At Fred’s we pay tribute to the people who have given so much to the African-American community and how their efforts have shaped our country. In addition, every week this month at Fred's we will be honoring and featuring our team members who work so hard to make a difference in their community.

Roshonda takes the initiative at work and in her community to make sure things not only get done, but also get done correctly. When she’s not assisting customers throughout her store, you can find her at Hopewell Baptist Church greeting parishioners, helping in the kitchen, working with cleaning services, and managing her duties as Secretary.

LeMorris is an active member of Shiloh Deovelente Church, where she serves as Youth Director and Choir Director. She loves working with the local youth, hoping to help shape them into strong leaders and role models. One of her favorite mottos to live by: “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

Maurice is always the first to help when someone is in need of a hand – both at work and in his community. Striving to lead by example, Maurice gladly volunteers his time and energy wherever and whenever he can.

David is a natural mentor outside of work. He assists young men and children throughout his community through various state-sponsored programs. At work, he takes new team members under his wing and instills a sense of pride in them. He does this by showing them how to do things correctly and emphasizing the importance of meeting a customer’s needs.

Raymond always helps to boost team morale, whether he’s helping his Fred’s team stay organized and efficient, or raising money to help cure breast cancer. He contributes to other local needs as well,such as Goodwill and The Restoration House. Raymond also enjoys singing in his church a cappella group, The Emerald City Singers. His leadership and efforts have helped boost sales at work and spirits in his community.

Shirley has been teaching full time for 24 years, helping develop the young minds of the children in her community for a better and brighter future. On top of that, she tirelessly spends up to 30 hours a week running the Fred’s service

Robert has been Deacon of his church in Memphis for 12 years, taking the time to visit the sick and shut-in members of his congregation and deliver Communion to them. He also serves in his church’s outreach program, visiting local nursing homes to boost the spirits of the elderly and remind them that they are not forgotten. Robert works diligently to both serve his community and keep his fellow team members safe and secure.

Albert is a United States Army Veteran who demonstrates leadership and capability daily through his words, actions and relationships with his fellow team members and friends. He currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, and he’s a practicing Prince Hall Freemason and Shriner. He also volunteers his time as a “Big Brother” mentor for the youth in his community.

Shirley is an active member of Williams Chapel Baptist Church, where she serves on the Usher Board, helps coordinate the Black Festival Committee, and annually participates in the Christmas Food Drive. She also donates generously to the American Cancer Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation and various youth scholarship funds. Her initiative and optimism shine brightly at work as well, where she takes pride in contributing to her team.

Dianne helps her fellow team members with procedures, whether she’s on the job or off. Her dedication vividly shines in her community as well, where she spends a generous amount of volunteer hours working with the Special K Youth Foundation, giving her time and talent to local youth in an effort to help them excel in every aspect of life.

Earlie has been a member of the Fred’s team in Dublin since the doors opened nine years ago. That makes him a strong asset to his team, who look up to him as a leader and an example. He truly takes that role to heart. Besides always assisting any team members in need, Earlie and his wife have opened their home and their hearts by becoming foster parents to more than 30 children over the last 13 years.

Edwin is a natural leader who wants to be involved in all aspects of the community. This includes, to a large extent, supporting the causes sponsored by his local Community Center. Edwin puts his leadership skills to use at Fred’s as well, making sure that everyone follows protocol. Keeping his team safe is Edwin’s top priority.

Marie serves on the Usher Board at her church, and she has a passion for helping the less fortunate in her community. Frequently, she donates food and gifts, such as children’s bicycles, in an effort to bring hope and joy to those in need.

Phil is known around his community for the time he volunteers to the local V.A. hospital. He works with patients one-on-one, helping those who struggle to get up and move around every day. He’s a great listener too, being there for these veterans when no one else can be. Phil is also there for his fellow team members, helping with whatever tasks he can to make sure the job gets done well.

Dennis is currently a Staff Sergeant with the Mississippi National Guard. He’s been a member of the Guard for 28 years while also on active duty in the U.S. Army, having served three tours in Iraq as a Communications Soldier. Much of his involvement with the Guard focuses on reaching out to communities affected by natural disasters, as he did when he helped the citizens of Mississippi recuperate during the floods in 2011.

Tera thrives on supporting others, both in her community and on her Fred’s team. This is evident through her annual donations to the United Way of the Mid-South, as well as through her participation in the Fred’s Relief Fund, put in place to help Fred’s team members who need assistance following a disaster. Tera also volunteers with her local Habitat for Humanity chapter and helps renovate local high schools.

Paula is an active member of her church, where she lifts the spirits of others through her choir participation and various support groups. She’s always cooking and delivering food to the less fortunate in her community. Paula’s involvement at work is significant; she serves on the Activities Committee and as a mentor.