The Epsilon XI Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., in conjunction with their 100 year anniversary, will host the James Weldon Johnson Awards Banquet and Ball on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The celebration will serve as a fundraiser for the Sigma College Scholarship Fund.
The occasion will also present the opportunity to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of community leader, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity member Jim Hill and seven members of local fraternities and sororities.
Mr. Hill is a former lieutenant colonel in the United States Army; plant manager at Chattanooga DuPont; president of the Tennessee Aquarium; and CEO of the Lupton Company. After retirement he worked as a community volunteer, serving on numerous local, state, regional and national boards and commissions. His local board memberships include the Chattanooga Area Urban League, Public Education Foundation, Allied Arts, the United Way, UC Foundation, Memorial Hospital, River City Corporation, Chamber of Commerce and Sun Trust Bank.
At the state level, Mr. Hill served for two terms on the Tennessee Arts Commission and two terms on the board of the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation. Nationally he served for eight years on the board of the National Assembly of State Art Agencies and was a panelist for 10 years for the National Endowment for the Arts.
Greek member honorees to receive the James Weldon Johnson Awards include: Delta Sigma Theta: Evelyn Robinson Hardin; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority: Mattie McKenzie; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority: Mabel Scruggs (Posthumously); Omega Psi Phi Fraternity: Erskine Oglesby; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity: Eddy Echols; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: W. S. Hight; and Kappa Alpha Kappa Fraternity: Kannatta Cook.
Additional highlights for the evening gala will include a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m. Immediately following dinner, entertainment for the Centennial Ball will be provided by Love, Peace & Happiness Band with Guest R&B vocalist, Jonathan Jarrett.
Organizations or persons interested in being listed in the Souvenir Book should call John Edwards at 757-5889 or email: edwardsiiijohn@yahoo.com by Wednesday.
The public is invited to ‘Celebrate with the Sigmas at the Centennial Celebration’. Tickets can be purchased from any member of the Epsilon Xi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Tickets are $50 per person and Tables of eight can be reserved by calling 757-5889.