Reuben C. Lawrence Sr.
There will be a dedication of the Reuben C. Lawrence Sr. Commemorative Street on Market Street between 26th Street and Shipp Avenue/Alton Park Boulevard.
The celebration will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the corner of 26th and Market Street, across from The Howard School.
Officials said, "Mr. Lawrence was a lifelong resident of Lookout Mountain, Tn. and was held in high esteem and well respected throughout Hamilton County and within the larger African American community.
He distinguished himself in Greater Chattanooga and beyond through his professional and civic achievements."
Mr. Lawrence was a member of the United Negro College Fund Board for 20 plus years, where he served as chairman on three separate occasions. For 20 years he was co-president of The Night to Remember, Inc., an annual event. Over $4 million dollars was raised for scholarships and funding for other minority charities in the Hamilton County area. He also served as co-chair for the River City Football Classic and was a member of the Chattanooga Area Urban League and the Alton Park Advisory Council.
Mr. Lawrence attended Howard High School and has always been a proud "Hustling Tiger." He served as president of the Howard High School Booster Association from 1969-1984, as well as the president of the Howard Band Boosters for 10 years. Mr. Lawrence also helped spearhead a $350,000 fundraising campaign for Howard High School.
Over a lifetime of service, Mr. Lawrence has received many awards and honors for his civic activities including, but not limited to, the Fredrick Patterson UNCF Community Leadership Award; Chattanooga Afro-American Museum Gold Black Heritage Award and the Role Model Award; 100 Black Men of Chattanooga, Inc. Outstanding Commitment; City of Chattanooga Distinguished Citizen Award; Good Neighbor Award; Hamilton County Education Association Friends of Education Award; as well as a multitude of other notable awards.