Legacy.
Our Moment.

What will we do with
what they gave us?

Honoring the past. Inspiring the present. Building the future.

The evening

A gathering
with purpose.

Welcome to the 2026 Freedom Fund Banquet. Follow the evening’s program as we celebrate service, leadership, and the work ahead.

Mistress of CeremonyCouncilwoman Veronica Simpkins
01

Opening & welcome

  1. Commemorating the Civil Rights Movement

    The Voice of Oprah Winfrey

  2. Welcome

    Dr. Katrina Hutchins · Freedom Fund Committee Chair

  3. Invocation

    Councilwoman Cereta Smith · Columbia County NAACP

  4. Lift Every Voice and Sing

    Ms. Tara Washington · Soloist

  5. Occasion

    Reverend Dr. Jamyle J.D. Searcy · Columbia County NAACP President

02

The keynote & fellowship

  1. Introduction of the Speaker

    Mrs. Yulonda Miller · Freedom Fund Committee

  2. What’s Going On?

    Gud Vybez Band

  3. Keynote Address

    Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker · President, Augusta Technical College

  4. Blessing of the Meal

    Mrs. Frances Sampson · Freedom Fund Committee

  5. Meal

03

Recognition & celebration

  1. A Voice of the Next Generation

    Miss Ahyonna Hogan · Grovetown High School

  2. Special Recognitions

    Ms. Ruby Parks · Freedom Fund Committee

  3. Special Presentation

    Reverend Dr. Jamyle J.D. Searcy

  4. 2026 Catalyst Awards

    Mr. Staten Heard · Vice President, Columbia County NAACP

  5. Legacy

    The Voice of Joseph Green · Spoken Word Poem for John Lewis

04

The work continues

  1. Call to Action

    Mr. Sheldon L. Moorer · Columbia County NAACP

  2. Closing Remarks

    Reverend Dr. Jamyle J.D. Searcy · Columbia County NAACP President

  3. Benediction

    Minister Nancy Traylor · Chair, Religious Affairs, Columbia County NAACP

The featured speaker

Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker
Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker

PhD, MBA

Dr. Kendricks
D. Hooker

President, Augusta Technical College

With more than 25 years of leadership experience across community colleges, technical colleges, and public and private universities in six states, Dr. Hooker is committed to expanding access, strengthening student success, and connecting education with regional workforce needs.

His work centers on collaboration, academic excellence, and creating opportunities that strengthen communities throughout the Augusta region and beyond.

Read the full biography

Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker is the President of Augusta Technical College, bringing more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience across community colleges, technical colleges, and public and private universities in six states. Dr. Hooker is deeply committed to advancing access, strengthening student success, and ensuring technical education remains aligned with workforce and regional economic needs.

Prior to joining Augusta Tech, Dr. Hooker served as Provost at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences where he oversaw academic affairs, launched new programs in high-demand fields, expanded early college pathways, strengthened enrollment growth, and enhanced student success outcomes. His leadership emphasized academic excellence, faculty development, strategic partnerships, and building a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Prior to his role at Cabarrus College, Dr. Hooker served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Southwest Tennessee Community College. There, he led the development and implementation of the institution’s first Academic Master Plan, expanded external and workforce partnerships, supported new program development, and advanced student success strategies that improved institutional performance.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Hooker served as Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and later Dean of the School of Health Education at Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin. In these roles, he guided large academic divisions, implemented structural and cultural improvements, strengthened accreditation readiness, and expanded program capacity. He also served as Professor of Biology and Department Chair of Biomedical Sciences at Baptist Health Sciences University, where he oversaw curriculum development, student pathways, and partnerships that prepared students for entry into competitive health professions programs.

Dr. Hooker is known as a collaborative leader who believes in shared vision, continuous improvement, operational excellence, and data-informed decision making. He brings a strong record of building relationships, establishing community and philanthropic partnerships, and developing innovative approaches to strengthen program relevance and economic impact.

Dr. Hooker holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University, a Master of Business Administration from Bethel University, a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Biology from Jackson State University, and an Associate of Science in Biology from Coahoma Community College.

