TYLER, Texas — Last week, CBS 19 said goodbye to beloved host Tashara Parker as she moves to our sister station WFAA in Dallas.
RELATED: Editorial: Farewell, Tashara Parker
On Monday, the city of Tyler gathered to celebrate Tashara Parker Day with a reception at North Star Missionary Baptist Church.
Tyler City Councilwoman Dr. Shirley McKellar presented Tashara with the proclamation declaring Oct. 28, 2019 as Tashara Parker Day.
While Tashara's vibrant personality and professionalism during the evening and night newscasts distinguished herself in East Texas, it was her contributions to the community that made her loved in the region.
A number of leaders from local organizations spoke at the event. Among them was LaToyia Jordan of Empowerment Community Development Corporation.
"Tashara is just an all around great person. She's very community oriented, she's always willing to help," Jordan said. "She is such an inspiration to teen girls through I Am Beautiful."
I Am Beautiful is a nonprofit founded by Jordan that mentors young girls dealing with self esteem, self image and confidence. Tashara served as a mentor and advocate for the program.
Jordan shared a letter written from her daughter Destini , who helped spearhead the I am Beautiful movement, about the impact Parker has had on her life.
"Just to have gotten to know her has been a blessing," Jordan said.
In the end, she was crowned by the organization as the Queen of the News.
Tashara says she was humbled by the tributes.
"It just feels amazing. It's one of those situations where it's kind of surreal," she said. "You never expect this kind of feedback. You never expect a community to embrace you this way."
Others from CBS19 spoke at the ceremony, mentioning how much she touched their lives as well.
Parker said that even though the event was in her honor, she was really just there to tell everyone thank you for the myriad ways they've changed her life as well."