Taking time with Trailblazers: Congressman Hank Johnson and the Trailblazers Awards celebrates the impact of women during Women's History Month
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This past Saturday (March 21, 2026 at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia, GA), Congressman Hank Johnson takes time to connect with the community via the Trailblazer Awards. As is the case during the month of March, the event highlights the impact of women within his district across the public and private section as a means of doing so during Women's History Month.
11 women are awarded this honor, including posthumous recognition as follows (the names are listed in the order they appear on the photo):
Dr. Barbara Christian Campbell. The educator and real estate professional has a consistent record of civic engagement. Her efforts over the past few decades include DeKalb County and related community engagement.
Mrs. Verdaillia Turner. The lifelong educator works within the field, along with working on issues related to labor and larger advocacy in the aforementioned areas. For more than three decades, she is making an impact in these fields.
Mrs. Jennifer Ffrench-Parker. The award-winning journalist extends to her efforts as the editor and publisher who co-founds CrossRoadsNews. With a focus on local reporting and coverage in South DeKalb County, her platform provides media awareness and engagement with the immediate community.
Ms. Kathy "Gayle" Register (posthumous recognition). She is the longtime District Director for Congressman Johnson (2007-2025). Her ability to lead the Fourth Congressional District Office with a high level of professionalism, compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication are central to the level of engagement provided by the congressman, related staff, and the larger community/district.
Mrs. Edwina Clanton. Her efforts include serving as the President of the NAACP DeKalb Branch (since 2023). Her leadership demonstrates a sound level of civic engagement, justice, and community empowerment.
Ms. Sara A. Fountain. The longtime communications professional and civic leader is a consistent presence related to community engagement and public advocacy. For multiple decades, her presence is felt in these and related areas.
Mrs. Stacy Thibodeaux. The real estate broker-owner is more than a presence in her field. She maintains a consistent presence in the areas of housing advocacy, including expanding equitable access to homeownership and sustainable development.
Dr. Felicia Moss Mayfield. For more than 50 years, her career in education is more than just her presence in the classroom. Her community and related civic engagement focuses on issues related to access and beyond.
Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley. Her efforts in education extend to more than just the classroom. Ranging from student access, social-emotional development, and institutional leadership, she is a consistent advocate in these and related areas of concern.
Ms. Bonnie Haynes. Her career in finance extends for more than 40 years. With extensive experience in banking and credit unions, her work extends to financial literacy and advocacy within the community.
Mrs. Josephine E. Handy-Sewell. The retired retail executive has more than 45 years of corporate leadership experience. Combined with her community leadership and advocacy, she maintains an impactful presence within the immediate and extended community.
The recognition goes beyond the meaning of the month. As Congressman Johnson notes, "Despite all that's going on right now, this annual event is an opportunity for us to get together and honor and celebrate women who have given so much back to our community".
An added meaning of the moment is the time to acknowledge the impact of Ms. Register.
"It was particularly poignant to posthumously honor my former district director (Kathy Register). She was so important to my success as a congressman and it was important for us to honor her along with 10 other amazing trailblazers", Congressman Johnson adds.
And this reinforces the notion of taking time to tell the stories of impact of women who are blazing tremendous trails in the community and beyond.
Notes: You may watch the full event livestream by clicking HERE.
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