A strong advocate for student access and workforce development, Dr. Hooker brings an unwavering commitment to transforming talent, strengthening communities, and preparing students to thrive in high-demand fields throughout the Augusta region and beyond.

The 2026 Catalyst Awards

People who
move us forward.

Celebrating six honorees whose service and leadership strengthen our community—and inspire what comes next.

Beatrice SandersCommunity Catalyst Award

Beatrice Sanders

Executive Director · Concerned Women, Inc.

For over 21 years, Concerned Women Inc. has strengthened Columbia County through compassionate service, advocacy, education, and outreach.

Read the biography

For over 21 years, Concerned Women Inc. has been a cornerstone of the Columbia County community, dedicated to strengthening its fabric through compassionate service, advocacy, education, and outreach. With a mission to support individuals and families, the organization addresses community needs while promoting personal and family well-being.

Through active community engagement, volunteer initiatives, and strategic partnerships with local organizations, Concerned Women Inc. strives to make a meaningful, lasting impact in residents' lives. Their commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening families plays a critical role in shaping a healthier, more vibrant community for all.

Concerned Women Inc. is driven by a vision where every resident has access to vital resources and support services. By raising awareness and providing educational opportunities, the organization equips community members with the tools they need to thrive.

Looking ahead, Concerned Women Inc. remains honored to serve Columbia County and is eager to continue its mission of support, education, and community enrichment for years to come. With dedicated volunteers and collaborative partners, the organization is poised to nurture a compassionate community where everyone can flourish.

Della WoodsEducation Catalyst Award

Della Woods

Director of Student Support · Columbia County School District

Della Woods works to ensure students and families are seen, heard, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed.

Read the biography

Della Woods is dedicated to creating supportive, equitable, and meaningful educational experiences for students and families throughout Columbia County. As Director of Student Support for the Columbia County School District, she provides leadership and oversight for student advocacy, discipline and behavioral support, attendance, school social work, mental and behavioral health services, and interventions designed to help students overcome barriers to success.

Throughout her career in education, Della has remained committed to the belief that every student deserves to be seen, heard, supported, and given an opportunity to succeed. Her work focuses not only on addressing immediate student needs, but also on connecting students and families with resources that promote long-term stability and success.

Della works collaboratively with school administrators, educators, families, community partners, and student support professionals to strengthen systems that serve children. She is particularly passionate about advocating for students who may be experiencing academic, behavioral, social, emotional, or family-related challenges and ensuring that those challenges do not define their future.

Beyond her professional role, Della is committed to serving the Columbia County community and supporting initiatives that empower young people. Her leadership reflects a genuine passion for education, advocacy, and service, with the goal of helping students recognize their potential and providing them with the support and opportunities needed to reach it. She believes, “Every student deserves to be seen, heard, supported, and given an opportunity to succeed.”

Dr. Taylor Mitchell JonesHealthcare Catalyst Award

Dr. Taylor Mitchell Jones

OBGYN Partners of Augusta

An Augusta native, Dr. Jones brings compassionate, patient-centered care and a commitment to empowering women at every stage of life.

Read the biography

Dr. Taylor Mitchell Jones joined OBGYN Partners of Augusta in 2023, bringing a deep dedication to patient-centered care rooted in her pride as a native of Augusta. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology at Furman University before attending the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Greenville for medical school. She then honed her skills during her residency at the Medical College of Georgia.

With practices in both Evans and Augusta, Dr. Jones is passionate about caring for women at every stage of life. She firmly believes all patients and their families deserve to feel recognized, heard, and appreciated throughout their healthcare experiences. Emphasizing open communication and healthcare education, Dr. Jones strives to empower her patients to make informed decisions about their health.

Her clinical interests span adolescent care, obstetrics, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, showcasing her commitment to advancing women's health with both compassion and expertise. Through her work, Dr. Jones aims to create a supportive environment where women can seek the care they need with confidence and comfort, reinforcing her role as a trusted advocate for her patients’ health and well-being.

Heather Rose WhiteGovernment Catalyst Award

Heather Rose White

Founder · Local Blue Collaboration

A retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three, Heather White helps residents take their first steps toward civic engagement and public service.

