The NABCJ Art Gallery
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.
Click here to
view examples of the Black Hawk
