Mother of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal speaks at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy fundraiser

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Lucille O’Neal speaks at the event. Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy held its annual Odyssey Luncheon awards ceremony at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Wednesday. O’Neal, educator, author and mother of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, was the featured speaker. Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Lucille O’Neal speaks at the event. Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy held its annual Odyssey Luncheon awards ceremony at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Wednesday. O’Neal, educator, author and mother of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, was the featured speaker.

By Carmen Nesbitt March 8, 2023 3 min read

Lucille O’Neal, mother of retired NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, spoke Wednesday at the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy Odyssey luncheon, where she discussed overcoming hardships and pursuing dreams.

O’Neal’s appearance marked the academy’s 14th annual luncheon, which serves as the academy’s major fundraiser. The event was at the Chattanooga Convention Center and featured performances by Trinidadian-American singer Wintley Phipps and the academy choir.

CEO Elaine Swafford and academy co-founder Sue Anne Wells also made a few remarks.

“Previously, I’ve spoken here about our young women sitting at the table of their choice,” Swafford said. “And it’s no more talking, it is happening.”