Beulah Baptist Church Hosting 2020 Black Achievers

By Wesley J. Lee

POUGHKEEPSIE – In 1988, Reverend Doctor Jesse Bottoms, Pastor of Beulah Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, founded the Annual Black Achievers Award to honor members of the community who work tirelessly and selflessly to improve the quality of life of others. Every year, since 1988, the Social Action Committee of the church has hosted this very prestigious award ceremony the last Sunday of February, Black History Month, (February 23rd) at 4:00 PM. Reverend John Simon, Pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, will be guest speaker this year. The following are the bios of the honorees this year:

Hope Tangunu
Hope Tangunu, the eldest of four children, was born in Cameroon, Africa. His family migrated to Minnesota when he was five years old. The family eventually settled in Poughkeepsie, NY. Hope is a very active member of Beulah Baptist Church.

While attending Poughkeepsie High School, Hope participated in numerous clubs and sports. At Dutchess Community College, He serves as secretary for his chapter’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor’s Society and captain and defender for the men’s soccer team. As a result of Hope’s dedication to academics and athletics, he received an academic citation on the President’s List and athletic award recognitions.

Hope volunteers for Hudson River Housing and food pantries, both at Dutchess Community College and Beulah Baptist Church. Due to his community service, he has been awarded The New York State Assembly Citation Certificate, New York State Certificate of Recognition by Senator Sue Serino and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Youth Award.

Hope’s long-term goal is to become a sports physical therapist. His favorite scripture is, “For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things” Psalms 107:9 NIV.

Jasmin Nicole Davis
Jasmin Nicole Davis, a graduate of Arlington High School, was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York. For many years, Jasmin served local soup kitchens, participated in fundraisers for various causes and much more. Growing up in Beulah Baptist Church, Jasmin is a very active member.

Jasmin earned a Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts in Public Relations with a minor in Electronic Journalism from Long Island University. While in college, Jasmin participated in several organizations and served as President of the college’s undergraduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

For three years, Jasmin has served as Assistant Marketing Director for the Poughkeepsie Galleria. In that position, she has worked directly on all aspects of Poughkeepsie Galleria’s marketing and much more. Due to continuing her life-long community work, Jasmin has received numerous, prestigious awards.

Jasmin credits her mom, Katherine Davis, as her greatest role model for her continued quest for excellence. In her free time, Jasmin enjoys spending time with her family, enjoying live entertainment and shopping.

Dr. Karri E. Hester
Dr. Karri Elyse Hester was born in Bronxville, New York. She grew up in the Hudson Valley and is an active member of Holy Light Pentecostal Church.

After graduating from The Hotchkiss College Preparatory School in Lakeville, Connecticut, Dr. Karri attended George Washington University, Washington, D.C. She graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Biology, a minor in Public Health and a concentration in Pre-Medical studies.

After working for a period, she attended the Geisinger Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA and received a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences in 2011. In May 2015, she graduated from University School of Medicine, located in Roseau, Dominica, with a 3.92 GPA and highest honors. She is currently a General Surgery Resident at Danbury Hospital, Danbury Connecticut. Dr. Hester’s main goals are to provide quality health services for underserved communities and to help increase the representation of minorities in the medical field.

Her favorite scripture is, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and over! Amen!” Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT)

Satara Brown
Satara Brown is the Founder & CEO of Rebuilding Our Children and Community Inc., a non-profit organization serving children and families of Dutchess County. As part of the not for profit, Satara personally operates both after-school and summer programming for Dutchess County youth, ages 5-13. She is also the Director of Communications and Community Engagement of DAY ONE Early Learning Community.

Satara received an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from Dutchess Community College in 2012 and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the State University of New York at Albany in 2013. Satara holds an Executive Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University and is currently enrolled in a master’s degree program at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In addition, she is a participant of the 2020 Executive Leadership Program through the Dutchess County Chamber Foundation.

Prior to her current position, Satara worked for the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. She serves on several very important boards in the community and she is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families of Dutchess County.

Reverend Todd Snead
Reverend Snead is a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie. He is married to Alyce Snead; and they are the proud parents of three beautiful children. Reverend Snead is the Pastor of Christ United Church in Poughkeepsie. He is a 2008 graduate of Poughkeepsie High school, a licensed Insurance agent and a defensive driving Instructor.

Reverend Snead has been heavily involved in community outreach from many years. He feeds the hungry and organizes events for those in need. He is involved in local food pantries and clothes drives for inner city youth; and he collaborates with other ministries and outreach programs.

Reverend Snead works with youth through Youth Mission for Outreach (YMO). YMO helps youth with management of anger, cultivation of positive relationships and dressing for success. Youth are taught how to play musical instruments and much more.

Reverend Snead’s favorite scripture is Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”