Ms. Charlene Taylor Hemphill is being honored with a Memorial Award in recognition of the significant impact she made on her community before she was tragically taken in an act of domestic violence. A donation will be made to the Cape May County Coalition Against Rape and Abuse in her name.

Ms. Hemphill was born on December 10, 1951 in Atlantic City, NJ to the late Elsie Dickerson and John Hemphill. Ms. Hemphill was the mother of five boys—John Henry Jr., Kenneth Henry, Richard Henry, Joshua Baker, and Jesus Baker. She was known in the community as a mother to all. Her home was a refuge for many of the children in the neighborhood who were struggling with personal issues. She had an open door policy, always extending to make sure every child had a plate to eat and somewhere to lay their head. She was a pillar in the spiritual community as well, attending church regularly and always seeking to find love and harmony in the universe. Ms. Hemphill was known to pick up hitch hikers and have a prayer service whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Ms. Hemphill’s dedication to see that her children became the best they could be was her life; unfortunately, she was not able to see that in the physical. Her life ended tragically from domestic violence in December 1983. But even with her loss, she brought the community together to help guide her five boys into manhood.

Mr. Daniel Lee Henry, Jr. is being honored with a Community Leadership Award for his efforts to pave the way for generations of Black children in Ocean City. A scholarship will be provided to a local Black undergraduate student in his name.

Mr. Henry was born in Somers Point and was a lifelong Ocean City resident, attending Ocean City public schools. Mr. Henry worked as a sales associate for Kabat's Men's Shop in Ocean City for 30 years. It was there that he helped develop young men with style and  sense of pride, often purchasing the item himself to make sure young men were well-dressed for special events. He also worked briefly as a toll collector for the Cape May County Bridge Commission on the Longport Bridge, as well as a janitorial staff person at the Ocean City Intermediate School and High School.

Mr. Henry was very active in St. James A.M.E. Church where he served as an usher, a steward, and was a member of the Board of Trustees. His dignity and grace were always on display as an usher and member of the famous Men’s choir. Mr. Henry was also active in his community where he was a member of the Elks Lodge #757, Antlered Guard, was past President of the NJ State Elks, and past President of the Exalted Ruler #21. He was a member of the American Legion in Pleasantville, V.F.W. Ferguson Foglio Post #6650, Ocean City Democrat Club, Vietnam Veterans of America, and NJEA. Mr. Henry personified excellence and expected nothing less from family, friends, and especially the youth in the community. He always had a word of encouragement and was the first to offer guidance. He lived his life touching everyone he met. Mr. Henry was a true servant to his community. He passed on February 15, 2006.