Chattanooga, TN — On November 2, 2023, at 7:00 P.M., the Chattanooga-Hamilton County NAACP hosted the prestigious Ruby Hurley Image Awards at the Chattanooga Convention Center at 1 Carter Plaza. The event celebrated individuals who have made remarkable contributions to building a vibrant community and have served as exemplary ambassadors for the local area.
The distinguished keynote speaker for the evening was Dr. Penny Brown Reynolds, the current U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the USDA. With a wealth of experience, including a trial judgeship and other significant legal appointments in Georgia, Dr. Reynolds has dedicated nearly three decades to law, public service, civil rights, and justice. Her impactful address underscored the profound influence of civil rights on our daily lives, emphasizing the ongoing need to strive for equality.
Reverend Ann Pierre, president of the local NAACP Branch, commended Dr. Reynolds, stating, “Dr. Reynolds was an exciting and informative speaker, and her years of interacting with the public were evident. I believe the extra icing was her theological training at ITC seminary.”
The 2023 Ruby Hurley Image Awards recognized outstanding individuals in various categories, reflecting their commitment to community development and service. The list of awardees is as follows:
-James R. Mapp Award: 44th USCT Reenactment Group
-Chief Ralph Cothran Award: CPD Sergeant Ernest Craw; CFDP Captain John Craw; and Deputy Gloria Williams
-Humanitarian Award: Brother John R. Taylor, Sr.
-Ambassador Award: Cedric Caldwell and Victor Caldwell
-Hannah Martin Dedication Award: Gary James
-Businessperson: Ramona McCoy
-Civic Engagement: Satedra Smith
– Educator Award: Kendra Harris
– Political Action: Christy Rashed
– Viola Mapp Membership: UTC NAACP Chapter
-President’s Award: Philadelphia 15 (Ponder Brothers)
-ACT-SO Arts Award: J’Tory Matthews
-Community Activist: Azurae Johnson Redmond
-Youth Activist: Lauryn King
-Reggie White Award: Eusi Hamilton; Eunique Hamilton; Tristin Sutton; and Marcellus Barnes, Jr.
-Dr. Emma Wheeler Pioneer in Health: Sharon Kelly
-In History Chattanooga First Female Police Chief: Celeste Murphy The Chattanooga-Hamilton County NAACP extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the deserving awardees and expresses gratitude for their tireless efforts in positively impacting the community.