Annie Abrams mostly laughed, playfully smacked a speaker on the arm and once or twice waved her cane when she thought a roaster might be getting out of hand. Abrams was the subject of a June 16 roast at the Embassy Suites. It was a fundraiser for Compassion in Action, an organization that assists former correction system inmates with training, education and mentoring.
Keynote speaker Gov. Asa Hutchinson noted that when he went to visit the community activist and former teacher during his campaign for governor, she was both admonishing and encouraging. He said during the visit that not only did he get a history lesson, but he also got a homework assignment and left with a stack of books to read.
Roasters included John Deering, Pulaski County Sheriff Doc Holladay, Skip Rutherford, Sharl Hill, Tracy Steele and Sherman Tate.
Rutherford showed off his acting chops and kept the crowd and the honoree laughing by playing himself as moderator at a Clinton School of Public Service lecture and Abrams, who is known for asking long and elaborate questions.
In addition to the teasing, there were many expressions of praise and adoration for Abrams.
"What she has done for me has changed my life," Steele said. Deering told Abrams, "It's individuals like you who make a community successful."
The evening ended with the recognition of the first graduates of the Compassion in Action Re-Entry program by Michael F. Johninson, the nonprofit's executive director.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 07/03/2016