Equal Opportunity Awards Gala
October 23, 2025
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Knoxville Convention Center
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Knoxville Area Urban League's Annual Equal Opportunity Awards Gala — a night dedicated to celebrating our community's most inspiring leaders! This elegant event is more than just a celebration, it’s a vital opportunity to support KAUL’s year-round programs in education, entrepreneurship, health, housing, jobs and justice.
And best of all, legendary 1980s group Midnight Star will be bringing the funk. Get ready for a high-energy performance featuring iconic synth-funk R&B hits like “Freak-A-Zoid,” “Operator,” “Slow Jam” and “Electricity.” Come ready to dance and celebrate!
We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities at different levels. By sponsoring a table, you’ll not only secure your place among Knoxville’s most influential leaders, but also contribute to programs that uplift and empower our community. Click the registration button below to get started.
Even if you can't attend in person, your donation to the event is a powerful way to show your support and make a difference. Click the donation button below to contribute.
Don’t miss out — reserve your ticket today and be part of an evening that honors excellence and drives change across East Tennessee.
TICKET SALES END FRIDAY, OCT. 10 AT NOON!
Sponsorship Levels
Legacy Sponsor ($30,000)
- Reserved priority seating for 10 guests
- Invitation for 8 guests to attend the pre-gala VIP reception
- Pre-gala VIP reception photo-op with KAUL President and CEO
- Recognition as a Legacy Sponsor during the program and on KAUL Website
- Great location and half page ad space in KAUL program
- Opportunity to produce a one-minute prerecorded message about your organization to be aired during the program
Equity Sponsors ($15,000)
- Reserved priority seating for 10 guests
- Invitation for 5 guests to attend the pre-gala VIP reception
- Pre-gala VIP reception photo-op with KAUL President/CEO
- Recognition as Equity Sponsor during program and ad on KAUL website
Leadership Sponsors ($10,000)
- Reserved priority seating for 10 guests
- Invitation for 2 guests to attend the pre-gala VIP reception
- Pre-gala VIP reception photo-op with KAUL President/CEO
- Half-page ad in the program book
- Recognition as Leadership Sponsor during program and logo on KAUL website
Empowerment Sponsors ($5,000)
- Reserved seating for 10 guests
- Quarter-page ad in the program book
- Recognition as Empowerment Sponsor during program and logo on KAUL website
Justice Sponsors ($2,500)
- Reserved seating for 10 guests
- Recognition as Justice Sponsor during program and logo on KAUL website
Table Sponsors ($2,000)
- Reserved seating for 10 guests
- Recognition as Table Sponsor in the program book
Past Award Winners:
Corporate Leadership
Recognizes a company, governmental agency or entity that has shown sensitivity to diversity, employment trends and/or special program involvement and support of the Urban League and its mission.
Recipients:
2024: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
2023: Truist Bank
2022: University of Tennessee, Office of Diversity and Engagement
2021: Brent Ball, FirstBank
2019: Debi Welch, Covenant Health
2017: Mintha Roach, Knoxville Utilities Board
2016: Mayor Madeline Rogero, City of Knoxville
2015: Randy Boyd, TN Commissioner of Economic & Community Development
2014: Pinnacle Financial Partners
Minority Business
Recognizes a minority-owned business that has made an economic as well as a social impact in the community.
Recipients:
2024: Centro Hispano de East TN
2023: Robert Barnett, Green Home Installations
2022: WJBE
2021: Boston Government Services
2019: Gam's Hair Fashions, Gary Gamble
2017: B&B Services Inc., Baffin Harper
2016: Jarnigan & Son Mortuary, Beal Bourne
2015: East Tennessee Mechanical Contractors
2014: Marc Nelson Denim
Volunteer of the Year
Salutes an individual who has made a significant impact on the programs and services of the Knoxville Area Urban League and the community.
Recipients:
2024: Professor Joy Radice, The University of Tennessee College of Law Legal Clinic
2023: Dr. Craig Pickett, University of Tennessee
2021: Cynthia Finch, New Direction Health Care Solutions
2019: John Nolan, Truist (SunTrust Bank)
2017: Dr. Joseph Kendrick
2016: Sanford Smith
2015: National Achievers Society Advisory Committee
2014: Nicholas Jones, Lonnie Jones Insurance
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Lifetime Achievement
The most prestigious of all Urban League Awards, this award is named to honor the fourth executive director of the National Urban League (1961-1971). Mr. Young worked tenaciously to forge new alliances and coalitions to build bridges of understanding among the races. This award is not given annually.
Recipients:
2024: Fred M. Lowery
2023: Thomas Edward "Tank" Strickland
2022: Phyllis Y. Nichols
2021: Fran Ansley and Jim Sessions
2019: "The Clinton 12"
2016: Reverend Dr. Gordon and Mrs. Judy Gibson
2015: Theotis Robinson, Jr.
2014: Rita Geier
*2018: 50th Anniversary recognition of all Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement Awardees