Crispus Attucks York Celebrates Community 11th Annual Village Tea and Award
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, Crispus Attucks York welcomed community members to its 11th Annual Village Tea, themed “A Trip Through Marion’s Village.”
The annual gathering celebrated fellowship, service, entertainment, and the individuals and organizations working to strengthen the York community. The program was led by Queens of Ceremony Laquetta Coates and Jacquie Martino-Miller.
Mrs. Jacquie Martino-Miller welcomed those in attendance by reminding everyone that the gathering represented much more than an event:
“My name is Jacquie Martino-Miller, and I am also one of your Queens of Ceremony this afternoon. Today, we gather not simply as an audience, but as a village—a community of people who understand that none of us gets here alone. We are connected by the lives we have touched, the shoulders we have stood upon, the children we have nurtured, and the work we continue to do together.
Welcome to the 11th Annual Village Tea and Marion Howard ‘It Takes a Village’ Award Ceremony. Before we begin, we pause to honor those who came before us. We respectfully ask permission from our ancestors.”
Her greeting established the spirit of unity, remembrance, and shared responsibility that guided the afternoon’s celebration.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2026 Marion Howard “It Takes a Village” Awards. The award was established in honor of Mrs. Marion Howard following her passing in 2015 and recognizes her lifelong commitment to justice and her belief in valuing, supporting, and unconditionally loving young people.
During her opening statement, Laquetta Coates reflected on the lasting significance of the award and Mrs. Howard’s legacy:
“Each year, this award keeps Mrs. Marion Howard’s legacy alive by recognizing those who, like her, believe that every young person deserves to be seen, valued, supported, and loved. To receive the ‘It Takes a Village’ Award is to carry forward the spirit of Mrs. Marion Howard and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.”
Honoring the 2026 Award Recipients
The 2026 Marion Howard “It Takes a Village” Award recipients were:
- The Movement of York, Inc.
- York County Black Golfers Association
- Advent Lutheran Church
- House of Reconciliation Church – Stop the Violence
- Jabez Ministries
- GVI – Group Violence Intervention
Each organization was recognized for its dedication to serving others and making a meaningful impact throughout the community.
Jabez Ministries
Jabez Ministries was honored under the leadership of the Honorable Reverend Adrian Boxley Sr., who has faithfully served God, his family, and the community for more than three decades.
After answering the call to expand his ministry into York’s Parkway community, Reverend Boxley founded Jabez Ministries. The nondenominational Christian church and community outreach center officially launched on September 3, 2016.
Jabez Ministries has embraced the belief that it truly takes a village. Through its food pantry, Soup & Socks hot-meal outreach, Bible studies, youth tutoring, SAT preparation, recovery ministries, health and wellness programs, life-skills training, and other outreach efforts, the ministry continues to meet people where they are and strengthen individuals and families.
Reverend Boxley and Jabez Ministries were thanked for answering the call to serve, opening their doors and hearts, and being a village for so many throughout the community.
City of York’s Group Violence Intervention
The City of York’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) was recognized for its community-centered work to reduce gun violence, save lives, and create safer neighborhoods. Established in 2016 under Mayor Kim Bracey, GVI strengthened its community-centered approach in 2021 under Mayor Michael Helfrich and Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow, recognizing that preventing violence requires the entire village.
GVI brings together the community, service providers, and law enforcement. In 2021, Tiff Lowe became York’s first Credible Messenger and now serves as project manager, leading a team of Credible Messengers and a Trauma Responder. Through mentorship, crisis intervention, hospital response, resource navigation, equine therapy, Pen & Pad, Experience & Exposure Trips, and other opportunities, the team has supported more than 300 individuals and families since 2021.
During 2024–2025, York achieved a historic 104 consecutive days without a shooting through the collective efforts of residents, organizations, service providers, and law enforcement. GVI’s success is measured not only in statistics, but also in lives redirected, families supported, opportunities created, and communities given hope. Its vision is clear: More Graduations and Fewer Funerals.
House of Reconciliation Church – Stop the Violence
House of Reconciliation Church’s Stop the Violence Community Outreach was honored under the leadership of Pastor Alexander Alvarado and Co-Pastor Yahaira Alvarado.
The ministry was recognized for embodying the spirit of “It Takes a Village” through faith, service, compassion, and a deep commitment to the community. Its 13th Annual Stop the Violence Event brought people together for a day filled with resources, fellowship, prayer, service, and hope.
