By Heather Bell
RADFORD – Vondelear Hubbard of Radford has won one of two NAACP Community Service Awards from the Montgomery-Radford-Floyd Chapter of the NAACP.
Branch Secretary Shirley Akers recently announced the winners of the annual awards, given in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The awards were given at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Celebration, held Jan. 15 online, with about 100 people virtually viewing
the celebration.
“Mrs. Hubbard has devoted her entire life to community service,” said Akers in the announcement. “Loving children and teaching, she has served as the PTA President at McHarg Elementary School and currently works as a substitute teacher with the Radford City Schools. Mrs. Hubbard is a member of the Radford City Police Chief Advisory Board and at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, she personally handmade comfortable mask extenders for the officers and for the local Fire Department workers.
“When the news about this service spread, a mother of a young child with a medical condition from another state reached out to her to make mask extenders for her daughter to provide her also with some comfort,” Akers said. “She freely donated and shipped the masks straps so that the child too would have some additional comfort since she had to wear masks continuously due to her medical needs.”
Hubbard was nominated for the award by Radford City Police Chief Jeff Dodson. Hubbard said she was honored to be nominated, especially for an award given in the name of one of her heroes.
“When I was told I had been nominated for this award, I was surprised and honored,” Hubbard said via email. “To receive this award is more than I could have expected. I am humbled and honored to be associated with such a great leader, humanitarian, and a warrior for peace, love, justice, and equality.
“Martin Luther King, Jr., stood for things I believe in, and his dream is my dream as well,” she continued. “As a youth, watching his life’s work on our black and white television, I marveled at his courage, and strength, determination, patience, and drive to fulfill his commitment to the Civil Rights movement. His love for all people is what I felt and feel in my own heart.”
Hubbard said she considers winning the award a personal call to action and service.
“Receiving this award is a greater awakening in my spirit that much work still needs to be done,” she said. “God’s word in Luke 12:48; ‘To whom much is given, much will be required’.”
“This Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award is a constant reminder for me to be more devoted to doing more, giving more, encouraging more, and to keep reaching back to bring others up higher and higher,” Hubbard said. “I am grateful that having been nominated, as well as receiving the award, means that someone saw my way of life, as a witness to helping to fulfill Dr. King’s dream. I am humbled by knowing our city has so very many others who are just as deserving. I don’t take it for granted that I have been given this wonderful honor and blessing.”