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Heather Rose White is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three, real estate agent, community advocate, and founder of Local Blue Collaboration, an organization dedicated to strengthening civic engagement, supporting local candidates, and encouraging greater participation in the democratic process.

After serving 20 years in the U.S. Army, including five deployments, Heather turned her focus toward community involvement and public service in Columbia County, Georgia.

As she became more engaged in local politics, Heather recognized that voters often had limited choices on the ballot. Rather than simply accepting the status quo, she decided to run for the Georgia House of Representatives in 2024. Through that experience, she gained firsthand insight into the challenges facing individuals interested in seeking public office, particularly those without established political connections, resources, or campaign experience.

Determined to build on what she had learned, Heather founded Local Blue Collaboration to help recruit and support local candidates, connect them with resources, and make the process of running for office more approachable. Recognizing how difficult it can be to navigate an unfamiliar political system, she committed herself to sharing her experience, answering questions, and helping others take their first steps toward public service.

Through Local Blue Collaboration and her continued volunteer work, she has organized candidate forums, supported voter outreach initiatives, developed resources for local candidates, and helped connect residents with opportunities to become more engaged in their communities.

Heather believes that meaningful change begins at the local level and that an informed, engaged community is essential to a healthy democracy. Her work reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability, and empowering everyday citizens to take an active role in shaping their communities.

A mother of four, Heather is proud to call Columbia County home and remains committed to helping build a community where every voice can be heard.

Eggs Up Grill

Clarissa Knotts, Owner · Kevin Patrick, Operations

More than a restaurant, Eggs Up Grill creates a warm gathering place where neighbors connect and every guest is treated like family.

Read the biography

Eggs Up Grill is more than just a restaurant; it's a cherished gathering place for the entire community. Here, patrons can unwind, savor delicious meals, and reconnect with friends and family in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Every visit brings the enticing scent of blueberry pancakes, the satisfying bite of a beloved omelet, and the delightful crunch of crispy bacon, creating a comforting feeling of home.

As you step inside your local Eggs Up Grill, the fast pace of daily life melts away, replaced by the joyful sounds of laughter and conversation. It is a space where memories are made, and stories are shared, embodying the spirit of neighbors coming together.

At Eggs Up Grill, genuine care shines through each interaction, as dedicated team members welcome everyone with a friendly smile. This is a place where community matters, and every guest is treated like family. With a commitment to quality and warmth, Eggs Up Grill has become a beloved destination for those who want hearty, lovingly prepared meals and meaningful connections. It reflects the heart of the neighborhood, making every visit memorable and every meal special. Come for the food, stay for the community.

Ahyonna HoganYouth Catalyst Award

Ahyonna Hogan

Grovetown High School

An honor student, athlete, JROTC leader, and church volunteer, Ahyonna Hogan brings resilience and dedication to her school and community.

Read the biography

Ahyonna Hogan is an accomplished senior honor student at Grovetown High School and the youngest of seven children in the Hogan family, led by Reverend Jonathan and Mrs. Dana Hogan. Balancing academics with a diverse array of extracurricular activities, she embodies dedication and leadership.

As a standout athlete, Ahyonna thrives in track and field, representing both the Grovetown Warriors and the Lane 4 Track Club. Following a challenging season-ending injury in 2025, she took a year off from competition. However, her unwavering faith, resilience, and determination fueled her comeback, enabling her to compete not only at the state championship but also at the prestigious AAU Junior Olympics.

In addition to her athletic pursuits, Ahyonna shows remarkable leadership as she has earned the rank of Second Lieutenant in JROTC. Her commitment to education is evident in her completion of the school’s Healthcare Pathway, culminating in her earning the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential and demonstrating her dedication to healthcare.

Ahyonna's contributions extend beyond academics and athletics; she is deeply involved in her church community at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she actively participates in the choir and volunteers with the youth ministry. Ahyonna's multifaceted involvement in her school and community highlights her commitment to excellence and her desire to make a positive impact.

With appreciation

Standing
with our community.

Thank you to the businesses, organizations, and neighbors supporting this year’s Freedom Fund Banquet.
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Advocate. Educate. Engage. Empower.

Together, we
continue the work.

Return to the program

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