Members of the Natchez Business and Civic League heard a charge to keep up the hard work at their annual banquet Friday night.

Rep. Angela Cockerham of Mississippi House District 96 spoke to the group of minority leaders, telling them there was still work to be done.

“You have a responsibility to reach out to teenagers and younger adults,” she said.

“We only have one life to live, and we each have to make the most of what we have and help somebody else.”

Cockerham gave an update on several legislative issues, and said it was important for citizens to stay active in government, letting representatives like her know what they wanted.

“Issues plaguing our society, they pile up,” she said. “When you see these issues and nobody takes the initiative to do anything about it, you are ignoring it.”

Members of the NBCL board also presented several awards at the banquet.

4Thelma White received the Willie Scott Civic Award for her work with the Watkins Street Cemetery. White organized a group of women who worked to clean up the overgrown lots.

“She’s still working and overseeing the cemetery,” award presenter Ricky Gray said. “I worked on the Watkins Street Cemetery, and I don’t know where this young lady gets all that energy from, but she’s got some energy.”

4Geraldine Williams received the Woman of the Year Award. Williams has worked at Great River Oldsmobile for 25 years and is co-owner of Kids College Childcare and Learning Center.

Leon Crawford was chosen Man of the Year. Crawford is the co-owner of Miss-Lou Realty and 18-year owner of Quick Tax.

Other award recipients included:

4Linda Nelson, Bishop Melvin Jackson, Joyce Campbell and Rita Winn — President’s Awards

4Keisha Sanders, Carita Winn and Keelan Hinson — Youth Awards