Knoxville Celebrates Community Leaders at Empowerment-Focused Equal Opportunity Awards Gala

KNOXVILLE: A Glimpse into Empowerment at the Equal Opportunity Awards Gala

On a beautiful autumn evening, the city of K Knoxville recently came alive as the Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL) hosted its annual Equal Opportunity Awards Gala. This year’s event not only celebrated community leaders making a difference but also showcased the theme “Empowerment in Action.” With over 34 years of tradition under its belt, the gala serves a dual purpose: recognizing outstanding contributions and raising funds to support the KAUL’s mission of empowering the underserved toward economic self-reliance, parity, and civil rights.

A Night of Celebration and Recognition

The gala took place on October 10 at the vibrant Knoxville Convention Center. The evening buzzed with excitement as prominent figures from the community gathered to honor this year’s awardees in various categories, including Volunteer of the Year, Minority Business of the Year, and Corporate Leadership Award. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the presentation of the prestigious Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award to Fred M. Lowery, Senior Vice President and President of Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Dr. Avice Reid, KAUL’s interim president and CEO, expressed pride in the honorees’ accomplishments. “Each recipient exemplifies the mission of our organization,” she said. “With the energy of Tony! Toni! Toné!, who graced the evening with their iconic hits, we celebrated not only individual achievements but also the vibrant spirit of our community.”

Honoring Outstanding Contributions

This year’s gala recognized several key individuals and organizations:

• Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award: Fred M. Lowery, for his exemplary embodiment of KAUL’s mission. Holding advanced degrees in manufacturing management and mechanical engineering, Lowery has a notable presence on various boards including DuPont and the Boston Medical Center.
• Corporate Leadership Award: The Tennessee Valley Authority, acknowledged for its commitment to diversity and community initiatives, especially as the presenting sponsor of the Shoes for School program.
• Minority Business of the Year Award: The honor went to Centro Hispano de East TN, a vital resource for the Latino community. CEO Claudia Caballero graciously accepted the award, emphasizing their ongoing dedication to empowerment and civic participation.
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Professor Joy Radice and the University of Tennessee College of Law Legal Clinic received recognition for their impactful contributions, particularly in areas related to justice-involved individuals.

Reflecting on KAUL’s Mission

Since its inception in 1968, the Knoxville Area Urban League has played a crucial role in helping disadvantaged individuals achieve social and economic stability through direct services and advocacy. Their efforts focus on building a skilled and diverse workforce, fostering homeownership, boosting economic development, and enhancing educational opportunities for youth.

The evening at the gala was not just about honoring awardees; it was a celebration of resilience and community spirit. The milestones achieved through KAUL’s relentless efforts are evident in the lives of countless individuals they serve each year. With unwavering dedication, they continue to pave the way for a brighter future for the underserved in East Tennessee.

As the night came to a close, guests left inspired by the honorees and eager to contribute to the noble cause of empowerment, equality, and community upliftment. Hilltop to valley, the essence of Empowerment in Action truly shone bright.

For more information about the Knoxville Area Urban League and its upcoming initiatives, feel free to reach out and get involved.