The Oak Ridge Chapter of Blacks in Government (BIG) is sponsoring the 26th Annual BIG Scholarship Luncheon at the Y-12 New Hope Center. The event is open to the public, and tickets are on sale for $15. Proceeds from ticket sales along with private and corporate donations fund scholarships for local high school seniors based on their academic excellence or financial need. 

This year’s theme of “African Americans and the Vote” focuses on the 150th anniversary of the 15th Amendment being adopted into the U.S. Constitution. The amendment ensures citizens of the United States are not denied the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Rev. Dr. Charles Lomax, Jr. is the keynote speaker for the event. Dr. Lomax, a Knoxville native, serves as the senior pastor for St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Alcoa, Tennessee and the director of the Community Empowerment Division for the City of Knoxville.

Anyone interested in attending can purchase tickets at the door or by contacting local BIG members Tanisha Smith-Wimes (576-1025), Angela Threat (576-0907), or Vanna Gaffney (576-4452). 

Location: Y-12 New Hope Center (602 Scarboro Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee)