Passing the baton: Community Honors Trailblazers, Calls for Continued Action

Rasheedah Ajibade

The Evansville African American Museum and the Southern Indiana Mentoring Academy group (SIMA) hosted a moving community tribute Sunday evening at the CK Newsome Center, honoring six beloved leaders who recently passed away — Lenoard “Little Man” Collins, Janice Hale, Louise Williams, Rev. James Hamler, Michael Malone, and Rev. Phillip Hoy. Each was remembered not just for what they did, but for how they did it: through service, faith, and a dedication to uplifting others.

For Steve Williams, a SIMA member who helped organize the event, the tribute grew from both grief and gratitude. “The inspiration really revolved around the fact that these people died so quickly within a certain time frame,” Williams said. “The impact they made in the community — it just didn’t seem enough to simply have a funeral. These were agents of change. Their mission was about changing conditions for people who are being oppressed, especially during these times and what’s going on politically.”

Williams said SIMA brought together a committee of community members, museum partners, and volunteers to coordinate the gathering. “I was designated as the head of the committee,” he said, “but I really couldn’t have done any of this without the people we had-between texting and emailing, it was a real team effort.”

In remembrance and reflection, attendees shared personal stories about how each honoree left their mark — from mentoring youth, serving in local government to supporting the arts and serving in ministry. The event also carried another challenge: to pass the baton. “We have to lead by example,” Williams added. “SIMA is going to focus more on recruiting and conducting different seminars and webinars — meeting the youth where they’re at. We do need an infusion of younger blood. We can only take it so far ourselves.”

That message resonated with Diane Williams who left the event feeling inspired to do more. “There’s something I can be doing in this community,” she said. “I shouldn’t have to wait until I lose someone before the light bulb comes all the way on. It was halfway on — but now it’s lit. That fire is lit. I need to get busy.”

What began as a memorial became a call to action — a reminder that legacy is not just what people leave behind, but what others choose to carry forward.

Honoring Their Legacy

Six community trailblazers remembered for their service and impact

Leonard “Little Man” Collins
A dedicated public servant and longtime president of the Gossetown Neighborhood Association. Collins supported local leaders, advocated for the 4^th Ward, and served on the Social Status of African American Males Commission, where he supported fatherhood, gun violence, and youth initiatives. He was the Community Liaison for Memorial Baptist Church.

Janice Hale
Known for her warmth and willingness to serve, Janice was active in her church and served as the Membership Services Coordinator for the Evansville African American Museum. She helped make local cultural programming accessible and meaningful for all ages.

Louise Williams
A hard worker with a passion for helping others, Louise dedicated much of her life to politics, volunteer work, community involvement, and touching countless lives through coaching, counseling, mentorship, and most of all cooking. She was an active member of Memorial Baptist Church where she served in several capacities.

Rev. James Hamler
A gifted musician and spiritual leader whose ministry through music touched congregations across Evansville. He played a pivotal role in bringing gospel artists and musical collaborations to the city’s faith community.

Rev. Phillip Hoy
A lifelong minister and advocate for justice, Hoy served seven congregations and spent decades championing peace, equality, and hunger relief through roles with the Tri-State Food Bank, the CROP Hunger Walk, and local government.

Micheal Malone

A lifelong advocate for education and opportunity, Malone led the Community Action and Head Start programs before becoming a successful entrepreneur. He also served on the board of the Evansville African American Museum and was remembered for his leadership, love of music, and dedication to community service.