The Liberty Bell Award was presented to Darrell Wyke at the Annual Chattanooga Bar Association Law Day Celebration held at The Read House. Mr. Wyke is a minister who is a trainer of bodies and souls, a mentor to youth, and an advocate for the homeless.
Even the name of his training facility, We Sacrifice, We Excel, sums up Mr. Wyke's belief, "That every American kid has a right to have the opportunity to succeed in life."
"Darrell uses the vast scope of his influence to effect positive change in the lives in both individuals and the broader community, and he does so without seeking recognition or even gratitude," said former employer, Scott Wilson of Baylor School. "His service is selfless...gifts of his time, effort, treasure, and counsel. The scope of Darrell's services ranges from the smallest acts of kindness to notable contributions to institutions, our city, and the state. Darrell is a man of deep personal faith, and he feels 'called' to help the least of this society. He feeds the homeless, offers championship to the elderly; invests in schools in Chattanooga's most neglected neighborhoods; and offers perspective and calls to action to policy-makers. Still, perhaps Darrell's greatest contributions are with young people. The stories of changed lives of teenage boys who were headed toward predictable 'dead ends' are truly inspirational. Darrell Wyke literally saves lives through his hands-on counsel, coaching, and love. Boys who had no hope find it through Darrell."
Each year, the Chattanooga Bar Association honors an outstanding citizen in the Chattanooga area with the prestigious "Liberty Bell Award" for public service. The purpose of the "Liberty Bell Award" is to recognize community service that has strengthened the America system of freedom under law.
In selecting the recipient of this award, the Chattanooga Bar Association considers such service as including activities which (1) promotes better understanding of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights; (2) encourage a greater respect for the law and the courts; (3) stimulates a deeper sense of individual responsibility so that citizens recognize their duties as well as their rights; (4) contribute to the effective functioning of our institutions of government; and (5) foster a better understanding and appreciation of the rule of law.
Lawyers and judges are not eligible for the award; however, all other fields of endeavor are intended for the inclusion, namely education, business, sciences, communications, labor, government, religion, professions and youth organizations.