The Rev. Al Sharpton, a civil rights activist and 2004 Democratic presidential candidate, will be keynote speaker for Tuesday night's 32nd annual Ruby Hurley Image Awards, hosted by the Chattanooga/Hamilton County branch of the NAACP.
Sharpton will speak to a sold-out Chattanooga Convention Center audience on the topic "Getting Above and Beyond Racial Disparities."
The Ruby Hurley Image Awards began 32 years ago to recognize community leaders for their activism and dedication to improve the quality of life for their fellow man, according to a news release.
Honorees are nominated by community members, vetted and voted on by NAACP executive committee members. The awards are dedicated to Ruby Hurley, an activist during the Civil Rights Movement and a dedicated NAACP member.
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This year's honorees are:
Humanitarian of the Year: Mariah HuQ and Bishop Kevin Adams
James R. Mapp Citizen of the Year: The Rev. Carlos Williams
Ralph Cothran Officer of the Year Civil Service Award:
Chattanooga Police Department: Lieutenant Bakari Welles, Officer Terrance Tumlin
Hamilton County Sheriff's Department: Detective Yolanda Ward
Chattanooga Fire Department: Firefighter Lt. Danulius Usher
U.S. Federal Probation: Tony Anderson
Hannah Martin Spirit of Dedication Award: Vickie Mathis
Businessperson of the Year: Melinda Bone
Educator of the Year: Dr. Leandrea Ware
Political Action Award: Sean Nix
The Viola Mapp Membership of the Year Award: Dwight Smith
ACT-SO Arts Award: Jon Paul Freeman, Kirsten Mendoza
Community Youth Activist Award: Ty Armour, Thessela White. Posthumous honoree Clayton Mason
Reginald "Reggie" White Athletic Award: (One male and one female are honored, and each must have a minimum 3.0 GPA)
Male: Timekos Baker (Baylor)
Female: Janya West (Central)
C.B. Robinson Ambassador Award: Dr. Elenora Woods
NAACP Ambassador Award: Attorney Robin Flores
NAACP Diversity and Inclusion Image Award: Elizabeth Appling, Erlanger