“Our resolve to continue the legacy of service and commitment to positive change for the betterment of all as set by the late U.S. Congressman John R. Lewis has never been stronger,” says Crawford. “We are humbled and excited to partner with the JRLLI and help promote the nonprofit’s mission by strengthening communities through initiatives centered around social justice, equity in education, and health awareness and wellness.”

During the ceremony, agency team members, including newly taped Chief Housing Officer (CHO) Dr. Tamara Berry-Andrews, who is a Troy, Alabama native herself, listened earnestly to notable honorees receive awards and give acceptance speeches. All of whom painted vivid verbal pictures that gave insight into the life of the “Boy from Troy,” and Civil Rights Activist, Congressman John R. Lewis, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would describe him. 

“It’s been an honor to witness public service giants such as the Chancellor of Troy University, Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., and WNBA Atlanta Dream Co-Owner Renee Montgomery receive recognition for their continued community impact. Our agency is humbled to stand alongside these individuals, proudly embracing “good trouble” principles that champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and equal housing opportunities under the Fair Housing Act,” says Dr. Threatt.

Additional Honorees and JRLLI Fellows included:

• Arthur Blank, Owner of Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, Chairman of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Co-founder of Home Depot
• Rodney Bullard, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for Chick-fil-A, Inc.
• Jason Reeves, Mayor of Troy, Alabama
• Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia
• Lisa Smith, Senior Vice President of Region External Affairs and Community Engagement, Georgia Power
• Sasha Barjon, Student-athlete, Woodward Academy
• Jalen Woods, Student-athlete, Woodward Academy
• Tybre Faw, Young Activist and Author
• Georgia Power