The Equal Opportunity Awards Day Gala
October 10, 2024
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, where we celebrate our community's most inspiring leaders! This elegant event is more than just a night of recognition—it's a vital opportunity to support KAUL's year-round programs: Education, Entrepreneurship, Health, Housing, Jobs, and Justice.
By sponsoring a table, you'll not only secure a seat among Knoxville's most influential leaders but also contribute to life-changing programs that uplift our community. Just click the Table Sponsor table above!
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. Just click the donation button above!
Get ready to be captivated by the legendary sounds of Tony! Toni! Toné! as they bring their timeless hits to life at our gala—an unforgettable night of music and celebration awaits!
Don’t miss out—reserve your ticket now and be part of an evening that honors excellence and fuels the mission of KAUL.
TICKET SALES END MONDAY, OCTOBER 7TH AT NOON!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Awards Sponsor ($25,000)
Equity Sponsors ($15,000)
Leadership Sponsors ($10,000)
Empowerment Sponsors ($5,000)
Justice Sponsors ($2,500)
Media Sponsor
What an incredible night recognizing some of our communities most amazing people. A great time was had by all during our "Party with a Purpose" to "Build Back Better"!
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:
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:
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:
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:
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