Unsung Heroes
By Tabitha Ervin
FWIS Editorial Director
I was able to connect with Dr. Deborah Howard, Vice President of the Fort Wayne Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo, Inc to discuss their recent Unsung Heroes event. For the last three years, the organization has presented the Unsung Hero’s event to the Fort Wayne community. The event celebrates those individuals who often work tirelessly behind the scenes to improve the lives of others according to Dr. Deborah Howard. She also shared that by shining a light on these everyday heroes, the event not only acknowledges their efforts but also inspires others to contribute to their community. The event aligns with the mission of IBE to promote cultural awareness, economic empowerment and educational opportunities within the Black community. The event fosters a sense of pride and unity in honoring these local heroes within the Fort Wayne community.
Over the years, the event has honored more than 50 people, about 12-15 people/organizations each year.
Nominations are submitted by the board and community members each year prior to the event which has been held around the March time frame annually.
Several years ago, the President of the local organization, Joe Jordan along with the board of directors came up with this event as a way to shine a light on these unsung heroes in the Fort Wayne community and the event has done that and more!
Joe shared that he is thankful for the support of our unsung heroes and for supporting the IBE Fort Wayne Chapter. “It is very gratifying to receive support from our community as the IBE Board continues to move the needle forward and close the gaps in our community. Thank you on behalf of the IBE Board of Directors.”
As shared by Vice President Howard, the impact of the event has been multifaceted. It has first raised awareness about various challenges and opportunities in our community, highlighting the gaps that these heroes are working to fill. That has in turn led to increased support and resources for community initiatives and has inspired others to get involved. Secondly, the event has brought people together and provided a platform for networking and collaboration among community members, businesses and organizations. Overall, by recognizing these amazing individuals, the event contributes to a culture of appreciation and empowerment which is essential for the continued growth and development in our community and aligns seamlessly with the overarching goals of the Indiana Black Expo.
To contact IBE, the address is: 114 Three Rivers East Fort Wayne, IN. 46802 or email address; fortwayneblackexpo@gmail.com or office phone 260-424-2007. They offer several different membership packages with various benefits.
Here are the Unsung Heroes for this year and a snippet about them.
Toni Irby
Toni Irby is the owner and master stylist of Upgrade Hair Salon, with over 20 years of experience transforming lives through beauty. From fierce, short-cuts to elegantly flowing extensions, Toni’s work elevates both her clients' hair and their spirits—bringing out their inner and outer beauty. Yet, her influence goes far beyond the chair.
As a mentor, entrepreneur, activist, and international speaker, Toni is the founder of the EYE-Conic YOU! Academy, a holistic mentoring program for teenage girls ages 13-18. At EYE-Conic YOU! she not only teaches cosmetology as a skilled trade but also instills practical life lessons in confidence, character, and resilience. The name, “I See You (I.C.U.),” reflects Toni’s core belief that every individual deserves to be seen and valued for who they truly are. Toni is also proud to partner with the Fort Wayne Boys and Girls Club to expand the reach and impact of her program.
Genois Brabson
Genois dedicated over two decades to the Fort Wayne Fire Department, serving from 1975 to 1995. She began her career as a city emergency dispatcher and, in 1979, completed the Fire Academy. She was later appointed District Fire Chief of Public Education. Throughout her career, she championed fire safety and education, designing Fort Wayne's first fire education team and developing programs for preschoolers and the hearing impaired.
One of her most notable achievements was her involvement in the creation of the Survive Alive House Safety Village, a collaborative project with the Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne Community Schools, and local government.
Stan Jordan
Stan pursued his studies in Financial Management at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN, and Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. His musical journey includes piano instruction under the guidance of Mr. Robert Taylor, Fred Meyer’s Piano and Organ Company, and Mr. Marshall White. Since the late 1980s, Stan has had the privilege of closely shadowing Mr. White, gaining invaluable experience in choir decorum, vocal training, and leadership development. While his passion for playing the piano, organ, and synthesizer is evident, his deepest calling lies in working with people — leading others into meaningful worship experiences and ushering them into the presence of God.
In addition to his musical performance and leadership, Stan has written, arranged, and completed studio projects for several artists. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the United Male Chorus of Fort Wayne’s first ever CD recording and ministry project in 2001.
Stan’s talents extend beyond music into Ministry Administration, Leadership Training and Development, and Team Building and Motivation. His dynamic and unconventional teaching style is both positive and inspiring, fostering growth and enthusiasm in those he leads.
Claudia Marie Summerville-Norfleet
Claudia is a graduate of Northrop High School, who worked at Lincoln Life Ins. Company and Fort Wayne Community Schools.
As a parent, and Mother of "4" adults, she inspired her children to rise-up to be law-abiding adults, who are all college graduates and parents.
She is a proud grandmother continuing her Legacy all the way to her grandchildren; Nova, Harlen Jacoby, & My Elle' Jaye
She is a Psalmist, Evangelist, Singer/Songwriter, a Foster Parent, who has fostered Children for over 25 years.
