The SCLC Women, Inc. Drum Major for Justice Awards Gala was held Friday night at the Hyatt Regency downtown Atlanta. This year’s 35th anniversary celebration saluted three champions of civil and human rights—SCLC Women, Inc. founder Evelyn Lowery, First Lady Michelle Obama and Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin.
The evening featured moving tributes from SCLC Women, Inc. interim chair Scarlet Pressley-Brown, Elder Bernice A. King and Atlanta media mavens—Karyn Greer, Monica Pearson and Lisa Rayam. Trumpet Awards creator Zernona Clayton, Ambassador Andrew Young and his wife Carolyn Young and C.T. Vivian saluted the honorees during video presentations.
However, the real treat of the night was the reunion of A Different World cast members Charnele Brown, Dawnn Lewis and Jasmine Guy. The three divas recognized female pioneers that had changed the course of African-American history with a dramatic reading titled A Different World, Thanks To You.
Also in attendance were gala co-chairs, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Georgia Pacific Corporate Affairs executive Charmaine Ward. Christine King-Farris (sister of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) and Rev. Joseph Lowery was there with his three daughters – Yvonne Kennedy, Karen Lowery and Cheryl Lower-Osborne.
The gala was co-hosted by actor Mykelti Williamson and radio & TV personality Mo Ivory while gospel great Dorothy Norwood closed out the evening with a medley of inspirational tunes.
Dr. Christine King-Ferris (sister of MLK) poses with gala attendees
Atlanta media mavens Karyn Greer and Monica Pearson
Sybrina Fulton delivered a moving acceptance speech
