Veteran photojournalist Paul Brown was named the winner of the 25th Annual Jo Brown Senior Citizen of the Year Award, an award named in memory of his late wife.
The annual award is given by the Anderson County Senior Citizens Program, which is housed at The Jo Brown Senior Center where Jo Brown served as director. Today, the program is coordinated by Brown’s daughter, Kelly Jo Barnwell.
Brown has been a freelance photographer for 53 years, working for several Upstate newspapers and television and radio stations. A longtime Anderson County resident, Brown also produces video content for Anderson County’s local cable channel.
“I’m speechless,” an emotional Brown said as he accepted the award during the 6th Golden Years Jamboree held July 23 at The Village at Anderson Lights of Hope. “Thank you all very much. This is an unreal honor. I hope she’s looking down saying ‘a job well done.’”
Prior to receiving the Senior Citizen of the Year Award, Brown was given a quilt made by volunteers from Anderson County Quilts of Valor Foundation.
“We are so proud of you and all your wonderful work,” said Quilts of Valor Foundation Anderson County Coordinator Tommy Forrest as volunteers ‘wrapped’ Brown in a quilt depicting a collection of cameras. “You’ve helped our group a lot and we thank you.”
In accepting the quilt, Brown said, “In this business – and I started it in 1967, we cover a lot of different events and a lot of different people. Unfortunately, a lot of that is sad. And then, your community has something that recognizes people, especially the service people who’ve given so much of their lives so you and I can be here this morning and enjoy the freedom that we do.”
Brown continued, “Covering stories with Quilts of Valor is a highlight of my career. I’ve met some wonderful, wonderful people and I’ve never seen a group more dedicated than the people who do this, and I can’t help but think that every stitch that goes into these quilts is just surrounded by love.”
Video by Garcia Visuals and courtesy of Anderson County Senior Citizens Program.
