MOUNT VERNON, Ga. — Brewton-Parker Christian University (BPCU) welcomed students, educators, community members, and guests to campus Monday, September 14, for the opening ceremony of Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, a Smithsonian traveling exhibition exploring the history of American democracy and the many ways citizens have participated in shaping the nation.
BPCU was selected by Georgia Humanities as a host site for the exhibition through Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, state humanities councils, and local host institutions that brings Smithsonian exhibitions to rural communities across the country. Voices and Votes opened September 14 in Fountain-New Library and will remain on campus through October 1 before returning for a second exhibition period in the spring.
The opening ceremony brought together members of the BPCU community, local schools, and community guests to celebrate the exhibition’s arrival in Southeast Georgia. The program began with prelude music from the Dodge County High School Band, followed by a welcome from BPCU President, Dr. Steven Echols. BPCU student Jonathan Hutto then led those gathered in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
“One of the privileges we have as a university is creating opportunities for our students and our community to learn from the past and consider the role each of us plays in shaping the future,” said Dr. Echols. “We are grateful to the Smithsonian and Georgia Humanities for giving BPCU the opportunity to bring an exhibition of this caliber to Southeast Georgia and make it accessible to the communities we serve.”
The Dodge County High School Band, the Montgomery County High School Band, and BPCU Wind Ensemble performed the National Anthem, led by BPCU Professor of Worship and Church Music, Dr. David S. Wilson. Following that Dr. Beverly Robinson shared about the application process that led to BPCU’s selection as a host site, while Christina Wolfe of Georgia Humanities highlighted the organization’s partnership with the Smithsonian and its work to bring nationally curated exhibitions to communities across Georgia. Dr. Roger Byrd provided an overview of Voices and Votes and the significance of bringing the Smithsonian exhibition to BPCU and the surrounding community.
“Museum on Main Street gives communities across Georgia the opportunity to engage with Smithsonian exhibitions in their own hometowns,” said Dr. Wolfe. “We are excited to see Voices and Votes come to Mount Vernon and to see BPCU use this opportunity to bring students, schools, and community members together to explore the history and responsibilities of American democracy.”
As part of the ceremony, Dr. Echols shared the story of Warren C. Crawley, Sr., connecting a local story of sacrifice and love to the broader themes of citizenship, freedom, and participation explored throughout the exhibition. The ceremony concluded with a performance of “God Bless America,” followed by BPCU Provost Dr. Justin E. Russell, who provided the benediction before guests were invited inside Fountain-New Library to experience the exhibition.
Voices and Votes explores the nearly 250-year American experiment of government “of, by and for the people,” examining the origins of American democracy, the struggle to obtain and preserve voting rights, the ways citizens participate in government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. By bringing the exhibition to BPCU, the university has an opportunity to connect these national themes with the stories of individuals and communities in Southeast Georgia, encouraging visitors to consider their own role in the continuing story of American democracy.
BPCU will host Voices and Votes: Democracy in America in the Fountain-New Library through October 1, 2026. The exhibition will return to campus for a second period from February 5 through March 19, 2027. During both exhibition periods, BPCU will welcome students, area schools, community organizations, and visitors to campus to explore the exhibit.
Voices and Votes has been made possible in Mount Vernon by Georgia Humanities.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. It is based on an exhibition by the National Museum of American History. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.
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Candace Lilford graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Generalism in 2021 from Anderson University and with her master’s degree in English Literature in 2023 from the University of Alabama. She presently serves as Professional Tutor for the Student Enrichment Center while also teaching sections of ENG 101 and 102.
As part of her two-year master's program, Ms. Lilford taught sections of ENG 101 and 102, while also serving as teaching assistant for British Literature Survey courses and volunteering in the university’s Writing Center. Ms Lilford has also presented papers at the Hudson Strode Conference and the South Eastern Christian and Literature Conference as well as working on various theatrical productions.
Born in North Carolina of South African descent, Ms. Lilford has lived in Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, and Trinidad before settling in Mount Vernon with her family in 2016, where she attended Brewton-Parker Christian University as a dual enrollment student. She presently resides in Mount Vernon with her family and spends her free time watching old TV shows.
Linda Armstrong earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Southeastern Technical College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University. Throughout her career, Linda has worked with diverse populations, including at-risk youth and families and youth in crisis because of mental health and other issues. Her empathetic nature has made her an effective advocate for those in need. In addition to her professional work, Linda is also is committed to volunteerism. She has dedicated countless hours as a youth mentor, and to teaching about her faith at various Christian organizations. She believes in the power of positivity and its ability to transform not only her life but also the lives of others.
"If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you will look forward, do so prayerfully. But the wisest course would be to be present in the present gratefully." ~ Maya Angelou
Greetings, Baron Nation!
It's truly a joy to be back in a place that has shaped me so profoundly. I'm Willie Ford, a proud 2022 graduate of historic Brewton-Parker Christian University, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education. Following my graduation, I embarked on a journey in education, teaching Special Education within the Vidalia City School District. In addition to my role as an educator, I had the privilege of serving as the Unit Director at the J.D. Rabun Boys and Girls Club. All the while, I was honored to pastor at the esteemed New Hope Baptist Church of Rhine, Georgia. With God's grace, I managed these responsibilities, and now, I'm thrilled and ready to contribute to the welfare of our students, aiming to inspire through service.
Dusty Arnold is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as a BPC alumnus. He has years of experience working with a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, grief, and challenges related to Autism. He specializes in behavior-related interventions that can help college students build on their strengths to set achievable goals while also learning how to deal with the thoughts and feelings that sometimes get in the way. He incorporates Biblical values and evidence-based treatments to meet students wherever they happen to be on their journey to spiritual and psychological health.
Carl Anthony “Tony” Wardlaw – For over 25 years, Dr. Wardlaw has worked in leadership, counseling, and pastoring. Beginning with working in middle management for a manufacturing company in Douglas, GA, Dr. Wardlaw has also worked in the academic, nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Additionally, he served over 7 years in the United States Military as a Military Intelligence Officer before resigning his commission as a Captain in the Army.
Currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Student Enrichment Center, Student Success Coach, and Adjunct Faculty at Brewton-Parker Christian University in Mount Vernon, GA, he also serves as the Pastor of The Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Dublin, GA.
As a member of the renowned International Gospel Singing Group, The Wardlaw Brothers, Dr. Wardlaw has traveled all over the nation and abroad ministering and singing the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Dr. Wardlaw has served as a consultant for various agencies and has worked as a Fatherhood Coordinator and G.E.D. instructor within the Technical College System of Georgia and participates in local and national civic and philanthropic work.
Dr. Wardlaw holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business from the University of Georgia, two master's degrees from Troy University (Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Psychology and Master of Education in Counseling), and a Doctorate in Education from Argosy University in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Wardlaw is a Lifetime Silver Member of The NAACP and a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is happily married to the former Mrs. Stephanie Scott. They have 3 Children; Chambria, Marc, and Carleigh.