Uncrowned Community Builders

Pamela J. Anderson was born on April 4, 1961, in Chandler Oklahoma. Four years later, she faced a life long challenge. Early one morning, Pam awoke and was unable to walk. After being rushed to the hospital, she was diagnosed as suffering from a nerve disorder. For the remainder of her life, she would be unable to control movement in both legs. For the next two years, Pam recovered at a convalescent hospital. At the end of her hospital stay, there was a question to be answered: How would she spend the remainder of her life? Should Pam limit her aspirations and accept her handicap?

Between doctors, her parents and prayer, the question was answered. Young Pam would meet the handicap with all her energy and enthusiasm and not consider it as a limitation. Soon after that, based on Pam's positive approach, constant smile and tireless energy, her mother gave her the nick- name, "The Liittle Engine That Could." The Little Engine is now a community leader, role model, Uncrowned Queen, and married with one daughter. Pam is an outstanding example of how faith, determination and family support can overcome the most difficult challenges.

Early in her school career, Pam's mother and teacher's were concerned stairs leading to second floor classrooms would be an impossible barrier for Pam. Through her own initiative, Pam learned to negotiate the stairs without assistance. In sewing class, foot powered machines were used. Pam quickly learned how to use her hands in place of her feet to run the sewing machines. As a teenager, transportation was problem. Special apparatuses were added to a car and Pam learned to drive. Pam's life is filled with many more examples of overcoming difficulties.

Pam is an active member of the Central Baptist Church, serves as Church Secretary and as a youth leader. She has a professional quality singing voice and is often requested to sing the National Anthem at ceremonies sporting events and conferences. She is also a member of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ) and the Douglass Alumni Association.

In 1993, Governor David Walters, at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City, awarded Pam, "The Victory Award." Later that same year, Vice-President Al Gore awarded Pam and two hundred other recipients, the same award. The ceremony took place in Washington, D.C. The Victory Award is given to individuals who have overcome physical handicaps.

In 1992, while employed at the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Pam was approached by the Governor's office Chief of Staff and offered a position in the Governor's office. She was later promoted to Assistant to the Administrator of Constituent Services. While in the Governor's Office, Pam was also designated to work with the Office of Handicap Concerns. Pam's time in the Governor's office was a once in a lifetime experience that she will never forget.

After the Governor's term in office was complete, Pam returned to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections where she is currently a Secretary in the Sentence Administration and Offender Records Unit.

Pamela thanks God for her mother (Barbara Long) allowing her to be herself and not accept limitations. Pamela believes God has something special and that he puts stumbling blocks in our way only to make us stronger.