William Mohammad, Shaun Mudd, Barb Ridley and JW Anderson were recipients of the Community Service Award for 2023.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Shaun Mudd, JW Anderson, William Mohammad, Barb Ridley now have more in common than before. All four were recognized during the Fifth Annual Juneteenth Celebration Saturday for their service to the community. All four received the Community Service Award.

Anderson, who has a list of accomplishments in community service, was recognized by fellow members of Zimmer Biomet’s group, African and Black Leadership for Excellence. Chris Cephus, a member of A.B.L.E., serves on the board with Anderson. “If there was a picture of service in the dictionary it would be JW,” Cephus said. “He represents the word service … to the community and his family.”

An hors d’oeuvre buffet consisting of sausage bites, cornbread and collard greens along with corn and meatballs were provided.

Anderson’s service goes beyond Zimmer Biomet where he has mustered many skills, he is an emergency medical technician, first responder, member of the Winona Lake Fire Department. He also is a Master Mason, and a caregiver for multiple people in the community. He has also served as gang management coordinator for events at Notre Dame.

Officials from DePuy presented Mohammad with his community service award. Mohammad has worked in the company to reach the underserved people, those of color, to educate them there is no need to live life in pain. He has distributed gift packages from DePuy while educating others about orthopedics. His efforts have included attending Black Expos and coordinate events. “He does the work of six men,” said the presenter. “The passion you see in this man in driving this committee (African Ancestry Leadership Committee) to help…”

Lakesha Green presented Ridley with her award. Green, whose family has known Ridley for a number of years, noted Ridley has been instrumental in helping so many lives as an advocate, helping those less fortunate by “listening with hear ears.” Ridley is an advocate with CASA. “She is definitely a force to be reckoned with … a person to look up to.”

Mudd, who was the keynote speaker, was recognized for starting the program Bowling Against Bullying, a program he started after a rash of suicides of county teens due to bullying, along with his efforts as a deputy with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office to relieve tensions among all people when responding to calls. Sara Strahan, chair of One Warsaw, introduced Mudd.

Charles Cotton provided two musical selections on his soprano saxophone.

His keynote addressed focused on words Araminta Ross, better known as Harriet Tubman, stated: “I never ran my train off the track.” Mudd stated he knew how to be a helper and laid the foundation for him. “Bowling Against Bullying is my opportunity to be a local helper in my community.”

He gave his family history, which included the original Mudds being slaves, and his great-grandfather fighting in the Civil War.

His grandparents, Ed and Rosemary Mudd were known in the Warsaw area, as ones who helped people move, provide food and shelter. They were a prominent family and his grandfather was known as an employee of NIPSCO or frequenting the Baker’s Dozen. His grandmother was big in Amway.

“My parents raised us to be helpers,” said Mudd. This is why he went into the service industry to help others. His siblings have also gone into the service industry.

He explained how Bowling Against Bullying came about. Bringing back emotional memories Mudd related how a parent concerned for their teen reached out to him to talk to the teen. An opportunity was set up for Mudd to speak with the teen at lunch, but school officials shut it down.

Mudd stated last year, through a partnership, Bowling Against Bullying served 100 kids. The goal is to be able to offer scholarships.

He also spoke how his work with the sheriff’s office allows him to help the community, intervening in domestic violence instances and removing the fear people have against police.

“Helpers take many forms. We need to look at the past to go forward … be a helper.”

The evening also included a three-person panel, consisting of business owner Raquel Hoyt, retired Ivy Tech Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Bill Smith and Realtor Alicia Taylor. All three spoke of what is available for people of color at their business, community and in finances.

Members of Warsaw High School’s Coalition For Black Culture Bradyn Lowe, Shaston Compton and Emma Lusinda sang for the crowd.

Additionally Emma Lusinde, president of Coalition for Black Culture at Warsaw Community High School, presented a youth’s perspective on Juneteenth. Lusinde and fellow coalition members Brodyn Lowe and Shaston Compton provided a music rendition. Music was also provided by Charles Cotton, who, on his soprano saxophone, played “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Other happenings during the evening celebration included listening to the documentary podcast “Juneteenth Faith and Freedom,” and a few rounds of Bingo. Each guest left with a gift bag from One Warsaw and a drawstring backpack from A.B.L.E. if desired.