BY DAVID MAMARIL HOROWITZ

david.horowitz@bgdailynews.com

Three African-American community members and a local organization earned recognition for their local leadership and positive impact in Bowling Green-Warren County on Sunday in an annual Black Story Month program at Next Level Church.

It was the 28th annual program held by the Trailblazers Committee, which comprises members across six traditionally Black Bowling Green churches — Mount Zion Baptist, Taylor Chapel AME, Seventh Street Baptist, Eleventh Street Baptist, State Street Baptist and Next Level Church.

Shatavia Barber was nominated for advocacy and entrepreneurship; Linda L. Hill, for the performing arts; and Shanetti Jones, for community service. Jonesville Academy earned recognition as a youth-centered organization, and its youth were present to accept the award.

The Jonesville Academy aims to close the academic achievement gaps of young Black and brown men while building their self-confidence and equipping them to become leaders in schools and communities, according to the organization; the website describes its services as offering “holistic, life-changing support to boys and young men while aiming to honor the legacy of the vibrant Black community of Jonesville.”

Barber, 10, was by far the youngest nominee. Born with the spinal condition spina bifida, she uses a wheelchair full time — and has advocated at city commission meetings for accessibility at parks and summer camps, her mother Shalana Page said.

“I’m through the roof, excited and proud for my girl,” Page said. “With her getting that award, it’s just a powerful reminder that she’s doing meaningful work, making a real impact in her community …

I often advocate for her, and I make her advocate for herself, as well … My main thing is, momma’s not always going to be here, so you’ve got to learn to have your own voice.”

On the entrepreneurial side, the two and Barber’s grandmother launched the fresh-squeeze lemonade stand “Tay Tay’s Lemonade” last June, which quickly became a hit as the three attend events and festivals. As of Thursday, its Facebook group had nearly 500 members.

“For me, it was just showing her entrepreneurship because, again, she is in a wheelchair, but I don’t allow that to limit her,” Page said. “You can do anything you want to do — you may just have to do it differently. But you can do it.”

Asked what she’d want people to take away from her award, Barber said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Alongside Barber, Jones became a nominee for her longtime advocacy across numerous organizations countywide.

Jones has served for 14 years across site-based decision-making councils, including at William H. Natcher Elementary, Drakes Creek Middle and Greenwood High. She’s served on the Warren County Equity Council for six years, focusing on closing gaps in math and reading among minority students. She’s served for about four years on the board for Community Education Bowling Green Warren County, which has a focus on before- and after-care in schools — a role that, for her, is “an opportunity to service more kids and ensure they’re getting opportunities as well,” she said.

Jones is a recent member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. And, she’s part of the county’s recently launched Education Foundation, which, among other focuses, helps oversee the upcoming IMPACT Center for Innovation, she said. Her work on the foundation, she said, is to ensure opportunities there are available for all students.

“What (the nomination) means to me is a confirmation of the activities that I’m doing in supporting our community — a lot of times you can do things and you really don’t understand what the impact is,” Jones said. “That confirmation is meaningful.”

Hill, meanwhile, was recognized for her contributions over more than 35 years in the community theater scene. The entire time, she’s been with Fountain Square Players, where she acts, does publicity and serves on its board as its first and only African-American member, she said.

She also serves as a board member and an actor at the Public Theater of Kentucky. Both enhance the community with plays that are family oriented or teach about life or history, she said.

“You don’t know what you’re doing in the community — you’re just doing things you love,” she said. “You don’t know how it affects people, how people look at you for doing it …

When people recognize you for things that you really don’t think would impact anybody, it’s such an honor … It was and is and will be the most phenomenal recognition I have ever received — it was beautiful.”