African American golf legends, advocates, professionals, and supporters of this rich history gathered at Martin Downs Golf and Country Club (Palm City, Florida) to celebrate the legacy of our departed African American golf heroes. Dynamic emcee Earnie Ellison introduced Stanley Campbell, owner of Martin Downs Golf and Country Club, who welcomed everyone with an inspirational speech for this historic event held on March 14, 2022.
Speakers including former Augusta National Golf Club caddie Jariah Beard gave tributes to the life and legacy of a selected list of honorees. Cynthia Osborne, widow of Jerry “Hobo” Osborne, spoke about her late husband as a caring family man, and someone who was not only a great caddie but a man who was dedicated to helping minority youth succeed in the sport of golf.
Helene Carter from Paine College (Augusta, Georgia) spoke on behalf of the Paine College President Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones. “Please continue to tell our story. What you are doing is needed,” said Carter after the event.
Celebrity guest former WBA heavyweight champion James “Bonecrusher” Smith spoke about his close friendship with Lee Elder, the first African American to receive an invitation to The Masters and to compete in The Masters.
Preserve The Legacy Committee Members Ramona Harriet, Arthur Johnson, David Rachels, and Rosevelt Walden thank all who attended the event and give special thanks to Stanley Campbell, facility event host; James “Bonecrusher” Smith for donating his time to attend; Grammy nominee soprano saxophonist Eirinn Abu, for providing musical entertainment; MRA Mobile Experiential for donation of the historical banners of legends; Jerome Brown for his donation; and in-kind supporters Club Pro Manufacturing USA for the custom Lee Elder golf car cover; Paine College for Lee Elder banner, Leroy Stanley Jr., Brenda Barton, Artis Gilmore, and African American Golfer’s Digest.
SAVE THE DATE: The next African American Golf History Celebration will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023, at Martin Downs Golf and Country Club. For upcoming information visit: AfricanAmericanGolfHistory.com or contact Ramona Harriet at 352-434-0204 or info@AfricanAmericanGolfHistory.com.
(Photos by Avis Brown Riley)
