From Tuskegee Airman Jerry T. Hodges to the Pentagon's Army Chief of Staff Yolanda Summons great Arkansans are recognized for their achievements at the 20th Arkansas Black Hall of Fame inductee ceremony.
"There are people from literally all over the world that have come back and been inducted into the black hall of fame," said Arnessa Bennett, one of the organizations founding members.
Former inductees range from athletes like Derek Fisher to musicians like Al Green to authors like Maya Angelou. Although not all inductees carry a famous title, their role in history is critical in making America what it is today.
"It's history," said Bennett. "Every year there are people that I have never heard of before but they are doing fabulous things all over the world."
In the organization's twenty year run, the board has raised and donated more than half a million dollars.
Proceeds from Saturday night's event go to nonprofit organizations throughout the state to help complete projects, feed the hungry, buy school supplies and assist the elderly.
"It was a vision that became a reality and now its monumental," said Bennett.
The 2012 inductees are legendary member of the Tuskegee Airmen Jerry T. Hodges, international business leader Dr. Charles E. Phillips, Jr., agricultural leader Pearlie S. Reed, Deputy Army Chief of Staff at the Pentagon Lt. Col. Yolanda R. Summons, musician Rosetta Tharpe and musician Lenny Williams.
