DURHAM, N.C. – The Durham County Men’s Health Council and My Brother’s Keeper will hold a ceremony on Thursday, January 26 at 7PM at Durham County Human Services, 414 East Main Street, to honor Master Sergeant Cedric King and Desmond Jackson, who have accomplished national recognition with paraplegia. The Men’s Health Council and My Brother’s Keeper share a common mission to improve life outcomes of men and boys of color and to model responsible decision-making skills. The guest speakers are national role models who exemplify these goals through their remarkable achievements.
“These men have accomplished seemingly insurmountable obstacles with flying colors,” said Joyce Page, coordinator, Durham County Men’s Health Council. “With Durham ties, the [Durham County Men’s Health] Council and My Brother’s Keeper are honored to have them speak about their life experiences and encourage our community to strive for their goals.”
Master Sergeant Cedric King, a recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, is also a four-time Best Ranger Competition participant. In 2012, during his second tour in Afghanistan, King was severely injured by an impoverished explosive device that caused internal injuries, permanent loss to part of his right arm and hand, and the amputation of both legs. Just 21 months after losing both legs, King completed the Boston Marathon. He later competed in a 70.3-mile half Ironman Triathlon, the New York City Marathon, and the 48.6-mile Disney Marathon series. Former First Lady Michelle Obama honored King on November 11, 2014 during the 2014 Veterans Day Concert for Valor.
Desmond Jackson, a senior at Hillside High School, needed a leg amputation before the age of one year due to a birth defect. When time permits, he enjoys playing X-Box, reading, and riding his bike. His daily routine includes weight training, track workouts, and academic studies. He serves as an usher at his church and previously played trumpet in a jazz band. Jackson has won numerous awards, including a gold and bronze medal at the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games. In 2016 he competed in the Rio Paralympics as the youngest male member of the Track and Field Team.
Speakers will also include: Durham County Manager Wendell Davis, Gayle Harris, Director, Durham County Department of Public Health, Dr. Arnett Coleman, Health Advisor, and Jeffrey Forde, City of Durham Parks and Recreation. Entertainment will be provided by recently retired NCCU Professor of Music, Mr. Grover Wilson and the Gilchrist Family Singers. Light refreshments will be served at a reception at 6:30PM. This event is open to adults and youth.
For more information and to RSVP, contact Joyce Page at 919.560.7109 or jpage@dconc.gov.
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About Durham County Men’s Health Council
The Durham County Men’s Health Council was established as an advisory group in 2014 to improve the health and well-being of African-American men by educating, promoting, and modeling healthy lifestyles and responsible decision-making. The Council identifies effective methods to recruit African-American men to join healthy living program offered by the Durham County Department of Public Health. Monthly meetings discuss health topics of concern to men and delivers health information to several predominantly male organizations. The Council engages a variety of community partners to support their mission, recruit participants, host events, and identify resources. For more information or to become involved with the Council, contact Joyce Page, Coordinator, Durham County Department of Public Health at 919.560.7109 or jpage@dconc.gov.