The Friendship Ball honors a bishop and a doctor in Jackson - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

The Friendship Ball honors a bishop and a doctor in Jackson

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Rev. Duncan Gray Rev. Duncan Gray

By  Julie Straw - bio | email | twitter

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Two influential men in Jackson are honored Saturday at the annual Friendship Ball at Hal and Mal's restaurant.  Jackson 2000 celebrated 7th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi Reverend Duncan Gray and medical visionary Doctor Aaron Shirley.  The men were honored for their involvement in promoting racial understanding among Jackson's citizens.

"Come together across racial lines, fellowship and be truthful and honest with one another. That's what this audience means.  This recognition means a lot to me," said Dr. Shirley.

"We are all one body and one community and one people under God," said Reverend Gray.

"Both of them have been incredibly important in getting the progressive new Jackson we have happening. That's one of many reasons we celebrate them tonight," said Jackson 2000 co-chair Todd Staffer.

Proceeds from this years ball will benefit Mississippi Youth Media Project, 100 Black Men and Parents for Public Schools.

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