The Juneteenth Celebration Committee has announced the Grand Marshals for 2024. Honored in this year’s celebration are two long-time church members and siblings, along with two people who have invested invaluable time and talent with the community, including a member of the Central Methodist University staff.

Kenny Anderson

Coach Kenny Anderson has just completed his fourth season as the Director of Track & Field/Cross Country at Central Methodist University. He has elevated the program for the men and women at Central Methodist to new heights in his time in Fayette and has been named Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach of the Year six times. 

His short tenure at Central Methodist University has resulted in significant accomplishments. They include four team conference championships, one NAIA National Championship, four NAIA National runners-up, 42 NAIA All-Americans, and 53 Heart of America Conference Individual Champions.

Anderson has also been named the United States Track & Field Coaches Association Coach of the Year four times.

Coach Kenny serves as faculty advisor for the CMU African American Student Union, advising and mentoring students on campus.  

Anderson came to Central after spending two seasons as the Assistant Track and field Coach/Recruiting Coordinator for Johnson C. Smith University (NCAA Division II). During his time with the Golden Bulls, Anderson coached 15 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) selections, two CIAA individual runners-up, and inked four New Balance All-Americans.

Prior to his time with Johnson C. Smith, Anderson made stops on the track at Bolles School and Withrow High School. He also served as an assistant coach on the women’s basketball side for Stetson University (NCAA Division I) and Lynn University (NCAA Division II).

A Florida native, Anderson holds a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from Florida A&M University. 

Wilma Allene (Turner-Ashcraft) Logan

Wilma Allene (Turner-Ashcraft) Logan is the fourth of eight children born to the late George and Louise Turner. A lifelong resident of Fayette and a dedicated member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, she has been a pillar of her community for many decades.

Wilma began her education at Lincoln Public School, where she attended from first through eighth grade. She then continued her studies at Fayette High School, graduating in 1962. That same year, she married her high school classmate, Tony Lee Ashcraft, a musician with a band that performed across the state and recorded several records. The couple then moved to Kansas City, where they welcomed two daughters, Kim and Tonja. During this time, Wilma worked for an insurance company, while Tony worked at a men’s clothing store and continued his musical career until 1969 when a tragic incident occurred.

Following these events, Wilma and her daughters returned to Fayette, where she began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Keller Memorial Hospital. Her daughters attended Fayette schools, and the family became deeply rooted in the community.

In 1974, Wilma had a son, Brian Ashcraft, who also attended Fayette schools and graduated from Fayette High School. Wilma married Cecil (CB) Logan in 1992, and they enjoyed over 30 years together until his passing in 1997.

Wilma’s professional career at Keller Memorial Hospital spanned 19 years, after which she spent several years working at the Braun Home and Southland Nursing Home. Her dedication to service extended beyond her professional life. Wilma played softball for many years and maintained an active role in her church and community. She served in numerous capacities, including Choir President, Women of Faith, Steward Committee, Nurturing Committee, Juneteenth Committee, and Lincoln Public School Memorial Committee.

Known for her unwavering willingness to help others, Wilma’s contributions to the community have been invaluable. Her commitment and service are now being recognized as she is honored and blessed to serve as this year’s Juneteenth Grand Marshal.

Linda Turner

Born in March 1950 to George and Louise Turner in Fayette, Linda Turner attended Lincoln Public School from first through sixth grade and attended Fayette schools from seventh grade through high school. At FHS, Linda played basketball and later played softball with several leagues in Fayette and Boonville. 

Linda has three children: Carla Turner, Tyrone Turner, and Johnny Turner. She also has eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

Linda began working at a young age. She worked at Keller Hospital for 27 years until it closed and then at Central Methodist University for 20 years until she retired. She has also worked part-time for the family business Lloyd’s Rib House in Columbia for five years.

Linda has been a resident of Fayette for 74 years. She visits California and Kansas City frequently to spend time with family.

Linda has been a faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church for 67 years, where she has served on many ministries.

Rev. Charlie Wright, Sr.

Rev. Charlie R. Wright, Sr. has served as Pastor of Second Baptist Church in Fayette since 2011 and as President and active member of the Fayette Ministerial Alliance. 

He accepted Christ at age six at the Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church in White Plains, Georgia. He attended the Floyd T. Corry Elementary School in Siloam, Ga. and the Floyd T. Corry High School in Greensboro, Georgia, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. Rev. Wright holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agronomy (Plant and Soil Science) with a minor in Chemistry from Fort Valley State University.

For many years, he worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service. During his tenure, he was promoted to District Conservationist in November 1974, the first African American to be promoted to this position in the State of Missouri. In 1996, he was promoted to District Conservationist/Team Leader for Pike and Lincoln Counties with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

 In September 1977, he was ordained as a deacon at White Rose Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Mo. In April 1984, he answered his calling into the Gospel Ministry and was licensed. Rev. Wright is an ordained minister and served several churches as senior pastor, including district missionary.

Rev. Wright has been very active in the Bowling Green community where he currently resides. In 1997, he was elected Grand Chaplain of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Missouri and Jurisdiction and has been reelected every year unanimously. He is a member of the Arthur Florence Lodge 184 of Bowling Green, the Royal Arch Masons of Columbia, and the Queen City Consistory of Jefferson City. In addition, he served as President of the Bowling Green Lions Club from 2003 to 2004. In 2003, the Northeast Missouri Clergy Coalition was formed and elected him President. He has led the Central MO Clergy Coalition for years, further serving this community.

For his unwavering work in the Bowling Green community, Rev. Wright was selected as the 2000 Citizen of the Year by the Bowling Green Times. He was presented with special resolutions from the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate.

Rev. Wright has three children, Charlie, Jr. and Charmaine of Springfield, Mo., and Miguel of Milledgeville, Ga. We are grateful for his commitment and service over the years to the Fayette community.