Holmes gets NAN award for activism, leadership

Special to the Outlook

Rev. R. B. Holmes has something else to add to the trophy mantle.

The National Action Network presented Holmes with its Faith Leadership and Community Leader Award for the Southeastern Region. The award was presented by Rev. Al Sharpton, founder of NAN, last Thursday at the organizations Southeastern Conference meeting in Atlanta, Ga.

Holmes is president of the Tallahassee chapter of NAN. The award is giving to leaders who have demonstrated; not only dynamic leadership with NAN; but overall leadership throughout the country.

Rev. R.B. Holmes stands between Rev. Deves Toon, national field director for the National Action Network (left) and Rev. Nelson B. Rivers III, religious affairs director (right). Holmes was recognized for his work as president of the Tallahassee chapter of NAN.
Photo by Don Tolliver

Holmes was instrumental in several hot-button social issues in the last year. In his advocacy for the passage of Amendment 4 in Florida, he organized a rally at the Capitol. Holmes, who worked with the Stand Your Ground Commission, also coordinated a March in Tallahassee for Trayvon Martin.

Sharpton hailed Holmes for his work, which transcends Florida.

One of the many highlights of the Southeastern Conference was having an opportunity to meet five of the Democratic candidates at the Ministers Breakfast held at Pascual’s Restaurant.

Presidential hopefuls Corey Booker, Tom Steyer, Andrew Yang, Amy Klobuchar, and Pete Buttigieg all had an opportunity to speak about their candidacy for the White House. 

 Booker was one of the standouts at the breakfast, telling people in the packed venue to vote for candidates with good leadership qualities.

 “Leadership starts with you standing up to Trump by not voting for him, but voting Democrat in large numbers is a vote against racism in America.