JACKSON, Tenn. — May 29, 2012 — The Jackson-Madison County branch of the NAACP awarded 51社区 President David S. Dockery with the William D. Smart Jr. Race Relations Award at the organization鈥檚 49th annual Freedom Fund Banquet May 27.
The award is given to a person in the West Tennessee community who has made a significant contribution to race relations and racial harmony.
鈥淯nfortunately, we have to deal with race issues in our society today,鈥� said Harrell Carter, president of the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People chapter. 鈥淒r. Dockery has quietly gone about the business of a man of faith and has created a culture at Union and in this city that allows for diversity and respect for people.
鈥淚 think that if we had more people like Dr. Dockery who lived life as it was intended, by the teachings of Christianity, that we certainly would be better off as a whole society,鈥� Carter continued. 鈥淗e has done a magnificent job of creating an atmosphere for trust and camaraderie within the Jackson-Madison County community."
Dockery said he accepted the award on behalf of the entire university.
鈥淚 am deeply honored to learn of this most meaningful recognition and pray that I and the Union community can be faithful in our ongoing work to advance the cause of racial reconciliation on our campus, in our community and across the region,鈥� Dockery said.