Erica Stephens, is the daughter of Emma Hawthorne and Paul Stephens, she is also the younger sister of Domonique Glaeske. Stephens was born and raised in Brownwood, Texas and is a proud 2008 graduate of Brownwood High School.

From an early age, Erica nutured a deep appreciation for creativity, exploring her artisitic talents through art classes and developing a love for acrylics, water colors chalk, and pastels.

With a work eithic that speaks volumes, Erica brings more than 22 years of customer service experience to everything she does. Known for her gentle spirit, quiet strength and a smile that instantly puts people at ease, she brightens the day of every person she meets.

Erica is fondly remembered as the person who always smiles behind the bank teller as well as the person who for nearly a decade dedicated herself to great service, while working for JC Penney. Her commitment and consistency pave the way for continued professional growth, leading her to Prosperity Bank of Brownwood, where she is currently employed and has thrived for the past seven years.

A natural humble and content person working behind the scenes, Erica has never sought the spotlight. Instead her compassion shines through her actions. A major love and passion she has is helping and caring for animals. She supports organizations such as the ASPCA and the World Wildlife Fund.

Raised with a strong and loving village, Erica embodies resilience, respect, and grace. These qualities continue to guide her forward, shaping a bright future and reflecting the values of her family with confidence and honor.

For all of the reason above, ROC is proud to spotlight, Erica Stephens as a rising star.

***

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month and Revitalizing Our Community (ROC) will be spotlighting amazing African Americans, who have made contributions to the community of Brownwood and Brown County.  Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week”. This week was chosen because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and that of Frederick Douglass on February 14, both of which Black communities had celebrated since the late 19th century

Black educators and Black United Students at Kent State University first proposed Black History Month in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later, from January 2 to February 28, 1970.

Six years later, Black History Month was being celebrated all across the country in educational institutions, when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976, during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. He urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”