During the event, volunteers served 1,000 hamburgers, 1,500 hot dogs, and 500 chicken pinchos. They also distributed 500 grocery bags to families and individuals in need. Seventy community organizations came together to provide resources and support to an estimated 500 to 1,000 community members.
A special highlight was the Children’s Parade, which included 300 children representing the hope and promise of the next generation. The day concluded with a testimony from Evangelist Alex Capo focused on faith, restoration, and transformation.
The outreach demonstrated what “It Takes a Village” looks like in action: people serving together, families being supported, children being encouraged, and faith bringing hope.
York County Black Golfers Association
The York County Black Golfers Association was recognized for using golf as a vehicle for service, mentorship, education, and community impact since adopting its bylaws in 2005. Guided by its motto, “Sportsmanship, Friendship, Education, and Charity,” YCBGA supports young people through scholarships, youth initiatives, charitable giving, and community outreach.
Over the past twenty years, the organization has awarded over $80,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors pursuing higher education. YCBGA also brings together men from diverse backgrounds for fellowship, mentorship, and civic engagement. For more than two decades, the organization has demonstrated that golf is more than a game—it is a platform for developing character, building leaders, creating opportunities, and inspiring future generations to give back.
Advent Lutheran Church
Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Bradley Dayett and Associate Pastor Rev. Andrew Berdahl, Advent Lutheran Church has made community outreach an important part of its mission. Its parishioners serve others through hands-on involvement, generosity, prayer, and financial support.
Over the years, Advent Lutheran Church has supported veterans through the Crispus Attucks York Veterans Stand Down, assisted children through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, and provided ongoing food, financial, and volunteer support to Catholic Harvest Food Pantry.
The church has also partnered with organizations including Katallasso Family Health Center, Community Progress Council, Our Daily Bread, Phineas Davis Elementary School, LifePath Christian Ministries, and Phoenix Ministries.
Its compassion is further demonstrated through initiatives such as the Pop-Up Prom Shop, which helps young people obtain formal clothing they might otherwise be unable to afford, as well as its coat and prayer shawl ministries, which offer expressions of comfort, care, and love.
The Movement of York, PA
The Movement of York, PA, founded in 2015 by Mr. Sonny Banks. The movement is grass rooted, volunteer-led organization, built on a simple but powerful belief: people helping people can create lasting change. For more than a decade, the movement has served over 20,000 families, and distributed more than 2 million pounds of food, and connected individuals and families with food, emergency assistance, employment resources, transportation, and other essential needs.
What makes the movement especially deserving of the Marion Howard It Takes a Village Award is its commitment to bringing people together to help one another through dedication, volunteering, and strong community partnership. The movement continues to show us what happens when a village comes together with compassion and generosity and peace. Please join us in recognizing the Movement for its outstanding service and commitment to our community.
A Special Recognition
A special award was also presented to Lydia Washington in recognition of her years of service and commitment to the CAY Village!.
Another powerful moment was “The Gathering,” a tradition introduced during the 10th Annual Village Tea. Mrs. Martino-Miller invited all past and present Marion Howard “It Takes a Village” Award recipients to come forward and stand together.
“CA stands on tradition, and we value our traditions here. One of those traditions, which began last year, is ‘The Gathering.’ Whether I call your name or not, if you are a past or present award recipient, please come forward and join us.”
As the recipients gathered, Mrs. Martino-Miller reflected on what their collective service represents:
“Together, you represent the heart of Marion Howard’s vision—that lasting change happens when a village comes together to inspire hope, unity, and positive change throughout our community.
Jumuiya—community. This tradition must continue because the work continues.”
Guests enjoyed outstanding entertainment from Kassidy Grant, Britney Walker, and Stacy Richards. Their performances added energy and joy to an afternoon filled with celebration, reflection, and community connection.
Crispus Attucks York extends its sincere appreciation to the Marion Howard family, the award recipients, entertainers, presenters, attendees, volunteers, and everyone who helped make the 11th Annual Village Tea a memorable occasion. Special thanks are also extended to the Randy Christie family for their generous donation.
Marion Howard’s legacy reminds us that creating positive change requires all of us. By working together, caring for one another, and investing in future generations, we continue building a stronger and more connected community.
It truly takes a village.
Celebrating Community. Honoring Legacy. Building Futures.