by Kent Jennings Brockwell
Staff Writer
Several individuals and corporations were honored by the Jacksonville Urban League Wednesday at its Equal Opportunity Awards luncheon at Adam’s Mark Hotel for their efforts to promote equal opportunity locally.
Duval County School Board member Jimmie Johnson and attorney Doug Milne received two of the most prestigious awards.
Johnson received the Clanzel T. Brown Award for his lifetime work as an educator and coach in Duval County.
After receiving his award, Johnson said he knew Clanzel T. Brown and grew up in the same neighborhood.
“(Brown) was one of our early leaders in this city,” said Johnson. “It is amazing, the great work he did as a young man. It is an honor to be associated with the name Clanzel T. Brown.”
Milne was awarded the Whitney M. Young National Leadership Award for his efforts to promote equal opportunity for Jacksonville’s indigent citizens. Milne said as a child, his father taught him that the meaning of life was to do everything possible to help others. Milne said that work, “should cut across all racial, cultural and ethnic lines.”
Mark Roesser and Ruby George also received individual awards for their efforts to increase equal opportunity in the area. Roesser received his award for working to increase housing, employment and quality of life for disabled persons in Jacksonville. George was recognized for her work to bridge the gap between schools and communities.
Corporate awards went to the Jacksonville Airport Authority and the Scott-McRae Automotive Group for their work with increasing diversity and opportunity in the workplace and community.
Richard Danford, president of the Jacksonville Urban League, also received an award of recognition presented by City Council member Glorious Johnson on behalf of the Council.
After the awards presentation, Marc Morial, national president and CEO of The Urban League, spoke to the attendees about the accomplishments and future of the association.