The Honorees
The McMillan Ten (Samuel A. Horton III, Clifford Stokes) &
Civil Rights Activist, Stephen Thomas
During the second bi-annual Unsung Heroes Awards Gala, we will honor Clifford Stokes and Samuel Horton of the McMillan Ten, and civil rights activist, Stephen Thomas, as prominent figures and activists that have truly imprinted their mark on this world and who's legacies will forever live on. In 1977, the McMillan Ten courageously filed a class-action lawsuit against the Escambia County, Pensacola City Council and the School Board, challenging systemic discrimination that disenfranchised Black voters and denied them adequate representation. Their brave actions sparked a movement that ultimately led to significant progress in the fight for racial equality in our community.
Samuel Horton III is a retired Federal Civil Servant with a distinguished forty-year career at Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS Pensacola). For ten of those years, he served as a human resource specialist, focusing on staffing, recruitment, and training. A dedicated community leader, Mr. Horton served as President of the Pensacola Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America for over seven years, and further demonstrated his commitment to community development as Chairman and Board of Directors for Community Enterprise Investments Inc. for eighteen years. He is also a plaintiff in the landmark McMillan v. Escambia County case, known as the "McMillan Ten," where he and nine other men successfully challenged the at-large voting system, paving the way for more equitable representation. Currently, Mr. Horton serves as CEO of Samuel Horton & Associates, a Human Resource Consulting and Training Firm, where he leverages his extensive experience to provide expert guidance in the field of human resources. Additionally, Mr. Horton was appointed to the City Of Pensacola ‘s fireman‘s pension and relief fund in 1987. He has continued to serve on the board he’s currently on the board serving a chairman for the past 15 years.
Samuel A. Horton III
Stephen A. Thomas dedicated 44 years to teaching, retiring in 2020 after shaping the minds of countless students. His courses traversed the complexities of human rights, the nuances of Chinese politics, the delicate balance of US-China relations, and the broader landscape of international relations. Beyond the classroom, Steve's commitment to experiential learning led him to organize numerous student trips to New York, where his human rights classes met with advocates and visited the United Nations. For over two decades, he partnered with a Chinese-American colleague to lead annual two-week student study visits to China, fostering cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.
Steve's activism extended beyond academia. He was an active participant in the successful Denver-based movement to discontinue Columbus Day nationwide. His commitment to social justice also led to acts of civil disobedience, including arrests during protests against the Rocky Flats nuclear bomb trigger plant and twice during the Vietnam War. This passion for justice was instilled early, as his parents were civil rights activists who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, and Alphonso Petway, participating in actions such as the historic freedom rider protest against segregation by attempting to board an aircraft to Jackson, Mississippi.
In 1983, Steve married Carol Dreselly, his partner of 42 years. Together they raised three sons, Michael, Nicholas, and Matthew, and are the proud grandparents of four.
Stephen Thomas
Clifford Stokes
Clifford Stokes Sr. the dedicated husband, father and grandfather, married to Helen Stokes, for over 50 years and father to Clifford (Felicia) Stokes, with two grandchildren Courtney and Isaiah. He was a dedicated civil service member for the U.S. Navy for over 42 years. In the spring of 1977 alongside several others, he played a key role in securing African American representation on the Escambia County Commission through his involvement in the landmark case McMillan v. Escambia County, Fla. His work was driven by a relentless commitment to justice, equality, and creating a brighter future for future generations. Clifford is a man of few words, but when he speaks, his wisdom and insight resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impression. Even with current times attempting to turn back the clock on progress for the African American community his efforts to bring fairness and opportunity for future generations will not be forgotten.