The Clinton 12 received the Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award at the Oct. 24 gala sponsored by the Knoxville Area Urban League at the Knoxville Convention Center. It was the 17th Equal Opportunities Gala, a time to recognize organizations, volunteers and others who are committed to the Urban League’s mission.
The Urban League strives to be the leading nonprofit organization in the greater Knoxville area for promoting diversity and economic and social equity for all citizens.
KAUL presented Covenant Health with the Corporate Leadership Award and recognized Gam’s Hair Fashions and its owner Gary Gamble as the Minority Business of the Year. John Nolan from SunTrust Bank was named Volunteer of the Year.
The Clinton 12 refers to the African American students who led the integration of
Clinton High School in Clinton, Tennessee, in 1956 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s
decision in Brown v. Board of Education that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. Bobby Cain was the first African American to graduate from Clinton High School.
“We were privileged to honor The Clinton 12 individuals who through their personal sacrifice and courage opened the doors to public education for all students,” said Phyllis Nichols, CEO and president of the League.
The Clinton 12 include Maurice Soles, Anna Theresser Caswell, Alfred Williams, Regina Turner Smith, William R. Latham, Gail Ann Epps Upton, Ronald Gordon “Poochie” Hayden, Robert Thacker, Minnie Ann Dickie Jones, Bobby Cain, Alvah McSwain and Jo Ann Crozier Allen Boyce.
The Knoxville Area Urban League strives for excellence with all its programs and services. The Equal Opportunities Gala is an opportunity for the League to express thanks while raising awareness of its need for support as it works to empower communities and change lives.
Stacy Reed is the director of development and marketing for the Knoxville Area Urban League.