Atlantans honored at Drum Major for Justice Awards

A handful of Atlantans were among the honorees Saturday at the 2009 “Drum Major for Justice Awards” ceremony held in downtown Atlanta.

Educator Ron Clark, Spelman College President Beverly Tatum, environmentalist Laura Turner-Seydel and Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond each received awards.

The ceremony was held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the SCLC/Women’s Organization Movement for Equality Now [W.O.M.E.N.] Inc.

It honored actress Cicely Tyson with the Arts and Humanitarian Award for her lifetime of big- and small-screen work in such productions as “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” “Roots,” and “A Woman Called Moses.”

Clark, who founded his namesake Atlanta private school two years ago, received the Innovative Educator award for using inventive techniques to teach disadvantaged youth.

Tatum was one of a half-dozen women presidents of historically black colleges and university to be distinguished with the Higher Education award. Turner-Seydel was awarded the Environmental Justice award, and Thurmond received the Government award.

“It gives me great pleasure to celebrate this tremendous milestone in the organization’s history by honoring individuals who exemplify our mission,” said SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. founder Evelyn Gibson Lowery in a statement.