The City of Port Wentworth will recognize State Representative Carl Wayne Scott Gilliard of District 162 with the Frances Bright Johnson Humanitarian Award during its third annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 20. This free event unites the community in observing and reflecting on the importance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery. 

The award honors Gilliard for embodying the spirit of compassionate service and tireless dedication to the well-being of local communities. This award will be presented for his selfless acts and unwavering commitment, having made a profound and lasting impact on the lives of others. Named to pay tribute to Frances Bright Johnson who was a beacon of hope, justice and human dignity, this award recognized Gilliard as someone who continues Johnson’s legacy by promoting equity, uplifting the underserved and strengthening the bonds of humanity through community-centered action. 

Gilliard was born in Savannah, attending Alfred Ely Beach High School, Morris Brown College in Atlanta and New Generation School of Seminary where he earned a Doctrine Divinity. Motivated by the loss of two friends Gilliard returned to Savannah to act against the violence that plagued the city. He formed the first positive rap group in the nation, Candy Love, and the largest youth group in the nation, Project Love. He also founded the Chatham County Youth Commission, the Saturday Monday Academy and programs like the Savannah Drama Club. In 2009 he founded Feed the Hungry, a 501 c3 whose mission is to feed, restore and add dignity to the working poor. Currently, Feed the Hungry has served in over 14 cities and served over 1.5 million meals. 

“My late mother, Frances Bright Johnson, dedicated her life to justice, equity and service to others, and Rep. Gilliard exemplifies the same values through his tireless advocacy and unwavering dedication to our communities,” said Port Wentworth Councilman Rufus Bright. “It’s a privilege to commemorate the significance of his public service and to honor my mother’s legacy of championing humanity.”

Gilliard authored the landmark legislation entitled, "The Blind Bill," giving blind parents the chance to be parents and no longer allowing their children to be taken away from them. He recently had legislation passed in House Bill 750, the Chatham County Legislative Gang Prevention and Intervention Commission which is serving as a model for the State of Georgia and was the original author of the passed House Bill 479 repealing Georgia's Citizen Arrest Law.  Rep Gilliard was also leading the way for the new Savannah Music Commission as our region grows its arts, culture and music footprint. Gilliard is serving his fourth term in the Georgia General Assembly and was elected into the House of Representatives in 2016.

For more information about Gilliard, please visit https://www.gilliardforgeorgia.org/ or call (912)436-5325.

For more information about Port Wentworth and its community events, please visit www.portwentworthga.gov and follow on social media.