Program Speakers
Pastor E. Chris WashingtonPastor E. Chris Washington is the son of the late Edward and Anna Marie Washington. Pastor E. Chris Washington was raised in St Augustine, FL by his loving and devoted grandmother, the late Mrs. Carrie D. Rizor. He and his wife, Lady Juanita Washington, have been married for 32 years and they are the proud parents of Christopher, Chiquita, and Shekinah Washington. They are also the grandparents of four Pastor Washington began playing the piano as a teenager for many local churches in Saint Augustine, FL.
While in the United States Army from 1986-1991, Pastor Washington served as Youth Minister and Minister of Music throughout his military career. On April 1st, 1989, Pastor Washington gave his life to the Lord and accepted his calling under the Leadership of Bishop Darryl S. Brister at Camp Red Cloud, Korea. From 1992-1995 Pastor Washington was a Full-Time Evangelist, preaching revivals, crusades and conferences throughout the nation. Pastor Washington pastored A-Level Christian Community Church from 1995-2005 in Saint Augustine, FL. Pastor Washington is also the Founder & President of the renowned People Helping People Choir & Ministries, founded in 1989 in St Augustine, Florida. Which included performance at the Historic St. Augustine 450 in 2016. During his tenure as pastor, Pastor Washington was very active in the community and received several grants for Community partnerships in St. Augustine Florida. In 2008 Pastor Washington and family moved to Panama City, Florida and continued evangelistic ministry and continued education. In 2012, Pastor Washington graduated from Florida State University with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Professional Communication and Psychology. Pastor Washington earned his MS Degree from Troy State University, in Counseling and Psychology in 2014. Pastor Washington has Published his first book entitled “Trusting God Through it all” Which continue to be a blessing to many people throughout the nation. Pastor travels intensively with a prophetic message to the Body of Christ and serves on various community boards through-out the community. He has earned many awards such as Faith Initiative Award, School Superintendent Review, Alpha Delta Phi Community Service Award, People Helping People Awards, and many more. Pastor Washington has been on numerous television and radio shows in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Pastor Washington serves currently serves as Pastor of Beacon Light Community Church, and Asst Principal of Rosenwald High School, Panama City Florida |
Daryl D. ParksDaryl D. Parks is an accomplished lawyer and businessman who received dual degrees in Economics and Political Science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and a law degree from Florida State University (FSU). He is the managing partner at Parks Law, L.L.C. Through his dedication to civil rights activism and his commitment to community, Attorney Parks has represented families of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Corey Jones. The national reputation gained by Attorney Parks and his firm has led to his appearances on numerous national television broadcasts which include ABC, MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN.
Daryl Parks is also a distinguished local and national leader who epitomizes a commitment to service. He has shared his business acumen, financial expertise and leadership qualities locally with organizations such as the Sickle Cell Foundation, the Bethel Community Development Corporation, Tallahassee Airport Advisory Committee and recently became a board member of the Bond Community Health Center. He has also provided his service to the Florida Bar, serving as a member of both, the Florida Bar Foundation Board and the Florida Bar Student Education and Admissions to the Bar Committee. He currently serves as a Trustee to the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society. Attorney Parks has also served his alma mater as Vice Chair of the FAMU Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Board for both the FAMU Foundation and the FAMU Boosters. As a national leader, Parks is a lifetime member of the National Bar Association (NBA), and has served in national leadership positions over the last sixteen years to include National President, General Counsel, Vice President of Finance, Regional Director of Region XI, and President of the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association. In 2011, Daryl Parks’ was elected as the 69th President of the NBA. He continues his service to the National Bar on the Bar’s board of directors of the National Bar Institute. He was elected to serve as the Minority Caucus Chair for the American Association for Justice and also to a number of leadership positions with the Florida Justice Association, including serving on the Board of Directors. Former United States’ Senator Bill Nelson appointed him to the Federal Judicial Nominating Commission for the Northern District of Florida, and former Florida Governor Charlie Crist appointed him to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the First District Court of Appeals for Florida. In 2021, United State Senator Marco Rubio Appointed him to his Federal Judicial Nominating Committee for North Florida. In 2017 Attorney Parks was named the National General Counsel for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Parks’s business ventures include being the owner of Canopy Hospitality Group (Canopy). Through Canopy, Parks continues his long-time service to others in the hospitality and airport concessions industry. Canopy has been certified through governing agencies as a minority owned business in 10 States. Daryl Parks has received numerous awards and accolades for his work both as an attorney and an outstanding businessman. A few of his awards include the Leadership Pacesetter Award from the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, the Leon County Small Business of the Year award, the NAACP Chairman of the Board Award, the Florida Bar Henry Latimer Award, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Law Advocates Award, and the American Justice Association Johnnie L. Cochran Soaring Eagle Award. The Association of Fundraising Professionals awarded him and his then partner with the Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year award for their firm’s donation of $1,000,000 to Legal Services of North Florida. Because of his diligent efficacious representation of his clients, Parks is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocacy Forum. |
Community Service Recipients
Robert Nimmons IV
Robert Nimmons IV is the esteemed Chairman of the West Augustine Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in St. Augustine, Florida, widely recognized as one of North Florida's most impactful community leaders. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering equitable opportunities for affordable housing and negotiating impactful agreements with local organizations. Through his strategic vision, over a dozen residents have been rewarded with new homes, and centralized water, and sewer systems under the auspices of the West Augustine CRA.
