Do Something Great Awards Honor Two Untold Stories Individuals to Preserve Legacies

Dr. Christina Shields was our first recipient of the Preston Jackson Arts Award. Sheryol Threewit, Jackson’s niece, presented Dr. Shields with her award. The award was named in Jackson’s honor as part of our commitment to celebrating Untold Stories and legacies of area individuals who have made significant historical contributions. One of America’s greatest artists—perhaps the quintessential artist of our time—Jackson is not just an internationally celebrated sculptor and painter; he’s a remarkable guitarist, teacher and martial artist—a master of every medium he touches. And he grew up in Decatur! A prolific artist and performer, Jackson confronts social issues boldly and directly, connecting the hard truths of American history to its present and future, anchored by the common thread of humanity.

Joe Roundtree and Chris Ellis were the first recipients of the Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Volunteer Service Award. Dansby was a native of Decatur. He was a graduate of Decatur High School and attended Millikin University. He was the second black man to be sworn into the Army Air Force, the first enlisted man in the group to receive the rank of master sergeant during World War II, and a mechanic for the Tuskegee Airmen, the nation's first black military fighter pilots. After he returned home from the war, Danby campaigned for civil rights and racial integration. He was a member of the Decatur school board and served on the board of directors of the Decatur/Macon County Opportunities Corporation. Dansby passed on June 4, 1989, at the age of 74.