BRAZOS VALLEY, TX — One African American woman has inspired many in the Bryan area with her constant acts of service. She supports her community, helps those in need, and uplifts everyone around her. Gloria Kennard is the definition of true inspiration.
Kennard has a passion to serve her community, she was inspired by her faith to make a difference and help others.
”What inspired me to serve the community, started when I was just doing nothing," said Gloria Kennard, a native Bryan-resident, and avid servicewoman. "I needed to get up and help others because that’s what it’s all about,”
It began as a small gesture of kindness that spiraled into so much more. Kennard served the community on Thanksgiving day, she provided those in need with meals to go from her home. Now she holds an annual Thanksgiving and New Year's Day event, both held at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
”From 1988 to 2020 that’s 32 years and I have not missed a year,” she said.
It’s much more than just events delivering meals, it’s her soul that touches others and inspires them to do good in their community as well.
”That’s really inspired me," said Johnny Lister, a native Bryan resident. "To say ‘Hey what can johnny do to be like Ms. Gloria to be able to give back to the community,’ what can you do to help your neighbors,”
Gloria also volunteers every Thursday at the Bridge Ministries food distribution center. At the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, she hosts an annual Mother's Day event.
Demond Oliver a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church refers to her as a rock-star. Simply the way Gloria uplifts her community and helps those in need.
”That’s what she means to people," said Demond Oliver, a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. "That she’s uplifting, she just encourages, and she’s helpful and she just does what she can,”
If Gloria can’t do it on her own, she believes if there is a will there is a way. Those who are inspired by all the charity she provides to the community will always help her make it happen.
”Well, that’s what I'm supposed to do, help others," said Kennard. "If I am able to do it and if I'm not able to do it there are people that will help me,”
Gloria has received various awards and recognition's for all the work she does. For example, she received recognition for 'Making Bryan Proud' and in 2017 she was awarded the Jefferson Award for public service.
Organizations have also donated to support her cause as she continues to serve at the pleasure of her community.