Ceremony & Reception Sunday, October 7
The Martin Library Honors Committee has announced its selection of C. Kim Bracey as its Fall 2018 Martin Honors honoree. They will recognize Kim for her outstanding dedication to libraries and the community during a special ceremony and reception on Sunday, October 7 at 2 p.m. at the library. Community members are welcome to attend and should RSVP to [email protected].
About C. Kim Bracey
Kim is a native of York and currently serves as the Executive Director for the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services with the PA Department of Community & Economic Development. She oversees the Center’s ability to provide a full range of vital programs, training, and services to resolve problems at the local level.
She recently served as the 24th Mayor of the City of York for two four-year terms, initially taking office on January 4, 2010 as York’s first African-American Mayor. Prior to the mayoral election, she served as the city’s Community Development Director.
Her civic spirit extends far beyond the walls of local and state government, proven by her steadfast support of many organizations. She served on the boards of Martin Library, York Hospital, York County Community Foundation, York County Economic Alliance, 10,000 Friends of PA, Pennsylvania Downtown Center, American Red Cross, and Habitat for Humanity. Kim is founding President of the York Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and an active member of her church. She is a Trustee of York College of PA and Soror of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, National.
Guest Speakers
One of the best parts of a Martin Honors ceremony is hearing the stories and tributes from those who know the honoree well! The following individuals will be sharing commentary about our esteemed honorree.
Mary Tribue is a retiree from the Commonwealth of PA and a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church where she taught Bracey in Sunday School.
Mary Beatty is a retiree of the York City School District and was Kim’s first grade teacher at McKinley Elementary School.
Bobbi Anne DeLeo is the Executive Director of the York County Literacy and met Bracey when she served as a volunteer.
Patrick Anderson is a veteran of the Air Force serving for 13 years in several tours overseas and is Kim’s younger brother.
C. Kim Bracey Honors Fund Established
A key component of the Martin Honors event is to establish a perpetual fund to purchase books in the name of the honorees. Contributions to the Honors Fund are welcome by donating securely online at donate.yorklibraries.org or by mail to the C. Kim Bracey Honors Fund c/o Martin Library, 159 East Market Street, York, PA 17401.
Martin Library Honors Committee
Since 1995, the Martin Library Honors Committee has held 36 honors events. We owe a special thanks to this dedicated committee including Committee Chair Robert Cox, include Luther B. Sowers, Brenda Elby, Lynne Danyo, Don Dellinger, Jr., Lisa Kane, Robert F. Lambert, Donna Pullo, Lori Rene Weyant, and Georg Sheets.
Our Honoree’s Favorite Books
Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou
The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
L.A. Justice by Christopher Darden
Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines
The Color Purple by Alice Walker