Four Men Nominated To Receive The Prestigious H.I.M. Award

Four men from the Vicksburg community have been nominated for the prestigious H.I.M. Award(He Inspired Me). Cedric Jackson, Nicholas Carson, Lamont Rogers, and Andre Bennett are this year’s nominees.

Each nominee was selected by a committee that was spearheaded by Marion Obafemi. 

Jackson:

Cedric Jackson has been a local football coach at Warren Central High School for the last 12 years. He was shocked to learn about his nominee when he received the news.

“My cousin Wanda told me to meet her at the Vo-Tech and then Coach Corey Wilson told me that somebody was waiting on me and I was completely shocked when it happened,” Jackson said.

Jackson has been a standout member of the Vicksburg community for years as he goes above and beyond for his students and athletes. 

“Out of 12 years, I believe I worked the first year but the last 11 just been a breeze because when you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life,” Jackson added. “I just want to see these kids graduate because that’s my true award.”

Carson:

Carson is another member who was easily selected as he continues to inspire his community every day. He has spent the last 12 years in public service, including six years with the fire department and the last six years with the Vicksburg Police Department. 

“I felt pretty good but I don’t do it for the recognition but it does feel good to get that recognition,” Carson said.

Carson also coaches baseball at Vicksburg High School where he is a huge mentor to his athletes. He also mentioned that he is heavy on giving advice to the youth as he hopes they will travel down the right path in life.

“Be young why you still can and set goals, make preparations to reach them, and keep your eyes open for new opportunities,” he added.

Bennett:

Andre Bennett was another familiar name to the Vicksburg community. He is also a local football coach who has been teaching/coaching since 2008. 

Like the other nominees for the H.I.M. award, Bennett recently found out about his nomination and he was shocked but appreciative.

“I felt grateful to when I received the nomination,” Bennett said. “Grateful for my family, my roots, and upbringing as well as having the opportunity to serve the community that I grew up in. Just being in this position is a blessing on its own. I thank GOD for everything I have and I am.”

Bennett is a proud graduate of Vicksburg where he continues to coach football. Over the years, Bennett has positively mentored not only his players but his students as well. The youth of our community has always been important to Bennett as he continues to lead them in the right direction.

“You are a special spirit who has been chosen to come forth in this generation,” Bennett added. “You are starting to discover who you are and your place in life. Keep working hard and dreaming. You can achieve your goals if you keep working hard and dream big. Don’t let others destroy your peace of mind. You are on the right path to pursue your dreams.”

Rogers:

Lamont Rogers, an entrepreneur, was also nominated for the H.I.M. Award. Rogers also serves as a minister who inspires the youth through faith.

“I was overjoyed when I found out I was nominated,” Rogers said.

Unification is one thing that Rogers mentioned that Vicksburg needs for our youth. He has always had a soft spot for the kids in this community and he hopes to continue being a mentor to them.

“Anything is possible if you believe and stay solid in your faith,” he added.

Mr. Marion Obafemi chose these men with recommendations coming from Latonya Jones, Susie Calbert, Kimberley Walker Nailor, and Alderman T.J. Mayfield. 

The H.I.M. Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday at the New Beginning Church In Christ at 3 p.m. There will be no admission fee and these men would love to see some support.

The Award Ceremony is a part of Obafemi’s B.A.L.M.(Balanced Approach to Lower the Violent Crime and Murder Rate in Vicksburg) initiative.