By LEONARD GRAY

HAHNVILLE – Two outstanding black citizens were recognized as part of Black History Month by the St. Charles Parish Council Monday night. Tawanda Coleman Thomas, an assistant district attorney for the 29th Judicial District, and accomplished composer and musical director Elvin Ross each received plaques from Councilman Desmond Hilaire, who sponsored the awards, and applause from the packed council chamber audience.

Thomas, a 1986 graduate of Destrehan High School, 1990 graduate of University of New Orleans and 1994 graduate of Loyola Law School, became in 1995 the first female and first black assistant district attorney for the Judicial District under District Attorney Harry Morel.

She is also director of two youth choirs at Mt. Airy Baptist Church in Boutte and previously served as youth choir director at Fifth African Baptist Church for 16 years and organist for Bethlehem Baptist Church for 12 years.

Thomas, a native of St. Rose, is the daughter of Freddie and Ernestine V. Coleman, wife of David D. Thomas and mother of Brianna and Brandon.

“I was surprised and honored,” she commented, and praised Morel for being a “visionary” in hiring her.

She was joined at the podium by daughter Brianna, 3, who led the applause.

Ross, a native of Hahnville and current resident of Georgia, has produced and scored several theatrical productions (including five on Broadway), wrote a song for the Grammy-nominated album, “The Full Gospel Fellowship Mass Choir: Experience the Fullness,” which featured his wife, Jasmine, and was the 2001 NAACP Urban Theater Awards nominee for best musical director.

A native of Hahnville, Ross is the son of Frozine Francis and stepson of Clarence Francis, husband of Jasmine Ross and father of Kai.

“My greatest inspiration is my mother, who taught me music,” he said.

The recognitions are held each February in honor of Black History Month to recognize outstanding black citizens who call St. Charles Parish home.