And the award goes to ... Mr. David L. Acey.
The Black Student Association is preparing for the 2002 Authur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony in honor of Acey.
The ceremony will be held Friday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Rose Theater as an opening ceremony for Black History Month. Guest speakers will include Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., U of M President Dr. Shirley Raines and many more.
“I am very happy and pleased to have been chosen for this distinguished award,” Acey said. “I am overwhelmed and very thankful to have this opportunity.”
Acey, assistant professor in the Communication Department, has been at The U of M for 29 years. He graduated from Melrose High School and attended LeMoyne-Owen College for several years on an athletic scholarship. After serving his country in the United States Army, he returned to Memphis.
Acey entered Memphis State University as a part-time undergraduate transfer student from LeMoyne-Owen College, majoring in sociology with a concentration in psychology. While at Memphis State University, Acey founded the BSA.
Acey is one of the founders and executive director of an organization entitled Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc., designed to recognize historical traditions, heritage, achievements, and entrepreneurial ventures of African Americans and Africans around the world annually.
Acey has received various awards and accolades. Some include the Memphis/Shelby County Race Relations Commission, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. and the National Award Television Series “Eyes on the Prize.”
The theme chosen for Black History Month honors the patriotism of the citizens of the United States.
“The community chose the theme ‘United We Stand, Never to Fall’ for the circumstances that affected our nation on Sept. 11,” said Katrina Heard, Minority Affairs coordinator. “We’re trying to unite students all over the campus.”
The U of M BSA Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 1991 to bring special recognition to noted Memphians whose lives exemplify outstanding dedication to the Memphis community and who are a constant reminder to today’s students that hard work and dedication are true keys to success.
In February 1996, the award was renamed the Authur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of longtime U of M administrator Authur (Art) S. Holmon.