She attended Indiana-Purdue Univ., here in Fort Wayne, as well as Ivy Tech College; majoring in Business. She has been honored with various trophies and Awards, throughout the 15 years of being involved in Metro Youth Sports, as an Assistant Football Coach. Yes! Football is her favorite sport and she has performed the National Anthem, for the Playoffs and The Super Bowl Games.
Her motto is: Each one can reach one because she believes that children are the future, teach them well and let them lead the way!
Veronica Holman and Venecia Smith
Veronica Holeman is the founder of Feeding the Hungry Ministry under the umbrella of Kingdom Door CWC. Her partner in her work is Evangelist Venecia Smith who has been with her since the start of the ministry July 3, 2021. A group of women and men help every Saturday morning at the church preparing 60-100 lunches each week and they also provide words of encouragement and prayer. During the winter months the organization gives out coats, hats, gloves, hoodies and jackets.
Dr. Jeff Walls
Dr. Walls has spent the past 36 years transforming business education at Indiana Institute of Technology, shaping both the future of his students and the broader professional community in Fort Wayne. Since joining the faculty in 1989, he has been a driving force behind the university’s Human Resources concentration, securing the prestigious Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) endorsement beginning in 1998 and ensuring curricular alignment with industry standards through 2028.
As the founding advisor of Indiana Tech’s SHRM student organization, Dr. Walls has mentored thousands of students, instilling in them the principles of leadership, integrity, and professional excellence. Many of his former students have earned SHRM certification and reached great heights in their careers (Mayor, CEOs, Entrepreneurs, etc.) later stepping up to mentor the next generation and help new graduates secure their first jobs. Thus, Dr. Walls’ influence has built a generational network of professionals, connecting students and alumni across industries and nations.
Dr. Luther Whitfield
Dr. Luther Whitfield is the Founder and Senior Pastor of New Covenant Worship Center. Pastor Whitfield and his wife, Margo, have led New Covenant faithfully for more than 20 years. New Covenant is a diverse church with a membership of 1200 and a weekly attendance of six hundred (600). Under Pastor Whitfield’s leadership, New Covenant is a church committed to developing leaders and unleashing them for the work of the ministry.
Pastor Whitfield has a passion and desire to meet the needs of those who live in the southeast quadrant of Fort Wayne. This passion led him to start several nonprofits to meet the needs of the residents there: New Covenant Academy Preschool, Covenant Impact Center, and Covenant Concepts.
As Founder, Pastor Whitfield leads a movement of enriching lives and supporting families so that together, we can IMPACT the community we serve and live in. With his passion and love for our city it led him to join and serve with a host of community leaders in the formation of Fort Wayne United where he currently serves on the Steering Committee.
Thomas E. Nolan Sr.
Fort Wayne native Eddie Nolan is entering his 26th season on the USF coaching staff. He has more than 44 years of football coaching experience. Coach Nolan was an assistant football coach at South Side High School Fort Wayne, Indiana for 18 years and an Administrative Assistant at South Side High School. He has also served as the Head Track and Field Coach at South Side High School for over 40 years, receiving The Longevity Award for Coaching over 30 years. Coach Nolan has previously served as an Assistant Track Coach at the University of Saint Francis Fort Wayne, Indiana, working with sprinters, and middle-distance runners. He recently retired as an Administrative Assistant at South Side High School.
Nolan has many many years of accolades as a leader in the community with his work at various schools.
Deidra Mychelle Williams
Deidra has spent over a decade dedicated to serving her community through various initiatives that support education, families, and local businesses. As a passionate advocate for positive change, she has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for others and make a meaningful impact.
For the past five years, she has hosted annual events like “Totes 4 Teachers” and “Adopt a Family” for Christmas. However, it was a life-changing encounter with a school-aged child in need that sparked a new chapter in her service to others.
Deidra is the Founder of JAKD OUTREACH CENTER, a 501(c)(3) organization with its first initiative “GG Closet” a clothing store that provides free, high-quality new and gently used clothing for school-aged children. By offering these resources, Deidra helps ease the financial burden on families, while also ensuring children have access to clothing that fosters confidence and success in school.
Regenia Frison-Jones
Reginia Frison-Jones has profoundly impacted the Fort Wayne community, especially its youth, through her professional and personal efforts. In 2007, she founded the Queens African American Literature & Art Club as a response to her personal experiences with childhood colorism and low self-esteem. This club provided a healing space where young girls could learn to appreciate their heritage, develop confidence, and strive for academic and personal excellence.
Beyond this, Jones served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for five years, championing the rights of youth in the judicial system. Additionally, her 19-year tenure as a foster parent to over 60 children showcased her unwavering commitment to providing love and support to those in need. Through these roles, Jones amplified the voices of vulnerable youth and advocated tirelessly for their well-being, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.
Jones exemplifies innovation and creativity through her entrepreneurial endeavors and community initiatives. Hands On Services AND Hands on Haven INC is a testament to her forward-thinking approach to addressing mental health challenges in youth. By creating a facility that provides various types of respite care, Jones has introduced a vital resource for caregivers while fostering a safe and empowering environment for children.
