Celebrating John Evans’ 90th Birthday

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Freedom fighter John H. Evans was celebrated by the community on Saturday, Jan. 28, honoring his 90th birthday, which is actually Jan. 29. The celebration took place at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts & Community Center in Decatur. The venue was decked out in purple and gold—Omega Psi Ph’s colors, a salute to Evans’ cherished fraternity.

Evans is president of Operation Lead. He is a former President of the NAACP DeKalb County Branch, where he served 16 years as its leader; a former member of the MARTA Board of Directors and former member of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. Evans also is a former player in the Negro Baseball League. He is a tireless community activist who, despite a decrease in mobility, still marches and shows up to represent the most vulnerable in metro Atlanta.

Evans received presents and proclamations from several elected officials. Dignitaries who attended the dinner and program included Congressman Hank Johnson and his wife, DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Davis, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson, Georgia Sen. Gloria Butler, State Rep. Viola Davis, State Rep. Billy Mitchell, former State Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams, former State Rep. Tyrone Brooks, DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox, DeKalb Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson, City of Stonecrest Mayor Jazzmin Cobble, NAACP DeKalb President Lance Hammonds and the Rev. William L. an Sylvia Flippen, Sr. of The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta.

The celebration was hosted by Aungelique Proctor (Fox 5 News Reporter) and Malia Evans, John Evans’ daughter. Entertainment was provided by “King of Strings” violinist Ken Ford, Chastarr Lyfline Band and Poet Laureate Hank Stewart.

The Planning Committee was comprised of Malia Evans, Nadine Ali, Al Chatman, Teresa Hardy, Josie Dean, Janet Jackson, DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson, Vivian Moore, Tenta Davis Louise Thomas, Cherry Willis and LaSun Chappell Wright.

Photos and video by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.coom

More photos of the event: https://youtu.be/mcqLR_v3Bp8

Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/NrM_inn7JxM