On Thursday, January 11, at the Lee Center, Alexandria Health Department's Nechelle Terrell accepted the City of Alexandria Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award. Nechelle, a Community Outreach Specialist for AHD, was joined by colleagues from across the city, as well as family and friends as she accepted the award.

The ceremony began with performances by the City's employee choir.  While all the singers blended their voices in beautiful harmonies, one performer stood out - Nechelle's mother, who looked on proudly throughout the ceremony. After the songs and the presentation of the City's colors, City Manager Jim Parajon introduced Alexandria Library Director Rose Dawson.

Rose Dawson shared her personal story of her rise to become the City's Library Director and reminded residents of the powerful legacy of Alexandria's 1939 Library Sit-In. In her speech, Dawson told attendees that a change of culture can start with a single person.

Mayor Justin Wilson reflected on Dr. King's speech recognizing the excellent street sweeper, who uses as much passion and duty to street sweep as Beethoven would use to write a symphony. Mayor Wilson recognized the excellent work being done by all City servants doing all types of work to serve Alexandria. 

When it came time to give the award, City Manager James Parajon shared a summary of Nechelle's outstanding service: 

For nearly 24 years, Nechelle Terrell has served the City of Alexandria. Working across City offices, Nechelle has dedicated much of her time to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS by educating Alexandrians and fighting stigma. She has planned outreach events and led programs both as a staff member of the Alexandria Health Department and as a chair for several regional committees focused on HIV/AIDS. Nechelle is especially involved with the African American community, specifically the faith community. As a member of the Oakland Baptist Church and a trusted neighbor across faiths, Nechelle shares information and education about health challenges that disproportionately impact African Americans. A native Alexandrian, Nechelle is committed to continuing her fight for health equality and equity through service across the City. Through her work, she aims to give her neighbors the knowledge they need to survive.

Nechelle accepted the award and thanked her family and colleagues. She talked about the importance of her work, the joys of her many years of service, and the promise that she's not done yet!