Six “TCC Legends” will be honored for service to the College and community at the inaugural Tarrant County College Legends Gala on Thursday, June 16, at Fort Worth’s Isis Theater, 2401 N. Main Street.
The event, presented by Jim Austin Online in partnership with the TCC Foundation, will recognize the accomplishments of restauranteur and philanthropist Chef Karriem (Business/Entrepreneurial), singer/songwriter Leon Bridges (Arts/Entertainment), Carrie Tunson, director of TCC’s First Choice program for mentally challenged young adults (Education); former president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth Lillie Biggins (Health Care); and Texas House of Representatives member Nicole Collier (Government). The Erma Johnson Hadley Legacy Award, named for the late TCC chancellor, will go to Dr. Gwendolyn Morrison who, now in her 46th year, is the longest-serving Board of Trustees member in College history.
General admission tickets ($45) and VIP tickets ($75) are available online at https://TCCJuneteenthGala.Eventbrite.com. The VIP tickets include a reception from 6 to 7 p.m., at which time the awards program will begin. All proceeds will go to the TCC Foundation for student scholarships.
The night’s theme is “Education is Freedom,” with Vince Sims of NBC Channel 5 acting as emcee. Dr. Elva LeBlanc, TCC’s acting chancellor, will offer comments and Rev. Ralph Emerson of Rising Star Baptist Church will give the keynote address.
The program will end with a live performance by jazz saxophonist Joseph Vincelli that will include his song “Stop Six,” a tribute to Fort Worth’s Black community.