RCA Honored Drum Major Style

Celebrating its 30^th Anniversary, the SCLC/W.O.M.E.N., Inc. (Southern Christian Leadership Conference / Women’s Organizational Movement For Equality Now, Inc.) held its Drum Major for Justice Awards observance at The Omni Hotel in downtown Atlanta. 

In addition to honoring community leaders who are making exceptional contributions to the city, state and nation, this year’s ceremony also encouraged attendees to remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated 41 years ago on April 4, 1968, on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN.

Two very important members of the RCA family (both sit on the Advisory Board of the Academy) served as co-chairs for the evening: Scarlet Pressley Brown, the Director of External Affairs and Community Relations at Delta Air Lines and Laura Turner Sydel, Chair of the Captain Planet Foundation. Mr. Kenny Leon, Founding Artistic Director of True Colors Theatre Company, served as the Master of Ceremony for the evening. 

Ron Clark and The Ron Clark Academy received this year’s Innovative Education Award.  Students joined Clark in accepting the award and wooed the audience with a spectacular musical performance.  Other 2009 awardees who were recognized for their commitment, service and leadership include: Mr. Michael Thurmond, Commissioner of Georgia’s Department of Labor; Dr. Beverly Tatum, President of Spelman College; Dr. Mary Evans Sias, President of Kentucky State University; Dr. Joanne W. Haysbert,  President of Langston University; Dr. Patricia Hardaway, President of Wilberforce University; Dr. Julianne Malveaux, President of Bennett College For Women; Dr. Patricia Hughes, President of Dillard University; Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster, President of University of The Virgin Islands; Mrs. Laura Turner Sydel; and Ms. Cicely Tyson.