Image 1 - Mayor Grover Robinson reads the official proclamation document as volunteers Christopher Scott Satterwhite along with his son Desmond, Dale Welch, Joann Massey, Terry Covington and Sara Ratliff receive the honor on behalf of the project on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. (Photo: Joann Massey)

Image 2 - Prison Book Project founder Christopher Scott Satterwhite accepted the official proclamation document on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. (Photo: Joann Massey)

Image 3 - Open Books & Prison Book Project longtime volunteers Helen Hudson, Dale Welch, Christopher Scott Satterwhite, and Donald Yeo celebrate 20 years of hard work on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. (Photo: Rebecca Carlson)

By Rebecca Carlson

Jan 16, 2020

Pensacola added a new reason to celebrate service in the community at this month’s City Council meeting. Mayor Grover Robinson and council members honored local nonprofit Open Books & The Prison Book Project by proclaiming Jan. 16 as Open Books Prison Book Project Day. 

The event celebrates 20 years of the organization’s efforts in Pensacola. “It’s big deal for our group but it’s especially great for grassroots volunteer organizations to be recognized by the cities they serve,” longtime volunteer Dale Welch said. 

Councilmember John Jerralds also expressed his gratitude for the project’s work in sending books and educational materials to inmates throughout the state of Florida.

The event was held in City Council Chambers where Open Books board members and volunteers were in attendance.

Mayor Grover Robinson reads the official proclamation document as volunteers Christopher Scott Satterwhite along with his son Desmond, Dale Welch, Joann Massey, Terry Covington and Sara Ratliff receive the honor on behalf of the project on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020.

Prison Book Project founder Christopher Scott Satterwhite accepted the official proclamation document on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020.

Open Books & Prison Book Project longtime volunteers Helen Hudson, Dale Welch, Christopher Scott Satterwhite, and Donald Yeo celebrate 20 years of hard work on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020.