Two Fredericksburg area civil rights leaders were honored Sunday by Kingdom Family Worship Center as “living legends” in Black history.
The Fredericksburg church presented the honor to the Rev. Hashmel Turner and local historian Eunice Haigler.
Turner is a former member of Fredericksburg City Council and past president of the city’s branch of the NAACP.
“When that branch dissolved, he resurrected it,” said Bishop Joseph Henderson Sr., the pastor of Kingdom Family Worship Center. “Now it is strong today. He has worked behind the scenes, helping many families, many organizations, volunteering and putting his hand to the wheel.”
Haigler founded the Color of History, which tours historical Black sites in the area. She is also the district liaison for Del. Josh Cole (D-Fredericksburg). She petitioned Cole to introduce a bill to the Virginia House of Delegates to make Juneteenth a state holiday. Cole’s bill was successful in 2020 and President Joe Biden signed legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday the following year.
Turner and Haigler received Living Legend Award certificates from Henderson for their “exemplary impact to the community at large.”
“We honor your contributions to Black history and stand grateful that your example continues as a living legend, serving as a model to many, demonstrating how to make the world a better place,” Henderson said.
