Positive Image Outreach Ministries, Inc. hosted its annual Black Heritage Awards Banquet March 7 at the John Stewart Student Retreat Center on the University of Montevallo campus.

This year’s Positive Image Award recipients were Calera radio personality Dorothy L. King, Attorney Anthony J. Muhammad of AMA Law Firm, Minister Melvin Turner III, and Calera Chamber of Commerce Board President Connita Griffin-Turner.

Upward Bound Awards were also presented to area youth. Recipients were Thompson High School senior Khristian McMullen, and Montevallo Middle School students Shannon Latham and D’Andre McCary.

All award recipients were recognized for their contributions to the community and state. Dr. Wilson Fallin, Jr., a history professor at the University of Montevallo, was guest speaker. Fallin challenged the audience to make sacrifices for the betterment of community.

“As a people who have been scarred and bruised, there are many blessings from black history,” Fallin said. “Our history teaches us great things about our lives. We need to remember the importance of sacrifice. Somebody sacrificed for us to be where we are today.”

Positive Outreach Ministries, based in Bibb, Chilton and Shelby counties, helps men, women and children reach their full potential through Jesus Christ.