Mr. Nimmons champions numerous community events annually, addressing diverse needs across West Augustine. These include Senior Citizen Day, Cancer Awareness initiatives, Domestic Violence Awareness campaigns, Christmas in the Park, and the Community Back-to-School Celebration. The heritage festival, another highlight of his efforts, provides summer camp scholarships, school supplies, and talent recognition for over 600 children, celebrating their academic and extracurricular achievements at Murray Middle School and St. Augustine High School. His awareness events for senior citizens, cancer, and domestic violence collectively engage over 600 residents countywide. Robert's leadership of the West Augustine CRA has yielded significant economic development outcomes, primarily through establishing key relationships with the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners, St. Johns County Parks and Recreation, Habitat for Humanity, Community Partners, and Faith-Based Communities. A notable accomplishment is the Street Scape project, which enhanced the King Street corridor with two 'Welcome to Historical West Augustine Signs,' vegetation, and tree trimming. West Augustine has secured its first two national franchises, Family Dollar and Dollar General, and a new apartment complex, Villages of West Augustine. Robert's collaboration with Habitat for Humanity has facilitated the acquisition of land for the Canopy Oaks Housing Development. This progress has catalyzed various large-scale initiatives, including the Florida African American Museum, The Cartwright House, a new turf football field for the Calhoun Center, and several projects in the design phase. Throughout his tenure, Robert has prioritized economic development, focusing on creating growth opportunities and securing partnerships, such as the one with the Middle School Athletic Association, which has enabled fee waivers for over 200 underserved youth in the area over the past five years. Professionally, Robert serves as a Business Development Representative and Manager (BDM) for North Florida with Keurig Dr Pepper. Over his tenure, he has secured 2,600 new accounts, generating $3.5 million in revenue, and has been honored as Employee of the Year on eight occasions. His remarkable 12 consecutive years of double-digit growth further attest to his business acumen. Previously, he held pivotal roles with The Coca-Cola Company as District Sales Manager, Sales Manager, and Distribution Manager, where he was celebrated for fostering cultural community engagement and building strategic partnerships with staff and customers in Jacksonville’s Northside District. Robert’s dedication extends beyond his professional achievements. He is married to Kaneika Nimmons, and together, they are proud parents to five children. An active volunteer and mentor, he coaches youth sports and serves as Vice President for the North Florida Wildcats, while simultaneously leading as Head Coach for 34 sports teams. His commitment to diversity and inclusion is exemplified through his role as Chair of the Keurig Dr Pepper African American Cultural Group. He also lends his expertise as a board member of the West Augustine Historical Community Development Corporation (CDC). Robert Nimmons IV embodies the essence of service, leadership, and community engagement, consistently working to improve the lives of those around him. |
Patti Barry and David ManautePatti was born and raised in Lakeview, Oregon, a small ranching community in eastern Oregon. After spending a transformative year abroad in Spain as a Rotary exchange student, Patti attended Oregon State University, where she earned her pharmacy degree. It was there, in a computer lab, that she met David Manaute while working on homework.
David Manaute was born and raised in Seville, Spain. At 17, he moved to Oregon to attend Oregon State University, where he earned a business degree. David went on to establish a successful computer business, which he later sold before the family relocated to Florida. Patti and David married shortly after completing their studies and started their family in Oregon, welcoming two sons, David and William. Seeking better weather, the family moved to St. Augustine after falling in love with the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming community during a visit with friends. In St. Augustine, Patti and David embraced their new home wholeheartedly, dedicating them-selves to raising their family and contributing to the community. They welcomed their daughter, Elena, who is now a junior at Pedro Menendez High School. Their sons, David and William, are both students at the University of Central Florida. Today, Patti and David manage a thriving vacation rental business that brings many visitors to St. Augustine each year. Through their work, they proudly promote the city’s unique heritage and natural beauty, helping others discover and appreciate the place they now call home. Beyond their professional efforts, Patti and David are passionate about giving back to the community. Patti enjoys painting, traveling, and connecting with neighbors and friends. David, an avid sailor, also dedicates his time to community projects and initiatives that enhance life in St. Augustine. Patti and David are grateful to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community and are committed to helping St. Augustine thrive for generations to come. |