By SHERRY DIGMON
News Staff Writer
The Emancipation Proclamation celebration at Gaines Chapel AME Church Sunday afternoon, January 5, was a celebration of the proclamation’s signing and the abolishment of slavery.
Bonnie H. Johnson presided over the service.
Accompanists were Minister of Music Willie J. Grissett and pianist Urla Boggan.
To begin the program, everyone joined in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
George Knott opened with prayer as the choir chanted “Thank You, Lord.”
Pastor Isabelle Brazzell gave the Scripture reading, followed by a selection by the Gaines Chapel Gospel Choir. Theresa C. White presented the Welcome and Occasion.
Program Director Urla Boggan recognized visiting clubs, and businesses. Thaddeus Pace gave a reading.
Mayor Jim Staff read a proclamation from the city on the occasion of the Emancipation Proclamation Celebration at Gaines Chapel on January 5.
After another selection by the Gaines Chapel Gospel Choir, Sandra Culliver read the Emancipation Proclamation.
Melinda Robinson introduced the speaker, Officer Katrina Frazier with the Mobile Police Department who brought a wealth of experience to her audience.
Katrina was born in Atmore and attended A.C. Moore Elementary, Escambia County Middle, and Escambia County High until the 11th grade. She relocated to Brewton, where she graduated high school from W.S. Neal.
After high school, Katrina moved to Mobile and began her career in local government. While working for the City of Mobile, she obtained her undergraduate degree from The University of Mobile. She later returned to graduate school at Troy University and received her Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Katrina retired after 28 years of service from the City of Mobile Parks and Recreation Department as Program Supervisor. While at that department, she served on the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association Board as District Chair and Board Secretary. She’s also a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Main Street Properties.
Katrina is continuing her career in local government as a police officer with the Mobile Police Department.
She continues to serve her community while striving to make an indelible mark on the individual lives she encounters daily.
Katrina is married to Leon Frazier, and they have one daughter and four granddaughters. Katrina is a member of Franklin Street Baptist where she has served as Chairperson of Family & Friends and other boards.
The theme of Katrina’s speech was “Pay It Forward.”
To conclude the Emancipation Proclamation program, the congregation joined hands in the singing of “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand).”
Pastor Cleitis Walker closed the service with remarks.