Ruby J. Bates
Over the years, Ruby has committed herself to various roles within the community, driven by a strong will and dedication to foster change. She has been a member of various singing groups, received a proclamation from the mayor's office, served as Contact/President of the East Side Community Neighborhood Association. She also led the Community Outreach for the Edsall Avenue Street Bridge Reopening in September 2019 a $2.1M Project among many other community activities and initiatives.
As she reflects on her journey, she is proud of the contributions that she has made and remains committed to continuing this work. By focusing on both visible and behind-the-scenes efforts, she aims to leave a lasting impact on the community, inspired by the lessons of resilience and the spirit of change that defined her upbringing.
Earl Robinson
Earl Robinson has been a case manager at the Center for Academic Success at Anthis for the last 7 years and has been employed with Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) for the last 28 years. He is the epitome of a servant leader. His main responsibility includes providing support and resources to students in pursuit of their academic, career and personal goals. In this role, students come to the school needing additional assistance to be successful. Earl previously worked as a Conflict Mediator with FWCS and often draws on that experience when working with students as they navigate the relationships and circumstances they encounter. He is also known as “Mr. Smiley” because he usually wears a smiley face on his jacket lapel hoping to provide the students with a smile throughout the day. Earl came to FWCS after a decision to leave Corporate America and has never looked back. He knows God placed him in the school system to help provide a positive influence in the lives of the young adults in the Fort Wayne Community. One of his most rewarding experiences is when a student, parent, or guardian stops him and says Mr. Smiley, you changed my life or my child’s life, and I will be forever grateful.
Touch Care Ministries
Donna & David Spearman
Since their arrival in Fort Wayne and the purchase of their church in the Petite Rudisill area, the Spearmans have been focused on establishing meaningful connections with neighbors, starting with Abbett School. This relationship has blossomed over time, resulting in numerous collaborative initiatives that benefit both the school and the wider community.
They have supported by providing meals for staff during in-service days and parent/teacher conferences as well as providing soccer equipment and supplying prizes for various contests.
In addition, they have started an annual back to school bash held every August to celebrate the new year which hosts various activities and includes a prayer over each child. They have started a community gardening initiative with ten raised beds in which they were able to give away 1,000 pounds of fresh produce to our neighbors in 2023 and 5,000 pounds of food in 2024 significantly impacting food security in the neighborhood.
They have hosted various educational and mental health programs to support the communities diverse needs. These programs aim to equip individuals with the tools and support they need to thrive.
In summary, Kingdom First Church and Touch Care Ministries have made significant strides in serving the Fort Wayne community and they strive to make a positive and lasting impact in the Petite Rudisill area and beyond.
Martha J. Parish-Hatch
When Martha Hatch retired from Dana Spicer Axle Division in 2024, she never planned to take it easy, watching life go by as she sat in a rocking chair. As a full-time Human Resources manager and full- time mother, even before retirement, she found time to engage in community service serving as a literacy tutor, chair of the Hispanic Festival, serve on board was active in her church community.
Near and dear to her heart are the hundreds of items she has sewn for worthy causes. Using her talent as a seamstress, she transforms little more than a yard of fabric into dresses for little girls to give them the joy of having something new and pretty. Over the past ten years, she has made and donated 332 dresses to orphanages in Uganda, East Africa. Indeed, her sewing machine is rarely quiet. Mrs. Hatch made 50 tote bags for children in foster care, 115 bibs and burp cloths to military families, 180 blankets to various organizations, twenty-four stuffed Christmas Stockings and fifteen gowns, robes and pajamas, as part of her church’s ministry to nursing home patients, toiletries for Navajo Indians, and hundreds of hats, scarves and gloves for Associated Churches. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mrs. Hatch made more than six hundred masks that she donated to hospitals, sororities, and individuals to help limit the spread of this deadly disease.
Jack Dadou- bio not included
Terra Brantley-Presidential Award
Respected for her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence, Terra Brantley has been described as “truly a heavy hitter in our market” a “trailblazer, a community icon and a servant leader.”
Terra retired from the news anchor desk as the longest serving African American news anchor in Indiana. It happened on the heels of her winning the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Great Lakes Chapter Silver Circle Lifetime Achievement Emmy award. This multiple Emmy award-winning journalist is also in the Indiana Associated Press Hall of Fame for her journalistic integrity and community work in and beyond the Hoosier state.
In addition to her Associated Press and Emmy honors, Terra is the winner of many first place awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, Indiana Black Expo, and the Indiana Commission for Women, to name a few.
This media veteran of 38 years was profiled in exhibits at both the Fort Wayne History Center and the Indiana State Museum, which chronicled her career that began in Florence/Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to her successes as WANE-TV’s lead anchor. After helping lead WANE’s team for 28 years to number one status in the Fort Wayne market, Terra transitioned to the nonprofit sector as President/CEO of Northeast Indiana Public Radio. In 2022, she joined WFFT as its primary news anchor and was instrumental in launching the station's first ever 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts, while also solo anchoring the 10 p.m. news.
