By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Salisbury City Councilman Kenny Hardin admits he was a little hesitant when he was told the Hefner VA Medical Center wanted to honor him with a Humanitarian Award. But the Salisbury native, who has been a face and advocate in the community for years, graciously accepted the award this week.

Hardin reached out to trusted friends including County Commissioner Craig Pierce, whom he considers a political mentor; DeeDee Wright, a fellow community activist; and local community figure and civic leader Raemi Evans. He called Evans a woman with a beautiful heart who knows how to “tell it to me straight.”

She told Hardin that he deserved the award, he was going to accept the honor and they were going to move on.

“And that was it. I listened, no discussion, and I’m here standing before you today,” he recalled telling the crowd as he accepted the award.

A big reason Hardin also accepted the award was because it came from the VA Medical Center.

“I have the utmost respect for our men and women in uniform, whether you’re currently wearing one or looking at memories of your service hanging on a wall,” he said.

Hardin was one of those men in uniform. He joined the U.S. Air Force at 19 and served four years. He also was in the reserves for two years. He was honorably discharged.

“I also have the utmost respect for the compassionate care the Hefner VA Medical Center provides to those who believed strongly in service to their country,” Hardin said.

Hardin said he gives all the credit to the military because the Air Force helped him focus, gave him discipline and a spirit of service. After the Air Force, Hardin said he returned home with a different mindset and a different focus.

“I wanted to come back here with that same spirit,” he said.

He got involved in revitalization efforts in the West End, coached basketball with the city parks and recreation department and spearheaded efforts to make upgrades to community sites including Miller Recreation and Hall’s Gym.

Hardin said he believes he shares similar traits with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in that King was “a controversial figure who shook off criticism to fight for those who were disenfranchised.”

Hardin acknowledges he’s a “strong cup of coffee to take at times for some people.”

“But, I worry little about perceptions and criticism when fighting for those who come to me seeking help to ease their pain and suffering,” he said.

“At the time of his assassination, Dr. King was in Memphis fighting for the rights of sanitation workers. He didn’t ask if they were black or white, rich or poor. I take the same approach in that I will fight for the rights and call out the wrongs of anyone regardless of zip code, socioeconomic status or skin color,” Hardin said.

“Dr. King asked, ‘life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others?’ When people come to me complaining and criticizing, I ask them that same question,” Hardin said.

He’s also received motivation to be a community servant from his paternal grandparents — Pete and Ogradus Hardin.

He said his grandparents were and continue to be a huge influence on him.

“My grandfather came up in an era where he didn’t always have the privilege to be a man and his dignity was often compromised by others. But in spite of the indignities he faced, he was a source and symbol of strength for our family,” Hardin said.

His grandmother, Hardin said, was a woman of equal strength.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.