Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Justin Hunter
The Bridge Educational Philanthropy marked five years of service in Walker County during its 2026 Juneteenth Celebration of Excellence, recognizing four individuals whose work reflects the organization’s commitment to education, opportunity, and community advancement.
The celebration brought together educators, civic leaders, community advocates, and residents to commemorate Juneteenth while reflecting on the ongoing responsibility that accompanies freedom.
In his opening remarks, The Bridge President Dr. Kristian Douglas encouraged attendees to turn inspiration into action by learning more about Black history, examining barriers within their own organizations, and supporting groups working to expand opportunities for others.
The organization presented community honors to Dionne Nelson, Janice Wood, and Tiffany Oliver, along with a student honor to K.D. Shelton.
Nelson, a Jasper native and graduate of Alabama A&M University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has devoted 34 years to education. Known for creating a positive and engaging classroom environment, she emphasizes the social, emotional, physical, and academic development of her students. She currently serves as an interventionist at Memorial Park Elementary School and as an early childhood specialist with The Bridge, working with children from birth through age 8 and their parents.
Wood, also a Jasper native, spent much of her career helping students identify and pursue opportunities. After working for Alabama Power Company, she earned a graduate degree in school counseling from UAB and served as a career counselor with Bevill State Community College’s Second Opportunity System. She later worked for 18 years as a school counselor with Jasper City Schools. Although retired, Wood continues supporting children and families through The Bridge and Our Village.
Oliver was honored for her contributions to healthcare, education, and community service. A native of Senatobia, Mississippi, she earned degrees from the University of Mississippi before completing a bachelor’s and a master’s in nursing at UAB. Her career has included service as a cardiac intensive care nurse and as a nurse practitioner in primary care, internal medicine, and long-term care. She has also taught future healthcare professionals as an adjunct instructor at Bevill State Community College and has volunteered within Jasper City Schools for more than a decade.
Student Honoree K.D. Shelton was recognized for his enthusiasm, determination, and service to others. A Jasper High School graduate, Shelton is the first student from Walker County to participate in the University of Alabama’s CrossingPoints program. He is studying business and working toward a Certificate in Occupational Studies as a member of the class of 2028. Shelton also serves as an instructor with dreamFIT, mentors through The Literacy Council -Walker County SAIL, and participates in Special Olympics activities. He hopes to become a business owner.
Jasper native and longtime educator Tiffany Moore Bishop delivered the keynote address, challenging attendees to consider the question, “Where do we go from here?”
Bishop described Juneteenth as both a celebration of freedom and a reminder that freedom must be sustained through continued effort. Using the word “PRESS” as a framework, she called for participation, voter registration, education, strategic collaboration, and salvation.
She emphasized that healthy communities require residents who are willing to serve rather than remain spectators. She encouraged attendees to mentor young people, volunteer in schools, support local businesses, remain civically engaged, and work together to address educational and social inequities.
“Liberation created possibility, but demonstration determines the legacy,” Bishop said as she urged the community to continue pressing toward opportunity, justice, educational excellence, unity, and purpose.
In closing, The Bridge Vice President Patrick Dutton brought the event’s message directly home by asking attendees, “What have you done for Walker County today?”
The question reflected the celebration’s central theme: honoring those who have already served while challenging everyone present to help build a stronger, more equitable future.
Sponsors of this year’s luncheon include Walker Women’s Specialists, Dr. Talia and Mayor Josh Gates, Patriot Jacks Landworx, Jasper Main Street, and the Walker Area Community Foundation.
The mission of The Bridge Educational Philanthropy is to identify, develop, and refine resources, making them readily accessible to the community. This goal is achieved through ongoing research and educational services. The organization partners with other nonprofit organizations and foundations to ensure students and families reach their academic, health, emotional, and socioeconomic goals. WL
