The Black Hawk
The "Black Hawk" tradition is one that started in September 1996. It was borne out of Leadership and Commitment to the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ) that is part of the national struggle for Justice for all man kind. Oklahoma NABCJ leaders like Ted Logan, Robert Buckner, Joyce Jackson, Reginald Hines, J.D. Daniels, Lenora Cooks-Hudson and others have constantly searched for ways of recognizing others that have taken up the torch of fairness and equality.
The Black Hawk is presented to those that give of themselves and help the organization to help the less privileged. Lester Leroy Young was commissioned when he was a warden at the John Lilley Correctional Center to create a symbol that would be unique to NABCJ. It is meant to be more than a plaque or certificate that is traditionally given. The "Black Hawk" is a symbol of what it means to be committed to a higher purpose and part of a community that is concerned about the plight of all people.
The "Black Hawks" are all hand made of the finest ceramic clay, kiln fired, hand painted, and triple glazed in the NABCJ colors of black and gold. The artist will name, number and sign each Black Hawk to give each a distinction of being a one of a kind recognition for each of the recipients. There is a National need for a unique way of recognizing special contributions to NABCJ. To this end, a new version of the "Black Hawk" has been created to join her sisters.
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