The Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a program at the Nashville Airport Marriott Cumberland Ballroom on October 4 from 10 am-1:30 pm honoring significant human and civil rights advocates, former Commissioners and former staff members.
Commissioners Jocelyn Dan Wurzburg of Memphis, Patricia A. Pierce of Harriman, and Ruby Miller of Oak Ridge have chaired the committee that has held successful events in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis to highlight this significant anniversary culminating with the Nashville Celebration on October 4.
A Panel Conversation featuring Dr. Rip Patton, John Seigenthaler, and Rev. Dr. Bernard LaFayette will reflect on how far Tennessee has come since Gov. Frank Clement signed Executive Order 18 in 1963 creating the state’s first human relations commission.
Honorees to be recognized for their significant contributions to the state are Yvonne Wood, First Baptist Church Capitol Hill, Fred Cloud, Inez Crutchfield, all from Nashville, and Jeanne Varnell of Memphis.
An original spoken word presentation from Southern Word featuring youth poets will bring in another perspective.
Tickets for the event are $35 (online is $37 for processing fees). Deadline is September 27.
For more information and to order tickets, see the website at <www.tn.gov/ humanrights/50thAnniversary.shtml>.
