Foundation To Honor Jalen Hurts, Judge England & Others During Inaugural Awards

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History & Reconciliation Foundation on Thursday announced plans to present its leadership and service awards later this month.

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The nonprofit says the inaugural Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Uplift Awards will be held Friday, May 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Tuscaloosa River Market. Lunch will be served at the event and tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite for $75

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The Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Foundation plans to memorialize the legacy of four Tuscaloosans by giving awards in their names to people who have made a difference in the west Alabama community.

Author Lisa McNair will serve as the keynote speaker after publishing her latest book "Dear Denise: Letters to the Sister I Never Knew."

She is the younger sister of Denise McNair, who was killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing on Sept. 15, 1963

Here's a look at the inaugural winners:

- Rev. Thomas Linton Perseverance Award recipient — Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback who played part of his collegiate career at the University of Alabama before transferring to Oklahoma.

- Rev. T.Y. Rogers Trail Blazer Award recipient — Judge John H. England Jr., longtime Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court judge and former Alabama Supreme Court justice.

- Bill Buchanan Service Award recipient — Emma Jean Melton, director of the Murphy African American Museum

- Dr. Myrtle Gray Outstanding Youth Award recipient — Jared White, a student at Central High School.

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