NATCHEZ — The community honored and celebrated local heroes during the inaugural Legacy Tribute Banquet Saturday night.

The Legacy Tribute Committee recognized the hard work and efforts of Thomas “Boo” Campbell, Katye M. Dukes, Robert Johnson Sr., Mamie L. Mazique and Mary L. Toles to bring racial equality to Natchez and the state of Mississippi.

Chairman of the Legacy Committee, and former Natchez mayor, Phillip West said the event was a long overdue tribute to people who made it possible for him and others to be elected to government offices.

“Tonight is a night for celebration by lifting up some among us who have helped to lift up others,” West said.

Campbell was honored for his more than 40 years of public service as a police officer for the Natchez Police Department and as the Adams County Supervisor. Campbell was arrested during a Civil Rights march in Natchez and taken to the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman where he and others were subjected to inhumane treatment.

Dukes, an Adams County Election Commissioner, became involved in the local Civil Rights movement in the 1960s shortly after her return to Natchez in 1957. She witnessed first-hand the struggles of blacks in the 1960s when she attempted to register to vote and was asked to write portions of the Mississippi constitution in order to register.

Johnson was honored for his business career that employed many in the black community. Johnson opened the doors for many other black business owners.

Mazique was honored for her role as an active organizer during the Civil Rights era in Natchez. She was also honored for her contributions to the education of children in Natchez.

Toles was an active member of the NAACP during the Civil Rights era. She was the moderator at the mass meeting of the NAACP and was responsible for securing meeting places during the most turbulent times. She served as a justice court judge for Adams County for more than 20 years.

West also recognized the efforts of his aunt Willie Mae Robinson who marched in the 1965 Civil Rights march with her two daughters. All three were taken to the state penitentiary.

“She had this experience along with others from Natchez, and her daughters marched with her,” he said. “She wanted to better their lives. She needs to be recognized for her sacrifices.”

State Rep. Percy Watson told the crowd that citizens such as the ones honored should be remembered for their work. Watson was the keynote speaker for the event.

“Somebody paved the way for you to get where we are now,” Watson said. “These individuals were the ones intimately involved in the struggle. They are the ones that made it happen.

“They are individuals who don’t want you to give them anything but a chance.”