Scarlett Pressley-Brown praises Evelyn Lowery, bestows SCLC Women Drum Major for Justice Award

From top left: Scarlet Pressley-Brown, Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery, Sybrina Fulton and First Lady Michelle Obama
From top left: Scarlet Pressley-Brown, Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery, Sybrina Fulton and First Lady Michelle Obama

In keeping alive the rich legacy of the late Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery founder of SCLC/Women’s Organizational Movement for Equality Now, Inc. and beloved civil rights leader, Atlantans will honor her tonight, April 4, 2014, at The Drum Major for Justice Awards Gala which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.


“It is our distinct honor to acknowledge the years of dedication Mrs. Lowery gave to the SCLC Women, Inc. especially during this event, which she founded,” said Scarlet Pressley-Brown, interim chair, SCLC Women, Inc. “We are also very excited to be able to honor Mrs. Lowery along with Michelle Obama, who has, with style and grace, represented our country, our community, and our race in a way we have never seen before.”


Celebrating 35 years, The Drum Major for Justice Awards Gala salutes the legacy and sacrifice of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by providing a forum to recognize today’s Drum Majors who are making outstanding contributions in our community. This event is held annually on the anniversary of King’s assassination and honors his legacy by using a phrase culled from a sermon given by Dr. King at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 4, 1968, which reads: “Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice” and “by paying tribute to others like him who give so willingly in the community.”

Pressley-Brown adds, “My objective [as interim chair of SCLC Women, Inc.] is to continue the mission and objective of SCLC Women which was so near and dear to her [Lowery]. I joined the board about five years ago and have supported the organization for about 10 years.”


In addition to this year’s Drum Major for Justice Awards Gala saluting its founder Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery nnd First Lady Michelle Obama, the organization will pay special tribute to Sybrina Fulton, mother and founder of the Trayvon Martin Foundation, who was contacted by Dr. Lowery, prior to her passing, to accept the honor. Pressley-Brown followed up with Fulton when she took the lead. “Celebrating these two women along with Mrs. Lowery is an opportunity to celebrate parallel greatness. Mrs. Lowery never gave herself the Drum Major for Justice Award. It is fitting and proper they sit on this throne together. We will honor all three women and their commitment to the community.”

She adds, “It’s important that we embrace and hold tight organizations like SCLC Women Inc.  We must continue to support these organizations because they are the root of who and what we are today. We learn and grow from the experiences of its leaders and members. Also, they help us stay connected to a very important period in our history that molded us.”

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