Siblings Harold Williams and Hope Williams share a celebratory moment at 4th Annual Faith Awards. (photo by Brittany K. Jackson)

Faith, Hope and Love Unlimited recently celebrated its 4^th Annual Faith Awards, an event designed to highlight those, who despite varied challenges, have persevered by faith to achieve their goals.

Held at the Marriot in Marina Del Rey, attendees gathered in the elegant Bay View Ballroom to celebrate the honorees, which included author, actress and journalist Rolonda Watts, breast cancer survivor Jackie Coco, philanthropist and former gang member Kevon Gulley, West Basin Water District director Harold Williams, retired U.S. Representative Diane Watson, and corporate executive Jamie Young-Eke.

Wendell James, Kiki Shephard and Rolonda Watts. (photo by Brittany K.   Jackson)

Retired U.S. Representative Diane Watson (photo by Brittany K. Jackson)

“I would be remiss not to come and pay tribute to the women who have done so much for our community and the entire community,” Watson stated. “The women that are being honored today actually are carrying out the mission that they had been set on from birth from above. I’m very, very pleased to be here in support, and to be one of the people that they are honoring today,” the retired U.S. Representative said.

Rolonda Watts gushed at the likes of being honored for her prestige and the faith she’s exhibited throughout her career. “To be honored for your faith, that is very unique,” Watts said. “I love Hope Williams, she is a dear friend of mine, and one of my faith sisters, so for her to choose me to be honored is amazing!”

Watts is also celebrating the release of her new novel, “Destiny Lingers,” which she said took much faith for her to complete. Endorsed by Dr. Maya Angelou, the novel explores race, class and love, and is now available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

As for Hope Williams, her goal is also to continue planting seeds beyond the Faith Awards. “We don’t believe in reinventing the wheel, but we do believe in helping other wheels turn,” she said.

“It’s better to give than to receive, and we can’t beat God giving, so the more we give, the more God blesses us,” Williams declared.