Guests at the Knoxville Area Urban League's Equal Opportunity Awards Gala dazzled on Oct. 8 − and there were even "celebrities" who made an appearance in response to the invitation to come dressed as your favorite famous figure.
The likes of Michael Jackson, Angela Davis and Steve Harvey were among those gathering at the Press Room to celebrate the nonprofit's accomplishments for the year.
In addition to the stunning outfits, the gala included lively tunes and plenty of food and drink. Award winners were honored, and Urban League President and CEO Dr. Laurie Shanderson reflected on the past months of "listening, learning, rebuilding and moving forward" to work toward a mission with social justice at its heart.
"For us, social justice means helping
people gain access to education, employment, housing, economic opportunity," she told the crowd. "And it means being willing to have conversations that move our community towards greater understanding."
Watch the video and check out the photos to see the accomplished award winners and incredible looks at this year's gala.
Who was recognized at the Equal Opportunity Awards Gala?
Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award: Dewey Roberts II
Corporate Leadership Award: Clayton Homes
Minority Business of the Year Award: Asheville Highway Animal Hospital
Volunteer of the Year Award: Dr. Olga M. Welch
Community Champion Award: The East Knoxville Lions Club and Five Points Up
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: See 'celebrities' and other dazzling attendees at the Urban League gala
