Men’s Progressive Club Honors Shevon Thomas, Awards Scholarships at Annual Banquet

By Staff Writer The Men’s Progressive Club of Columbus, Inc. held its annual Man of the Year Banquet and Scholarship Fundraiser, recognizing Muscogee County Solicitor General Shevon Thomas as its 2026 Man of the Year and awarding scholarships to three local students.

The club presented $1,500 scholarships to Davario Barrow and Caleb Giles, both students at Kendrick High School, and to Ayana Griffin, a student at Spencer High School.

The guest speaker for the event was Wane A. Hailes, president and publisher of the Courier Eco Latino Newspaper, who delivered remarks titled “Whose Hand Holds the Future,” focusing on civic responsibility, faith and community leadership.

According to Walter Williams, president of the organization, the banquet reflects the club’s longstanding mission to uplift the community through service and advocacy. “This event is about recognizing leadership, investing in young people and continuing our work to address challenges faced by the oppressed,” Williams said.

Members include: Eddie C. Cosby, Marco D. Grimes, B.J. Joiner, Michael A. Jones, Donyail O. Lewis, Cavanaugh S. Mims, Keith Rogers, Edmond A. Singleton, Robert B. Smalls, Michael A. Timmons and Wilbert L. Williams.

Founded Nov. 29, 1949, the Men’s Progressive Club of Columbus is a nonprofit organization established to serve as an intermediary for minority communities and to help secure full citizenship rights. The organization focuses on community service initiatives, scholarship support and hosting its annual Man of the Year banquet to honor individuals who exemplify service and leadership.