WHAT: The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis will host its Pillars of Progress Awards Gala, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to equity, inclusion, and social justice in Memphis.
Honorees include:
- Organizations: A2H – Engineers • Architects • Planners, Just City and Memphis Business Journal
- Individuals: The Honorable Bernice B. Donald (United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, ret’d; Burch, Porter & Johnson), Dorothy Cleaves (Truist) and Dr. Andy Meyers (University of Memphis, ret’d)
Presenters include:
- Daniel Kiel, FedEx Professor of Law, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
- Anthony Weekly, Chief Community CRA Officer, Truist
- Dr. David Russomanno, Provost, University of Memphis
- The Honorable Andre Mathis, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Host Committee
- Audrey Davis
- Jesse J. Turner
- Steve Swain
Hooks Institute Advisory Board Members
- Daniel and Meggan Kiel, Friends of the Hooks Institute
- Willie Gregory, Nike
- JW Gibson, Gibson Companies, Inc.
The evening will feature:
- Dinner
- Live music
- Awards presentation
- Archival footage of Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks
- Tribute to the late Dr. Tom Nenon, former professor, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and provost of the University of Memphis
WHEN: Wednesday, April 23, 6-8 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Maxine A. Smith University Center, Ballroom, University of Memphis Central Campus
TICKETS: Available at HooksGala.eventbrite.com
WHY: Proceeds support the Hooks Institute’s initiatives in community engagement, student success, faculty research and civil rights history preservation.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Interviews with honorees, Hook Institute leadership and community stakeholders available upon request. Press inquiries should be made to Amy Ruggaber at amy.ruggaber@memphis.edu.
The Pillars of Progress Awards Gala is sponsored by Nike, Cigna and Pinnacle Financial Partners. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Amy Ruggaber, assistant director, at amy.ruggaber@memphis.edu 901.678.3974.
About the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change
The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute implements its mission of teaching, studying and promoting civil rights and social change through research, education and direct intervention programs. Institute programs include community outreach; funding faculty research initiatives on community issues; implementing community service projects; hosting conferences, symposiums, and lectures; and promoting local and national scholarship on civil and human rights. The Hooks Institute is an interdisciplinary center at the University of Memphis. Contributed revenue for the Hooks Institute, including funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations, is administered through the University of Memphis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute implements its mission of teaching, studying and promoting civil rights and social change through research, education and direct intervention programs. Institute programs include community outreach; funding faculty research initiatives on community issues; implementing community service projects; hosting conferences, symposiums, and lectures; and promoting local and national scholarship on civil and human rights. The Hooks Institute is an interdisciplinary center at the University of Memphis. Contributed revenue for the Hooks Institute, including funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations, is administered through the University of Memphis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
