The Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) held their Inaugural Conference, the 2018 Conference for Neighborhoods: ‘What Kind of Neighborhood are You Building?’ The theme focused on being ‘empowered, engaged, collaborative, inclusive, safe, and vibrant.’ It was also their 20th year anniversary celebration.
NRC Director Jim Hawk, NRC Board Chair Jessica Lee, Valerie Otey-Nellis and Trish Frantz greeted each gust personally as they packed the Tennessee Bankers Association event venue. The conference held over 18 breakout workshops and kicked off with ‘Do Good and Juggle,’ an eye opening presentation to the plenary session.
Although the awards highlighted how to better Nashville’s various citywide neighborhoods, Mrs. Sedora Johnson was a key show stopper when she received the distinguished Frank TREW Award for her years of unselfish service to both her neighborhood and the city.
Among his many accolades, Frank Trew was described by many as a “dedicated public servant who volunteered his time and energy towards the betterment of his neighbors and community. A tireless advocate for Nashville’s neighborhoods who dedicated his time, talents, resources and energy to them”—a great reason to have the award named after him.
Johnson and her family moved into her home in North Nashville’s Osage Neighborhood over 60 years ago. Twenty-four years ago she joined the Osage Neighborhood watch and chaired it off and on for seven years. During her time with this commitment, she led and organized clean ups, Night Out Against Crime events and more.
Professionally, she served as a nurse at Meharry Hospital and Metro General Hospital for 35 years before retiring. She has been a staunch, dedicated member of Friendship Baptist Church in Nashville for over 50 years. She is also a past supporter and board chair of the 18th Ave. Enrichment Center; a founding member of the North Nashville Leadership Council (NNLC); and an active member and leader of the North Nashville Organization for Community Improvement (NNOCI) for well over 20 years.
Her numerous family, friends and community leaders agree: “She has graciously given her time, talents and financial resources to enrich the quality of life for her Osage neighbors and the larger community. Mayor David Briley was among the many dignitaries and elected officials who shared photo ops and spoke highly about Mrs. Johnson and her years of service. Congressman Jim Cooper presented her with the award and made endearing remarks about the humble servant and her tireless work.
After a long and productive day of conference workshops, ‘meet and greets,’ photo ops and sincere neighborhood planning and reinforcement, most looked forward to the after party.
The 20th anniversary celebration was held at Future Shirts World Headquarters and featured the classic rock band BadDog. It was indeed a day and evening which will be remembered for some time to come.
