August 31, 2026 - (Photos submitted by Lisa Carpenter) - The fifteen year for the Summer Youth Blast at Perry Sampson Park was a success! On Saturday, August 29th the community gathered at the park for the 2026 "Leaving a Legacy" and enjoyed a day of fun, fellowship, and purpose with speakers Sis. Ruby Gaddis, Sis. Zebra Riggans, Sis. Mary Jones, Evangelist Sylvia-Michelle Bennett, Pastor Francis Dade, Evangelist Lisa Carpenter, and Kimberly Clark - National Youth Speaker.
Lisa Carpenter, event coordinator, shared, "I can truly say, nothing but God did it all. He created the atmosphere. He created the assignment. He created the vision. He created everything that He said for Leaving a Legacy: Unlocking the Gate to our Future event would be this year."
"Starting out, I did not know where all of the support was going to come from. I did not know where everything was going to lead. I just knew that I had to do what I always do: be obedient to God and keep moving forward... I believe that by the time the day was over, everybody was full! God made a way, and we had what we needed."
Carpenter highlighted one of the most important pieces of this entire event was the meaning behind Leaving a Legacy. "Leaving a Legacy was passed down through the memory and life of my deceased son, Robert Tyrell Bolton III. Through his legacy, the vision continues. It has become a part of my heart and a part of the assignment that God has given me—to continue leaving something meaningful behind for others. Every year when we present Leaving a Legacy, Rod Gardner comes through and helps us honor people in our community who have done good deeds and who have supported and served our community throughout the years.
"This year, we were blessed to recognize two very special women. Mama Earlene Jones, who is truly considered the mother of our community. Her love, presence, and years of support have made an impact on so many people. Yolanda Gray, a longtime barber in our community, who has been cutting hair for an amazing 53 years! What a beautiful legacy of dedication, service, and commitment. These are the kinds of stories and people we should continue to recognize and celebrate while they are still here with us. We are still Leaving a Legacy. And together, we are still unlocking the gate to our future."
In closing, Carpenter gave thanks, "Thank you to my husband Eric, all the Sponsors, Volunteers, my Family, Center Police Department, and the Community for your support during this event."
