URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Saturday marks the 27th Annual MLK Jettie Rhodes Day Celebration. It’ll be held at King Park in Urbana.

The event is named after its founder, Jettie Rhodes, who was known as one of Urbana’s prime leaders.

“She was a big advocate of bringing people together, of unity, of services, of just having that community space for people to go,” said Tori Exum.

Not only is Exum on the Jettie Rhodes Neighborhood Day board of directors, she’s also one of Rhodes’ cousins. Her and other committee members help promote individuals who are making a difference in the community.

“I decided to start going outside in the streets and stuff, helping people, basically helping people get to recovery programs to help them get their life back on track,” said Damen Rowell.

Rowell is one of the recipients this year; he’ll be honored with the Community Unity Award. He also said for the past seven years, his organization called New Beginnings Outreach has been helping kids and adults.

“I know that God pulled me out of a situation, and once you pull me out, I knew that he wanted me to go into the streets and start pulling people out,” Rowell said. “Telling people what God did for me, how God took the doors and alcohol away from me.”

Rowell said being able to change people’s lives is why he gets up each morning, and Exum said she can’t disagree.

“I just think that he’s a difference maker,” Exum said. “He’s an unsung hero in the community. And for me, those are the people that we should be honoring in and celebrating.”

“I never thought about getting awards because I’m out here for the people and helping them,” Rowell said. “But it is nice to be recognized for the stuff that you do. But I’m out here for the people, that’s what I am. It’s a true blessing.”

For more information on the event, click here. To support Rowell, visit his Facebook page.