Freedom Rider Henry "Hank" Thomas Honored by the Historic Hyatt Regency Atlanta

This week the downtown Hyatt Regency Atlanta hosted its 14th annual Heritage Celebration in honor of the hotel’s proud and lengthy relationship with the African American community. The highlight of the evening was presentation of the Crystal Customer Award to one of the original, still-living Freedom Riders, Henry “Hank” Thomas.

Previous recipients of the Crystal Customer Award include Coretta Scott King, Ambassador Andrew Young and the Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian. The award recognizes outstanding customers of the Hyatt Regency Atlanta who have exhibited courage and profound influence within their lifetime. As a 19-year-old in the 1960s, Thomas bravely participated in the Freedom Rides protesting racial segregation. Thomas faced his death on multiple occasions, including the infamous bus firebombing in Anniston, Ala. in 1961. More than 50 years later, Thomas is an incredibly successful entrepreneur and businessman in Atlanta.

The celebration included a keynote address by Xerona Clayton, a previous recipient of the Crystal Customer Award. Clayton, well-known for her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, recalled a story in which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was in search of a hotel that would host the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta. After being turned away by other locations, they turned to the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, which they saw as their “hotel of hope.”

Attendees also enjoyed a performance by the Morehouse College Jazz Ensemble and presentation of the 4th Annual Hyatt Herald Awards and Crystal Associate Awards.