Business and community leaders honored at the annual Knoxville Area Urban League Gala
The Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL) honored deserving community leaders at the Equal Opportunity Awards Gala on Thursday.
The Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL) honored deserving community leaders at the Equal Opportunity Awards Gala.
For the past 35 years, KAUL has hosted the Equal Opportunity Awards Gala, its key annual fundraiser dedicated to advancing its mission of empowering the underserved toward economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights. This year’s event embraced the theme “Celebrating Resilience,” paying tribute to the organization’s influence and impact and featuring the iconic 1980s synth-funk group Midnight Star, known for multiple hits, including “Freak-A-Zoid,” “Operator,” “Slow Jam,” and “Electricity.”
“This year’s Equal Opportunity Awards Gala was a success, honoring the tremendous achievements of each awardee,” said Dr. Laurie Shanderson Evans, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KAUL. “The carefully selected recipients exemplify the mission of our organization, advocating for empowerment, equality, and community uplift. With the musical energy of Midnight Star, the night was truly a celebration.”
The 2025 event, held Oct. 23 at the Knoxville Convention Center, recognized the following recipients:
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award
Alvin Nance was presented with the most esteemed KAUL award, recognizing his ability to embody the organization’s mission and values.
Nance is the chief executive officer of development for LHP Capital, LLC; serves on the boards of Mountain Commerce Bank, Covenant Health, and Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati; and is chair of the Knoxville-Knox County Sports Authority board.
The award is named after Whitney Young, the fourth executive director of the National Urban League (1961-1971), who worked to forge new alliances and coalitions to build bridges of understanding among races.
Corporate Leadership Award
Boyd Sports was presented with the corporate leadership award, which 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.
Boyd Sports embraced diversity efforts connected to the development of Covenant Health Park, Knoxville’s new multi-use stadium, and surrounding commercial development. The organization partnered with the Beck Cultural Exchange Center for the development and placement of seven statues at the facility to honor the community’s Black baseball history, including the Knoxville Giants of the Negro Southern League and the Payne Avenue Little League.
Minority Business of the Year Award
The Women, LLC, received the annual recognition of a minority-owned business that has made an economic and social impact on the community. Co-founder Tanika Harper accepted the award on behalf of the company.
The Women supports small businesses with financial resources through its community fund to help Black-owned businesses achieve their mission and goals.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Steve Workman, WBIR programming coordinator, received the volunteer award, which salutes an individual or individuals who have made a significant impact on the programs and services of the Urban League and the community. Workman has been a dedicated volunteer for the Shoes for School event for more than five years. He has a passion for giving back – often staying until the last box, sign, and piece of event material has reached its destination.
Community Champion Award
Dr. Avice Reid received the community champion award in honor of her commitment and leadership as she stepped up to serve as interim CEO and president of KAUL from August 2024 to June 2025. This award is not presented annually but is presented when community leaders earn and deserve special recognition.
Dr. Reid served as a crucial and effective bridge for the Knoxville Area Urban League during the CEO transition, maintaining and optimizing programs, assessing and streamlining operations, and executing key events and initiatives. Her leadership and dedication to the Urban League and its clients ensured the continued success of the organization in serving the community.
The Knoxville Area Urban League, an affiliate of the National Urban League, is dedicated to empowering communities and changing lives. For more information and to support its mission and programs, visit thekaul.org.
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