KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL) honored four people at their annual awards gala on Thursday, Oct. 28.
Community leaders and businesses received prestigious awards for their hard work and dedication in East Tennessee. KAUL has hosted the Equal Opportunity Awards Gala for 31 years.
“These well-deserving honorees have done so much good for our community and championed diversity, inclusion and equity for all,” said Phyllis Y. Nichols, president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. “We sincerely appreciate their contributions to Knoxville, our organization, and, more importantly, the people who call this place home.”
The following awards were presented: Corporate Leadership, Minority Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and the Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Corporate Leadership Award was presented to FirstBank. KAUL officials said the award highlights a company that has shown sensitivity to diversity, employment trends and a commitment to the Urban League's mission.
Cynthia Finch, the founder of New Direction Health Care Solutions, was presented with the Volunteer Award. KAUL said Finch worked to vaccinate and inform the Knoxville community about COVID-19.
Jim Sessions and Fran Ansley were presented with the Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. KAUL said it was the most prestigious award. They said Sessions is a respected activist and minister. Additionally, Ansley has been devoted to social justice.
The Minority Business of the Year Award was presented to Harry Boston. Boston is the founder and president of Boston Government Services. The award highlights minority-owned businesses that have made an economic and social impact on the community.
The Knoxville Area Urban League has worked with people who are socially and economically disadvantaged since 1968. To learn more about KAUL click here.
